Miss Popular

14

When we went back to school the next day, we didn't even talk about it - Pala acted like it didn't even happen.

Since Pala didn't act like it happened, so did Everett and I.

On Halloween, I thought we were going to hang out but of course, I had a huge Physics test the next day that I absolutely couldn't go without studying for.

"Hey, are you sure you don't want me to help you study?" Everett asked after we walked out of Mr. Pala's class

I nodded, "I don't want you to miss out on a good time with friends, plus I don't want to put you through Physics - trust me this shit sucks."

"No, seriously, Jude and Finley canceled on me, and Chris is going to some party that I really don't wanna go to. Plus, it would get in study mood for my English test Thursday." Everett persisted

I stopped walking and turned towards him.

"Look if you really want to come study on Halloween, come to my house around five." I gave in

"You know what, actually let's go to Gertrude's for five." I decided

Everett nodded, "See you then."

I went home, showered, put on a white long sleeve with navy leggings from Lululemon and white slip-on Vans.

I put my hair into a ponytail, grabbed my things, and headed downstairs

"Hey, I'm going to study at Gertrude's for my Physics test tomorrow." I announced to my family

Holland looked at me, "Can I come?"

"Sorry, you're babysitting Holly." My Mom reminded her

"I knew that, Ariana is coming over." She smirked as she ate a bag of chips

I grabbed my keys, "I'll be home before eight."

"Study hard." My Dad commented as he came down the stairs in a Dracula costume

"Oh my gosh, you look ridiculous." I chuckled as I walked out the door

I drove to Gertrude's, claimed a table for Ev and me, and pulled out my computer.

"Hey." Ev said sitting down in front of me

"Hey." I said looking up

Then a worker came around, "Can I get you two anything?"

"A hot ham and cheese and an iced caramel coffee." I ordered

"Same thing." Ev ordered

He nodded, "Coming right up."

"So, whats your study method?" I asked Everett

"Quizlet." Everett answered as he pulled out his computer

I nodded, "Agreed."

"Oh, here's some soft pretzel bites on the house and the iced coffees plus water." The waiter said placing it on our table

"Thanks." Ev nodded

"No problem, my name is Jessie if you need anything." The waiter told us before he walked away

I took a sip of the coffee that probably was going to have me buzzed all night.

When I looked up Ev was staring at me with a smile on his face.

"What?" I asked him

He shook his head, "Oh nothing, you just really don't need that coffee."

"Yes, I do." I proceeded

"You're going to be bouncing off the walls and singing all over again." Ev bought up

I nodded, "Possibly."

"For sure." Ev corrected

I rolled my eyes as I flipped through the quizlet flashcards.

"Okay, yeah." I agreed

We studied in silence beside the jazz music on the speaker of the cafe. Jessie bought our sandwiches which were amazing.

"What are you doing for Thanksgiving break?" Everett asked me

"I'm going to Anguilla with my family, you?" I answered

"Staying here, having Thanksgiving dinner at my Grandma's with the whole family." Everett answered

I nodded, "Sounds fun."

"Rather spend time with you." Ev grinned

Swoon.

-

A few weeks went by and nothing different happened between Everett and I we were just friends.

The Friday before our week off for Thanksgiving my entire family flew to Anguilla. We were staying at a house on the beach with my Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins - it was a great week.

We spent a lot of time in the ocean, snorkeling, going on dinner cruises, swimming, and collecting seashells.

The only downside that there was little to no cell service there and I felt like I was ripped away from my friends.

The first thing I did when we got on the plane back home was post a picture on Instagram because I looked freakin' good.

I also texted Everett, because I didn't talk to him for the whole week which was somehow hard.

"So what are you gonna tell Everett when we get back?" Holland asked me

"I think I'm gonna tell him how I feel. I really like him Holland and he's everything that James isn't. He's good for me and he cares about me and he's not a bitch." I spoke

Holland smiled, "Finally."

"Tomorrow, of course, we're not going to land until what? Eight or something." I said looking at the monitor

Holland nodded, "Yeah about time you finally did something about your feelings."

"I know right." I agreed

The first thing I did when we got back to Charlotte was unpack and then I went to sleep.

When I woke up the next morning - well technically afternoon, my mom wouldn't let me go anywhere until I finished my homework, I didn't finish until four.

Then I showered put on black long sleeve shirt that had an open back with black leggings. I brushed my hair, put on foundation and mascara, I slipped on a pair of furry moccasins.

"Ok, I'm about to go." I told Holland as I peeked into her room

She nodded, "Tell me how it goes, I didn't realize how tan you were."

"I was thinking the same thing." I grinned as I closed her door on the way out

"I'm leaving." I said without another word

I took a deep breath and gave myself a pep talk on the way to his house.

I had this, it was going to be fine, just think of the song.

"Hey, Grier, he's upstairs." Mrs. Griffin instructed me

I nodded, "Thanks."

"You're so tan, Ev told me you went to the beach." She went on

"Yeah, most of my days were spent outside." I added as I walked towards the stairs

I walked upstairs and headed towards Everett's room.

Everything is going to be fine.

I opened the door to his room just to see him and Finley on the bed.

No, they weren't talking, laughing, or watching TV, they were kissing.

It was like I could see all of my hopes and dreams crumble in my mind.

"Oh my God, Grier." Everett stopped

I turned around, ran down the stairs, and jumped into my car.

Fuck my life.