4

"Our very own, Eliza Stavros is attending the ball-willingly and not alone, but with the exceptional Dallas Rolland."

"Dom, shut up." I shut my locker with extra force than necessary.

Dom had been one of my closest friends since I was a kid. I knew this situation was very amusing to him. I was surprised he hadn't brought it up sooner.

"What? I just didn't know there was really a girl in there." He grinned cheekily and swung his arm around my shoulders as we started walking down the hall.

"Very funny." I mumbled sarcastically, shaking my head. "The world is in desperate need of all your humour-so I thank you, for sharing it with me."

"Anything for you, darling." He winked as we both sat down in the cafeteria. "In seriousness, what got you to say yes to Dallas?"

"God knows." I groaned, rubbing my forehead as I was starting to sense a headache forming. "I'll probably regret it more than I'm going to regret not hiding the body."

Dom only blinked. He looked at me as if he were trying to read my mind with his eyes.

"I thought you said he was overrated."

I nodded as I grabbed my water bottle from my bag. "I still think that. I just needed to prove a point-so I said yes."

"What is that point exactly?" Dom inquired, his eyebrows pulling together.

I pursed my lips for a moment, thinking. "Everyone pestering me about not going to the ball-not getting a date. I just needed them all to shut up." I shrugged. "In the moment, it seemed like it would get everyone off my back if I said yes to Dallas. Now, I am seeing that it's only gotten everyone to pester me further."

It wasn't that big a deal.

As much as I would gladly sit out of this ball, one night would not kill me.

With my friends pestering me, at least I could show them I was capable of suiting up and attending the ball they all find so significant.

It also brought me a great sense of joy to put River in her place-to actually shut her up for once.

Of course I could go to a stupid ball with a stupid date.

"You don't need to prove anything to them." Dom said softly, growing serious.

"I know." I twisted my water bottle's cap on and off. "It was the first time I got to witness River's jaw drop faster than the Peregrine Falcon."

Dom looked confused at my reference for a moment but then sighed. "River does need to get put in her place but Eliza, you can bail out on this ball if you want to."

"That'll only get River talking again and frankly, I'd much rather visit the jailhouse hostel in New Zealand."

I could already picture the smug expression on River's face if she found that I didn't show up to the ball.

High school drama is riveting.

"Hey, guys!" Preslie's shriek sounded as her and Ocean joined the table where Do and I sat.

"Hey." Ocean smiled.

"Hey, what's up?" I looked at the two cheerful girls who smiled manically. I wish I knew how to be that happy all the time.

I found irony in the vast differences between my best friends and I. They were loud, energetic, jovial souls. It was almost strange how well I got along with them.

I was-reserved, non-bothersome, careless-frankly, cynical and misanthropic.

I was a raincloud in their world of pure sunshine.

Preslie sat across from me. She leaned over the table, a giddy smile on her face. "We need to go dress shopping."

I could see the mock behind her eyes. She knew very well how much I would hate the idea of shopping-for dresses of all things.

I bit back a laugh. "I think I'll let my mom grab something from the thrift store."

"The thrift store?" Ocean looked baffled. "Bump that up to Saks."

I rolled my eyes. "I mean it-I already agreed to go to the ball. You mustn't have expected me to also agree to spending all trying on puffy dresses."

"But-you need a dress." Preslie argued.

I shrugged, swirling around my water in its bottle. "I can wear one I already have."

Preslie rolled her eyes at my retort. "Your old ones are too small-and you already have pictures in them."

Dresses. Today I was baffled because I was spending my lunch break arguing about dresses.

"I'll borrow a dress from my cousin." I snipped back, smiling innocently.

"Not a bad idea," Dom mumbled sheepishly. "Alya is our age. It would fit you well-and I'm sure she has many to choose from."

"Thank you, Dom." I smiled widely, nodding. He winked in response.

Preslie sucked in a sharp breath. "A good idea indeed. However, I already told Dallas and Jago that we would meet them at the mall after school." She smiled sheepishly. I could see the hint of fear behind her eyes. She was afraid I would freak out-which I was close to doing.

"Thank God I have lunch with my parents." Ocean sunk back into her seat, sending me a sympathetic look. Shopping with Preslie was no easy task.

"How fun," Dom laughed as he stood up. He gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "I'll see you lot later."

"And I will see you after school, Eliza." Preslie grinned at me before scampering off as fast as possible.

-

"Eliza, where do you think you're going?!"

Preslie yelling could be heard across the parking lot. She ran over to me, standing in front of my car and blocking me from the door.

What is with people doing this?

"For God's sake, stop yelling." I exasperated. "All of the glass in the world is going to shatter because of you."

"You humour me, Liza." She rolled her eyes. "I am going to carpool with you so you don't bail on me and the boys."

I stared at her flatly. "I was not planning on bailing."

Preslie scoffed, obviously aware I was lying. "Good."

"Good." I repeated, looking at her in drudgery.

"Good."

"Good-now do you want to let me get in my car?" I gave her a tired look seeing as she had yet to move out of the way.

She looked at me in confusion for a moment before realizing. "Oh. Yes." She stepped out the way and gleefully headed to the passenger side.

"Why are you so eager about this ball?" I really did want to see what the buzz was about.

Of course I understood the appeal-people who weren't as misanthropic as me were fond of dressing up and dancing and socializing.

But Preslie's level of excitement-it was somewhat incomprehensible.

Preslie smiled. I could see the images in her head-imagining her elegant dress and twirling around with the cute boy she had agreed to go with. "What's not to be excited about?"

I sighed. "Uncomfortable dresses, cocky teenagers, greasy finger food. Do you want me to go on?"

Preslie rolled her eyes but smiled nevertheless. Nothing could take away her sunshine. I almost envied that. "These are the little joys in life, Liza. You won't remember the math tests-however the dances, those remain as the fun high school memories."

"We have multiple dances a year-we've been over this."

"Eliza, I have come to the conclusion that is it impossible to argue with you." Preslie dramatically sighed and leaned further back in the seat of my car. "We're headed to buy dresses anyways-we may as well just enjoy the moment."

"Yeah. Enjoy the moment."

-

Preslie and I met up with Dallas and Preslie's date, Jago, at the mall. To my surprise, a third character accompanied the boys. He was familiar. He was-well, cute.

"This is my friend, Orion. You probably know him." Dallas tilted his head towards his friend.

"We have music class together." Preslie smiled at him.

"We were supposed to meet up today so he tagged along," Jago explained.

"This is Eliza," Preslie nudged me lightly, forcing me to be sociable.

"We have an AP class together, I know her." Orion glanced at me, a hesitant smile on his lips.

I blew air out slowly. "Yes." I shifted on my feet. "Shall we get going? I have-dinner plans."

Dallas skid over to my side, leaning his head down towards me. "Who is this dinner date with?"

I scoffed. "I highly doubt that is any of your business."

Dallas puckered out his bottom lip. "I thought out bond was stronger than this, Eliza."

"Would you like me to give you the codes to the nuclear bombs too?" I quirked an eyebrow, then walked over to Preslie.

Orion strode over, falling into pace as he walked beside me. "So, you don't seem very interested in dress shopping."

We fell behind Preslie, Jago ad Dallas, walking further behind them. It was not intentional.

"I was forced to come," I admitted.

He nodded thoughtfully. "Surprising."

I raised my eyebrows, glancing at him from the corners of my eyes. "Because all women are supposed to love the idea of shopping and finding the perfect stilettos to match?"

Orion shook his head firmly. "Of course not. You agreed to go to the ball-I assumed it was something you'd be looking forward to. Otherwise, why attend?"

I hummed. "No. I don't know why agreed but this-it's anything but my scene."

Orion peered down at me, his eyes glinting. "What is your scene then?"

He was genuinely interested, curious. That was-somewhat flattering.

I glanced around at the stores, the people dashing in and out, laughing with their friends or family members as they walked, arms filled with shopping bags. "I don't know. Something-lowkey. Perhaps backpacking across the Romanian valleys. Anything would be better than our school-held dances."

I had attended a few of them and they all went the same way. I would sit at a table, drinking the stale tasting punch and tiredly watch the swaying, grinding bodies on the dance floor. Not to mention the atrocious music choices.

Orion cocked his head to the side in thought, an amused smile playing loosely on his lips.

"Sorry," I shuffled my feet as I walked, staring at my shoes. "Rambling."

"Not at all." Orion smiled down at me, his eyes filled with warmth. "You have a-nice voice." He coughed into his hand, his face flushing. "An interesting perspective."

My eyes narrowed. I didn't know what to make of his-compliment? I opened my mouth to speak, then shut it when I didn't quite know what to say.

That was new for me.

I always know what to say.

"I'm sorry." Orion laughed awkwardly, shaking his head at himself. Redness crept up the sides of his neck. "That was a weird thing to say."

"Not at all," I grinned, reiterating his words. "It was-oddly honest. If only Moroccans and journalists were like you."

He glanced at me oddly. There was a hint of amusement and maybe delight lingering behind his eyes. "You're brusque."

I faltered for a moment. That comment left me addled. I cocked my head to the side. "People call me many things but I have never gotten called brusque before."

Orion winced lightly, sending me a horrified look. "Oh, God-no. I meant that in a good way, not as an insult. I'm sorry, that sounded very-"

I shook my head frantically and cut him off. "I didn't entirely take it as an insult. I get it." I was slightly abashed, yet oddly flattered by his reaction-to think he offended me and growing so apologetic.

Orion exhaled deeply. "I meant it in a-good way. I think." He squinted his eyes unsurely, seeming just as confused as I was.

"You are coming with me, Eliza." Preslie came over, linking her arm through mine and pulling me away.

"We were having a conversation!" I gritted quietly as she continued to drag me. "That is just rude and-and disrespectful."

Preslie turned to gape at me, her eyes narrowing. "Since when have you ever cared about being rude or disrespectful?"

I tossed her a flat look. "So, dresses?" I changed the subject before she could pester me. This ball ordeal was the most I could handle being pestered about.

"Mind if I join?" Dallas appeared, smirking down at me as we entered a store.

"I've been meaning to ask-why was it necessary for you men to come dress shopping?" I crossed my arms over my chest, stopping and turning to face him.

Dallas matched my stance, staring down at me with the same firmness. "I do need to find a matching tie, don't I?"

I gritted my teeth. "Your opinions on which dress I should wear to the ball is what will keep the earth rotating."

"And your sarcasm keeps me breathing." He winked and walked away.

Oh, I did not like that.

With nonchalance, he started scanning racks.

I huffed out a breath as I glanced around the store. The last thing I wanted to do was buy a dress for an event I didn't even want to attend. Dom was right-I could totally back out.

But-River.

Me sitting out of this ball now would only make River all the more smug and arrogant. She would never let me hear the end of it.

Nor would Preslie.

"You know what's funny?" Preslie skid over to me, speaking only loud enough for me to hear.

"Tax returns?" I grumbled tiredly.

"Just that-I noticed when you were with Orion, you were being quite pleasant. With Dallas-oh boy, it's an endless stream of wit and rancour."

I turned to face her, exhaling slowly through my nose. My patience was running thin. "Quite an observer. Have you considered becoming an astrologist?"

I couldn't entirely pinpoint why I was growing more and more annoyed. I was walking on a thin wire.

Preslie narrowed her eyes suspiciously, ignoring my remark. "Do you-like Orion?"

I gaped at her, not being able to contain a scoff. "Preslie-not everyone catches feelings at the sight of someone. This was the first time I've talked to him." I didn't think I even wanted to justify her incredibly ludicrous question.

Preslie noticed a dress and pulled it off the rack. "Try this on," she handed it to me. "It doesn't take long to start crushing, Eliza. Despite what you may believe."

I shook my head sluggishly. "I do not like him-however, cereal, I do like. Can we get this done so I can go home and eat some?"

"Here," she handed me another dress. "I just don't understand why you-bicker and banter with Dallas the way you do. He's cute, he's smart and he's your date." She glanced at me for a moment, quirking an eyebrow. Then, resumed scavenging through racks.

I followed her begrudgingly. "Get to know who you're dealing with before you catch feelings. He's not-my type and frankly, I'm not interested."

I wasn't.

Boys and romance and relationships-I understood the appeal, but it wasn't something I chased in my life. High school relationships seemed so pointless to me. Or maybe it was just the guys in my school-they were too-just not it.

"Oh, I like this." Her eyes sparkled in delight as she passed me another dress. "You could appreciate the effort he's putting in. He was the one who asked you-and he took you out on a date. Now, he's dress shopping with you, Eliza."

My head was going to explode.

He asked me to the ball for his own personal gain he was getting out of it. It was nothing more than a joke to him-the same joke it was to me.

"It was not a date." I sighed deeply.

"Have you guys found anything?"

If I could, I would have bought Jago the entire world when he interrupted Preslie and I. This conversation was one I would never take part in again.

She is ridiculous.

I thought things could not get worse but boy, I was wrong. Trying on dresses was the most dreadful experience I can think of.

The boys-and Preslie were wildly insistent on a fashion show - seeing as they had come all the way here and needed something to entertain their easily distracted minds.

I stepped out of the change rooms in a bright yellow dress. All I could think was lemons.

"Too bright," Dallas cringed.

Ignoring the boys and their comments, I looked at Preslie and the pink floral dress she had tried on. I shook my head firmly. "It's very-eighteenth century, grandma's house's wallpaper."

Orion squinted his eyes, trying to find a nice way to tell me how terribly ugly the green dress I wore was. "It's very- it's-"

"Terrible," Jago stated bluntly.

A dozen dresses later, I was close to ramming my head into the change-room wall. I did not think I would be able to do this much longer. I was close to snapping-my fuse blowing entirely.

I stepped out in a deep v-neck, tulle burgundy dress that went down to the ground. The back was open-revealing but it was the only dress I had actually liked.

"Wow." Preslie looked stunned. "That is perfect."

My nose scrunched as I analyzed the dress in the full length mirror. Since I was attending, I didn't want to look-bad, I guess.

"I like it." Jago smiled lightly, nodding his head in approval.

"It brings out your eyes," Orion's gaze locked on mine. His eyes were sincere. "Colour suits you. I like it too, for what it's worth." His amount of attention was-kind of sweet, actually.

"It's settled," I exhaled deeply, allowing my shoulders to drop. "Finally." I headed back to the change room when Preslie stopped me.

"Wait! Dallas-you're her date. What do you think?"

I didn't have words to explain the frustration this brought me.

I didn't need him or his opinion-any man's opinion. I liked this dress and regardless of what Dallas says, I was going to get it.

Breath, Eliza. Dallas just-irks me. I don't know why.

Sighing, I turned to face Dallas. I shook my head tiredly, waiting for him to give his darn approval-or whatever. "My saviour, please tell me-what do you think?" I rolled my eyes.

Dallas blinked, just-staring. He couldn't have seem less interested. "Oh, uh-" he shook his head unsurely, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's good. I mean-I like it. It's better than the other ones. I like it-I said that already." He sputtered and rambled, his features being washed over with confusion. He sounded like a stuttering cd that kept breaking apart.

I gave him a baffled look. What's his deal?

"I'm going to change."

-

"The last two ties matched well enough." I groaned as I pulled Dallas's arm to the cashier counter. He kept picking different ties, wanting to find the closest match to my dress's colour. They all looked the same to me.

"Why are you in such a hurry, sweets?" He smirked at me, leaning against the counter.

"I'm not going to wait for the third world war to start before I leave this-God forsaken store."

"Fesity." He winked.

Does he really think-he's charming? God!

I rolled my eyes and turned to walk away from the registers but he grabbed my arm. I turned and gave him a frantic and confused look.

"Sorry." He pulled his hand away, in a manner as if he had just touched fire. "Just wait-will you?"

"Do you need a chaperone to help you purchase a tie?"

He gave me a flat look, not responding.

Finally, he purchased the tie and we left the store to meet the others.

"Took you long enough." Preslie looped her arm through mine as we started to walk. "How was it?"

"How was what?"

"The tie shopping?" She looked at me as if I were a three year old that she had to explain the Copenhagen Interpretation theory to.

"You're kidding." I returned the same look. I parted ways with her. She expected as much.

"Too much Preslie?" Orion asked, walking over to me and giving me company. He smiled lightly.

"Way too much."

"She's very persistent." He noted.

"Very." I agreed. "She's impossible to say no to."

"That I have seen." He laughed as we glanced towards Preslie who seemed to be in a deep conversation with Dallas and Jago-I assumed it could easily be about penguins.

"Are you going to the ball?"

"I am." Orion nodded slowly. He watched his shoes as we walked. "My parents-they help organize these things so it's impossible for me to get out of them."

"Do you like going?" I quirked an eyebrow, curious. Guys like him either loved it-loved the dressing up and suits and fancy watches and girls- or they hated it and it was merely an obligation.

Orion shrugged. "They aren't that bad but-"

"Hey there." Dallas appeared by my side once again. "Need a ride home?"

"No." I replied bluntly.

"Why?" His eyebrows pulled together in confusion.

"Because."

"Because why?" He continued to question me.

I almost sucked punched him. I inhaled deeply. "Because I don't need a ride. Can't you ever-just drop it?"

Dallas looked the slightest bit offended but the look lasted less than a second before his smug, arrogant little smirk returned.

"No, I can't. You seem to be the closest thing I cam find to oxygen. I don't know how to survive without you."

I forced a tight-lipped smile. "Wit looks better on me than it does on you."

"You guys-aren't dating, are you?" Orion glanced between the two of us, looking confused and unsure.

I scoffed but before I had a chance to laugh in his face for even assuming that, Dallas answered. "That is-classified."

"No, it's not." I quickly retorted, giving him an odd look. What the hell was that? "We are not dating-at all."

Dallas rolled his eyes. "No," he placed a hand over his heart, gasping dramatically. "Never."

"That would be worse than-Bush becoming president again." I winced.

I could hardly stand being around Dallas.

I turned towards Preslie, needing to-just get away as soon as possible. "Pres, you need a ride home?"

"I think I'm going to hang with Jago for a bit. Thanks though." She shot me a smile before her and Jago parted ways.

"Leaving so soon?" Dallas leaned into my side, smirking.

I shoved him off me, taking a large step away.

I shot Orion a slight smile. "Goodbye, Orion."

Then, I made a quick dash towards the exit.