Page 15

Eventually, our parents manage to find us in the crowd, and pull us into tight, proud hugs. Cami finds us shortly after, and her mom wraps her arms around her, then Cooper. I notice Cami smiling, the red rose still clutched tightly in her hands.

“That was so sweet of you, Drew, to give Cami your rose,” Mrs. Benson says warmly. Everyone's eyes snap to mine.

“Of course!” I say casually, even though my nerves are on high alert. “I just wanted her to feel included in the moment with Cooper and I.”

“Well, it was just darling.” She pulls me into another hug. Over her shoulder, I lock eyes with my own mother. She isn't saying a word, just watching me with a massive, knowing smirk written all over her face.

The Homecoming dance is packed full of students. The gym is dimly lit, with strobe lights flashing across the floor and long streamers of blue, black, and gold draping the entire ceiling. The DJ is in the corner, shuffling a loud mix of pop songs. Cooper and Vanessa are parading around in their royalty sashes and crowns, having not left each other’s side all night. Hand in hand, they lead the crowd to the center of the floor, under the glittering disco ball, to slow-dance as the official King and Queen. The music shifts on cue to something low and romantic. I look off to the side and spot Emily alone, with her arms crossed tight over her chest, seething over Cooper on the dance floor. Yikes, I’ve never been happier to not be in my best friend's shoes right now.

I get dragged out to the center of the dance floor when ‘All I Do Is Win’ by DJ Khaled blares through the sound system. My entire team is jumping and shouting the lyrics at the top of our lungs. It’s the ultimate way to close out the football season. We're all still riding the high of yesterday's trophy.

Eventually, the bass drops off, fading into another romantic slow song. Couples hold hands and drift onto the dance floor. I watch Cooper and Vanessa pull each other close, sneaking in a long, slow kiss, while a few of the other guys boldly pull their dates close. I admire their confidence. But looking around the room, there just isn’t anyone here I’d want to share an intimate moment with. That is, until my eyes find Camille. Her hair is styled into soft waves, and she’s wearing a light blue dress with thin straps that hits just above her knees. It's more modest than what most of the girls here are wearing tonight, but that’s what makes her so special. She doesn’t have to try hard to show off her beauty; she just naturally is. What am I thinking? This is Cooper’s little sister. I have to get a grip.

But then my chest tightens as her arms wrap around Anthony, the sophomore drummer from the band. I swallow a heavy lump in my throat. I track his hands, he’s holding her close to him, arms around her waist, looking down at her with those eyes. I know those eyes. He wants to kiss her. Shit, I don’t want to see this. My eyes stay locked on them anyway. He whispers something into her ear, and she smiles. Nausea and dread pool in my stomach.

The song finally draws to an end, and I watch Anthony lean his head down toward her lips. I feel physically sick. I should look away, I shouldn't be intruding on her moment. But at the last second, he shifts slightly to the left, planting a peck on her cheek instead. I let out a heavy sigh of relief, though I’m still burning with jealousy over this kid.

The song ends, and I watch Cami exit the dance floor alone. She stops to get water when Emily suddenly corners her. That’s bizarre. What could Emily possibly want with Cami?

I track them from across the gym as Camille’s body language starts to tense up with whatever Emily is saying to her. A knot of concern tightens in my chest. Then, out of nowhere, Emily pulls her into a forced, aggressively tight hug. When they break apart, Emily is laughing, and Cami bolts for the exit doors.

I don't even take a second to think. I just run after her. I search the hallways, looking for my brown-haired girl. I push through the heavy exit doors and find her outside, sitting alone on the concrete front steps of the school. She’s crying. The sound of her quiet sobs shatters my heart.

“Cami,” I say softly.

Her sniffling stops, her back straightens as she hears my voice. I walk down and kneel on the step directly below her, bringing myself to eye level.

“What happened?”

And then I see it, a massive tangled blob of blue, tacky chewing gum stuck in her hair.

“Shit, Cami.” I sigh, anger and sorrow hitting my chest. How could anyone be cruel to this sweet girl?

“It’s fine, Drew. Go back inside.” She says, rubbing her blue eyes underneath her glasses.

I bundle her into my arms. Her entire body melts into mine, and she just lets go, crying into my shoulder. My mind doesn't have time to process the feeling of holding her.

“It’s okay, I’m here,” I whisper. My heart has never ached so badly for another human being.

After a few minutes, her heavy tears turn into quiet sniffles. She gently pulls out of my arms, her eyes bloodshot and her nose flushed pink.

“Let me take you home,” I whisper, searching her eyes.

Once she has the courage to look up at me, she swallows hard and nods in agreement. I take off my jacket, drape it across her shoulders, and walk her to my car.

The drive home is dark and silent, with only the street lights illuminating the dash as we pass by. Cami is leaning her head against the glass window in the passenger seat. I keep stealing glances at her, she has a hollow stare in her eyes that is killing me. How could someone do this to her? Another surge of anger weaves through my body. Why can't anyone see how special she is?

I park in my usual spot in between our two houses and walk over to open the door for her.

“Thank you,” she whispers as she crawls out of the front seat.

She looks me in the eyes, and all I can see is how sad she is. She starts to walk away in the direction of her house. I can't let her leave, not when she’s this hurt.

“Hey, Cami?”

She freezes, turning around to face me. My heart starts beating rapidly in my chest. I really shouldn't do this.

“Do you want to come in for a minute?” I say, rubbing at the back of my neck, nodding in the direction of my house.