Chapter 22
1289 Words
(Elodie)
"-And now I can't stop dreaming about him and I don't know if I should've even started this whole thing to begin with. I was just afraid you might like Hudson or something and I panicked!" I blurted out, panting heavily as I practically word-vomited all over my friend.
I don't know what even happened, one minute she asked how things were going, and the next, everything that has happened this past week came flooding out of me. I won't lie, it felt good to tell someone. Even if a part of me felt guilty to do it.
God, Beckett would be pissed if he knew, wouldn't he? Maybe I just won't tell him...
"Wait, so you kissed Beckett Storm? Like full-on made out with him?" Ari asked first, causing my cheeks to burn red before I nodded my head up and down slowly.
Of course that would be the part she latched onto.
I watched as Ari seemed to be processing all of this. Her mouth opened and closed a few times as she was about to say something then stopped herself once again.
"If you do like Hudson-" I began, wondering if that's what she was caught up on.
"No! Hell no! First of all, I would never do that to you El." She began, causing relief to flood through me.
I mean, I think it was relief that I felt. For some reason, I was more nervous about what Ari thinks of the Beckett stuff instead.
"And second, Hudson is definitely not my type. He is boring as hell... No offense..." She rushed out the last part, making me shrug.
Was Hudson boring? I didn't think he was. We have had so many instances where we just burst into laughter for no reason. But maybe that was because I have known Hudson for most of my life.
"Okay, because if you did, it's okay-"
"I don't El." Ari stated much more firmly this time before reaching out and grabbing my hand. That's when all of the emotions I had been holding back suddenly came rushing out.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I feel like such a horrible friend. " I cried, flinging myself into her arms as she held onto me just as tightly.
"Hey, it's okay. I haven't exactly been the best friend lately either. We both kinda screwed up on this one." She muttered, and that made me feel a lot better. I guess we both were keeping things from one another. Her about Pete and me about this boy drama stuff.
"I get it though, you were scared of what could've happened. I know you have been in love with Hudson since forever El... But what's up with the Beckett stuff? How the hell did this even happen? I mean, I know you told me about the party and his offer... But you kissed him?!" She asked before pulling back and staring down at me curiously.
That's when I felt my cheeks redden.
"He was just helping me. That way if Hudson ever wanted to."
"So you're telling me you just did it because of Hudson? Be real El." She called me out, making me swallow hard as I quickly placed my hands over my face, hiding myself. Could she see through me that easily?
"I was kind of curious. I mean, it was mostly because I wanted to learn! But after it started... That's when I began having those dreams." I whispered, wishing the ground could just open up and swallow me whole.
I haven't admitted that out loud yet.
"So, why don't you just explore things with Beckett? Considering you seem to be feeling something for him."
Explore things with Beckett?! Is she insane? Did she really just say that?
"What?! No! I can't do that! Even if I was starting to FEEL things, Beckett is doing this for his own reasons remember? I'm not the only one trying to make someone jealous." I mumbled the last part, trying to remind myself of that fact more than anything.
Yeah my thoughts might be getting all jumbled up, but Beckett clearly still is staying on task. There is no way I am going to make another fool of myself and try to pursue something that clearly will never happen.
I already felt that sting of rejection from Hudson. Besides, something tells me Beckett wouldn't let me down gently. He would probably use that information to torment me or something. He seems to like doing that.
"El..." Ari began, the serious look on her face making my stomach drop.
"Maybe this isn't a good idea then. I mean, if your feelings-"
"I'm just flustered because no one has shown me any attention like that before. I think my body is just confused, that's all." I rushed, seeing Ari searching my face carefully before signing heavily.
"Oh god, this is pretty freaking insane. I won't lie, the thought of Hudson seeing you with someone else is going to be incredible though. I can imagine that stupid look on his face now." She smirked, the mere idea seeming to make her happier than it should.
"You really don't like him, do you?"
"El, I know you think the world of him... But the fact that he doesn't see what is right in front of him, God, I just want to smack him right across the head. Maybe Beckett will see it first. I bet he already is. You know he doesn't date around. I mean, on campus at least. He only meets girls off campus or something." Ari rambled out, making my brow furrow.
"Really?" I guess I have never seen him with a girl before now that I think about it.
Maybe he doesn't want to upset the girl he likes. The realization made my heart drop. That's probably it. So the only way he will date on campus is if it's fake or her.
"Who do you think the girl could be? If you had to guess..." I rushed out, looking towards Ari and hoping that maybe she had some type of insight on this.
"That's a hard one. I mean, Beckett Storm isn't exactly the warmest, so it's not like he is friendly towards people... Especially girls. That's why I'm shocked he is doing all of this with you." She laughed, and I can't lie, I'm pretty damn shocked too.
"Well, she is probably popular right?" I went on, wanting to solve this mystery more than anything.
"Who knows, but I'm sure tonight will probably give it away." Ari began, taking my hand as she began pulling me towards her bedroom.
"What do you mean?"
"Obviously he is going to want her to see you two together. Or what would be the point of all of this? So while you two suck each other's faces off, I can watch the crowd and see who he looks at while he's doing it."
Something about that didn't sit right with me. Maybe it was the realization that Beckett would be looking for someone else while being with me... Or the fact that I might find out who this mystery girl even was, to begin with.
"El, did you hear me?" Ari asked, making me snap out of my spiraling thoughts.
"Sorry, what did you say?"
"I said I'm going to make you look super hot. Hudson won't even know what hit him by the end of this. Hell, let's knock Beckett flat on his ass too while we're at it! Oh god El, tonight is going to be freaking incredible."
Incredible? Yeah, that's not the word I would've used to describe how tonight will go. I think chaotic is more like it...
- Writer
