The Nerd In Disguise

Chapter 16

As soon as Cameron brought me home. My father greeted me with a favor. He wanted us to give mother a suprise visit in her photoshoot tonight because today is their 18th wedding anniversary. There is no way i will decline his request, i would do anything and everything for them. We still have time to buy something so we went straight to the flower shop to buy my mother's favorite red roses. While roaming around the shop, a glimpsed of Lilies caught my attention that made me remember what Cameron said.

Her "I dare you to love me." Lines. Sounds really cheesy right? Well frankly speaking i like Cameron since the first time i met her but a lot of things has happened since i studied in Creighton. First I have to declined Grey, secondly Aerin who had been in love with Cameron since the beginning of time and third is Leslie. It hurts so much seeing her wounded fist because of me.

"Lilies were discovered in a villa in Crete in 1580 B.C," My heart race when someone talk behind me and i was surprised to see Eris. Like the old times, her marvelous beauty never failed to amaze me and left me speechless. "They were revered by the Greeks as they believed it sprouted from the milk of Hera, the queen of the Gods."

From Eris i returned my attention back to the lilies.

"They are the symbol of chastity, innocence, purity and piety." She continued to explain as she stood next to me. "With it's three petals, the lily is often considered a trinity symbol, holding the representation of three virtues: Charity, Hope and Faith."

"Wow, how do you know all of that." I said with a smile in my voice. "Are you working here?"

"Yes im working here," Eris tucked her loose hair behind her ear. "Have you seen what you are looking for Lily?"

"Ah no it's not me." I told her as i looked over at my father who is currently paying the bouquet of roses for Mom. "But my father." Eris followed my gaze. "Today is their 18th wedding anniversary."

"That is so sweet." Eris said cheerfully. "It's always perfect to say what you feel through the language of flowers though not all of them have a complimentary message."

I couldn't agree more with Eris. We all know it feels more romantic when you receive a flowers from someone you love. Also, you will appreciate the flower as a good gesture of peace from people who have done wrong to you.

Eris silently took this purple flower and handed it to me. It has tuberous roots and bell-shaped flowers. Bells tower on long stalks.

"Mmm. What's this?" I asked a little confused.

"It's a gloxinia." Eris answered softly.

This time, i looked at her with my lips slightly ajar. The sunlight behind Eris made her look more aristocratic. "Wh-what does gloxinia mean?"

"Lily.. Let's go!" Father called.

"Yes dad!" I answered back and looked at this beautiful woman again. Eris didn't say anything but smile. "Eris we have to go." As i looked down at my hand while holding the purple flower she gave me. "I will just pay this—"

"No Lily. It's free for you." Eris stated.

"But you already knew my name." I told her with a smile. The last time she gave me the My love from the star book for free in exchange for my name and now a flower...

"Don't worry Lily," Eris let a beautiful chuckled making my stomach flip. "I'm not asking for anything."

"Oh.." I nodded my head in understanding. "But they will deduct this from your salary."

"Ms. Clay." The staff of the flower shop called Eris. "Your father is on the phone."

Okay so, Eris is the owner of this flower shop? Wow. What a young entrepreneur. "Our father are waiting Lily."

"Ah yeah. Thank you for this." Referring to the flower she gave me. "Hope to see you again Eris."

"We will.." Eris winked.

The smile stayed on my face until we arrived at my Mother's photoshoot. She looks so happy to see us especially father who showed all the people here how much they love each other. Indeed, there is a forever in love. Also, my mother introduced me to her co-model/actress, guess who? Of course the very famous Nike Ronan.

As for all you know, im a huge fan of Nike especially when she gave life to Hera Parker's life in movie adaptation of My love from the star and meeting her tonight is such a dream come true. Too bad though because we are leaving and going to a restaurant. So, i don't have a time to talk to Nike or even ask for a picture. This is supposed to be a date for my parents but they wanted to celebrate their anniversary with me. After all that happened at school this morning. I still have a reason to smile and enjoy the rest of the day with my family.

I woke early because the nonstop ringing of my phone. Why is someone is calling me this early? It's only six in the morning. Without opening my eyes, i answered the call still sleepy.

"He-hello?" My throat is so dry.

There was a loud noise from the other line, like many peope were talking in chorus and music at the back ground. "Elizabeth!"

I opened my eyes instantly. "Elise?" Remember her? She is my former classmate in New york before we moved here in California but i consider her my best friend. "What in the world you are calling so early? Any problem?"

I heard her laugh. "There is no problem. I just want to say goodbye to you before leaving the country."

"What? Why?" I asked so confused. "Where are you going?"

"I'm here at the airport now and waiting for my departure." Elise said a little down. "Going to France to study baking in two or four years."

"Wow. I'm happy to know that Elise because you seriously have a heart in baking." I supplied but Elise didn't say anything and i could feel her sadness in silence. "Hey let's look for a bright side, do this for yourself. Two, three or four years will just pass quickly if you enjoy what you are doing."

"Yeah." Elise tried to sound cheerful. "I can do this Lily. I want to make my parents proud of me."

"So do i Elise."

"I will see you after few years Lily." Elise told me. "Don't forget me."

A smile spread across my face. "Oh trust me, i won't."

We talked a little more until it's time for Elise to leave. I took a long bath making sure that im all clean, i settled into a skinny jeans, black sweater and rubber shoes. Also, i cleaned my no grade eyeglasses and fixed my hair especially the bangs.

No school today but we have to watch and support our cheerleading team. Leslie is going to pick me up going to the venue. I just hope she is okay and taking some pain killers for her hand. I went downstairs and found my mother cooking breakfast in the kitchen. She looks blooming today.

"Good morning Mom." I greeted her with a hug before i sit across her. "You look so beautiful today."

My mother's face blushed. "Only for today Lily?"

"Always Mom." I corrected. My eyes drifted to the magazine in the table. "Oh s**t!"

"Language Lily." Mother scolded.

I lowered my eyes. "I'm sorry." Jeez. I forgot to give the magazine to Cameron yesterday. Okay maybe next time. Mother gave me a food making my stomach happy and full. She used to cook breakfast before going to her photoshoot or any other commitment. "Father left early?"

"He has a photoshoot with Nike." Mother answered while cleaning the counter. "Nike really likes you." That put a smile on my face. "She even ask me if you want to work with her in a commercial."

If my mother is the superstar in modelling, runway and print ads. Then in entertainment business, it's Nike has a crown as a Superstar. She has a priviledge to chose whoever she wanted to work with.

"A commercial?" My eyes were wide. "With Nike?" Mom nodded her head. "Oh gosh. I would love that!"

Mother laugh, shaking her head. "Then i will talk to Nike later."

The thought of working with Nike makes butterflies in my stomach. To be clear, not in romantic way. I'm just really excited. Why not give a try right? Since im almost out in High School.

While waiting for Leslie's arrival, i stay in the living room facing my laptop and currently searching for gloxinia. The flower that Eris given me. I couldn't get rid that flower out of my mind especially it's sitting in the middle of the table.

There were many articles about gloxinia on internet and my curiosity brought me into it's meaning. Scroll up, looking for flowers symbolysm etc. Until i saw gloxinia and read it's symbolism.

"Purple is the most common color for gloxinia flowers. Gloxinias signify—" My mouth dropped. "Love at first sight..."

"Leslie is here!" My mother announced. Without any words, i closed my laptop and walked briskly at the door with my camera. My mother and Leslie are talking even laughing. They seems to like each other. "Oh there she is." Leslie's beautiful face lit up when our eyes met. For her, it is only me that she sees. "I will leave the two of you." Mother turned to me with a meaningful look. "Be safe Lily."

We are inside Leslie's car and sit in comfortable silence. She was about to drive when i noticed her right hand covered of bandage.

"How is your hand?" Without really thinking, i grabbed Leslie's hand and gently caressed the bandage. "Did you take any medicine? Or much better if—"

"Lily.." Leslie chuckled. "I'm not going to die because of that."

"I know but—"

"And yes, i did take a medicine." She assured me. "So nothing to worry about." Leslie gave me a comforting squeezed before she withdraw her hand from me and started driving. "I still wonder why you are wearing that spectacles."

I suddenly thought the same, asking myself the same question. How long i would do this disguise? In the right time? Then when would be the perfect time for all of this?

After almost an hour we arrived at the Weingart Stadium at East Los Angeles College, in Monterey Park, California which hosts various important national and international level events. It is one of the only mid-size stadiums in the western United States and has a capacity of 22,355. The stadium is filled with noise, thousands of excited fans cheering for their perspective schools, most of people were wearing of colored shirt that present their team and schools.

Leslie and i bought popcorn, hotdog and water before sitting in the second row of the bench as people started to occupied the empty seats. My eyes scanned the whole stadium and couldn't help but feel excited because the competition is about to start.

Leslie chuckled. "Is this your first time to watch cheerleading?"

"Oh yes." I replied excitedly. "I'm a little nervous because i want our school to win and defend their crown."

"Just watch Lily," Leslie told me with a mischievous grin.

I let her eat while we are waiting for the competition to start, i even made myself a little busy taking pictures around the stadium. My camera captured the excitement of the crowd. I was zooning my camera but i can't see anything only the blackness.

"So.. The nerd is here.."

All the hair of my body rose up in goosebumps when i heard the voice. Slowly, i removed my cameron off my face and come face to face with Aerin. She has some bruises in her face and band aid on her eyebrow. Wow. Leslie did a really good job! Well. I mean. That was bad that they fight but still...

"Why do you care Aerin.." It's not even a question but statement coming from Leslie. Her eyes were burningin like a solar flare. "Leave her alone."

Aerin stared hard at Leslie's face. "Will you shut up Leslie Heart. I'm not talking to you!"

"Are you not going to stop harassing Lily because of your insecurities!?" Leslie stood and took a few step towards Aerin. "Do you want a second round?"

"With you?" Aerin laughed sarcastically. "You punch like a five years old girl!"

"Shut up both you!" I almost screamed at them because i can't take it anymore. "Can we please act like a civilized people here?" Aerin frowned and when she was about to opened her mouth i immediately cut her off. "For Cameron."

It took awhile for Leslie and Aerin to hide their pangs and anger for each other. The group of Aerin sit just few steps from us and there were times i caught her eyes on me but i totally ignored it.

The program began. It started with United States national anthem, speeches from different kind of school representative that almost makes me fall asleep. People gone wild when the first two participants showed what they really got.

"Go Creighton!" One of the girls from Aerin screamed.

"This is it Lily!" Leslie said with a squeal that makes me smile like an i***t. She is such a girly sometimes. Well, most if the time. "Don't blink!"

"Relax." I told her.

Creighton cheerleading team started moving in sync. Some were doing motions, jumps and tumbling as a starter. I saw Cameron in the middle like she is the center of universe. She gracefully clasp her arms as she brings her arms up to a racket and turned 90 degrees to other side.

"Wooo that's my girl!!" Leslie and i turned to look up and saw Grey is cheering for his twin. He looks so damn proud. "Kick their arse!"

The flyers begins standing in front of the base. The base grabs the cheerleader's waist and the flyer puts their hands on their base's wrists to help push off. The base counts 1, 2 and throws the flyer up as high with a spin and catched the middle of her feet.

Watching the flyers and other stunt makes my heart wants to dropped. There were times i will grabbed Leslie's thigh in fear. The stadium filled with cheering when Creighton is over. We stay there and watched the remaining school performance but i could say the Creighton has a huge percentage to win the championship. After almost an hour, all of them were done performing. So we are only waiting for the announcement of the winner.

"Creighton!!" Most people yelled.

"Okay calm down fellas." The host said chuckling. All the school participant were at the field. "The Grand Champion is in my hand now."

"Oh gosh." I gulped a huge intake of breath.

Out of nowhere Leslie held my hand and laced our fingers together. "Relax.."

My face reddened but i forced myself to smile at me and return my attention back to the field. The host already called the second placer. "Okay ladies and gentlemen." The tv hose looked around. "Let's see if Creighton depend their crown or we have a new champion." All of us hold our breath when the host opened the envelope and read what's in there. "Our Senior Cheerleading Champion is..." There is a drum roll. "Still the Creighton High School!"

Most of people in the crowd jumped in joy including Leslie and I. That's not all. We are hugging at each other. Until Grey appeared in front of me with a raise eyebrow. I quickly pulled away from Leslie and composed myself.

"Why you didn't tell me that you are going to watch?" Grey asked directly to me.

I adjusted my glasses. "Well."

"I invited Lily to watch." It was Lesle who answered for me. "You know girls bonding."

Grey shrugged casually. "I was just asking Heart." He told Leslie with a smirk. "Anyway.." He focused on me. "Since we won, im inviting you girls to celebrate our victory in our house."

Leslie and i looked at each other. This feels like a Deja Vu. "Please Lily.. I'm not going to force you girls to drink or what, just celebrate our school's victory especially for Cameron."

"I.. don't know.." I said with a sigh.

"Leslie." Grey turned to Leslie. "Please.."

Leslie looked at me. I could read in her eyes that she wanted to go but don't want to leave me behind. "Grey.."

"Fine.. I'm going." I said a little unsure.

"Are you sure?" Leslie asked. Worries written all over her face.

"Yeah." I answered. I don't want to be killjoy and just go with the flow. Let's see where this water would take us.

Grey chose to ride of us since he doesn't have a car because it broke. He won't stop talking while we are on the road and i have to answer some his questions. Leslie is just quiet and concentrating on the highway. We reach William's house and it was already Jumppack with students and outsiders.

Leslie went to the kitchen to get us food and leave me alone outside. I sit there totally out of place. I'm not really comfortable with this environment because of horny teenagers, alcohol and probably weed but yeah this is part of high school life.

My heart dropped when someone covered my eyes making my glasses fall but i already know who she is through her perfume. "Cameron.."

"Aw.. You are no fun!" Cameron whined as she removed her hands off my face. "I'm so happy that you are here Lily!"

"Congrats Cameron." I greeted her. When she walked in front of me i noticed that she already changed into a casual clothes, simple short, shirt and shoes but her beauty radiates from within. She picked up my glasses and put it back on my face. "Ah.. thank you." My face feels hot. "You guys did a really good job."

Cameron smile really big. "Told yah—" Her co cheerleading teammate called her. "Wait Lily. Stay here. I will be back!" She winked at me before going away.

I stared at the ground and kicked some stones. Why Leslie is taking so long.. Where is she?

"Lily.."

I looked up and met Aerin's gazed. Seriously. Why can't she jus leave me alone? Why she can't ignore and pretend that i didn't exist? Why my presence is such a big deal with her?

"I don't want a fight with you." I told her sincerely.

Aerin scratched her eyebrow thoughtfully. "No, im not here to fight or what." I heard her heavy sighed. She looks different right now. Why Aerin isn't not wearing famous bitchy face tonight? "I know that i have done wrong to you, insulted you for being.." She shook her head. "I hurt you physically and mentally."

What?

Aerin burried her hand inside her pocket and breath out. "Yes i know im a b***h and i can not do anything to change it anymore but im here to apologize. Cameron made me realize that i was completely wrong. so yeah, I'm sorry Lily."

Wait. Is there any camera hiding here and people are going to surprise me that Aerin is just acting?

"A-are you serious?" I asked Aerin dumbfounded.

Can't blame me though. There were many things that happened between us. She even insulted me this morning then all of a suddenly Aerin is here in front of me saying sorry? I think the end of the world is coming. But then, the thought of Cameron came in my mind. If she really talk to Aerin and explain everything to the Queen Bee that nothing is happening to us then i guess this is good news that Aerin wants to reconcile with me.

So who am i to deny her right? All people made mistake and we all deserve a second chance. If we don't give them the opportunity then how can they correct their mistakes? how will they change?

"I won't do this if im not serious Lily." Aerin sounds sincere. "But i understand if you don't believe me but still im really sorry."

I felt ashamed of myself.

"I believe you.." I whispered under my breath. "Let's just forget whatever had happened between us."

Aerin dive in me with a tight hug and squeezed me between her arms. "Thank you Lily!" Her voice is pure in happiness. She stepped back from me. "This calls for another reason to celebrate." She looked around and grabbed a drink. "Come on." Aerin handed me a cup of whatever inside is. "Let's have a toss." I looked at the red liquid inside the cap and have an internal battle if im going to drink it or not. "Don't worry it's only juice. Finish it Lily then we will be good."

I squeezed my eyes before drinking. Ohh. Not taste bad. It's actually taste good but it makes me feel even more thirsty.

"Another one?" Aerin asked me, smiling like an i***t. I just nodded my head. She handed me another cup again and again until i felt my head spinning.

"I... thought.." My jaw hardened. "This is only juice?"

"Yes it is." Aerin's voice seems so far away but she is just standing in front of me. "Hey Lily. Are you okay?"

"Ye-yes." I shook my head trying to get rid of the dizziness but i won't go away. "I- will just.." I bumped into a table. "Look for.." I gave Aerin an awkward smile. "Leslie.." I ignored Aerin's calling and entered inside the house but leaned against the wall for support when my world is spinning like im inside a tornado. "Ah Leslie.."

"Hey, what a pretty nerd is doing here and hiding?"

There were many voices talking around me but i can say they are all boys. Oh my gosh. I needed to get away from them and find Leslie. I don't want to be here anymore.

"Get her.."