Chapter 27

100k are you guys joking?! Thank you so much for the reads I never expected to get so many!! I love you guys loads hence why this chapter is earlier than expected!! I just wanted to show my thanks by posting this so I hope you guys enjoy.

Seriously, you’re the best!

~•~

We didn’t have a game this week due to our homecoming falling on the Friday. Coach even decided to give us Thursday to Sunday off so we could enjoy ourselves without being in pain following training. A lot of the team, seniors especially, were grateful for the time off. I for one don’t want to be teetering around on sore legs that can barely hold my body weight up due to soreness.

I want to be on my feet for as long as humanely possible; I want to enjoy being in the company of one incredibly gorgeous, sarcastic blonde bombshell that has agreed to be my homecoming date for the evening.

Ever since I asked her to the dance, Mackenzie has been on my mind endlessly. All I want is to constantly be in her presence, be the focus of her endless teasing, and have her hug me on the couch whilst we watch movies or TV that she spent ages coercing me to watch. I want to be able to spend more time with her but unfortunately with soccer and planning for the dance we haven’t really found time to hang out after school for the rest of the week.

I know I say it constantly, but the way Mackenzie is slowly but surely bringing me out of my shell and boosting my comfort levels is nothing short of amazing. I don’t understand how meeting one girl is suddenly the push my body needs to start convincing myself that coming out doesn’t seem all that bad.

Especially if it means that I can show everyone how important she is to me.

She told me the colour of her dress so that I could buy something to match, but we’ve agreed not to see what the other is wearing so that it’ll be a surprise. April and Faye offered to help me find a dress seen as though I’m not the best at shopping for clothes, and whilst I did end up getting dragged around for hours I did manage to find a dress that I really do love. I think Mackenzie will love it too, or at least I’m hoping that she does.

This Tuesday just gone was a stressful day of dress shopping, booking a table for our large and extensive group to go out to eat, and buying a ridiculous amount of alcohol for the party at mine afterwards that Faye and April have only just finished convincing me to throw. For some reason I had been delegated to sort all of this out, despite being the least organised girl I know. It kept coming back to being captain of the team and how they’re basically my children half the time anyway so why not help them with their homecoming plans.

I offered for everyone to meet at my house and get ‘collected’ by their dates instead of us all meeting at school. Seen as though my house is far too empty and big and straight out of a home design magazine not to be used for the back drop of my friend’s pre homecoming couple photographs, I figured it only fair to offer it up to them. It also means that we can spend pretty much all day together and get ready with each other and stuff.

My mom and dad have said they’re going to make the effort to get off work early to see me before I go, and they’ve even said that the won’t be in for the rest of the weekend so that I can have the party in peace. They were also pretty stern in saying that if anything broke I would be forced to get a job and pay for it out of my own hard earned time and money. For once the money they gift me every month wouldn’t be touched and I’d actually have to do something for myself. The only problem with that is everything in my house is ridiculously expensive so I’ll be paying them back until I die.

“Alex!” I hear a voice hiss close to my hear and an elbow shoved gently into my ribs. I snap out of my day dream about what Mackenzie’s red dress is going to look like later tonight to stare into the grey eyes of the blonde beauty herself, a grin forcing the corners of her lips upwards. “I’ve been asking you to help me with this question for the last five minutes, what were you thinking about?”

I can imagine my cheeks going a similar colour to that of the dress I was imagining in my head, as I drop my gaze quickly to hide my embarrassment. The laugh that sounds close to my ear has my face heating up as I can’t help but think Mackenzie knew exactly what I was thinking about. That girl can read me like a book, and the mischief I saw swimming in those gorgeous pools of silver of hers only solidify my theory. “Sorry, which question was it?”

I hear the screech of the metal legs of her chair scraping across the floor as she pulls herself closer to me, the action causing her jean clad thigh to press against mine and her perfume to waft up my nose. She smells different today, like lavendar and laundry detergent. I can feel her breath blowing at the loose strands of my hair, her body heat scorching my skin. I hold my breath as she points a slender finger at one of the questions on the sheet she’s placed under my nose, my eyes quickly scanning over it whilst she taps her nails against the wood. “Well, can you help me?”

“Mackenzie.” I chuckle quietly, tilting my head so I can look at her. I didn’t realise how close she was sitting to me until I realise my nose is brushing against her slightly, our faces mere centimetres away from one another. I see a soft glint in her eyes as she locks her gaze with mine, sucking her bottom lip into her mouth briefly and I know if I don’t pull away then a lot of people are going to find out about me. I lean back and grin, trying not to feel too disappointed at the distance between us. “I’ve been sat here thinking about you in a tight red dress, do you honestly think I’ve answered any of these questions?”

Luckily we’re at the back of the class, and everyone else seems to be absorbed in their own conversations, for I fear I didn’t lower my voice enough based on the widening of Mackenzie’s eyes and the way they dart around the classroom. I dare to glance towards Peter Morrison, Clay’s friend who sits in front of us in English, and sigh in relief when I see he’s in his own little bubble throwing balls of paper at various people sat in the rows in front of him. He’s the only person sat remotely close to us, the rest of the students paired up or in groups with people sat closer to the front of the classroom.

“You’re getting awfully bold as of late.” Mackenzie remarks with a rose hue to her cheeks, her hand coming to rest on the inside of my thigh under the table. I hold my breath as I feel her nip at my earlobe before pointing again at the question with her free hand, my brain unable to focus on anything except where she’s touching me. “Babe, help me with the question, you’re really good at English.”

“Babe, huh?” I say in an attempt to regain my confidence, my usual smirk no doubt lacking it’s usualy smugness. I heard the slight waver in my voice, but I’m lucky Mackenzie is too focused on the question. “We kiss a couple of times and now we’re onto pet names, is that how it’s going to work between us?”

Mackenzie flushes darker than I thought were possible, a look I decide I really like on her. She clears her throat and grins, her words coming out in stutter. “Just…just help me with this, please?”

I reach under the table and squeeze the hand she’s situated comfortably on my leg, swallowing my laughter and attempting to switch onto the task at hand. “Alright, alright. So what you have to do is…”

~•~

I look at myself one final time in the mirror and decide I’m finally happy with my appearance. I have been sat on the floor from the moment I got back from the Homecoming game doing my makeup, curling my hair, applying fake nails and lashes. I have slaved over my appearance, barely taking time to breath in between strokes of mascara and lip liner because all I could think about was how badly I wanted to render Mackenzie speechless. She is always doing it to me with minimum effort so tonight I want nothing more than to see her jaw drop to the floor when I open the door.

I’m wearing a somewhat tight and floor length, spaghetti strapped maroon dress with an open back and a slit up the right thigh. The material feels like velvet and I’m not ashamed to say it hugs every dip and curve of my athletic body like a glove. My long dark hair has been curled into soft waves, my makeup bold and glittery. If I don’t have Mackenzie drooling over me like a dog over a plate of food then I don’t know what will.

It’s nearing on seven o’clock now, all of the girls arriving in about five minutes with all of their overnight stuff so that they can stay over after the party tonight. I’ve even agreed to let Freya stay over after much pouting from Raven and Mackenzie. I was slightly annoyed to have Mackenzie pushing for it, but the sneaky kisses she was placing against my throat on Wednesday during our secret make out session in the school bathroom had me like putty in her hands and agreeing to everything she was asking me to do.

I have more than enough space to house everyone, and they’ve all agreed to bring pillows and blankets so I could get a lot of them in the several spare rooms. I’m still in the process of how I’m going to sneak Mackenzie into my room so she can sleep with me because the thought of having her in my house and sleeping in the same room as Freya just doesn’t sit well with me.

I slip my feet into my strappy heels just as I hear the doorbell ring downstairs, my maroon painted lips stretching into a smile at the thought of seeing my friends. I haven’t seen what anyone is wearing, and I’m excited to see who Faye and April are getting picked up by. Neither of them are telling me who they’re going with and the suspense is killing me.

I descend the stairs as quickly as possible, my heels limiting my speed tremendously but I don’t want to fall face first and ruin all of my hard work making myself look pretty. I don’t know where my parents are, if they were downstairs they would have opened the door. I spare a glance out of the windows as I get to the bottom of the stairs, releasing a frustrated breath when I see that neither of their cars are parked in the driveway.

I do recognise the car that is however, and excitement builds in my body as I rush to the door.

I pull open the door and immediately envelope my two best friends in a hug, their squeals of excitement ringing in my ears.

“Oh my God you guys look great!” I gush, releasing my death grip on the pair of them as I step back and admire their looks. Faye has piled her hair into a stylishly messy bun, her dress a floor length blue gown with clouds on the tight fitting bodice. Her makeup is light and almost natural, her lashes the most extravagent part of her look. Only Faye could make something so simple look so glamorous. April has left her hair in it’s naturally curly state, opting for a half up half down look that she’s matched with a strapless thigh length emerald green dress that matches her eyes. “You are going to have your mystery dates who I don’t yet know drooling.”

April rolls her eyes and groans, whilst Faye stays quiet and drags her overnight bag into the house. It isn’t really surprising for her to ignore me, especially when I’m trying to wind her up. “Neither is yours, Alex. Mackenzie is probably going to have a heart attack when she sees you, and I don’t want to witness you two feeling each other up so I’m taking my stuff upstairs and hiding until your dad, I mean parents, get home.” I gag as I shut the door behind them, letting April quickly run passed me upstairs, Faye following behind, to dump their stuff in my room as I pour us all glasses of prosecco that my mom bought for all of us to have. She even bought a punnet of raspberries so that we can feel more sophisticated.

Another knock at the door sounds and just as I finish pouring out the third glass. I wander over to the door and open it to find Mackenzie stood in all her glory, her back to me as she looks over her shoulder towards something further down the street. I take my time admiring everything about her, from the low cutting A line neck of her maroon dress, to the way the skirts puff out slightly at her thighs, allowing me to properly admire the tanned skin of her legs. Her blonde hair is pin straight and kissing her collarbones, the colour a white blonde that I have grown to like tremendously.

I clear my throat and watch with glee as she turns around, her eyes wider than saucers and her jaw skimming the wood of my wraparound porch. She drinks me in hungrily, her fingers unable to resist skimming up my thighs and settling on my hips as she pulls herself closer. “My god. Alex, you look, you look, uh…”

She swallows nervously and I smile, looping my arms around her waist as I pull her inside my house, shutting the door before softly pushing her against it. “Lost for words?”

I try and act confident, but all I can think about is what Mackenzie is thinking about. Does she like the dress? Does she like the makeup? Is it too much? Questions and vulnerabilities swarm around my head as I let my thoughts consume me. It isn’t until I feel Mackenzie’s hand grip my chin and force me to look at her that I crash down to earth.

“Alex.” She says, the soft smile I have grown to adore tugging at the corners of her mouth. Her voice is breathless but happy, her eyes shining as her fingers reach up to tuck a lock of my dark hair behind my ear. “You look really beautiful.”

I know that I’m blushing but it is the last thing currently on my mind. I lean forwards and connect my lips with hers, the kiss short and gentle. I savour the taste of her lips, her lipstick tasting of cherries and her tongue of mint before pulling away and opening my eyes to look at her.

“So do you.”

She grins and loops her arms around my neck, her fingers burying into my hair. I can feel her nails scratching the back of my neck, an action I really like. “I think we might be the hottest couple going to the dance.”

“Couple, eh?” I tease, revelling in the fact I have made this girl blush once again. “I didn’t realise we’d moved that far forward?”

“You know what I mean.” Mackenzie mumbles, her grey eyes piercing into my own. She shakes her head as if she’s expelling the atmosphere that is getting heavier with every passing second and puts on a teasing smile. “Anyway, that’s a talk for another time. Right now all I want to do is this…”

She leans forward to kiss me, when my front door handle rattles and it begins to open. We spring apart like the both of us have been burned, my dad peeking his head around the door, his expression quizzical. “Alex? Why are you blocking the door you weirdo?”

I freeze, my body stilled by panic.

I don’t think he saw, but just the thought of my dad catching me in the compromising position I was in shot fear through my veins, the weight of my panic sitting heavily within my chest like a lead brick. Just when I thought I was warming to the idea of coming out to people, I see my dad, my most understanding and forward thinking parent, and I’ve never felt more terrified. The realisation has me wanting to bury myself back in my closet under mountains of clothes and just stay there.

I haven’t spoken, I haven’t moved, all I’ve done is stare at my dad with wide eyes and watched with terror as his eyebrows furrow together as he tries to make sense of the situation. Mackenzie can read me like a book, almost as well as Clay can, and she quickly steps in by offering my dad her hand and flashing her signature megawatt smile, removing his attention from me completely. “Hi, sorry. I was leaning on the door whilst I debated taking my heels off. I’m Mackenzie, I’m on the soccer team with Alex.”

My dad’s amber eyes flash with recognition before he breaks out the smile as April calls it. It’s the smile he uses when he’s charming someone. I’ve seen it on several photogrpahs he’s taken at the hospital, and he always uses it when April’s around, because he likes to embarrass me. “Ah yes, you’re the striker who did pretty well during the first game of the season, yes?”

“Yes sir.” Mackenzie says politely, her ears turning slightly pink at my dad’s compliment. I’ve noticed she isn’t very good at taking compliments, her usually confident demeanour always getting squashed by her awkwardness.

My dad doesn’t seem to notice, he merely leans towards Mackenzie conspiratorially as my mom attempts to squeeze past him, a mischievous glint in his eye. “I have to say, the fight was the most entertaining part of that game. Thanks for making sure Alex didn’t get her head caved in by that girl.”

“No problem, Mr. Doherty.” Mackenzie laughs, as my mom puts the bags in her hands down with a huff.

“Oh, call me Neal.” My dad cringes. “I hear enough of my last name at the hospital.”

My mom finally clocks onto the fact that Mackenzie is here and her face breaks into a warm smile. “Oh, Mackenzie. I haven’t seen you in a while. I hope you’re alright?”

I leave Mackenzie striking up conversation with my parents by the door whilst I go and get my two other friends from my room where I’m assuming they’ve stashed their clothes. I find them sharing what smells like whiskey from a silver hip flask, giggling to themselves as they stare at April’s phone. I can only imagine what they’re laughing at and I instantly decide I don’t want to know. Faye looks up from the phone screen and grins, tucking the flask back into her clutch.

I can see her eyes are already slightly glazed over, either the alcohol in that flask having an almost instant effect, or these two started drinking without me at April’s house. “Raven just texted saying they’re walking from the car now, so we should probably go downstairs.”

I nod my head and decide to drop the topic, following my two best friends as they stumble downstairs and follow the sound of voices towards the kitchen. It seems that my parents let the rest of my friends into my house because the orchestra of laughter coming from the room is definitely coming from more than three people.

I see Gemma before anyone else, her tall frame leaning on the island counter I usually see my parents sitting at, a thin flute of prosecco clutched daintily in her large hands. I’m so used to seeing her with goalkeeper gloves on that its a strange sight when she’s wearing fake nails and holding something other than a soccer ball. She sees us approaching and grins, pushing herself off the counter and making her way over to us. “Hey!”

I have to admit, Gemma cleans up pretty well. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her out of sports attire or baggy clothes, so seeing her in a tight fitting navy blue jumpsuit reminds me that Gemma does have the physique of practically every other girl on our soccer team. A physique that is definitely being complimented by the tight material of her outfit.

“You clean up good.” I smirk, slinging an arm over her broad shoulders and pulling her down for a hug. She even smells of perfume, and when I release my grip on her and let her pull her face away, I see that she’s wearing a light blush despite the decent amount of makeup on her face. “Makeup as well, wow.”

Gemma rolls her eyes as she walks beside me into the kitchen, bumping her shoulder with me jovially. “Raven got her claws in me and insisted that I try for the dance. I think she’s wanted to give me a makeover for a while, and I finally caved.”

I snicker but don’t say anymore, emerging into the kitchen to find my parents conversing with all of my friends, including Freya. I can’t help but frown slightly at the fact that she’s here, something I agreed to under duress. I can’t help but admit that she’s looking pretty tonight, her auburn hair tossed up into a careless ponytail that compliments the white flares and matching cropped white vest that she’s wearing. She catches me looking at her and offers a tight smile, her eyes flashing with something dangerous that has my stomach stirring nervously.

My mom and dad pass around the alcohol, my dad flashing his smile around that even Raven can’t help but flush at, my mom engrossed in conversation with Mackenzie that involves a lot of vigorous hand movements. I smile at all of my friends, happy that they’re all here, even if it is slightly weird my parents are helping them get drunk before a school dance.

I down the rest of my prosecco when I hear the doorbell ring, and I scoop the raspberry from my glass with my tongue. I love the raspberry at the end, its almost the best bit because it has absorbed the alcohol and boozy fruit is the absolute best. I drop my glass on the marble counter and realise that I have someone staring at me. I smirk when I see her grey eyes darkening, and I realise she must’ve seen me get the raspberry from my glass.

I just wink and leave her to talk to my mom whilst I go and finally answer the door to my friends’ dates for the evening. I pull open the door and grin when I see Derek, Clay, Peter Morrison, and a guy from the basketball team that I vaguely recognise but can’t put my finger on his name. I’m slightly confused as to why Clay is here, seen as though he said he was going to meet us at the restaurant with his date.

“Hey!” I hug them all as they walk into my house, including the guy who’s name I can’t remember. “Congrats on the win today, sorry I didn’t stick around afterwards, I needed to get home and get ready. We’re all in the kitchen.”

I feel Clay wrap his arm over my shoulders as he presses a brotherly kiss to my temple. He smells of soap and aftershave, his dark curls still slightly wet from his shower. “My parents will be happy to see you, but aren’t you supposed to be picking up your date?”

Clay looks at me with a lost look on his face, his untamed eyebrows scrunching up in confusion. “I am picking up my date?”

I know that I look as lost as I feel, and I think Clay has realised based on the way his face pales slightly. The air feels awkward, although I’m not sure why, and I keep my gaze trained on him until he decides to speak. He unwinds his arm from around my neck, and the action makes me nervous for some reason.

“Uh,” I watch as his strong throat moves as he swallows, his blue eyes meeting mine. “I’m going to homecoming with Faye.”

“Oh alright.” I say, the tension rolling from my shoulders as I give him a friendly smile. For some reason I had jumped to the horrifying conclusion that he was going with Freya, especially when he reacted the way he did. I think it’s a great idea he’s going with Faye, she was so nervous about not being asked to go to homecoming with someone, and Clay now doesn’t have to sift through all the popularity hungry girls going after him for his position on the social ladder. “Do you want a glass of Prosecco? Mom and dad bought far too many bottles and I don’t think we’ll drink it all before the party.”

Clay just laughs and shakes his head, his arm wrapping around my waist and pulling me close to his side. “You’re so weird.”

“And yet you love me anyway.”

~•~

Here are the dresses of our main gals, just in case you wanted a physical picture. Dressed were picked out by centralparkbillie

These dresses are definitely better than the ones I picked originally so this chapter is dedicated to your!

For some reason I really hate this chapter, which is why it took me so long to write and I’m sorry about that. I just kept reading and rereading and I couldn’t stop myself from hating it but oh well.

Hope you guys like it more than I do!