1
CASSIE
They’re fighting again.
I might be the biggest nerd in the school—we’re at the end-of-year school ball which I’m only here because I have to be as dux—but the whispers don’t bypass me.
The gossip chain’s been rumbling for a while about Patrick Cross—the school rugby captain—and his girlfriend, Vicki, being on the verge of breaking up.
And tonight it’s obvious.
Patrick used to be my best friend. All the way through, up until we hit high school, we were inseparable. But at that point, he became the cool kid and I was left behind.
Tonight’s argument between him and his girlfriend is because of me.
About ten minutes ago, in the car park outside the school hall, I ran into Patrick and Vicki. She glared at me the way she always does, and he, for the first time since we were about thirteen, decided I was worthy of his attention.
That’s probably a little unfair—he’s not a bad person. But he’s neglected our friendship for almost five years, and for him to stop and speak to me for more than a moment or two was weird.
What made it weirder, and Vicki angrier, was when he told me to save a dance for him.
She had a dig at my weight—Vicki loves the fat jokes—and he snapped at her to be quiet.
And now this.
From the other side of the hall, I can’t help but watch. She’s gesticulating wildly, her arms waving around as if they’re telling a story all of their own.
He’s standing there with his arms folded across his broad chest, his lips in a straight line when he’s not spitting words at her.
Even if things are bad between them, I never thought they’d argue in public. Again.
I didn’t see it a few days ago, but I heard whispers.
Maybe it’s because we’re about to finish school for good and head off to university. Our different levels of maturity are obvious now.
There are still those who subscribe to the mean-girl mentality—Vicki is one of them.
The evening’s still got a way to go, but I’m done with it tonight. I’m not one for dressing up and going out to start with—I doubt the fancy cream gown I’m wearing will ever be worn again. It’s been nice to pamper myself a bit, but I’m also dateless, so I feel a bit like a fish out of water with everyone else paired up.
Patrick’s gaze hits mine, and my heart thuds.
I look away—despite the years, his neglect of our friendship still hurts.
It’s time to go.
I’ve only taken a few steps when I hear him behind me.
“Cassie. Wait.”
I turn. Patrick jogs around the edge of the dance floor to get to me.
“Dance with me?”
I shift my gaze over his shoulder to his very unimpressed-looking girlfriend. “Do you really think this is a good idea?”
“It might be the last chance we get before school finishes.”
“I …” I don’t have any real excuses not to. We were best friends once—inseparable. And he’s right. This might be the one and only chance I have to dance with the boy I’ve been in love with since I was five years old. “Sure.”
