“What? No. Why would you think that?”
“I’m not popular. The only reason I made the list is because I’m your girlfriend.”
“Yes, you are my girlfriend—a fact I’m grateful for every day. And I’m not sure if you’ve been listening to the announcements for the last week, but students were encouraged to nominate couples. And unfortunately, because of the website, we’re the most famous couple in school.”
“The website,” Hannah mutters. “Are there any new pictures up I should be worried about?”
“No. Jack said there were a couple from the game Friday night of you on my shoulders.” I rub my hand along her knee. “Are you going to be okay?”
Hannah sighs. “I’m great.”
“That wasn’t very convincing.”
She blows out a breath, straightens her shoulders, and tries to smile. “I’m okay, just promise me you’ll beat up anyone who talks smack to me.”
“You got it, Babe.” I stand up and hold out my hand. “Come on, wedon’t want to be late for history.”
“Yeah, okay.”
43. French Lesson
Several girls congratulate me and Ford as we walk down the hall. When we turn the corner, Leah and Aubrey are waiting for me by my locker. The entire cheer squad dressed up as zombies today for spirit week. Leah has curled her hair and ratted it, and Aubrey has a large fake gash down the right side of her face. They look awesome. We’re taking a picture after school, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the squad looks like. Both girls squeal when I’m within reaching distance, and Aubrey pulls me into a hug. “Oh, my gosh. I almost died when Mr. Forrest called your name for homecoming queen.”
“I was shocked, too,” I say.
“I can’t wait to see the look on Bree Chandler’s face when they call your name instead of hers for homecoming queen.” Leah pulls me into a side hug. “That girl is so mean. She finally deserves to lose.”
“I don’t know. She’s a lot more popular than I am,“ I say, opening my locker.
“She’s really not.” Aubrey leans against Ford’s locker, peering into mine. “Is that a picture of Ford getting a pedicure?”
“Uh, yeah.” I glance down the hall at Ford, where he’s talking to Jack and the guys. “He lost a bet.”
“What was the bet?” Aubrey asks, looking closer at the picture. “Um, I can’t remember.” Which isn’t true. I’ll never forget that bet. He bet me to buy beer with a fake ID. “What were you saying about Bree?” I don’t want to go back to that conversation, but she doesn’t need to know about my underage beer buying.
“You said she’s more popular than Bree,” Leah says, reminding Aubrey of the conversation.
“Oh yeah. I bet we could ask a dozen underclassmen who Bree is, and maybe half of them would know. But if we asked those same kids if they knew who you were, they’d all say yes.”
“Only because of the website,” I argue.
Leah shrugs. “Or because you’re Ford Cross’ girlfriend. Ford is uber popular right now because of football.”
“Uber? That’s a good word,” I say.
“Isn’t it a food delivery service?” Aubrey glances at me and Leah. Sometimes I wonder if she’s really a blond who dies her hair brown, but then I remember I’m blond and I’m smart. It doesn’t matter because I love Aubrey just the way she is.
“Yeah, I think it is.” I smile. “The whole homecoming queen thing scares me.”
“It will be great, I promise. You’ll have Ford, and Jack and I will be there.” Leah pats my shoulder.
“But I won’t. What’s wrong with me?” Aubrey covers her face, sniffing.
“Oh, Aubrey, let’s trade places.” I wrap my arms around one side of her, and Leah hugs the other.
“Don’t cry, BFF.” Leah soothes. “I’m sure it won’t be that fun.”
“I don’t even want to do it.” I sniff, trying to keep my tears back. I don’t know why I’m getting emotional over this stupid thing, but it hurts my heart that Aubrey feels bad.
