Post by Christine on Nov 4, 2005 14:10:48 GMT -5
Haley sat down on the bleachers and smoothed out her dress. Homecoming was starting to feel like Hell. She was there with someone she didn't care about and her chances of a dance with Ethan were growning dim. Ethan, a 5'8" sophomore with shaggy dark brown hair, stood across the gym talking to Emily Dawson. Haley frowned and looked back in front of her where Daniel Calcut, Ethans' best friend and one of Haleys' stood.
"Hey Haley, you look nice. Why aren't you dancing?"
"Cause it's not a slow song." She half smiled at him. "And besides, I don't have anyone to dance with. Robbie doesn't dance," She let out a soft growl. "and Ethan, well I asked him to dance and he just kind of shrugged me off. I think he's to busy with Emily."
"Oh...er..." Daniel didn't know what to say so as not to make her any madder.
"You know what. I've been meaning to tell you something." Daniel focused back in on her. "You were right all along. Yeah, you were right, I'm really saying it." A puzzled look overtook Daniels face.
"I don't think I understand. Wha.."
"I'm crazy about him. I always have been. I probally always will be!" Daniel smiled and shook his head.
"You two...You're hopeless. I told you you'd end up together."
"Yeah, but I'm not making any bets on the togetherness. He seems to be pretty wrapped Emilys perfectly manicured little finger." Daniel sigh.
"I don't know about him. Maybe you just need to tell him. Get him alone and tell him how much you...love carrot cake!"
"Huh? You lost me now Daniel. I mean I knew you were a genius but..."
"Hi Haley!" Haley jump up off the bleachers and squeaked. Robbie reached over and tried to put his arm around her and she pulled away.
"Thanks Daniel. Don't tell him what I said, okay?"
"Right. Have fun." Daniel walked off and Haley sat down on the bleachers again. It was official, Homecoming sucked. She pulled out her digital camera and scrolled through the picture before taking one of the Lisa Bently and Eric Turner, the queen and king, dancing together.
"Haley, are you okay?" Robbie was staring at her. She could feel his breath on her shoulder.
"Huh? Yeah, I'm fine." She didn't move. She couldn't even look at him right now. Not after the fight and everything.
"Haley," Robbie scooched closer to her and put his arm around what seemed to be her waist, the dress made her blend into one very made up 'Barbie Goes to Prom!' doll, the only defenitions being her feet and head. "I'm ruining your Homecoming, aren't I? I am. I know I am. I am the worst boyfriend in the world. I hate myself. You probably hate me. You have to. All I do is shove all my problems off on you. This has to be the worst Homecoming ever for you. Is it? It is! I don't even have to ask. God I am so effing stupid. How could I do this to you?" Robbie rambled on as she stared out on the dance floor. Ethan was looking for Emily, a slow song had just started, how perfect. Emily had walked out just a few minutes ago with Liza and Stephanie. Haley shook her head. "What? This really is all my fault! Oh God Haley, I ruined everything! I.." Tears formed in Robbie's eyes. "I'm the worst boyfriend in the world! How could you care about me? How come you don't just go find a better boyfriend? Don't you hate me? I..."
"ROBBIE! Stop!" Robbie jumped back in a mix of fear and shock. She'd turn to face him now and her eyes were wild. "You didn't do anything! Just drop it. Look, I promised Ethan a dance, I'm going to go find him." Haley stood up and walked off into the crowd. She knew she was lying, but she wanted to dance with Ethan, and she would, even if it killed her. She looked around the sea of people hoping for Ethan, Bri, Matt, Angie, somebody to stand with. She couldn't stay with Robbie anymore. She didn't even want to be with him, and she would if she'd had her way. But things never come out as planned, do they? The night before she'd broken up with him, then found out, there were 4 girls that would kill her if she didn't get back together with him. So now here she was. Crazy about a guy she doubt even knew she existed anymore, dating a guy she hated, and having a Hell of a Homecoming.
"Hales! Hi!" Haleys eyes turned toward Bri's voice and seeing Bri's faded blue dress, she plastered on the fakest smile in the world.
"HI!" Bri smiled back, moving toward Haley, and behind her, here came Matt. Attached at the hip. Or as Aaron put it, husband and wife.
"Hey! Whats up? Where's Robbie? How's your night? Mine freaking rocks! Yeah, the bubble is here! Haha, then again so was the witch! Hahaha, have you seen the bubble? He's drooling over the witch." Suddenly the plastered smile craked and started to fall. "It's disgusting. I think I'm gonna gag! I can't stand them! Haha, so hows your night? Did I ask you that?" Haleys head dropped and she shook her head.
"Don't worry about it. Have fun with Matt." Bri frowned.
"Hey Matt, go talk to Robbie or something." She shooed him away and looked back at Haley. "Alright, don't lie to me. I know somethings wrong, did Robbie break up with you? Ooh I'll kill him!"
"Bri, it's not Robbie. It's...Bubble...Ethan."
"What? Whoa. I was so not expecting that! What happened?"
"Um, well, Bri, I don't know how to tell you this Bri."
"Oh come on Haley, you know I'm not gonna get mad unless he hurt you. Then he's dead."
"Bri, I still love him."
"Whoa what? Could you say that again, I think I heard you wrong."
"Ethan, I love him." Bri shook her head and looked over toward where he was standing looking for Emily.
"You're kidding right? You don't still...like..."
"Love."
"...Love the bubble. Do you? I mean come on Hales. He's just a bubble boy."
"I can't help it. Tonight he walked in and my heart just lept up into my throat." Bri smiled.
"There's just something about that little weirdo isn't there?" Haley smiled a real smile for the first time all night.
"Yeah..."
"Alright, what else is wrong? I know he's flirting with Emily but..."
"I asked him to dance and he just walked away. Then I spilled everything to Daniel."
"Daniel!? Dude, you really have lost your mind. Why'd he walk away?"
"I don't know. It's just one dance, maybe he's ashamed to be seen with his ex-girlfriend. Oh well."
"No not oh well. He's gonna dance with you!"
"Bri! No!" It was too late, Bri had already stormed off after Ethan. Haley turned on her heels to walk, or run if she could, as far away as possible before Bri got to Ethan. Things were already bad, what was going to happen when Bri threw a fit?
Bri's hand reached up and tapped Ethan on the shoulder but he didn't seem to notice or didn't really care.
"Hey, Ethan." He froze at the sound of her voice.
"What do you want?"
"Dance with Haley."
"Why? I don't really like dancing."
"Ethan...please? Just one dance. That's all." Ethan let out a long sigh.
"Alright, tell her to find me during the next slow song, okay?" Bri sqealed with excitement and took off to find Haley.
"Haley!!!!! HALEY BEAR!" Haley turned around to see Bri running at her. "Haley! He...he said..." She was bouncing up and down and couldn't catch her breath. "He...said...yes!"
"EEEEEEEEEK!!" Haley grabbed Bri's hands and they both jumped up and down like two mad-women. After they had both caught their breath they collapsed onto the bleachers. "So tell me about it..." Haley managed to get in between deep breaths.
"He...said that the next song, slow song, to come find him." Haley squeaked just as Matt sat down next to them. He wrapped his arms around Bris waist.
"Sorry Haley, I missed my baby!" He burried his face in her neck and Haley thought she was going to puke. They made her want to gag herself. She looked up and her eyes met with Ethans. Had he been looking at her? She hoped not. She snapped back to reality and glanced back to the floor, waiting for a slow song, when the bass stopped. In the midst of all the rap music and high bass came the soft twang of a country guitar. Next to her Bri pulled on Matt's hand dragging him out to the dance floor agian. Haley stood up slow but sure and brushed out her dress. She made her way over to where Bri and Matt were dancing and slowly let her eyes drift up. Ethan stood in front of her. A mix of emotion over took her. She didn't know whether to jump for joy or cry cause this was all she would have with him. She moved in closer to him and placed her arms around his neck as his fell softly on her waist. She looked up into his eyes and forced a smile over her teary eyes.
"So...yeah, what happened to Emily?" She immediatly regreted asking. She didn't want to know.
"She left before I could ask her to dance. Where's Robbie?"
"Oh. He's over somewhere. We kinda had a freak out."
"What do you mean? Wait, don't tell me I don't want involved...So why'd you want to dance with me so bad?"
"Long story."
"We have five minutes, tell me."
"I don't think I should."
"You can't do that. Now I really want to know."
"Kiss me and I'll tell you." Ethan almost jumped back.
"No!" His voice quieted. "Not here."
"But..."
"Just tell me please?"
"I broke up with Ryan yesterday to ask you."
"Wha? But I don't understand. You came here with him didn't you? I mean...What...I..." He stammered. "You broke up with him...for me?"
"Yeah, and I had this wholel thing planned out that I could somehow get back to you. The only thing I didn't count on was the fact that 'Duh Haley, why would he still like you when there's Emily?'."
"I don't like Emily. But finish what you were saying."
"I'm crazy about you. It's just that simple, I don't know what else to say to you anymore. Other than if Daniel says something, don't listen."
"Why? I mean, nevermind. Daniel alreay told me that we were hopeless...I get it now." Haleys eyes cast downward, she had really screwed up this time. After a coulpe of akward chords Ethans voice interupted her thoughts.
"SO...Is it just me or is this song really long?" Haley let out a long sigh.
"It's because of me. I made it akward. This time last year we were together and now you've moved on. I'm sorry. You don't have to finish the dance." Haley held on hoping that he wouldn't leave, the song was almost over anyway. The last soft twang echoed through the gym to be drowned out by a heavy rap bass line as Ethan and Haley pulled away. She smiled a fake weak smile.
"Thanks..." He smiled back but it was no consilation for her. She turned on her heels and head up the stairs in a rush. Bri watched as she ran for the high landing surounding the gym floor.
"Matt, I'll be back." Bri took off up the stairs as Ethan turned to see her going up. He looked around before he saw Haley heading for the far end of the gym. Haley shoved open the door to the girls bathroom and ran inside. She fell up against a the nearest wall and let out a soft sob.
"Alright, what'd the little freak do this time?"
"I," She sobbed. "I spilled my heart ot him and all I got was, 'Is it just me or is this sond really long?"
"Ack, stupid little bubble. I give him something so simple I could do it and what does he do? Screws it up. I'm going to kill him!" Haleys tears stopped.
"What?"
"He's going to die!"
"Bri! Bri no! It's okay really you odn't have to worry about it. I have it all under con..." Bri was already gone. She hadn't heard a word that Haley had said. She pulled herself together and stepped back out into the gym. Haley glanced around the gym searching for a face she knew. Her eyes landed on Ethan then searched around him. A blue blob that looked a lot like Bri, and a bluish khaki blob that looked like Matt surrounded him. Uh-oh. Haley took a deep breath and no more than her heel left the ground she felt arms around her waist.
"Haley! I've been looking everywhere for you! You have to dance with me! They've played like 20 slow songs and I couldn't find you anywhere! You have to dance with me. Is that Bri and Matt? Let's go talk to them. Come on." She looked down at his arm wrapped around her waist and realized this whole time all she had been thinking was 'You're not him, don't touch me.' Robbie pulled on Haley's hand, pulling her toward where Bri, Matt, Ethan and possibly her death sat. If Robbie found out one word of this, she was going to die.
Haley took a seat next to Bri on the top row of the bleachers, Matt sat next to her, and Ethan and Robbie sat backwards on the next row down. Haley looked over at Bri and faked a smile; she and Matt were so cute. Shame I'll never have that, she thought. They sat there for a few moments listening to the heavy rap beat, some glancing at each other, avoiding the stares that others gave.
"So..." Bri's voice was giggly, almost fake.
"Haley, can I talk to you?" Ethan stood up and Haley's eyes drifted up to meet his.
"Um...Yeah I guess so…” Ethan offered her his hand and she stood up. She picked up her dress and they walked over to the corner of the bowl where no one could hear them.
“I didn’t mean for you to take it that way…I wanted to dance with you. It’s just…”
“I know, I didn’t take it like that. Bri just took it all wrong and came over and exploded on you. I’m sorry about that.”
“Oh, it’s alright. She’s kind of like that anyway. So I think we have a lot to talk about. What did you mean by what you said?”
“That, that I’m crazy about you.” She turned to walk away and he reached out for her.
“Well what about Ryan?”
“It doesn’t matter. He’s not you.” She turned and walked back over to the group who had now stood up and were in a small and shrinking crowd. As she reached them Bri stretched out her arms and wrapped them around Haley.
“You okay, Hale-bear?”
“Yeah, ducky.” She whispered in Bri’s ear as she pulled away from the hug. Ethan rejoined the circle and Robbie leaned over to him.
“What’d you want her for? She’s mine.”
“I know, that’s why I wanted to make sure it was okay that I danced with her.” He looked over at Bri and Haley and shook his head. He couldn’t understand any of this surprise. The song came to an end and the beginning of ‘Yeah’ echoed throughout the bowl. The girls squealed at each other and ran over to where they could dance. Haley’s giggles grew louder and louder the longer they danced and eventually Bri joined her when she caught the look on Matt’s face after she and Haley had been doing the bump and grind. Matt reached over and latched on to Bri’s arm pulling her away from Haley. Haley let out a soft sigh and backed into the circle with Ethan and Robbie on her right, Angie and Caleb on the right. Ethan stepped back letting her into the circle. She dropped her hands at her sides and looked around. Softly a hand brushed hers before trying to join with her fingers. She jerked away not wanting to hold hands with Robbie right now and looked down to see Ethan pulling away slowly. She blushed and reached back for him but it was too late.
“…That that’s right all my cat’s, this is the last song of the evening so all you guys better get your girl out here on the floor or…Well we don’t want to think about that.” A few scattered laughs came out as the last song; country of course; drowned it out. Robbie grabbed hold of Haley and pulled her down the stairs. Matt, Bri, Ethan, and Angie followed. Somehow she’d convinced Ethan to dance with Angie, even if she would rather be dancing with him.
Haley glanced over at Ethan more than a few times while she was with Robbie. He didn’t seem to notice much, he seems pretty preoccupied with what seemed be her chest. She couldn’t look at him, she was afraid she’d laugh. She had once to see him, staring downward, glasses sliding off, mouth half open, heck, he was practically drooling. She rolled her eyes and glanced back over at Ethan. Angie was staring at Caleb, and Ethan’s eyes had locked with Haley’s. She smiled at him and he looked away.
“dang..” She couldn’t quit thinking about him. “Why do I feel this way again? This isn’t supposed to happen, he’s in love with Emily, don’t you get it!?”
“Cause it all in my head…” Haley snapped out of her trance and back to Robbie. She gently pushed him away and the group surrounded them.
“So, that’s it?” Matt looked puzzled.
“Yeah, pretty much.” Ethan shook his head and the girls giggled.
“Well, I’m leaving.” Haley pulled her keys out. “Everybody got a way home?” They all nodded except Angie. “Com’ on Ange.” The group headed up the stairs together leaving Bri and Matt together. Haley headed for her car; hopping Robbie would get the point. She figured out he wouldn’t when she turned around for Angie and there he was. Ethan had headed off to his parents new Mercedes-Benz, Angie was getting her stuff from Nick and now there was no one to save her from him.
“…Can I have a hug?” Haley shook her head and he stepped forward wrapping his arms around her as tight as he could. “I love you Haley.” She let out a soft sigh and pulled away.
“Robbie…” At that he pushed himself toward her for a kiss. When she caught what was about to happen, she ducked. He stepped back, dumbfounded, wondering what he’d done wrong.
“You ready Halesey?” Angie popped out from behind Nick’s car with her purse and jacket in hand. Saved by Angie.
“I’ve got to go. I’ll see you later okay?” She slipped inside her car and watched him walk away.
"Thanks Ange. You saved me."
"Saved you?"
"He was going to kiss me."
"And that's bad?"
"Yeah, you see, well I won't bother you with that. But I...well I'm in love with someone else..."
"Whoa, who didn't see that one coming? You've kinda made it obvious."
"Really? dang...I didn't want to make it obvious. I just, I guess I can't help it."
"Ethan right?" Haley smiled a little and turned up the music, shaking her head.
"...And my heart did time in Siberia, just waiting for the lie to come true, cause it's all so dark and mysterious, when the one you want doesn't want you too..." She turned and looked at Angie who was fighting back tears. Haley immediatly turned down the music. The car went to almost dead silence.
"You realize how many people are getting laid tonight?" Haley looked over at her with a sort of horror then they both burst into a fit of uncontrolable laughter.
"God Angie, leave it to you!" As their laughter died down, the car became silent again.
"So...What happened to you? I mean, why Ethan? Isn't he a little...off?" Haley let out a soft giggle and paused. Maybe he was, but she didn't really care. She shook her head.
"Hey Haley, you look nice. Why aren't you dancing?"
"Cause it's not a slow song." She half smiled at him. "And besides, I don't have anyone to dance with. Robbie doesn't dance," She let out a soft growl. "and Ethan, well I asked him to dance and he just kind of shrugged me off. I think he's to busy with Emily."
"Oh...er..." Daniel didn't know what to say so as not to make her any madder.
"You know what. I've been meaning to tell you something." Daniel focused back in on her. "You were right all along. Yeah, you were right, I'm really saying it." A puzzled look overtook Daniels face.
"I don't think I understand. Wha.."
"I'm crazy about him. I always have been. I probally always will be!" Daniel smiled and shook his head.
"You two...You're hopeless. I told you you'd end up together."
"Yeah, but I'm not making any bets on the togetherness. He seems to be pretty wrapped Emilys perfectly manicured little finger." Daniel sigh.
"I don't know about him. Maybe you just need to tell him. Get him alone and tell him how much you...love carrot cake!"
"Huh? You lost me now Daniel. I mean I knew you were a genius but..."
"Hi Haley!" Haley jump up off the bleachers and squeaked. Robbie reached over and tried to put his arm around her and she pulled away.
"Thanks Daniel. Don't tell him what I said, okay?"
"Right. Have fun." Daniel walked off and Haley sat down on the bleachers again. It was official, Homecoming sucked. She pulled out her digital camera and scrolled through the picture before taking one of the Lisa Bently and Eric Turner, the queen and king, dancing together.
"Haley, are you okay?" Robbie was staring at her. She could feel his breath on her shoulder.
"Huh? Yeah, I'm fine." She didn't move. She couldn't even look at him right now. Not after the fight and everything.
"Haley," Robbie scooched closer to her and put his arm around what seemed to be her waist, the dress made her blend into one very made up 'Barbie Goes to Prom!' doll, the only defenitions being her feet and head. "I'm ruining your Homecoming, aren't I? I am. I know I am. I am the worst boyfriend in the world. I hate myself. You probably hate me. You have to. All I do is shove all my problems off on you. This has to be the worst Homecoming ever for you. Is it? It is! I don't even have to ask. God I am so effing stupid. How could I do this to you?" Robbie rambled on as she stared out on the dance floor. Ethan was looking for Emily, a slow song had just started, how perfect. Emily had walked out just a few minutes ago with Liza and Stephanie. Haley shook her head. "What? This really is all my fault! Oh God Haley, I ruined everything! I.." Tears formed in Robbie's eyes. "I'm the worst boyfriend in the world! How could you care about me? How come you don't just go find a better boyfriend? Don't you hate me? I..."
"ROBBIE! Stop!" Robbie jumped back in a mix of fear and shock. She'd turn to face him now and her eyes were wild. "You didn't do anything! Just drop it. Look, I promised Ethan a dance, I'm going to go find him." Haley stood up and walked off into the crowd. She knew she was lying, but she wanted to dance with Ethan, and she would, even if it killed her. She looked around the sea of people hoping for Ethan, Bri, Matt, Angie, somebody to stand with. She couldn't stay with Robbie anymore. She didn't even want to be with him, and she would if she'd had her way. But things never come out as planned, do they? The night before she'd broken up with him, then found out, there were 4 girls that would kill her if she didn't get back together with him. So now here she was. Crazy about a guy she doubt even knew she existed anymore, dating a guy she hated, and having a Hell of a Homecoming.
"Hales! Hi!" Haleys eyes turned toward Bri's voice and seeing Bri's faded blue dress, she plastered on the fakest smile in the world.
"HI!" Bri smiled back, moving toward Haley, and behind her, here came Matt. Attached at the hip. Or as Aaron put it, husband and wife.
"Hey! Whats up? Where's Robbie? How's your night? Mine freaking rocks! Yeah, the bubble is here! Haha, then again so was the witch! Hahaha, have you seen the bubble? He's drooling over the witch." Suddenly the plastered smile craked and started to fall. "It's disgusting. I think I'm gonna gag! I can't stand them! Haha, so hows your night? Did I ask you that?" Haleys head dropped and she shook her head.
"Don't worry about it. Have fun with Matt." Bri frowned.
"Hey Matt, go talk to Robbie or something." She shooed him away and looked back at Haley. "Alright, don't lie to me. I know somethings wrong, did Robbie break up with you? Ooh I'll kill him!"
"Bri, it's not Robbie. It's...Bubble...Ethan."
"What? Whoa. I was so not expecting that! What happened?"
"Um, well, Bri, I don't know how to tell you this Bri."
"Oh come on Haley, you know I'm not gonna get mad unless he hurt you. Then he's dead."
"Bri, I still love him."
"Whoa what? Could you say that again, I think I heard you wrong."
"Ethan, I love him." Bri shook her head and looked over toward where he was standing looking for Emily.
"You're kidding right? You don't still...like..."
"Love."
"...Love the bubble. Do you? I mean come on Hales. He's just a bubble boy."
"I can't help it. Tonight he walked in and my heart just lept up into my throat." Bri smiled.
"There's just something about that little weirdo isn't there?" Haley smiled a real smile for the first time all night.
"Yeah..."
"Alright, what else is wrong? I know he's flirting with Emily but..."
"I asked him to dance and he just walked away. Then I spilled everything to Daniel."
"Daniel!? Dude, you really have lost your mind. Why'd he walk away?"
"I don't know. It's just one dance, maybe he's ashamed to be seen with his ex-girlfriend. Oh well."
"No not oh well. He's gonna dance with you!"
"Bri! No!" It was too late, Bri had already stormed off after Ethan. Haley turned on her heels to walk, or run if she could, as far away as possible before Bri got to Ethan. Things were already bad, what was going to happen when Bri threw a fit?
Bri's hand reached up and tapped Ethan on the shoulder but he didn't seem to notice or didn't really care.
"Hey, Ethan." He froze at the sound of her voice.
"What do you want?"
"Dance with Haley."
"Why? I don't really like dancing."
"Ethan...please? Just one dance. That's all." Ethan let out a long sigh.
"Alright, tell her to find me during the next slow song, okay?" Bri sqealed with excitement and took off to find Haley.
"Haley!!!!! HALEY BEAR!" Haley turned around to see Bri running at her. "Haley! He...he said..." She was bouncing up and down and couldn't catch her breath. "He...said...yes!"
"EEEEEEEEEK!!" Haley grabbed Bri's hands and they both jumped up and down like two mad-women. After they had both caught their breath they collapsed onto the bleachers. "So tell me about it..." Haley managed to get in between deep breaths.
"He...said that the next song, slow song, to come find him." Haley squeaked just as Matt sat down next to them. He wrapped his arms around Bris waist.
"Sorry Haley, I missed my baby!" He burried his face in her neck and Haley thought she was going to puke. They made her want to gag herself. She looked up and her eyes met with Ethans. Had he been looking at her? She hoped not. She snapped back to reality and glanced back to the floor, waiting for a slow song, when the bass stopped. In the midst of all the rap music and high bass came the soft twang of a country guitar. Next to her Bri pulled on Matt's hand dragging him out to the dance floor agian. Haley stood up slow but sure and brushed out her dress. She made her way over to where Bri and Matt were dancing and slowly let her eyes drift up. Ethan stood in front of her. A mix of emotion over took her. She didn't know whether to jump for joy or cry cause this was all she would have with him. She moved in closer to him and placed her arms around his neck as his fell softly on her waist. She looked up into his eyes and forced a smile over her teary eyes.
"So...yeah, what happened to Emily?" She immediatly regreted asking. She didn't want to know.
"She left before I could ask her to dance. Where's Robbie?"
"Oh. He's over somewhere. We kinda had a freak out."
"What do you mean? Wait, don't tell me I don't want involved...So why'd you want to dance with me so bad?"
"Long story."
"We have five minutes, tell me."
"I don't think I should."
"You can't do that. Now I really want to know."
"Kiss me and I'll tell you." Ethan almost jumped back.
"No!" His voice quieted. "Not here."
"But..."
"Just tell me please?"
"I broke up with Ryan yesterday to ask you."
"Wha? But I don't understand. You came here with him didn't you? I mean...What...I..." He stammered. "You broke up with him...for me?"
"Yeah, and I had this wholel thing planned out that I could somehow get back to you. The only thing I didn't count on was the fact that 'Duh Haley, why would he still like you when there's Emily?'."
"I don't like Emily. But finish what you were saying."
"I'm crazy about you. It's just that simple, I don't know what else to say to you anymore. Other than if Daniel says something, don't listen."
"Why? I mean, nevermind. Daniel alreay told me that we were hopeless...I get it now." Haleys eyes cast downward, she had really screwed up this time. After a coulpe of akward chords Ethans voice interupted her thoughts.
"SO...Is it just me or is this song really long?" Haley let out a long sigh.
"It's because of me. I made it akward. This time last year we were together and now you've moved on. I'm sorry. You don't have to finish the dance." Haley held on hoping that he wouldn't leave, the song was almost over anyway. The last soft twang echoed through the gym to be drowned out by a heavy rap bass line as Ethan and Haley pulled away. She smiled a fake weak smile.
"Thanks..." He smiled back but it was no consilation for her. She turned on her heels and head up the stairs in a rush. Bri watched as she ran for the high landing surounding the gym floor.
"Matt, I'll be back." Bri took off up the stairs as Ethan turned to see her going up. He looked around before he saw Haley heading for the far end of the gym. Haley shoved open the door to the girls bathroom and ran inside. She fell up against a the nearest wall and let out a soft sob.
"Alright, what'd the little freak do this time?"
"I," She sobbed. "I spilled my heart ot him and all I got was, 'Is it just me or is this sond really long?"
"Ack, stupid little bubble. I give him something so simple I could do it and what does he do? Screws it up. I'm going to kill him!" Haleys tears stopped.
"What?"
"He's going to die!"
"Bri! Bri no! It's okay really you odn't have to worry about it. I have it all under con..." Bri was already gone. She hadn't heard a word that Haley had said. She pulled herself together and stepped back out into the gym. Haley glanced around the gym searching for a face she knew. Her eyes landed on Ethan then searched around him. A blue blob that looked a lot like Bri, and a bluish khaki blob that looked like Matt surrounded him. Uh-oh. Haley took a deep breath and no more than her heel left the ground she felt arms around her waist.
"Haley! I've been looking everywhere for you! You have to dance with me! They've played like 20 slow songs and I couldn't find you anywhere! You have to dance with me. Is that Bri and Matt? Let's go talk to them. Come on." She looked down at his arm wrapped around her waist and realized this whole time all she had been thinking was 'You're not him, don't touch me.' Robbie pulled on Haley's hand, pulling her toward where Bri, Matt, Ethan and possibly her death sat. If Robbie found out one word of this, she was going to die.
Haley took a seat next to Bri on the top row of the bleachers, Matt sat next to her, and Ethan and Robbie sat backwards on the next row down. Haley looked over at Bri and faked a smile; she and Matt were so cute. Shame I'll never have that, she thought. They sat there for a few moments listening to the heavy rap beat, some glancing at each other, avoiding the stares that others gave.
"So..." Bri's voice was giggly, almost fake.
"Haley, can I talk to you?" Ethan stood up and Haley's eyes drifted up to meet his.
"Um...Yeah I guess so…” Ethan offered her his hand and she stood up. She picked up her dress and they walked over to the corner of the bowl where no one could hear them.
“I didn’t mean for you to take it that way…I wanted to dance with you. It’s just…”
“I know, I didn’t take it like that. Bri just took it all wrong and came over and exploded on you. I’m sorry about that.”
“Oh, it’s alright. She’s kind of like that anyway. So I think we have a lot to talk about. What did you mean by what you said?”
“That, that I’m crazy about you.” She turned to walk away and he reached out for her.
“Well what about Ryan?”
“It doesn’t matter. He’s not you.” She turned and walked back over to the group who had now stood up and were in a small and shrinking crowd. As she reached them Bri stretched out her arms and wrapped them around Haley.
“You okay, Hale-bear?”
“Yeah, ducky.” She whispered in Bri’s ear as she pulled away from the hug. Ethan rejoined the circle and Robbie leaned over to him.
“What’d you want her for? She’s mine.”
“I know, that’s why I wanted to make sure it was okay that I danced with her.” He looked over at Bri and Haley and shook his head. He couldn’t understand any of this surprise. The song came to an end and the beginning of ‘Yeah’ echoed throughout the bowl. The girls squealed at each other and ran over to where they could dance. Haley’s giggles grew louder and louder the longer they danced and eventually Bri joined her when she caught the look on Matt’s face after she and Haley had been doing the bump and grind. Matt reached over and latched on to Bri’s arm pulling her away from Haley. Haley let out a soft sigh and backed into the circle with Ethan and Robbie on her right, Angie and Caleb on the right. Ethan stepped back letting her into the circle. She dropped her hands at her sides and looked around. Softly a hand brushed hers before trying to join with her fingers. She jerked away not wanting to hold hands with Robbie right now and looked down to see Ethan pulling away slowly. She blushed and reached back for him but it was too late.
“…That that’s right all my cat’s, this is the last song of the evening so all you guys better get your girl out here on the floor or…Well we don’t want to think about that.” A few scattered laughs came out as the last song; country of course; drowned it out. Robbie grabbed hold of Haley and pulled her down the stairs. Matt, Bri, Ethan, and Angie followed. Somehow she’d convinced Ethan to dance with Angie, even if she would rather be dancing with him.
Haley glanced over at Ethan more than a few times while she was with Robbie. He didn’t seem to notice much, he seems pretty preoccupied with what seemed be her chest. She couldn’t look at him, she was afraid she’d laugh. She had once to see him, staring downward, glasses sliding off, mouth half open, heck, he was practically drooling. She rolled her eyes and glanced back over at Ethan. Angie was staring at Caleb, and Ethan’s eyes had locked with Haley’s. She smiled at him and he looked away.
“dang..” She couldn’t quit thinking about him. “Why do I feel this way again? This isn’t supposed to happen, he’s in love with Emily, don’t you get it!?”
“Cause it all in my head…” Haley snapped out of her trance and back to Robbie. She gently pushed him away and the group surrounded them.
“So, that’s it?” Matt looked puzzled.
“Yeah, pretty much.” Ethan shook his head and the girls giggled.
“Well, I’m leaving.” Haley pulled her keys out. “Everybody got a way home?” They all nodded except Angie. “Com’ on Ange.” The group headed up the stairs together leaving Bri and Matt together. Haley headed for her car; hopping Robbie would get the point. She figured out he wouldn’t when she turned around for Angie and there he was. Ethan had headed off to his parents new Mercedes-Benz, Angie was getting her stuff from Nick and now there was no one to save her from him.
“…Can I have a hug?” Haley shook her head and he stepped forward wrapping his arms around her as tight as he could. “I love you Haley.” She let out a soft sigh and pulled away.
“Robbie…” At that he pushed himself toward her for a kiss. When she caught what was about to happen, she ducked. He stepped back, dumbfounded, wondering what he’d done wrong.
“You ready Halesey?” Angie popped out from behind Nick’s car with her purse and jacket in hand. Saved by Angie.
“I’ve got to go. I’ll see you later okay?” She slipped inside her car and watched him walk away.
"Thanks Ange. You saved me."
"Saved you?"
"He was going to kiss me."
"And that's bad?"
"Yeah, you see, well I won't bother you with that. But I...well I'm in love with someone else..."
"Whoa, who didn't see that one coming? You've kinda made it obvious."
"Really? dang...I didn't want to make it obvious. I just, I guess I can't help it."
"Ethan right?" Haley smiled a little and turned up the music, shaking her head.
"...And my heart did time in Siberia, just waiting for the lie to come true, cause it's all so dark and mysterious, when the one you want doesn't want you too..." She turned and looked at Angie who was fighting back tears. Haley immediatly turned down the music. The car went to almost dead silence.
"You realize how many people are getting laid tonight?" Haley looked over at her with a sort of horror then they both burst into a fit of uncontrolable laughter.
"God Angie, leave it to you!" As their laughter died down, the car became silent again.
"So...What happened to you? I mean, why Ethan? Isn't he a little...off?" Haley let out a soft giggle and paused. Maybe he was, but she didn't really care. She shook her head.