Page 30 of Charger

“This song makes me think of Smallville with Clark and Lana. They’re at their senior prom dancing to this song.” I’m giddy just thinking about it. “I watched every season in like two weeks.”

“I know. That’s why I had the DJ play it.”

“Seriously, you did that?”

“Of course, anything to see you smile.”

And I do smile. He makes me smile every day. Leaning forward, I rest my cheek on his chest. He tightens his hold around me, setting his chin on the top of my head. We stay like that as we sway back and forth to the music. “I never want to let you go, Jules. Never.”

“Then don’t,” I answer, my cheek still lying on his chest, his heartbeat no longer steady.

Being in Zach’s arms, dancing to my favorite slow song, is like nothing I have ever felt before. My best friend, the boy next door, the boy who I’ll always love. Because I think he just stole my heart forever. Maybe it sounds stupid because I am so young, but I can’t deny what I feel for him.

After the song is over, our principal comes up on stage and says a few words. It’s time for him to announce the winner for this year’s prom king and queen.

A queasy feeling hits me. There’s no denying who will win.

Great.

“Okay, so today’s winner for prom queen is…” Principal Kramer announces Samantha as the winner, and he claps while holding the mic. The gymnasium vibrates with cheers and whistles. A student wraps the banner around her before crowning her with the plastic tiara. Nausea with an unwelcome feeling of jealousy sits in the pit of my stomach. If Zach wins, he’ll have to dance with her.

“And the winner for prom king is…” Once again, our principal opens the envelope like it’s a freakin’ award show. Please don’t say Zach… Please don’t say Zach. “Zachary Scott.” Claps immediately sound, followed by more whistles.

“Fuck.” I hear Zach say next to me. “Jules—”

“Go. I know…” My half smile is so fake. “Congratulations.” I pat his shoulder, letting him know it’s fine, even though it’s clearly not fine. Secretly, I’m dying inside.

He kisses me deeply before walking on stage to accept his equally cheap-ass crown. Another slow song starts playing and everyone makes a circle. Sam has this evil smile on her face as she wraps her arms around Zach’s neck.

“Hey, Zach is crazy for you. Don’t let this bother you.” Lisa hooks her arm into mine.

I don’t want it to bother me, but how could it not? Sam is rubbing her fake-ass boobs all over my boyfriend. She runs her fingers through his hair then kisses his cheek. No, she did not just do that. The music stops. Thank God. A sense of relief washes over me. That is, until Sam plants a kiss right on Zach’s mouth. I want to puke. My body panics, my senses shooting into overdrive. I am about to lose my shit. Jealousy is a vicious devil, one that’s overtaking me right now. Zach isn’t pushing her away. Why isn’t he pushing her away?

“I can’t watch.” I break through the hoard of students encompassing Zach and Sam, just as Garrett calls out my name. “Don’t follow me!” I yell back to him.

Without turning around, I push open the gym doors to an empty hallway. I lean against the lockers, trying to collect myself. My chest physically hurts; it feels like I’m suffocating. I’m trying my hardest not to cry. But the pain in my chest is screaming.

“Hey, you okay?” Tommy stands there, waiting for me to answer. He must have followed me.

“I’m fine.” I hug my midsection and clench my fists to try to hold back the tears that want to pour out. He steps closer and touches my arm. I’m too numb from the pain right now to even care that he’s touching me.

A small group of students barge through the gymnasium doors. “Hey, you guys want a ride to the after party?” One of the girls yells over to us.

I don’t want to ride in the same car as Tommy, but I don’t want to stay here either. Pushing off the wall, I follow them out of the school. I hope I don’t regret this, especially with the way Tommy is grinning at me.

Zach

“What the fuck are you doing!?” I push Sam off me.

“Oh, what, like you don’t miss this?”

“No, I fucking don’t. I’m with Jules. It’s over between us, Sam. It’s been over.”

Fuck. Jules. I whip my head around to the group. I don’t see her. Fuck.

I leave Sam to self-wallow. “Where’s she at?”

“She just wanted some space. She’s in the hallway.” Lisa looks pissed. But I don’t give a fuck. My main concern is Jules right now.

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