Page 128 of Just a Little White Lie

Peace. It found me in the shadows. The second I made the decision to take my dad’s advice, it settled right over me, and now I can’t get to sleep fast enough.

All I can think about is surprising Lauren at Dance-Mania. I’ve got some making up to do, and I can’t wait.

Missing her is like living with a hole in my chest.

I need to kiss her lips, hold her against me, and finally tell her that I’m in love.

LAUREN

Jack didn’t call me back, and I lay awake for a long time, willing my eyes to stay open. They didn’t obey, and I drifted into oblivion only to be jolted awake by my alarm at 6:00 a.m. I felt like a zombie as I showered and dressed.

Nerves scuttle through me, making my hands shake as I try to apply my makeup.

I get there eventually but feel as though I’ve done a terrible job.

Slipping my Haven Misfits hoodie over my T-shirt, I check my reflection and nod, smiling at the graffiti writing on the back and the Anthony Rapp quote beneath it:Fearlessly be yourself.

It’s so fitting for this crew. I love that they’re owning this dance thing, starting to own themselves. I don’t want them to be anything but them because they’re freaking awesome. And one day, the rest of Haven Academy will see that.

I should be bursting with excitement right now, but I have to admit… it’s hard to get totally pumped without Jack here. The original plan was for him to join me. He even got the day off work.

But then I told him not to come… and he took me at my word.

“Dammit.” I tut in frustration and grab a coffee-to-go on my way to Haven Academy.

The school van I arranged is waiting for us, and I speak to the driver before going to find the crew. They’re huddled in the dance studio, obviously nervous about the day ahead.

Forcing a bright smile, I beckon them to the door. “Come on, you guys. Let’s go dance our asses off.”

Trixi bursts out laughing, “Footloose! I love that movie.”

The guys don’t know what she’s talking about, but Alexia is fighting a smile, and I wink at her.

We walk out to the van, piling in with excited chatter. Bianca and April are there to wave us off, and we head for the arena in Hamilton.

It’s only a short trip, and in an attempt to calm my nerves, I check my phone yet again.

Jack still hasn’t called, and I’ll hardly be able to chat to him with all these kids around me, so I send him a text instead.

I’m not sure why you’re not calling me back. I hope it’s a dead phone battery or a no reception thing, but…

I’m sorry. I haven’t done this all on my own, and I’m grateful for all the help you’ve given me. I want you to know that I didn’t lie about Maverick. I may have told the principal where to stick it, but I didn’t lie. She knows the truth of what went down, and she’s allowing Mav to compete today. I had to fight for that outcome, and I know you don’t love that idea, but it feels right to me. I have to keep fighting for this kid no matter what you think… because he needs someone to stand up for him. That someone’s me. Hope you can deal with that, because…

I hold my breath, nerves scurrying through me as my shaking thumbs type the 100 percent truth.

I love you, and I kinda wouldn’t mind having you as a permanent fixture in my life.

I bite down so hard on my lip it actually hurts, but then I close my eyes and press Send before I can change my mind.

Jack needs the truth from me, and that was it.

Thewhooshtells me I can’t take it back.

Well, I mean, I could delete the message, but I quickly turn off my phone before I’m tempted to do that.

Pulling in a breath, I hold it and don’t let the air ease between my lips until we’re gliding off the expressway and heading into the heart of Hamilton.

The arena is in Claudelands, and it will be a hive of activity. About twenty schools in the Waikato are competing today. It’s a big event, and the place will be buzzing.

---