This one is really short so I apologize ahead of time for the length. Also, this one I kind of struggled with writing so if any of you have some suggestions for maybe expanding it, let me know

Happy Reading

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PART FOUR—Past

Lana knew that the “friendship” pact her and Charlie had established wouldn’t last. She had stopped lying to herself months ago that she wasn’t attracted to Charlie. Because, in fact, she was. Undeniably attractive to him. Every time she left Ridley’s Private High and saw Charlie cruising by on his sleek motorcycle, leaving the parking lot of St. Joseph’s only a block away, she felt her heart patter, and her stomach free-fall. Also, if that wasn’t all, she couldn’t help but stare as he passed, his blue blazer rippling in the wind as he zoomed past.

Sometimes she wondered in class if he noticed her too. Or if he was serious about the “friendship” pact they had made. Hadn’t he said that he wanted to be more than friends? This thought was enough to send her head spinning with all the possibilities.

Eventually, she pushed Charlie Boon from her mind. It was no use to her daydreaming about him when he obviously forgot she existed. She caught him a couple times hanging with Tiffany Snider, but it only increased her need to be near him, to hear his voice, to feel his touch. And that was enough for her to know that she was in over her head and it was time for her to be reasonable.

That’s why when the annual Ridley--St. Joseph dance came along, she made sure she had a date. At first, she had considered not going but that just made her out to be a chicken. So, instead, she made sure that one boy asked her out before the date came about.

And that boy just happened to be Harry Simon.

Coincidence?

Maybe…

*******

The night of the dance, Lana made sure she looked exceptionally nice. It was the one night that the dress code was shot right out the door. She had picked the outfit she was wearing especially for tonight. It was a sunshine yellow, knee-length dress with a V-style neckline and a low-scooping back. Her mother had helped her with the accessories—gold two-inch stilettos, canary-colored earrings that resembled water droplets, and a matching clutch. Her mother even volunteered to send her to a salon to get her hair done and Lana couldn’t refuse such an offer.

They did her hair in a loose, up-do with curling tendrils framing her face. It was simply beautiful. Lana had never felt so gorgeous. That’s why when she arrived, she had an air of confidence about her that she hadn’t had in a long time since…since meeting Charlie.

Mentally shaking herself, she greeted her date. He was clothed in a stylish suit with a cute bow tie that made Lana smile. She had to admit that Harry really cleaned up nice.

And so, they entered the gym arm-in-arm.

It was decked out in blue-and-red streamers, the colors of both schools, and matching balloons. A long table stretched about halfway across one wall, displaying all a manor of treats and drinks. Lana and Harry indulged themselves for awhile and Lana was just beginning to enjoy herself, relaxing in Harry’s presence, when the kids from St. Joseph’s arrived.

It wasn’t hard to pick Charlie out from the crowd. He was the only one wearing a stark-white tux with a red tie. He looked so ridiculous…so insanely out of place…and so unbelievably handsome that Lana clutched at her throat, urging herself to breathe. Harry didn’t seem to notice. He was too consumed with the various types of cookies to care about much else. Charlie looked even better than she remembered. He had grown even more, not almost six feet tall. His hair was longer, the brunette fringe hanging in his eyes and his tan skin contrasted drastically with his tux, making him appear even more dashing.

At least to Lana.

She, however, pretended not to care, showering Harry in affection. She could feel Charlie’s eyes on her more than once, following her around the gymnasium. But she dared not look in his direction. She had more pride than that.

When the dancing stared, she seemed to forget all about Charlie, really enjoying her dance with Harry. But when he asked if he could go off with a few of his friends, she knew she couldn’t say no. She watched him leave and she found herself back at the table, nibbling on a gingersnap. That’s when he appeared out of no where. “Date ditch you?”

She turned to face him, fiery eyes a-blaze. “No. He went with some of his friends. Is that all right with you?”

Charlie held up his hands in surrender. “Hey, don’t get all snappy with me. I was just looking out for my buddy here.” Lana chose not to reply, finishing her gingersnap before grabbing another. “As a friend, I must say that you look extremely ravishing.”

Lana almost choked, her breath catching in her throat. She played it off with a small cough. “As a friend, I must agree that you do as well.”

“Oh, thanks.” Charlie mocked embarrassment, and Lana couldn’t help but laugh. Then, his face grew serious. “Would you like to dance, buddy Lana?” She swallowed the last of her gingersnap and gazed into Charlie’s eyes, unsure of what to do. But his hand was already reaching out to her, and somehow, she found herself being lead onto the dance floor. She just now noticed that it was slow song and she had no choice but to allow herself to be pulled into his arms.

She almost sighed with contentment, feeling so safe and secure with his arms around her, her own slung around his neck. His breath fanned across her cheek, sending goosebumps along her arms. He held her close…too close. But she had no will to fight back. She had wanted to be right her, in Charlie Boon’s arms, for too long not to deny herself this one tiny moment. “I don’t think Harry will like this very much.”

“No,” Lana answered softly, her breath disturbing the strands of brunette hair curled around his ears.

“But I don’t care what Harry thinks. I have wanted to dance with you all night. Did you know that?”

“No,” Lana repeated, unable to say much else with his fingers strumming up and down her bare back.

“I also haven’t forgot our little pact, Lana.”

“Me either.”

“Do you think this is breaking the rules?”

She meant to answer, thinking that he was talking about the dance. However, she was very, very wrong.

Lana only got the word “no” out before his lips were there, commanding, possessive, just like she remembered. It sent her blood boiling, her heart pounding, and for all her organs to go weightless inside of her. She rose to her tiptoes, and Charlie slanted down to better reach her. His hands molded to her hips, keeping her firmly before him. She felt his heart pounding against hers, and his left hand entangling his fingers into her hair, messing up the knot that her mother had paid good money for.

Lana didn’t care about any of that, though. She was too busy kissing Charlie, playing with the small strands of hair at the back of his neck before his hands traveled to his chest, spreading out to smooth her palms across the wide expanse. Charlie’s lips left hers, but only for a second as he whispered in her ears. “Want to get out of here?”

“Sure.”