Chapter Twenty Six

Things were a little awkward for us for the rest of the week, but we brushed it off as best as we could and went on with our plan. Claire was still suspicious and Bender was trying to make it seem like he didn't care, but deep down I knew that he did. I was getting less and less worried about John, however, and it made me feel uneasy. Was I really getting over him?

Brit picked me up on Saturday morning with her boyfriend Matt. We were going to meet Brian and Lily at the mall and then go sleep over at Brian's when we were done shopping.

"Do you have enough for an outfit?" Brit asked.

"I wish you wouldn't do that. And yes I do. Dad's got a lot more money now that he stopped drinking." I mumbled.

"I just don't want you to miss out." Brit clicked her tongue.

"I'm fine, mom." I winked.

She laughed me off and pulled into the mall parking lot. Brian and Lily were waiting for us by the door. We greeted each other and walked inside the mall to find a dress store. We settled on a nice little boutique and we separated, boy in the back for suits and girls in the front for dresses. Brit went straight to the higher end pink dresses and I went to help her pick out the best one.

"I want sexy but classy." she said as she skimmed through the dresses, "Stylish but unique."

"Yes, doll." I smiled and helped her search.

In the end we decided on a sequined pink knee length dress with poofy sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. It fit her perfectly and she stole the show. I was so happy for her.

Lily came out in a floor length, sky blue dress with a V shaped neckline and frilly pastel blue sleeves and trim. With her pale skin and platinum blonde hair she looked like a princess.

Now it was my turn and I dreaded it. I was so picky with clothes and I barely ever wore dresses. I didn't even know where to start, except that I wanted green. Brit brought me dress after dress after dress but they were either too poofy, too short or too expensive. I was starting to lose hope, until Lily surprised me. The dress was almost ankle length, strapless with a sweetheart neckline. It was form fitting and had a pretty bow on the hip. Most importantly, it was a beautiful forest green. It was exactly what I had wanted.

"You're an angel, Lily!" I smiled and hugged the dress.

"You're welcome." she smiled shyly.

We stayed at the store a little while longer to find matching shoes and jewelry before the boys came and showed us their suits. Matt chose a black suit and tie with a pink vest to match Brit. Brian chose a mild grey suit and vest with a blue tie to match Lily. Noticing the subtle tribute to their ladies, I bought Andrew a green tie to match my dress. I didn't expect him to wear it, but I wanted him to have the option. When we finished paying for everything we left the mall.

"So, are you riding back with us?" Brian asked me.

"Actually...I have one more stop to make. I'll be at your place around supper." I said.

"Alright, later." Brian waved with Lily. I waved back and got into Brit's car.

"What are you doing in my car?" she gave me a puzzled look.

"Andy's meet's still going on. Can you drop me off so I can surprise him?" I asked and she chuckled.

"I knew this wasn't pretend!"

"Oh shut up!" I groaned as she drove off.

She dropped me off at the school and we said our goodbyes before I made my way to the gym. It was packed. I accepted the fact that I wasn't going to find a seat and leaned up against the wall near the door. Andrew was engaged in a match and although he struggled to start he was dominating by the end. I started to cheer for him but it was so loud he didn't notice. Once he got the other guy in a hold he didn't have a chance. The ref counted down and Andrew was declared the winner. The gym echoed with cheers, almost making me deaf, and after Andrew's match the meet ended and the athletes retreated into the locker room. The crowd started to disperse and I made my way to the locker room door to wait for Andy.

Boy after boy left the locker room, bags and jackets in hand, but none of them were Andy. After twenty minutes of waiting I decided to go and find him myself. I entered the locker room cautiously, making sure that I didn't catch anyone naked, but the room was empty. I looked around a little more but found no one. Then, I heard the pitter patter of the shower going and someone humming. It had to be Andy. For a second I considered surprising him in the shower, but I decided against it. Instead I took a seat on one of the benches in between the lockers and waited.

About five minutes later, Andy walked out with a towel around his waist. He was drying his hair with another towel as he walked and I got a nice look at his chizzled body before he spotted me and jumped.

"Jesus Christ!" he almost shouted, "What are you doing in here?"

"Just wanted to congratulate you on your match" I giggled.

"Oh...well thanks." he blushed, "Wait, you came to my meet?"

"Yeah, we finished shopping just in time for me to come and cheer you on." I started to blush nervously, "I-I also got you a gift."

I reached down into my purse and pulled out his tie before handing it to him. He ran it through his fingers and smiled.

"Thanks."

"It's the least I can do since you've been helping me." I grinned.

"Anytime." he laughed, "Now let me get dressed so we can go to Brian's!"

"Okay, damn, geez! I'm going!" I giggled and got up to leave.

"Wait." he said suddenly and I turned back to face him, "One more practice kiss?"

My face turned candy apple red but I shook it off before stepping over to him and nodding. He smiled and cupped my face before he brought his lips to mine. My stomach filled with butterflies and after a moment he pulled away before he looked into my eyes. He looked happy and then his smile slowly faded.

"I...I'll be out soon." he whispered.

"Alright, I'll be waiting." I said quietly.

He kissed my cheek before I left the locker room and sat on the floor to breathe. What the hell was going on here?