Chapter Two:


"I have nothing to wear!" I yelled mentally cursed myself for going the conservative route. I didn't see the need for dressing up and looking my best when grades are at the most important. Blossom always told me that I should look good along with getting good grades but I remember the last time I tried dressing up that brought more torture. So I decided to stay the conservative route which includes long jeans, long sleeve t-shirts no jewelry.

"Bubbles?" Kristen called from the other side of the door. We went to Polkes Oaks elementary together and currently stayed with the professor and I. Her mother was teaching at Townsville prep and living in the school. While Kristen didn't get in like myself but still managed to get accepted in a prep school unlike myself.

I ripped the door open, Kristen watched as I fret and mumble how I have nothing to wear to the party.

"What's going on?" Kristen asked

"Brick asked me to go to Butch's party with him tonight and I have nothing to wear and he's going to be here in an hour" I explained rather quickly. It brought more panic how time was flying and I still could not come up with a decent solution in finding something appropriate to wear. I never went to a party before, nonetheless attended one with Brick. Well it's not like I even get invited to parties, I always wondered what a pre-teen party would be like and this is actually my first unsupervised party.

I could feel my head spinning and my gut was filled with so many butterflies I thought I was re-tasting my lunch from today.

"I make nonstop A's and can recreate the starry night but I can't pick a freaking outfit for an eighth grade party" I shouted frantically, I kept throwing all my clothes on the floor but would look on the floor at the same time in case the outfit was considered decent to wear. I didn't care that Kristen was still standing by the doorway watching me lose it, it was nerve wracking and her still doing nothing was making me dap my armpits nonstop with a towel.

"Could it be that you're going with Brick?" Kristen questioned

"Kristen I just said he was taking me to a party, learn to listen"

"No Bubbles, I meant could it be that you're going with a guy you like?"

I stopped rummaging through my floor to look at my roommate, I shook my head from her statement.

'Not this again' I thought.

For some odd reason, Kristen has this ridiculous impression that I am in love with Brick. I kept telling her that he is nothing but my best friend and I love him like a brother; I could never see Brick that kind of way. I wondered why she thought that, then it clicked; why Kristen had the slightest idea for me 'losing my mind'.

Kristen believed that I was finally going to a public event with the "love of my life", Brick. I keep telling her nonstop I don't have feelings for Brick, we were only friends but for some odd reason Kristen believed I was in love with Brick but would can't admit it to myself. I remembered the last time she tried making me admit something that wasn't true; I just pushed her away and pretended Kristen said nothing. It was annoying then and it is annoying now how she constantly thinks when I lose my shit it is because of Brick.

'No Kristen, I'm losing my shit because I don't want to give those kids more ammunition than they already have' I thought but I rolled my eyes.

"Bubbles I know you're not the most expressive person in the world but—"

"Oh God, not this again" I muttered while rolling my eyes- "I don't love Brick, I just don't want to look like an idiot"

Kristen ran into her room but before I could get a world out she came back with her emergency navy blue backless dress with the black stilettos

"I was saving this dress in case I get asked by Mitch but since that day never came; I figured you could use this dress" Kristen handed her the dress and heels.

I stared at the dress then Kristen and hugged her tightly.

"Thank you" I whispered before running into the bathroom.

-o-

"How do I look?"

I stepped out of the bathroom with the dress on my body and heels on my feet. I pulled my hair out of a bun and shook my head to see some hairs rest on my shoulder. My eyes had shimmery blue eye shadow and lips were tainted with a soft red lip stick. Kristen stared at me amazed how quickly I got dressed.

"You're stunning Bubbles" Kristen answered, I smiled at her comment and looked at the mirror to see my reflection.

I didn't really believe Kristen, but it was nice to feel admired even if it were only for a night. I knew I wasn't stunning, my braces kept smearing the lipstick and my glasses covered majority of the makeup. Also the dress felt mildly uncomfortable on my skin, I felt like it was clinging all the wrong places making me feel like I'm having a panic attack. Yet, I was simply the same Bubbles but in a dress and heels.

"I barely don't even recognize the girl in the mirror" I whispered.

"There is nothing wrong with a little transformation, every butterfly has to come out of its cocoon" Kristen stated. I felt her rubbing my shoulders and watching me she probably thinks I'm starting at myself in disbelief. Instead I was just realizing that at some point I will be alone at the party with no one to talk to while Brick is mingling in his house with his brother.

"Bubbles I—"

"Come with me!" I begged, Kristen stared at me shocked by my request but figured out why I was asking.

"Just let me get ready" She answered rushing into her room, I sighed in relief knowing that I won't be alone. Getting comfortable in the heels, I felt unbalanced by my new height but I needed to get use to it since Brick out be here any minute.

"Bubbles you can do anything you set your mind to" I whispered but that confidence nearly shattered feeling myself collapsing to the ground.

"Great" I huffed out the pieces of hair that sprawled across my face and debated if it would be horrible if I canceled.

"Bubbles, Brick is here" Professor called out.

'Now or Never' I thought. I smiled and made my way downstairs.

Descending down the staircase I felt my throat closing up; I could feel the butterflies fluttering inside me from the thought of going to a party. The idea scared the crap out of my me; in less than ten minutes I'll be attending my first party with my best friend. Reaching the bottom stairs, I looked at Brick who was busy talking to Professor who was talking about how he has a business trip in Townsville tomorrow. I stopped on the last step and cleared my throat to gain both party's attention.

"Well, how do I look?" I asked, Brick turned away from Professor to look at me. I was nervous when Brick kept staring at me, I did not understand why though. I suddenly felt self-conscious that I looked ugly and maybe that's why he was looking at me for so long.

'He would never tell me that' I thought I knew he would tell me that I looked adequate or presentable. Never once have I heard Brick truly compliment me, but I secretly hoped tonight would be different, but I didn't dwell on it.

"Look at my daughter, a beautiful princess" I heard Professor say proudly.

"Bubbles you look amazing" Brick answered, I was stunned by his comment. I knew Brick to be a man of a few words, but I didn't expect the word 'amazing' to be in his vocabulary. I marveled in his words, I wanted to float practically feeling so elated that he thought I look amazing.

"You too get in close I want to remember this moment until I die" Professor stated.

"Professor please, I don't think Brick—"

"It's fine Bubbles" Brick interrupted as he pulled me in close to his arms. I felt my cheeks getting red being this close to him. His scent smelled so intoxicating, I kept smelling him quietly. He felt so soft I wanted to melt even more into him.

'He still feels like silk' I thought.

I could feel his eyes on me but I was too busy smiling at the camera. Something felt different I couldn't put my finger on it, but I knew deep down I wanted Brick to hold me tight in his arms and never let me go.

'He's your best friend, he's like a brother to you' I thought, driving all weird thoughts of my best friend out of my head. But I couldn't help myself, my body suddenly felt awkward around him. His eyes were practically glued on me making my cheeks grow even redder. I figured something was going on inside his head but I stayed quiet hoping that this moment would continue a little longer.

"Brick you can let go now" I whispered "The picture is over"

'I wish it didn't have to end' I thought. I wanted to make the moment linger a little longer but I decided against it.

"Sorry about that" Brick muttered before releasing me.

"Ready!" Kristen announced racing down the stairs in a black mini skirt and a black halter top with sneakers. I was shocked by her look and wondered if I was too over dressed for the party.

"I hope you don't mind, Bubbles invited me" Kristen explained but Brick smiled and started flirting with Kristen. Suddenly that black hole started to form again, and I didn't understand why.

"Ready Bubbles?" He asked.

I ignored him and headed outside waiting for him to follow. Butch and Brick's place wasn't too far from mine. I've never been to his place, which I always found to be strange but always looked passed it. Brick always said he hated being home, so we always hung out at my place. Perks of only being two blocks away I could enjoy the little time with Brick before he is grabbed by the popular crowd. Yet that felt moment was already cut short when he started flirting with Kristen. Watching those two interact with each other, it almost seemed like it made sense. A lot of things made sense in this town, except for me.

I knew I didn't belong in Citiesville but with Professor's job located here it wasn't like I had no choice but to move there. The people here were so wild and carefree but they had a tinge of freedom attached to it; Kristen fit in perfectly to the town but I stuck out like a sore thumb. I was too busy trying to get the best grades and making sure I am the perfect daughter that I ended up being labeled as "stuck up four eyes".

"Penny for your thoughts?" Brick asked, I looked up to Brick and smiled. I didn't realize he caught up to me till his strides started to match mine.

"Are you always this observant of me' I thought. I looked around to find Kristen missing but then I realized she probably passed me while I was stuck in my head and giving me alone time with Brick because she still believes I have feelings for him.

Which once again I don't.

"Just thinking about how much I stick out like a sore thumb in this town" I answered, I laughed at the thought, but I just wanted to fool Brick. I didn't want him to figure out how insecure I feel in this town.

"I just feel like this town is too good for me you know?" I added, Brick didn't say anything for a while, which made me feel like I said something stupid. I knew Brick wasn't too keen on talking but when he did speak it would always be brief and concise. I rubbed my shoulders feeling the cold wind blowing through the thin fabric of the dress. Suddenly I felt something warm over my shoulders when I finally looked up, Brick wrapped his jacket around my shoulders but left his hands there for a second longer.

He dropped his hands from my shoulders he mumbled, "Bubbles you're wrong"

Looking at him I was confused by his statement, I have never been wrong about my position in this town. Yet I could see how conflicted his eyes were clearly debating if he wanted to tell me what was on his mind.

"I think you're the one that too good for this town Bubbles" Brick answered before ushering me to walk in front of the door. I felt myself blush from that comment, this was the second time he's complimented me and I just did not know how to handle it. I buried my nose in his jacket, bathing in his scent hoping it would linger.

'You always know just want to say' I looked at him for another second before facing the door that contained the night of momentary fun.

As Brick opened the door music was blaring loud that it could be heard the next town over, the lights flashed different colors every minute. I felt my heart pounded, and my hands began to feel clammy against the fabric of the dress. I began to rock back and forth, tapping my feet impatiently on the concrete step as the music filled my ears. The idea watching everyone laugh and dance was made me want to hurl, and my heart was still threatening to burst forth from my ribcage. Yet at the same time I anticipated to have fun and finally fit in and be at a party with my best friend. I knew at any moment Brick will disappear in the crowd and I won't see him until the end, if I plan to stay that long. I hoped it wouldn't be too late, I had to tell him something important and my time was running out.

"Brick, wait I have something to tell you" I called out but Butch leaned against his door after pulling Brick in before I could even get a word out.

"And who might you be?" Butch asked closing the door slightly preventing me from entering. I never really liked Butch; he was too perverted for my tastes; he never looked my way but tonight was an exception. He caressed my hand I tried to snatch it back but he simply held my hand even tighter.

"Bubbles" I answered, I looked up to see his eyes spark in recognition. His eyes lingered even longer causing me to shiver in disgust.

"Bird brain four eyes Bubbles, you dress up quite nicely" He answered allowing me entrance to his 'legendary parties'. I gave Butch a meek smile holding in the fact that he just insulted me before I stepped inside.

"Yo Guys it's four eyed Bubbles" Butch announced, I felt embarrassed from the announcement and tried to find the nearest corner to hide but it was impossible because every corner was filled with judging eyes that lived in Citiesville. I desperately wanted to hide, it hasn't even been five minutes and already I wanted to leave.

'Brick took his time to brought me here, I should at least try to enjoy' I thought.

I really didn't want to be recognized and be pulled in any drama as to why I am here at this party. I watched as bodies were practically top of each other in the townhouse, I could feel the heat coming towards me. I scanned the party to see Kristen drinking and laughing with my fellow tormentors; when she spotted me she signaled me to come over. Before I could breathe out 'hello' she already shoved the red solo cup in front of me and directed me to drink up because we were going to go dance. Smiling I took a sip and scowled to the taste, it tasted like rubbing alcohol.

"ugh this drink taste like alcohol"

"I hear Butch likes to add whiskey to his drinks" Kristen stated while downing another cup.

"Whiskey, wait you mean there's alcohol in this?" I shouted but Kristen just shoved another cup to my face.

"What else do you think we would drink at a party Bubbles?"

"Juice"

I could see mischief in Kristen's eyes and shook her head chuckled "you gotta let go sometime" while shoving another cup in my face. Placing it down, the first sip went inside my head and I was feeling warm all over.

"Ugh I love this song!" Kristen yelled pulling me to the dance floor making me dance with her, I was confused and intrigued. I could feel the heat coming towards me from the bodies that wear glued to each other dancing. I started moving to the rhythm having fun, I laughed and danced until my feet were getting sore, so many males tried asking me to dance with them but I kindly turned them down and told them I wanted to have fun alone tonight.

"why did you turn them down, some were cute" Kristen asked, I shrugged and continued to dance feeling loose and free.

"I think I know why"

"Kristen—"

"Can I cut in?" I looked up to see Brick holding his hand out, I knew that he was asking Kristen so I stepped back and continued to sway alone. I felt a tap on my shoulder to see Brick still holding his hand out while smiling my way.

"I mean with you Bubbles" Blushing from my air headed ways I grabbed his hand and danced next to him. the DJ started playing 'Will you still love me tomorrow by Amy Winehouse' making everyone grab their partners so close they practically breathed one breath. I rubbed my shoulders feeling uncomfortable with the idea that everyone had a date to dance with and my best friend would rather dance with a beautiful girl than with me.

"May I have this dance?" Brick asked, looking at him in complete shock, I tried to pinch myself to see if I was truly awake for this moment. Still dazed by this moment I nodded my head allowing Brick to lead me to the middle of the dance floor. Placing my hands on his shoulders making sure we were arm's length away Brick just laughed.

"This isn't a school dance Bubbles" He smiled.

Pulling me close to his body, my breath hitched for a second before I fully relaxed under his touch. This is the first time Brick and I are truly close to each other where our bodies fully touch.

"I-I-I didn't know that" I stuttered, he wrapped both hands around my waist while we swayed to the slow songs.

'I must be dreaming' I thought, but I knew it wasn't a dream once Brick kept staring at me making sure I was comfortable and okay. Feeling the trance of the night, I wasn't sure if it was the music or the one sip of alcohol but I rested my head in the crook of his neck. Brick slowly drew tiny circles on my back while his other hand kept a firm girp on my waist.

"You're beautiful tonight" he whispered as we swayed together, at that moment everything honestly felt perfect.

After what felt like two hours of dancing I decided to go to the bathroom and let Brick mingle with his friends. I had something to tell him and tonight was the only night I could tell him but with the commotion of this party I knew I had to pick my moment just right to talk to Brick.

"Excuse me do you know where I can find the bathroom?" I tapped a girl's shoulder only to find it to be one of Berserk's loyal followers.

"It's two doors down and the last door to the left" She answered before going back to her conversation with her friends.

"Thanks" I whispered but the girl wasn't listening anymore. Following the directions I walked over to the last door I noticed that it quiet around this area and all the door handles had socks on them.

"What's going on?" I whispered, arriving to the last door to the left I knocked it at first and opened it.

"Now I finally have you all to myself" Berserk moaned. I blushed to the sound of her moaning, I was about to close the door when I heard a familiar voice.

" Berserk" He whispered, I knew who that was without having to guess.

"Yes Brick?"

"Let's go out" he told her.

"I thought you'd never ask"

I slammed the door and ran to the nearest exit. I didn't understand why I felt so heartbroken from that scene. Maybe it was the fact that Brick couldn't wait for me to leave to ask Berserk to be his girlfriend, but I knew I didn't have any feelings for Brick. He is my best friend, the brother I never had. I could never see him romantically.

'I didn't care if he asked Berserk to be his girlfriend' I thought but I knew I was only lying to myself. I knew the moment that those two started going out, I will lose the only friend I have in school. Brick gave me company without actually ever being present. It was the idea that I could always lean on him that gave me courage to turn the other cheek when kids would torment me. It was a living nightmare waiting to happen the moment those two found each other. I raced passed Kristen who too busy on the dance floor to notice me breaking away. Running back home I felt so empty inside that I couldn't spare the thought of what happened.

"Bubbles you're back early" Professor stated

"The party just wasn't for me, I guess" I lied I headed upstairs but Professor stopped me.

"Could you get Kristen from that party, we have an early morning" Professor asked, I smiled at Professor but I didn't want to go back to that hell hole but tomorrow was the big day. Dropping Brick's jacket on the floor I took a deep breath and mustered my strength. I was positive I was going to see the new couple, but I didn't really want to acknowledge them. I wanted to live in the lie a little longer that he didn't ask her and that I'd still have my best friend.

"Sure" I answered before heading back.

Dragging my feet back to Butch's party I silently prayed that I could sneak in the party and grab Kristen. I didn't understand why I had to get Kristen, she was more than capable to handle herself. Rolling my eyes I slipped into the party and tried to locate her. The sea of people gathered in the living room in a huge circle, someone was in the middle of them. I grew curious what was going on, walking over I saw Berserk and some guy dance.

'Weird, I never knew she could dance' I thought I wanted to look away, but it was like a car accident. I couldn't peel her eyes away from Berserk whose body was practically glued to that stranger.

'Where's Brick?" I thought

"I still can't believe he brought bird brain Bubbles"

"Yeah, like when will he learn that she's boring"

"More like pathetic"

"well he did stayed friends with her out of pity"

My lips twisted slightly as I heard the confessions of my fellow classmates. I bit the inside of my cheek and pinched my sides preventing the tears from forming. I always knew the kids at school didn't like me and found me to be weird, but I didn't think they despised me that much. I could not let them see me down, to them I was the frail "Stuck-Up" Bubbles. Finally released from my cemented position, I tried to locate Kristen. I checked every room and dark corner, but Kristen was nowhere to be found.

'She probably went home' I thought but I decided to keep checking just in case.

"Excuse me, have you seen Kristen?" I asked the nearest person I could find.

"She went home like ten minutes ago" the partygoer replied, I thanked the girl and decided to leave.

"That four eyes isn't worth my time, like I told you I've only been friends with her out of boredom" I heard.

'That sounds like Brick' I thought

I decided to follow the voice, only to find Brick talking to Butch. I watched as he was surrounded by his followers and doing what seems like making cracks about me. I always knew I wasn't the coolest person in school; but for my best friend to feel the same shook me to the core. I cleared my throat gaining the attention of everyone but the boy of the hour.

"If I have to sit next to her stupid weak self I swear I'll kill myself" he laughed.

"Brick—" I could see someone signaling towards me letting him know that I was behind him. Standing my ground, I waited to hear "April fools" but I knew it was never going to happen especially in November. He stood there towering over me like he did when we first met and instead of looking at me with uncertainty, he stared at me with pity.

"I can't believe you actually came thinking I wanted you to come; God, you're just as dumb as I thought" He laughed as he came centimeters close to me, everyone started to laugh and point at me making me feel so small. My face grew red as Brick continued to embarrass me, I felt the music stop and all eyes were suddenly on me again. Only this time it was to join Brick in his laughter, I tried to hold my tears I could not let them see me break.

"Brick that's enough" I heard Butch state, but he growled at the host and continued to circle around me.

"Never in a billion years would I associate myself with someone as dumb, weak and ugly as you. No alcohol was enough for me to stomach the touch of you" He yelled loud enough for the world to hear.

"Brick" Butch warned but the sound of what felt like thunder filled the room.

"So that's how you really feel?" I asked, I chuckled lightly while shaking her head ignoring the sting in my hand. I didn't know what came over me when I slapped him, but I just couldn't believe the boy that I felt safe around was actually a sleeping landmine.

'I'm such an idiot'

"Well you never have to worry about us being friends"

I couldn't take the humiliation anymore I walked out the door without looking back or expecting Brick to follow me. I didn't need an explanation or an apology I simply wanted to walk home and never look back. I decided to stop for a second to allow the emotions that was rumbling inside my body to figure out what they wanted to do first. Taking a deep breath, I came to my senses and swallowed everything inside of me. I knew I shouldn't have come, and I was a fool to think tonight would be the night It could be different.

"I guess I am too good for this town" I whispered as I walked inside my house; running into my room past all the cardboard boxes. Covering my face with my pillow I screamed knowing that this was a nightmare dressed as a daydream. Staring at the letter I received this morning I was supposed to tell him but instead I reread the letter again.

Dear Bubbles Utonium,

Congratulations on your admission to Oakes Academy! For nearly 1200 years, Oakes Academy is proud to be the number one private school worldwide; trying to find only the best of best to be a part of such a prestige group, and we are excited for you to be part of this great tradition. As a member of the Class of 2021, you will join a dynamic student community in a place of endless opportunities. Oakes Academy offers an unparalleled setting for the next chapter of your life.

The competition for admission is always rigorous around this time of year, as of our Freshman class, you were carefully chosen from nearly 22,000 applicants. We were impressed by your academic achievements and believe strongly in your potential for continued success. We would like to offer you a full ride under the Townsville Art Institute for the next four years as you continue to further your academic standing at Oakes Academy. You are a remarkable individual, and we are confident that you will make an eternal contribution to Oakes Academy and to the world.

Our namesake envisioned a great High school worldwide, dedicated to preparing future leaders. Oakes Academy students uphold the legacy of intelligence, integrity, as well as the legacy of their parents and creativity as they pursue academic excellence. The opportunity to spend your high school years in a vibrant city surrounded by social elite people provides the foundation for an extraordinary life.

The Oakes Academy family welcomes you, and I personally look forward to greeting you on campus. We hope to see you soon; and just remember things happen for a reason, I just hope you can Keep Up with Us.

Keep up if you must, Succeed only at Will.

Ms. Keane

Director of Admissions

Hugging the acceptance letter tight to my chest, I smiled knowing despite how this night ended. I was finally going to begin a new chapter of my life with my family and people that I know to be kind.

"I am too good for this town, which is why I'm leaving" I whispered.

"And I'm never looking back" I muttered before falling asleep.


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