Forever Forgotten

Chapter 3: Always Right

Chapter 3

Natalie's POV

The first day of school went by pretty quickly, and surprisingly without further run-ins with Cassie or her clones. However, at lunch, I noticed Jen and Brittany glaring at me and whispering to each other. Almost as if they were coming up with some "new" stupid way to embarrass me.

Freshman year, they tripped me, causing me to get lunch on myself and Evie. They also dumped trash from the girl's bathroom in my locker. I didn't see them do it, but I'm pretty sure Cassie put them up to it. Sophomore year, Cassie and Cleo cut holes in my street clothes, forcing me to wear my gym clothes for half the day. Luckily it wasn't all day. Evie had spare leggings she said I could have and Liam gave me his hoodie to wear. Junior year, they had help from Axel. He's one of the football players. I got a note in my locker supposedly from Liam asking me to meet him behind school during lunch. Whenever I went out there, Axel dumped water, which I can only assume came from somewhere unpleasant, seeing as though it smelled awful, in front of Cassie and her friends. They threw trash at me and then took pictures and told me if I didn't learn my place soon they would plaster them all over the school. I left school early that day so I could go home and shower. Angela was pissed I came home early and interrupted some luncheon thing she was having. I tried to explain it wasn't my fault, but she wouldn't hear me out, instead kept insisting that Cassie could never do or set up something as mean as that. That's when I learned I had to hide my feelings for Liam better and to most definitely not count on Angela for anything.

After school, Evie, Liam, Sadie, the twins, and I went to the mall to hang out. Angela had already told me she didn't want me home for at least a few hours after school. Something to do with an important "meeting" with some clients. I'm not really sure what she does for work. I'm just glad to be away from the house for awhile, and to not get in trouble for it.

"Hello, earth to Nat," Evie says, waving her hand in front of my face.

"You totally weren't listening to a thing I was saying, were you?"

"Oh, I'm sorry Evie. What were you saying? I must have spaced."

Evie giggles and says,"Oo were you daydreaming about Liam again?"

Worriedly, I smack her arm and look around quickly," Shut up Evie!" I almost yell whisper," Don't say that! Someone could have heard you."

"Oh, the guys left for the arcade ages ago and Sadie went to the bathroom. Remember? We told the guys we'd wait for Sadie then meet them there?'

Embarassed, I vaguely recall that being said. I must have been really deep in thought.

"Sorry Evie, I forgot," blushing, I tuck my hair behind my ear.

"It's fine girl. You know you could just ask him out."

"What! No. No, I couldn't. What if he says no? It could ruin our friendship, not to mention make things awkward in the group. Or what if he says yes? Then what do I do? What if he thinks I'm a complete dork and decides that he never wants to see my face again?" I rush out. "I feel like I might have an anxiety attack just thinking about the possibilities."

"Whoa whoa whoa. Slow down and take a deep breath," Evie says calmly, rubbing my back. "It's not that serious. Besides, he would be a complete i***t not to fall for you. Not to mention, have you seriously not noticed the way he looks at you?"

"What do you mean," I look at her confused. Just then, Sadie returns from the bathroom.

"Hey guys;' she pauses and looks at me concerned. "Whoa, Natalie are you ok? You look like you are ready to pass out or run," she says and laughs nervously.

"Hey Sadie, I have a question. And it stays between us girls, ok?" Evie asks. She motions for me to stay quiet. I already knew I wasn't going to like whatever she was about to ask, but I couldn't say anything even if I wanted to. I found myself mentally paralyzed, the scenarios of what Liam's answer could be running through my head, bringing me closer to an anxiety attack.

"Uh sure, Everleigh," Sadie responds looking a little more worried and unsure. "Is Natalie ok though? She doesn't look too good."

"Oh she'll be ok," Evie glances at me. "You can call me Evie by the way. All my friends do." Evie smiles at her reassuringly.

"Oh ok Evie. So what was the question?" She smiles back then takes a seat next to us.

"Have you noticed Liam looking at our sweet, naive, Natalie in any certain way?" Evie asks, winking at me.

"Oh. You didn't notice?" Sadie looks at me shocked. "I honestly thought you guys were already a thing. I mean, I thought that's why Cassie was so mad at you all the time because you're friends with Evie and were dating Liam."

I shook my head in response. I guess that makes sense why Cassie was always flirting with Liam and giving me dirty looks, or why whenever I was hanging out with Evie, solo, she'd either prevent me from going or cause trouble for me while we were out. I seriously wonder what her problem is. I've never even done anything to her.

"See! I told you he was crushing on you." Evie says looking at me smugly.

Before I can respond, the guys join us at the table.

"Hey guys. I thought we were all meeting up at the arcade?" Sage asks.

Looking between us, Asher asks" Are we interrupting something?" He puts his arm around Sadie causing her to blush.

"Nope. Nothing at all." Evie answers popping the P. She winks at Sadie and me.

Scratching the back of his neck, Liam asks"Um, hey Nat? Could I talk to you for a minute?"

"Uh sure Liam." As we walk away I hear Evie oohing and whistling. I blush and look back at her just in time to catch her mouthing "I told you."

"Uh ok so here goes nothing." Liam takes a deep breath and grabs my hands. I can feel my heartbeat speed up. I feel like it's about to beat out of my chest.

"I don't want this to ruin our friendship, ok? So if you don't feel the same or just don't want to, I promise I'll drop it and we can pretend this never happened." I feel really nervous and am slightly worried it's something bad.

"What is it? Is everything ok?" I ask the worry I'm feeling internally reflecting in my voice. I wince internally at the way my voice cracked.

"Um yea everything's fine... I was just wondering if you would like to go on a date with me? I kind of have had a crush on you for awhile."

I was shocked. Did he really ask me out? Oh my god, Evie was right. Liam looks really nervous.

'Just forget it. I'm sorry this was stupid, the guys told me I should just go for it," he starts rambling, looking really embarrassed.

I cut him off, surprising him," Yes. I would love to and it's not stupid. I've kind of liked you for awhile too." I blush and look at the ground.

"Really? I mean awesome. So does Friday sound good?"

"Yes it does." we walk back to the table, smiling.

"Judging by the smiles on your faces, I'd say it went well? She said yes?" Asher asks raising an eyebrow.

Liam nods.

"Way to go man, told you it would." Sage says and highfives Liam.

Evie just looks at me smiling. "What'd I tell you? Trust me. I am always right, Nat."