The Book Fight

CHAPTER 17: Homecoming, the catastrophe

SEKANI

I am the homecoming queen!

It’s announced immediately after the win against Creswell High and it was totally unexpected. I got so caught up in my drama with my bullies, that I forgot to do my annual smear campaign against myself.

Now, Yi and I are in my house getting ready but fortunately with gin infused Sprite.

For the dance, my aunt insisted on a curly, low sleeked back ponytail since I am getting crowned. And I opted for a natural makeup look with dark burgundy lips to match the maroon ankle cuff, block heels on my feet.

To tie it all together, a dark green dress that has a straight neckline, tie straps and a side slit is covering my body. It’s teal length, the bodice is fitted and the lower part is flowy.

It’s truly a miracle I found it because I waited till the last second to undo my hair and get a dress but it all worked out and I feel hot!

“Oh Gregory is going to sh*t his pants when he sees you!” Yi beams when I walk out of the bathroom.

She is in a great mood because Ryder will be worshiping her all night, just like he always does after a big win.

“Thanks but look at you Miss Jeon Soon-Yi.” I clap because, “wow!”

Yi went with a white, one shoulder, mini dress with 3D frill that doesn’t steal the shine from her white gold, pointy toe pumps. The cherry red lipstick is brightening her simple make up because her hair is tucked into a messy French twist, with curtain bangs falling over her forehead.

I feel like we’re overdressed for a school dance we are going to be at for less than 2hours but Yi says we need to make every ‘senior moment’ count, so here we are.

“Thanks bestie,” she gives me a 360. “Now pictures before the boys come.” She turns on the ring light.

“Did I mention how beautiful you look?” Greg says for umpteenth time.

Ryder and Yi smirk at each other as we sit down by the team table. I knew riding with them was a bad idea but I didn’t want to show up alone with Greg, we’re already attracting a lot of attention.

“You did and again,” I touch the tulip hand corsage he got me. “Thank you.”

“Okay,” poor guy looks very nervous probably because of the many eyes on us.

“Okay,” I bob my head and look around.

Overly decorated gym, loud music being played by a student band, catered finger foods and soon to be spiked punch. The Homecoming dance looks like every other dance the school has hosted.

The cheap streamers falling from the roof are a bit annoying to walk through, however everyone looks nice despite us being definitely overdressed.

“Okay guys, I’m going to help Buck spike the punch.” Ryder flashes the bottle inside of his jacket.

“Please don’t get caught, I don’t want us getting kicked out before Sekani is crowned.” Yi counsels and Ryder kisses her cheek with an “okay babe” as his team follows.

“Crowned?” Greg moves his chair closer to mine once the table clears.

“Yes, Sekani is our homecoming queen!” Yi is more excited than me.

“Congratulations,” Greg holds my hand. “I presume, it’s very well deserved.”

Yi nods to agree but I shrug.

“I’m not sure about that but thank you,” I smile politely because I am not sure what to do.

“Do you guys want something to drink?” Greg points ahead. “I think Ryder succeeded on his mission.”

“Yes please.” Yi and I say simultaneously but she waits until Greg is by the beverage table before adding, “Aston has been looking at you since we walked in.”

“He has?” I don’t check despite the itching urge to.

What is he even doing here? Not attending school functions is part of the whole loner image.

“He has and he looks good Kani,” Yi notes. “Really good, black fitted pressed slacks, panda Air Jordan lows and a white button-down shirt folded at the sleeves. Your boy cleans up well.”

“He is not my boy,” I tug at the charm bracelet around my wrist because the corsage is bugging me.

“Then why is he looking at you? He is not even trying to hide it.” Soon-Yi jumps up, “oh shoot!”

“What?” I stand too but I don’t turn back.

“He is walking to Greg,” Yi makes an ‘uh oh’ face. “Now, he is talking to Greg.”

“He is?!” I turn around immediately to find Greg holding two cups by the snack table.

I expect him to move after adding mental straws but he stays as Aston responds to whatever he was saying.

“Shoot indeed,” I’m pacing across the room in lightning speed but slow down once I’m a few feet away.

What are you up to now Parker?

“Hey, did you have to ferment the drinks or something?” I stand between the boys but face my date—the lesser of my two evils.

“Sorry.” Greg gives me a glass with an apologetic smile. “I was talking to your friend,” he looks at the person carving his eyes into my side. “Aston, was it?”

“Yeah,” Aston nods from my peripheral view.

“No,” I object. “He is not my friend,” he never was.

“Funny you say that because Greg was telling me about your history,” I don’t need to look at him to know Aston is frowning.

History? What the hell does that mean?

“Greg, can you go give Yi her drink while we talk for a minute?” I try to keep the poison off my voice. “It will only take a second,” I assure because I don’t want him to witness the following encounter.

“Okay.” Greg gives Aston and I an unsure look but leaves.

I take a sip of my drink the moment he is out of view and thankfully, it’s from the bowl Buck and Ryder spiked so I finish it immediately.

“How long until you speak to me?” Aston downs his drink too.

“Let’s see, how long did you have my book again?” I ask with the dissatisfaction he makes me feel.

“Wow,” Aston is full of contempt for some reason. “Who knew the homecoming queen was such a hypocrite?”

Ouch.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I cross my arms.

“It means you won’t talk to me but you’ll date your former bully.” He points at our table to make a point.

“Fine Ass-ston.” I drop my arms, “I’ll bite.”

How much do you know? Is what I really mean.

“How are you on a date with Greg Macy? The same one that tormented and turned everyone against you in middle school but you won’t talk to me because of what?” His frown deepens, “a book? I was going to give it back, you know.”

Yeah, right.

There is no way Greg told him any of this so that could only mean, “you read my journal.”

I filled the blank pages at the end with stuff that was happening to me at the time and 13-year-old me had a lot to say. Now Aston has read it all which means he practically knows everything now.

“I did have it for weeks,” he doesn’t even deny it.

“Wow,” I can’t believe this.

His betrayal just reached a whole new level. Not only did he lie and steal something so important and special to me but he also invaded my privacy.

“What Sekani?” Aston steps forward. “Do you think you’re the only one that lost someone? The only one that needs the book?”

“Excuse you?” I step closer too, metaphorically daring him to repeat himself.

“Do you think you are the only one that—” I raise my hand to stop him because I can’t believe he actually repeated it.

“Aston,” I warn through my teeth. “You need to walk away right now.”

I am trying my best to push all I am feeling down. Words said in anger will never be worth it, Basic Instructions pops up my mind immediately

“No, you lost your mother when you were 12, that was five years ago Sekani!” Aston clearly didn’t read that chapter. “I lost my brother 3 years ago. I didn’t think you’d mind if I had it for a while.”

“Stop,” I don’t know what to focus on first.

The fact that Aston just threw my mother’s death in my face or the part where he revealed the death of a brother he has never mentioned. Or worse, that he compared the two like it’s some competition.

“What is so different from Greg and I huh? Why does he get your forgiveness and I get the silent treatment?” He holds my bicep when I turn away. “Why does he get a second chance?”

“You’re sick.” I shake my head in repugnance.

“Why do I get shut out?” Aston probes when I jerk my arm away.

“Because he asked for it!” I snap and straightaway eyes are on us.

“What?” Aston’s face falls.

“Greg admitted he was wrong, he said sorry and he begged for forgiveness while you,” I shake my head. “You just stood there and lied again and again and again!”

“Sekani,” his voice is full of guilt but I don’t care.

I don’t even care that more people are staring now. Aston wanted to make a scene and call me out by my name then I will gladly play my part.

“You are the true hypocrite here,” I point an accusing finger at him. “Give it back my ass, you didn’t even admit you had it Aston. Never once did you even say sorry,” he didn’t even try. “So yeah, Greg Macy gets forgiveness and to be my date while you get nothing.”

The music stops and someone starts speaking on stage which fortunately drowns our conversation out.

“I needed help with my brother’s—” I raise my hand again because I have heard enough.

“And that means you needed it more?” My frown is scarier than his will ever be. “Do you even hear yourself?”

I hear the stage announce the homecoming king as everyone claps and cheers.

“My brother—”

“It’s my book,” I remind because he is making things worse. “Mine and you had no right!”

Aston opens his mouth but I am announced as the homecoming queen again. Sadly, when a spotlight shines over me, an automatic smile splits my face.

Without giving him another glance, I walk away as the crowd parts for me like the red sea. The homecoming King, Presley Bish, helps me up the stairs and I stand next to him as a flashy crown is put on my head and silk sash is placed over my body.

“Our homecoming King & Queen everybody,” the vice principal announces and the crowd cheers.

I take a deep breath and look at everyone but him because now even more, he doesn’t exist.