Page 11 of The Forever After Bet

I sit in a happy daze with my hand in Ford’s until the curtain closes and the lights come on for intermission. I tense, feeling awkward, and pull my hand from his, immediately regretting it. I squeeze my eyes shut and rub my forehead. Leah and Aubrey come down the aisle. “We’re going to use the bathroom and get a drink of water,” Leah says, holding her hand out for me. I grab it, and she helps me stand up. Leah drags me down the hall into the entryway of a classroom.

“I’m okay,” I tell her, taking a breath.

“Are you sure? Your cheeks are all red.”

“Yeah, Ford’s been a gentleman. He hasn’t said anything to me, and I haven’t talked to him.”

“I wanted to punch that usher lady. She was a jerk.” Audrey harrumphs, crossing her arms.

“Yeah, what was her deal?” I shake my head. I was mad at that lady, but I’m not anymore. I wouldn’t change what happened for anything.

“We better get back.” Aubrey glances at her watch.

We stop at the vending machines, and each get a bottle of water. When we get to our row, Ty is sitting next to Ford again.

“I think we’re safe from the crazy usher lady.” Ty smiles at me.

“Oh.” I get a lump in my throat, and my eyes sting. I try to say something, but my throat is dry. The words get stuck. I turn and scoot down the aisle, sitting next to Leah. I open my water and take a long drink. Hold it together, Hannah. It’s not a big deal. I repeat the words over and over, but it doesn’t help. A tear slips down my cheek, and then another and another. I don’t dare reach into my bag for a tissue or wipe my tears away. Leah will notice, and then Jack will notice. With my luck, everyone will see, and Ford will know I’m crying because I didn’t get to sit by him. How ridiculous is that? I’m so pathetic.

Leah glances at me, and I turn my head away from her. She doesn’t say anything, she just reaches into her purse and pulls out a couple of tissues. She pretends to blow her nose, then offers me one. I take it and wipe my runny nose. Leah grabs my hand, holding it, and gives it a squeeze. I don’t deserve a friend like her.

When the play ends, I grab my flowers and take the other way out of the row. I can’t handle seeing Ford. Both Leah and Aubrey follow me. By the time we get out into the hall, the cast is there, shaking hands and hugging friends and family.

“Hannah,” June’s mom grabs my arm.

“Mrs. Luna, hi. How are you?” I ask her.

“I’m good. Wasn’t June amazing?” Her mom gushes.

“Yes, she did awesome. I’m so proud of her. You know Leah and Aubrey, right?” I point out my friends.

“Yes, how are you, girls? Thanks for coming and supporting June.”

“Of course.” Aubrey smiles.

“She was great,” Leah says.

I turn around and almost run into June. “Hannah!” she exclaims, throwing her arms around me.

“June, oh my gosh.” I hug her back. “You were fabulous!”

“Thank you. I was nervous, but once I got through the first song, my jitters disappeared.” June smiles.

“You couldn’t tell you were nervous. The song was perfect,” I say. Leah hands me the flowers. “Here, these are for you.”

Leah and Aubrey both give her a hug and congratulate her.

“Let’s get all your friends for a picture.” Mrs. Luna grabs Ty’s arm, ushering him over to us, and gives Jack, Ford, and Cameron a gentle shove. All the girls stand on one side, and all the guys on the other. Mrs. Luna snaps several pictures, and I put on the best smile I can.

“Okay,” Leah says, straightening from her pose.

“No, wait. Let’s get a couple's picture. That would be so cute!” Mrs. Luna exclaims. I feel the color drain out of my face, and I turn to walk away. “Hannah, that’s the wrong way, silly girl.” June’s mom grabs my arm, pushing me toward everyone.

“Mom, we’ve taken enough pictures. Take a few more of Ty and me.” June tries to grab her mom’s phone, but she holds it away.

“These are the moments you’ll remember forever. High school is a golden time. You’ll look back on this picture one day and thank me. Now hurry, everyone stand next to your honey.” Mrs. Luna holds her phone up. I don’t know what to do. A strong arm wraps around my waist, pulling me against his side. I can’t help myself, and I lean against Ford, resting the back of my head against his shoulder. My eyes flutter closed, and I inhale Ford’s scent, smiling. When I open my eyes, Mrs. Luna is lowering her phone. My entire body freezes, and my breathing turns shallow. What happens now?

“Hannah, it’s okay.” June wraps her arms around me again as Ford lets go. “You’re okay. Just breathe. I’m so sorry about my mom.”

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