Page 68 of Becoming Cinderella

“We’re on your side, sweetie. We hate that your heart got broken, but we can’t ignore how you disobeyed and lied to us.”

I give them a small nod, my eyes focused on the table.

“Okay honey, you’re excused.”

I push myself away from the table, not wanting to linger in case they decide to add to my punishment. I head towards my room when I see Rylee is watching one of my favorite sitcoms. I could use a laugh right now, so I go sit with her.

I steal half of her blanket, snuggling into the couch.

“Don’t worry, his movies aren’t that good anyway.” Rylee says, keeping her eyes on the TV.

I’m mid-sniffle when she says this, making my sniffle turn into a snort with a laugh.

She says this out of sister solidarity, because Rylee loves the Eagle Strike series. But the fact she does say it fills me with warmth and gratitude. I scoot over to her side of the couch and rest my head on her shoulder.

Rylee pats my head like I’m some type of dog. She’s never one to show emotions, so the fact she hasn’t pushed me off of her is its own small victory.

Rylee and I don’t say anything else, we just watch the show in silence as I try to get lost in its universe.

Chapter Twenty

As predicted, by the following week the high school gossip mill has moved on to new drama. Apparently, a boy from the football team cheated on his student council girlfriend with his chemistry tutor. I feel sorry for the parties involved, but also am relieved I am no longer the main topic of conversation.

Outside of school nothing is back to what it once was. I’ve only worked with Jared once and things between us have shifted so easily from long time crush to a really close friend. I’ve been so grateful for Jared this past week and the way he has had my back at school. Jared, Penn, and I have become a small trio. I know at some point I’m going to feel like their third wheel, but we’ve been so focused on damage control for my life that they haven’t been able to really enjoy or experience life as a couple. At least I assume they’re a couple, because I do see them occasionally hold hands and gaze adoringly into each other’s eyes. And to think they could have had this earlier.

My life at home isn’t back to normal either, because one thing about getting your heart broken by your celebrity crush, it was usually Liam who was my escape from reality. I would turn on his interviews or watch his movies to forget about my life. But now? I’ve tried to watch different Netflix movies but wonder if the actors know Liam. I’ve tried to watch reality TV, but each show I’ve attempted to watch has a British contestant which then makes me think of Liam. I’ve resorted to trying to read a book but the love interest had brown hair and blue eyes, just like Liam. Everything circles back to Liam somehow. I definitely can’t even get on any social media platform, because sure enough, there’s pictures of the actual Liam. I just can’t escape him.

Even though I’m grounded, Penn has been granted visiting rights. She sits on the end of my bed while I’m lying across it. She’s scrolling through Instagram and I’m playing Sudoku on my phone when she drops hers on the bed.

“So, Jared asked me to Homecoming.”

I sit up at this. Finally!

“And you’re just now telling me? Hello! We’ve been sitting here in silence for like thirty minutes. When did he ask you?”

“Well.” She tugs at the ends of her hair. “He told me last week he was going to ask me so that I wouldn’t make any other plans. But last night he officially asked me.”

I smile for what feels like the first time in a week. “How did he do it?”

“He cut out hundreds of these colorful paper hearts, and I mean hundreds, and placed them all around my room. On the back of one he wrote he would have a heart attack if I didn’t say yes to Homecoming.”

“That’s so cheesy,” I laugh. “But adorable.”

“Are you sure you’re okay with all of this?”

“All of this meaning you and Jared?” I don’t wait for her to answer. “Of course I am! Penn, just because things didn’t work out with Liam doesn’t mean I’ve retreated back to my old feelings. I’m honestly so happy for you guys.” I reach out and squeeze her hand. “And I’m sorry if you’ve felt like you couldn’t talk to me about it because I’ve been sad.”

“Speaking of reasons behind your sadness, you still haven’t heard anything from Liam?” Penn’s eyes go wide as she covers her mouth. “I’m sorry. Are we saying his name?”

I let out a chuckle. “You can say his name. But no, I haven’t heard anything. No surprise there. He loathes me.” I moan and fall back on my bed, staring up at the ceiling.

“He doesn’t loathe you. He’s probably just confused about everything.”

“Nah, he definitely thinks I’m the worst. He probably has a picture of me hanging up in his trailer that he throws darts at.” I know Liam would never do this, but in my imagination that’s what he does between scenes. “He’s filming his dance scene tomorrow. He’s probably so nervous. I wish there was something I could do for him.” I chew on my bottom lip as I think. “Wait, I know! Banoffee pie.”

“Banoffee pie? What is Banoffee pie?”

“A pie he told me about from England. It’s more than just a pie to him, actually. What if I tried to make it and send it to him? This could be just what he needs.”

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