Once Upon a Stream ● dreamwastaken

chapter 7

I spent the better half of the first two songs warily looking for Brook and Rye. I knew exactly what would happen if I spotted them among the sweaty bodies. Major tried to distract me, but my mind was a mess.

At the end of some pop song, Major slipped his arms around my waist and pulled me as close as possible. His lips brushed against my ear as he said, "Forget him. He doesn't deserve you."

I tightened my arms around his neck. "I can't."

"Just move to the music. Tonight is supposed to be fun."

"Tonight is supposed to be about Brook!" I shouted.

"Every night is about Brook."

I didn't disagree.

Instead, I laughed and started swaying to the music.

↠

I patted my neck with a clump of paper towels, angling my head in the mirror. Brook's makeup job stood the test of sweat, looking as perfect as when she dragged me out of the house.

She had called early in the afternoon while I was in class. From the sheer amount of calls and texts, I thought someone died. I about ran out in the middle of lecture just to find out she got the job she interviewed for.

So, she declared it a night of celebration and shots. In other words, another night.

I glanced at the mirror one last time before stepping out of the peacefully quiet bathroom and back into the chaos of the club. Major was leaned against the wall, arms over his chest and eyes on everyone who walked remotely in his direction.

He smiled when he saw me.

"Your hair," he said, lifting his eyebrows.

I opened my purse to show him the mess of bobby pins layering the bottom. "I couldn't stand them anymore."

Major chuckled, offering me his hand. "It looks better down anyway."

I shrugged, letting it fall into my face. Ever since we all moved on together, Major made it his mission to change my opinion of myself.

I didn't have the heart to tell him it was pointless.

There was no sign of Brook or Rye when we found the table again, so I was tempted to skip out and go home to Nemo and pjs.

To my surprise, Major begged me to stay. Normally, he'd be pushing me out the door.

"I'll get us some easy drinks," he grinned. "Stay!"

Shaking my head, I smiled at his excitement. "Yes, sir."

It wasn't long after he left that my feet started pounding louder than the music. Though I knew the scolding I would get if Brook found me, I yanked off her heels and pulled my legs under me on the seat.

I sighed in relief, slumping against the padding backing and pulling out my phone. If she'd rather disappear with her airheaded friends, then I'd rather be comfortable.

Scrolling through my Twitter feed, I came across a tweet from Dream about pineapple on pizza, of all things. I found myself replying with something snarky but light-hearted, knowing if I sounded too mean his fans would retaliate.

Perk of being friends with a streamer: you learn what not to say if you value a peaceful feed.

While reading some of his other tweets, I felt someone's eyes on me. The hairs on my neck stood up as I looked up and locked eyes with a tall blond heading my way.

"Hey," he leaned on the table, offering me a dimpled smile, "I saw you earlier . . . you're a cute dancer."

Clumsy, I mentally corrected. I spent most of that time fumbling over my own feet and stomping on Major's.