"One more."

"Here." I passed the blue balloon to Toby as he stood on the stool and tape them on the door frame.

It was Sunday afternoon, and we were at Louis's house helping him with the decorations for the Singletines party. Chloe and Louis had been working out on it the whole week and they were taking it seriously... More than their classes. We had a lot of assignments and quizzes to do in the past week and it was hectic, so Toby and I also helped them.

It was cute to watch them getting worked up and wanting the party to be the best. Chloe and Louis turned out to be an incredible team. On Friday, they distributed the invitations to every single student in West High and it surprised me to see a lot of them while others were busy asking out for dates.

The thought of Andrew asking me out flashback in my head. I was stunned when I saw a note and he came from behind. At first, I thought it was a joke but turned out he was as serious as a heart attack.

Never in my life, did I imagine Andrew Pierce asking me to be his Valentine.

Mom put some ideas in my head after I came back from his house in his black shirt. Even though I told her a hundred times that nothing happened, she was thrilled and bet that he'll ask me out, but I dismissed the idea like the others.

But mothers are always right.

When I told my mom that I said no to him, she was mad and said I was a fool and should have given him at least a chance, but what was the use of it? I didn't want to end up like other girls on his list.

I said no because I was being realistic. It'll never work out for us in long term and I wasn't interested in one-time things.

"Lillian!" I jerked back from my thoughts and looked up to see Toby scrutinizing me. "I've been calling your name for a while. Where are you?"

I didn't tell Chloe, Toby, or anyone else about it. Mom was enough.

"I'm here," I mumbled, and gave him another balloon.

It was around three, and the party timings were six. We have been working since the morning. Chloe was in charge of food and drinks. Louis did the lighting and music work with the DJ while they gave Toby and me balloons and ribbons for decorations.

"Are you alright?" Toby asked, getting off the stool. "You look distracted since Friday."

"Nothing." I shrugged. "Just tired..."

"You can tell me anything Lilly." He said, looking skeptical of my behavior. "I'm here for you."

"I know." I forced a smile, but it didn't work.

"Alright, we are done!" Louis announced, grinning. "Let's take a break and then get ready for the epic party of the year!"

We nodded and Toby and I walked into the guest room Louis gave us to get ready. Louis's house was like Chloe's and after spending a lot of time with them, it did not surprise me when I saw the size of his house. It was built around the trees but was modern in every detail.

I sat on the couch and relaxed while Toby plopped on the bed and stretched his limbs. The room was painted white color like every other and decorated with grey furniture.

After a few minutes, Chloe came bouncing, looking delighted, and we got ready. I borrowed a blue dress from Chloe since she had a lot of them and changed into the bathroom. It was off-shoulder, and the length reached my knees since I was a little short than Chloe. The dress was loose, but Chloe pinned it so it won't fall off me.

Then I combed my hair and left them open and put on moisture on my face with light pink lipstick. Chloe wore her blue floral dress and looked beautiful in it. Toby wore a blue sweater shirt with dark blue jeans and shoes.

After finishing, we walked downstairs and everyone came with the invitation. When we reached down, we saw Louis arguing with Madeleine and Jordan in front of the gate.

"I won't let you in because you're not dressing according to the code."

"I am dressed in blue." She pointed at the navy blue hoodie with black shorts and white shoes.

"That's only a blue hoodie. Your shoes are white and shorts black."

"Okay fine." She puts her hands in surrender. "You know I don't have my color except black in my wardrobe. I borrowed Jordan's hoodie and you should be thankful that I have at least a piece of blue here."

"Cut her some slack man and be happy she isn't in her usual outfit." Jordan patted Louis's shoulder.

"Yeah." She nodded, then glared at Jordan. "What is wrong with my usual?"

"Nothing." He grinned and entered. "You look amazing in anything you wear."

"Oh..." She blinked at him, then turned towards Louis, who was grinning ear to ear. "What's with the look?"

"Nothing." He shrugged and gestured for them to enter. "Even though this party is for singles, I'll let you two in."

"Whatever." She rolled her eyes and turned toward us. "Hello, my favorite people!" She bounced and hugged us all. "You all look so adorable."

"Thanks." We said simultaneously and walked into the living room while Madeleine continued complaining about the color choice.

There were a lot of students from West High, and soft music played in the background. Louis went to the DJ and took the mic.

"Good evening my dear Singletines and welcome." Everyone clapped for him. "It is wonderful to see you all here and not in your dark rooms crying that you don't have anyone to be with, but guess what... We are all here together! This night is supposed to be fun and do whatever you want to do. So how about we stop that sulky song and rock our night!"

The jazz music abruptly stopped and 'Shake it off' by Taylor Swift began. Everyone cheered and gathered in the middle of the living room, dancing. Chloe took mine and Madeleine's hands and dragged us with the others.

"Would you rather know when you will die or how will you die?"

"That's an easy one." Louis shrugged. "I'd rather know when."

After dancing we played charades, Actors and now we were playing would you rather with everyone.

"Really?" Jordan raised his brows and Louis grinned.

This question made me a little uncomfortable knowing Louis's secret, but he seemed unfazed with it.

"Yup," Louis said and turned to Brittany. "Ready B?"

Brittany also came to the party, and I was surprised that she didn't have a date tonight. She looked beautiful tonight in her blue dress, and all the guys were busy ogling at her.

"Would you rather never be able to lie or never be able to speak again?"

Brittany scoffed. "I'd rather be mute than to tell the truth."

"That's so Brittany." Madeleine snorted.

"Whatever." Brittany rolled her eyes at her, then turned to me and I ceased breathing. "My question is for..." She smirked and darted her eyes to my left. "Toby."

"Alright." He sat straight, and I blew a breath in relief.

"Would you rather turn into a straight guy or be in a secret relationship for the rest of your life?"

My eyes widened at the question, and I peeked at Toby's horrified face.

"I'd rather be in a secret relationship." He sternly answered and glared at Brittany.

"Good for you." She gave him a smug smile.

"Alright, buddy, your turn," Jordan said to Toby, getting him out of his staring contest with Brittany.

"Chloe... Would you rather be single for the rest of your life or ask out the only love of your life?" He asked.

"I'll ask him out," Chloe murmured and glimpsed at Louis, who was busy writing the scores. "I have one for Maddie."

"Shoot me your best." Madeleine grinned.

"Would you rather wear colorful clothes or have everyone call you Madeleine for the rest of your life?"

"Both of them are gross." She grimaced. "But I'd rather wear colorful clothes."

"Seriously?" Chloe raised her brows. "You hate your name that much?"

"I am planning to change it once I graduate from here." Madeleine shrugged.

"I'll take that as a yes." Chloe blinked her eyes.

"My turn." Madeleine rubbed her hands and turned to me, making me gulp. "Would you rather marry a certain someone..." she smirked. "Or have sex with his best friend?"

My eyes bugged out at the question while everyone else burst out laughing.

"Are you serious?" Brittany scowled.

"Be as creative as you can," Madeleine smirked and darted her twinkling brown eyes at me. "Lilly?"

"I..." I shifted in my position as everyone watched me intensely. "I'd rather not answer that."

"But you have to." Louis beamed.

"Just say it." Chloe winked at me.

Everyone knew who the certain someone was. I glanced at Toby and saw his head ducked down. This was just a game, but I still didn't want to hurt his feelings and there was no way I was going for the latter option after what happened on Friday.

"If you don't answer, you'll have to take a shot and you'll be out." Louis pointed at the disgusting green drink.

Why did I agree to play this again?

"Just answer it, Lilly," Toby said, making me look at him. "You don't have to do this."

Sighing, I pick up the glass and gulp it down. My eyes squeezed shut when the thick slime of liquid slid down my throat, making me gag.

"What is this thing?!" I shivered at the weird, gooey taste.

It tastes like rotten pudding.

"Trust me..." Louis scrunched his face. "You don't wanna know."

Coughing, I excused myself and ran to the bathroom upstairs in the guest room when I felt like vomiting, but nothing came out. I looked for a mouthwash in the cabinets. There were few bottles, and I sighed in relief when I found one.

After a few minutes of getting the taste out of my mouth, I walked out of the bathroom and went to the stairs. My eyes darted to the balcony, and I saw Madeleine sitting on the railing alone.

"What are you doing here?" I asked when I stepped outside.

The chilly wind blew, and I wrapped my arms around myself and rubbed my body. The sun was setting, and the sky was painted with orange and yellow colors.

"The game was finished." She answered and blew smoke.

"Is that...?" I eyed the paper rolled between her fingers.

"Weed?" She chuckled. "Yup."

"Where is Jordan..." I stepped back but stopped when she burst out laughing.

"Gosh, your face!" She rubbed her watery eyes from laughing. "It's just weed Lilly. I'm not doing drugs."

"Isn't it the same?" I mumbled.

"No... Kinda... I don't know." She snickered and put out the cigarette. "Happy?"

"Yeah..." I adjusted my glasses and walked up to the railing.

"Listen." I turned my head to her, and she shifted in her place. "I'm sorry about the question and you had to drink that... It was simple, and I thought you would have easily picked..." She shrugged. "You know who."

I smiled. "It's alright Maddie. I just didn't want to answer that."

"I get it." She blew a breath. "Hope you are not mad."

"I'm not mad." I chuckled, then grimaced. "The drink was disgusting, and I wanted to throw up but now I feel fine."

"Good." She chuckled and jumped down the railing. "No wonder what Louis put in it-AA!"

Her foot slipped, and I grabbed her arm to steady her, but she let out a wince when I gripped her arm and I jerked my hand back.

"Are you hurt?" I asked when she stood straight and eyed her arm, which was covered with her hoodie sleeve.

"No, I'm fine." She forced a smile and put her hand on her left arm.

"No, you are not." I stepped closer to her. "Let me look at your arm."

"No!" she yelped.

"Your arm is injured-"

"Yeah. I uh... I fell from the stairs this morning and it hurts a little."

"Did you go to the doctors?"

She nodded and began walking inside. "It's not a big deal, relax."

"Maddie, I can look at it if you want-"

"Chill babe." She plopped her right arm around my shoulders and dragged me inside. "Let's go in and enjoy the party."

I nodded and walked inside with her, unconvinced, but she said it wasn't a big deal.

When we walked downstairs to the living room, everyone turned their head toward us, making me stiff. The music was stopped and everyone was whispering as Madeleine and I walked to the group.

"Why the hell is everyone gawking at me?" Madeleine asked.

"They are not staring at you," Jordan answered and looked at me.

"Me?" I pointed at myself.

"Turn around," Louis said.

I turned to see a video rolling at the big projector screen in the middle of the living room Louis set and a gasp left my lips when I saw Andrew and me standing in the video.

This is not good...

~•~ • ~•~ • ~•~

"I still don't get why she said no to me?" I paced the room and Ben watched me sitting on his bed. "I tried it to be simple as you said."

"Listen-"

"I swear I felt she like me too and whenever we were together, but she still said no."

"You are getting cocky again." Ben sighed.

"I'm not. I know she likes me and why wouldn't she-"

"Because you are a player-"

"That doesn't stop her from hanging out with me-"

"She hangs out with everyone-"

"It feels different when we hang out-"

"Maybe she doesn't-"

"She does-"

"She doesn't because she likes someone else." He blurted, making me halt.

"Who?" I turned towards him.

"Who, who?" He acted dumbfounded.

"You said she likes someone else." I narrowed my eyes at him.

"I didn't. You are hearing things." He snorted.

"You're lying." I stepped closer to the bed's edge. "Tell me."

"I don't know." He shrugged.

"You said it pretty confidently, my friend, so you must know."

"I don't." I glared at him and ran through my brain to think of someone else when it clicked.

It must be him. I've always seen them flirting even though he said nothing is going on between them. But what if she likes him?

"She likes that geek."

Ben's eyes widened, but he composed himself. "I don't know what you are talking about."

"She likes Nate," I uttered, and my face scrunched in disgust. "Seriously, that dweeb! I thought she was a smart girl."

"Liking him doesn't make her dumb but rational." Ben rolled his eyes.

"How?" I crossed my arms.

"Because he is not a player like you, cares about girls, and respects them. He is smart, and he knows what he wants to do with his life."

"Wow." I groaned.

"He is a better choice than you and I preferred him."

"What does that mean?"

"I tried to set up Lilly with him." He answered, and my eyes bugged out.

"You did what?!" I shrieked. "When?!"

"At the fundraiser." He said and gave me a once over. "Clearly, but it didn't work for them and I have no idea how you got in the middle."

"But why him?!"

"She likes him, so I wanted to help her. And again, Nate isn't a player like you and I knew he'll take good care of her-"

"He might not be a player, but he's a hella weird guy! I've never seen him with a girl, and I don't believe that a horny teenager would be alone for four years in high school. Have you ever thought about that?" He opened his mouth, but I continued. "No wonder what he does behind that close door of his so-called President's office."

Ben blinked his eyes at me, then burst out laughing. "Jealous much?"

"I'm not jealous." I gritted.

"Right." He snickered.

"I'm not kidding Ben." I sat on the bed's edge. "And he said he's going with someone on a date tonight and didn't tell about the girl."

"Maybe he wants to keep her away from you." He chuckled.

"Or maybe..." I smirked. "It's not even a girl."

"What does that mean?" I heard the confusion in his voice.

"I mean..." I turned towards him with a grin and saw him frowning. "Maybe his date is a guy."

"Why do you think that?" He asked with a mixed expression.

"Just a hunch." I shrugged.

"If he's not telling you about the person doesn't make him gay." Ben glared at me. "And even if he is gay, it has nothing to do with you. He can date whomever he wants. It's his life." He growled.

I blinked my eyes, confused at his outburst. "Where is that coming from?"

"Nowhere." He cleared his throat and looked away.

"Look. I don't care if he's interested in girls or guys. All I care about is that Lillian is interested in him and that has to change."

"What will you do?" He raised his brows.

I opened my mouth but paused when my eyes landed on the invitation. "Well, for starters, we'll go to that party."

I got up and walked to his wardrobe to take something blue out.

"It's not even for us."

"It's for singles." I threw him a check blue shirt and took one for me. "And that's what we are."

"Right." He mumbled and changed into the shirt and we took my car and drove towards the party.

When we entered Louis's house, there was no music playing in the background, and it looked pretty quiet for a party. If it wasn't for the decoration, no one would have guessed there was a party here.