Mend

"Are you sure you're not really coming? Like I said, we can hang out after... Or I could just not attend at all." Connor said over the phone. Today is the day of our formal and I could not give an fucks if I should attend or not.

"Yes I am sure. I got... better things to do. Enjoy the night Connor! I love you!"

"I love you too Dale. I wish you're were coming. I'll see you tomorrow." He hang up. I bit my lips in regret. I would have gone to the formal but I have some school stuff to catch up. Some of my projects and papers had already been behind and I promised my teachers that I need to get them done by next week. That means, I just have to sit in my room and do them so me and Connor could hang out tomorrow.

We already made plans of going to the beach, just the two of us. Then his parents are making dinner for us afterwards. I know it's the most usual thing couples would do but I just love the simplicity and how being corny we can be.

I glanced over my shoulder the suit Mum had rented for me. She got mad as hell when I said I wouldn't be attending our formal tonight. Of course she would understand that but she said that she'll make me pay the rent for that, aka the price of buying a new one.

It's not that an elegant of a suit, if I'm being honest. I just love the simplicity of white suit with a black lining on the edges of the collar, matched with a baby blue long-sleeved shirt, and I was actually planning on wearing a black skinny jeans and a slip on Vans. I am trying to be cool here. I'm still dork, to be fair.

I shifted my glasses upward so I can see what I had been typing for a while now. My English assessment had been driving me nuts. Who would be interested enough to read a boring Shakespearean tragedy? Me, of course. Not that I'm interested, but Romeo and Juliet just got me curious and well, this will be the end of my happiness.

"Love is heavy and light, bright and dark, hot and cold, sick and healthy, asleep and awake- its everything except what it is! (Act 1, scene 1)" I typed at the very beginning of my report, quoting the first few lines. Then I let my train of thoughts move around as my fingers had their fair share of pain as I typed a summary and a reaction paper for my assessment.

"I hate literature." I mumbled, then shot another glance at the suit.

What could Connor be doing right now? God hopefully nothing stupid. I sighed then looked at my phone to see if either him or my friends would send me a picture. And there was actually one, Connor snapped of everyone, with May, Justin, Roy and Grace at the front and everyone else at the back with a caption 'wish you were here love'.

"Still contemplating on whether you want to come or not, Dale?" Mum stood by the door as she leaned her back against it. "Just tell me if you wanna go and I can drop you off."

I took my glasses off, slouching on my seat. Mum kneeled down in front of me. "Dale I know you have to keep your grades up and we are so proud of you. But sometimes, you have to loosen up. That's why we never bat an eye on you whenever you ask to go out with Connor or your other friends."

"I--- I don't think I can be there, Mum. I'll be super awkward and out of place." I pursed my lips then smiled at her. She noticed the picture on my phone and grabbed it. "Hey Connor looked lonely over there."

"Yeah I know." I whispered.

"Well young man, you better get ready cuz we're forcing you to go there. If I have to push you to wear your suit, I'll definitely make you do it." She said, pulling me up my chair and pushed me towards the bathroom.

"Geez Mum, you don't have to be so pushy. I've been thinking about going there already. I'm just... you know, shy about it." I quickly turned around and hugged her.

"Nonsense, you just be proud of it. Now go on, you have at most twenty minutes to get ready. It's not too late yet." She got out of my room and shut the door. I scurried inside the shower and took the fastest bath I can take, before dressing up and fixing my hair and sprayed on my favourite cologne.

"Now princess, your chariot awaits." Dad opened the door for me as he led me to the car.

"Jeez Dad, thanks." I rolled my eyes in embarrassment. The drive didn't take that long until we got to our school. Some teachers were still at the gate checking to see if there are anymore students coming in.

"Text us if you need to be picked up. But then again, you might be with Connor tonight. Be safe!" Dad winked at me, sending shivers. The thought he had, gross. I put on a mask to somehow hide my identity after I introduced myself to our teachers. I told them that I needed to wear a mask, so no one would know who I was. But then again, I was the only one who was wearing a mask.

I did not tell or call Connor that I would be here but I was going through the sea of students as they danced and drank, with supervision of course, inside the gymnasium. The smell of sweat and drinks did not blend well and made it so unpleasant.

I carefully tiptoed, as my head peered through everyone. Connor was not so hard to miss. But I was so unlucky. Maybe he decided to go home.

I sat down at the very corner, before I pulled my phone out of my pocket. Then a shadow loomed over me, then my eyes met Roy's, handing me a glass of what it would seem to be wine. "Thought I'd recognize you. You look... amazing, even with a mask on." He remarked.

I blushed ever so slightly at his compliment. "Thanks, I guess?" I took the glass from him and took a sip. It tasted disgusting though. "The teachers said this is social drinking, not party drinking. Either way, I'm not enjoying this anymore."

"Where's Grace and May? Also have you seen Connor?" I asked Roy, as he sat down right next to me.

"They're around here somewhere, the girls are at least. Connor and Justin head over to where their team was and were talking and dancing just around that corner." Roy pointed towards the direction of the DJ.

"I should have known." I shook my head, knowing Connor would pass on showing off to everyone.

"It's good to see you here Dale. I thought you were deep in your homework that you wouldn't have a chance to come here." He gestured a toast, and I did.

"Well sometimes, I need to loosen up a bit." I took another sip from my drink. I'll just have to deal with this cheap wine.

He pulled me in for a hug. "Look, whatever happened before, I'm really sorry. I did not mean any harm on you or Connor, or anyone at all."

"It's okay. Me and Connor talked about it and we're 'taking things slow' this time." I giggled a bit, emphasizing on 'taking in slow'. I pulled away and stood up. He nodded to me and I nodded back. A slight relief knowing that me and Roy are at least in good terms.

I made my way to where Connor was and sure enough, he was there. Though my attention caught Jen's sudden appearance out of nowhere. I froze a bit but slightly blended with everyone so they won't notice me a bit.

I saw Jen whisper something to Connor and he laughed a bit. Justin glared at him, then Connor pat his shoulder. She took Connor's hand and tiptoed as she closed her face to his. Oh no.

But then, Connor pushed Jen off, when I was slowly making my presence known. She had anger all over her face, as if she was rejected, Connor saying something to her then got a slap on his face. That damn bitch! I wish May was here so we can really skin her alive!

"Connor?" I asked, but my voice was overwhelmed by the music around us. He was searching my voice as he looked around until he noticed me standing still a few feet apart. His eyes wandered once more, until they finally connected with mine.

He shoved everyone out of his way, then wrapped his arms around me. "I knew you would come." slowly taking my mask off.

"What was that about with Jen? I saw her whisper something to you but then you got slapped after you said something." I raised an eyebrow, curious and maybe a bit mad.

"She asked if you're here and I told her that are coming and we were going to enjoy the night. But then she grabbed my hand and attempted to kiss me, so I pushed her off and said I was not and never interested with her. So she slapped me." He said bluntly.

"And here you are Dale." Connor did not sound surprised to see me, more like he was happy that I am here with him.

He held my chin up closer to his face, as our lips were about to make contact. Someone on our side cleared their throat, and May stood there with her arms crossed. "As much as I wanted you two lovebirds making out here, I would like to take this moment to hug Dale for coming!" She jumped onto me and hugged me tight.

"Jeez May, calm your tits. Yes I am here, regrettably."

"By the way May, are we still pushing through with your plan of sneaking out?" Justin asked. She nodded, "Well since Dale is here, we don't have to stop by his place and kidnap him." She smirked.

"Damn girl, I am so flattered and scared at the same time." I mocked, stepping back slightly.

Her gaze shifted to her right when she saw Roy and Grace, signaling something at her. "That's our cue." We all nodded in agreement and followed the other two ahead of us.

Connor didn't let go of my hand as we snuck out of our school and made our way to a car. "It's a bit cramp, but we have to deal with it." Roy said, hoping that we could all hit in. "It's my dad's car, it can take up to seven people. But the other two have to be midgets so they can fit in the back seat."

"Me and Connor can sit at the back." I volunteered. Roy made a mean face, as Grace and May giggled. "You just want the two of you to make out in my dad's car. Gross."

"You're just jealous." I pointed out as I kissed Connor on his lips.

"Fine I get it. You two get in first, Then May and Justin can sit in the middle, while Grace sits at the front."

We all got in the car, surprised that we manage to fit ourselves inside. I sat in front of Connor as he straddled his legs. He rested his head on my shoulder as his arms were around my waist.

The other four had been talking nonstop throughout the drive, while the two of us sat in silence. I could feel Connor's heartbeat on my back. It was calm and composed. I like it this way.

We arrived at the park, not long after, May holding a bag with her. Roy and Justin started a small bonfire as we sat around it. May handed us cups filled with her concoction.

The rest of the night we spent drinking and laughing. It was definitely a night to remember.

I scooted closer to Connor as I let my head rest on his shoulder. He reached for my face and pulled it up by my chin. His eyes reflected the fire in front of us, making them glow like the stars.

"Dale, I promise never to leave you. I promise to love you forever." He whispered.

"I love you too Connor, and I promise never to do anything stupid. You are my one and only." He planted a kiss on my lips, his eyes sparkled, full of love.

I am content. I love Connor Ward.