The Grim Reaper Effect

-T W E N T Y- N I N E-

Chapter Twenty-nine: The Peanuts Gallery

Each year, Applewood sponsors a Valentine's Day dance. I absolutely hated going, but I went anyway because Micah always wanted to go. It was held to fund the art club. I supported the cause, but the dance was always so boring. Even now, I still had to go. This time it was because of my best friends were going and were afraid I'd sit at home alone binge eating.

They were right, but it still hurt. I just wanted to sit at home and watch TV while eating a tub of cookie dough. I couldn't help but want to stay home and drown in my thoughts. My inner she-devil had been invading my thoughts lately. Ever since she suggested I liked Griffin, she hasn't stopped talking about him. It was annoying.

I couldn't help but consider it. What would happen if I did like him? It's not like I could do anything about it. He and I were from two different worlds. At this point, it wasn't whether I liked him or not. It was more of why I would like him.

We went over this already. He's-

I swear if you call him the forbidden fruit one more time-

Fine, fine. I'll go mess with someone else.

Wait, seriously? You can do that?

No! It was sarcasm, you idiot!

I knew Kira and Indie wouldn't let me get out this, so I had Tanner hide the ice cream from me. I had to at least try to fit into my dress. I didn't want to wear a dress, but they forced me. Personally, I didn't see the point of wearing a dress in the winter. It was stupid to me, but I didn't have a choice.

I decided to wear my homecoming dress from last year. It was easier and I didn't have to spend money. It was a cream one-shoulder dress that ended at my knees. My ankle strap heels matched. My hair was in a curly afro as always. I didn't bother putting more than eyeliner on my face. I slipped into a pale pink cardigan and was on my way.

I walked into the gym expecting a number of things. I expected a cheesy dance with hearts everywhere and pink and red displayed everywhere. I expected the music to be overplayed pop love songs.

I was proven right.

What I didn't expect was Taylor and Brooke to be standing next to each other, talking about God knows what. Taylor glanced over at me and a smirk instantly took over her face. She turned to Brooke and began talking more animatedly.

I wasn't in the mood to talk or argue. I didn't even want to be at this dance. My main goal was to show up and leave quietly. However, no matter how hard I tried not to draw any attention, it became impossible. I was fine until I got greedy and tried to grab a cookie.

The entire tray fell.

"Shit," I muttered to myself.

"Oh my gosh! Mackenzie, are you okay?!" It was Taylor.

"I'm fine," I glared at her. I turned to the woman behind the food table and frowned once I recognized her. She was the art teacher. This was her event. "I'm so sorry. I can go buy some more-"

She shook her head, "No need. No one eats them anyway."

"Well at least let me pay," I reached into my purse and pulled out ten dollars. "For the art club."

She smiled at me, "Thank you, Mackenzie. Your donation is appreciated."

I smiled and turned around again. The majority of the room was watching me. Brooke seemed to be examining me. She raised her eyebrow and gave me a once-over. I frowned and searched for my friends. Unfortunately, they were both late, so I was alone.