Doorstepped - note that this title will change

Please note that this story has been rewritten somewhat and will be changing it's name, as well as major plot points. This will likely be uploaded as a new book entirely.

Olivia slid the flyer over the desk in front of me, ever so indifferently.

“Are you going?” she asked.

“No,” I told her.

“You haven’t even looked at it.” She whined.

I looked at it. “No,” I repeated.

“Why not?”

“I’m busy.”

“With what?”

“I’m… behind on my work.” I said.

“What, for next year? Hayley, you’re ahead in all your classes. What could you possibly be behind on?”

“Liv, it’s not my thing.”

“What’s not your thing? Living?” she asked.

“You don’t need to be hurtful.” I said.

“Well, it’s hurting me to see you waste your life on work. Especially when isn’t necessary.”

“Work is always necessary, Olivia.” A voice creeped up behind her.

She rolled her eyes and turned to face our teacher. “Yes, Mr. Felix.”

“Take your seats.” He said to the class. It took a few moments for everyone to settle. Olivia took this to her advantage.

“It’ll be so fun, Hayley. Can’t you picture it? Bonfires, sarongs, music. It’s the perfect recipe for a fairy-tale.”

“There’s a reason why it’s called that. Fairy-tales aren’t real. It sounds to me more like a recipe for chaos and disaster.”

“Why do you say that?”

“These things always happen at this kind of event.” I said.

“No, they don’t…”

“Well, they will if I go. Parties aren’t my forte.”

“Isn’t your final year the perfect time to change that?”

“The perfect time to change what?” Holly joined the conversation.

“Her social life.” Olivia filled her in.

“Tomorrow’s party, right?” Her eyes twinkled. “Oh, she’s so right, Hayley, you should totally go. This party could change your life.”

“You two put a lot of pressure on a party.” I said.

“It’s not just a party… it’s the closest we can get to a fairy-tale.” Holly stated.

“What did I tell you?” Olivia smiled at me coyly. She thought she had me beat.

“You know I’ll feel awkward, Liv – even in a fairy-tale. I’m just not cut out for it.”

“Even the most stubborn of beings can be transformed by a perfect evening.”

“I really don’t want to put my stubborn being in the hands of something perfect. Even perfect can turn ugly. Just look at my mom.”

“You’re not your mom, Hayley.” Olivia told me.

I chose not to comment on that. “I don’t trust ‘perfect’.” I said, instead.

“Fine, then it will be shitty and bearable. Will you please just come?”

“Ms. Casey, your seat. I won’t tell you again.” Mr. Felix warned, saving me from another excuse. “We’re going shopping after sixth period.” She informed her as she glided over to her seat, without further protest, leaving me to my lab partner.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hi,” I returned.

“You seemed to be under interrogation over there,”

“Yeah, Olivia thinks she has my best interests at heart. Holly just wants more people to go to this party.”

“The one on Friday?”

“You know about it?”

“Sure.” He grinned. “I may be a nerd but we enjoy parties, too.”

I sighed. “Why, though? Everyone seems transfixed with this idea of a bonfire beach fairy-tale. I just don’t get it.”

“Well, maybe if you go, you’ll find out what all the hype is about.”

“Well, weird, I may be, but convinced I most certainly am not.”

“You’re not weird, Hayley. You’re just different from the rest. It’s not a bad thing.”

I frowned at him. “What does that even mean? Everyone is different.”

“Then you’re different from different.”

My frown deepened. “That would make me normal.”

“Anything’s possible.” He grinned.

I sighed. “Would different from different go to this.” I mumbled.

“You don’t have to go, but you shouldn’t not go just because it’s not your thing.” He said. “Try something new. It could change your whole perspective. Staying in your comfort zone is never the best option.”

“I suppose so…” I relented. “Ugh, this is too much sense for a Thursday afternoon.”

“Would that have been better if I told you this yesterday?” he smirked at me.

“Ha ha.” I said sarcastically.

“So, what are you gonna do?” he asked.

“Knowing Olivia, she’ll probably get me to go anyway; so, it might be better that the decision is mine. She’ll take the credit for it either way. It looks like I’m bested.”

“Unless you make the decision to enjoy it.”

I looked at him sceptically.

“Try to enjoy it.” He corrected.

“Fine.” I surrendered.

“You know, you’re making a bigger deal out of this than it needs to be. Going to this party isn’t a prison sentence. When it’s over you get to go home, you know that right?” he grinned.

“Yes, I know that.” I smirked at him. “It just seems like waste of an evening.”

“Then don’t go.” He told me. “Despite what Olivia may or may not do, it’s still your decision.

“Fine. I won’t.” I decided.