Finding My Way by Heidi McLaughlin Read Free Book Online Page B

their formal dresses. Personally, I think it takes away the element of surprise of when your guy shows up on your doorstep, rings the bell and stands in your entryway waiting for you to make an appearance. Last year when Josie and I were nominated for Princess and Prince of the junior class, I asked her not to change into her dress at half-time because I wanted to see her in all her beauty when I knocked on her door later that night with her corsage in my hand. If I have to be in my uniform, I want her to be in hers as well.
    “I’m sorry I smell,” I whisper into her ear, nuzzling her as I do. She giggles and pushes me away slightly.
    “I’ll forgive you.”
    “After I make it up to you later?” I waggle my eyebrows at her only for her to turn beet red. Our school administrators are standing behind us and one of them is snickering. I shrug and place my arm around her waist, pulling her as close as she’ll let me.
    The microphone is tapped and the crowd goes silent. “Each year we’re honored to bring forth the finest in our student body for coronation and this year is no exception. The student body nominated two boys and two girls from each class to represent Beaumont High in the annual homecoming parade tomorrow. We use an anonymous ballot voting system here at Beaumont and this year we’ve had a record number of votes.”
    “It’s a popularity contest,” I mumble. Josie tries to jab in my stomach but my shoulder pads prevent her from reaching me before I grab her arm. “What it is, Josie? Do you think any other senior couple stands a chance with me and you and Mason and Katelyn in the running?”
    She rolls her eyes but she knows it. I’m captain of the football team and she’s captain of the cheerleading squad – again it’s the popular vote.
    “Please hold your applause as I announce this year’s coronation court. This year’s freshman prince and princess are: Garrett Plice and Simone Santoro.”
    This is the part of the process that takes forever. Securing the nomination and voting was the fun part. Right now we have to watch each couple or ‘non-couple but only a couple for this moment and a single dance tonight’ take their spot on the podium.
    “Our sophomore prince and princess are: Aiden Hansen and Riley Wade,” the Principal announces. She beams with each name as if she had a hand in making sure they were chosen.
    “Our junior class prince and princess are: Ryder Whitley and Maddy O’Sullivan.” Ryder is on the football team. He’s our tight end and is quicker than shit. No one gets by him. He started dating Maddy over the summer after talking to her all of last year. He finally got up enough nerve to ask her out. I’m sure Mason and I ragging on him didn’t help much, but it’s all locker room talk.
    “Our senior class prince and princess are…” I wish this moment wasn’t happening. It’s between us and our best friends. It’s not going to matter who wins; either Mason or I will be consoling our girls. I’ll be sad if it’s not Josie and me because I know how much she wants this. I faintly hear their names being called. It’s when I see Mason and Katelyn walking toward the podium I know.
    “And this year’s king and queen are Liam Westbury and Josephine Preston.”
    Josie and I make our way to the center where crowns are placed on our heads and she’s given a dozen red roses. Looking out into the crowd, her parents, the Powell’s and Mrs. Bishop, Katelyn’s mom, are all standing and cheering. They’re trying to take pictures from the stands. Mine are sitting front and center, with their heads down no less.
    All the girls are waving to the crowd as we’re being ushered back to our cars. Our driver opens the door and I help Josie in, keeping my hands on her waist. I can’t wait to see her in her dress tonight. She’s kept it a secret just so she can surprise me tonight.
    We loop one more time around the track before we’re through the gate and back into the