Chapter 30: Tradition (Alex's POV) I slipped the dress on before running a brush through my straightened hair as I pulled it up into a high ponytail, wrapping a little diamond band around it. I pulled my heels on, sprayed perfume all over myself because it only lasts about eight seconds. I stood up and looked at myself in the mirror before grabbing my matching clutch. I looked good. It's a good thing my boyfriend has good taste. I'd simply go in pajamas if I could. I got downstairs where my dad was grabbing his car keys. "You look lovely, sweetheart," he smiled. "Thanks, dad. You too," I smiled while following him out and climbing into the car. Abby's house was the last one in this neighborhood. We got there, my dad parked the car, and we headed inside with me following his lead. Abby's parents, I'm assuming, greeted all their guests with smiles. I looked at her mom and almost gasped. She looked like an older version of Abby. That was so scary. "Tim!" I looked forward, almost crashing into my dad who had abruptly stopped walking. I saw Mr. Reed and Carter heading our way. Oh, my fuck. He looked so hot. My jaw fell while Mr. Reed and my dad exchanged hellos. "Honey, close your mouth," my dad whispered. "Sorry," I mumbled, looking down at the ground. "Can I steal her, Mr. Lockhart?" Carter asked. "Of course, you can." With that, he grabbed my hand and pulled me away. "You look amazing," we said in sync. He chuckled while I smiled, staring at the ground to hide my blush. "Awe, are you blushing?" he taunted. "I-" I looked up and he had leaned in. He leaned in further for a kiss but I took a step back. "Lip gloss, baby," I teased. "I don't care, baby," he said mockingly before pressing my lips to his. I pulled away and clicked my tongue. "I told you not to do it," I said while wiping my thumb across his now glossy lips. "Not my color?" He scrunched up his nose. I laughed while linking my arm with his as we began wandering around. "It's her house, where is Abby?" I questioned in confusion. "She usually likes to make an entrance. Here we go," he said as she descended the stairs, her white gown trailing behind her. She looked really pretty. She stopped on about the second step and looked behind her where Hudson appeared. I paid no attention while grabbing a martini from a waiter walking around serving it. Carter took the glass from me and placed it back on the tray. "No drinking," he whispered. "Then give me the flask," I grinned. "I didn't bring it," he replied. I giggled, leaning forward, my lips brushing against his ear. "Liar," I whispered. He sighed in defeat and handed it to me. I took one sip and gave it right back. "See? Just one sip," I shrugged innocently. "I don't think you should be flirting that much with me right now. Especially since you look like that and that dress comes off with one little tug," he said huskily. "Try me," I smirked. He let out a low breath and looked around, ignoring my flirting. "Okay, I'll stop. Looks like someone can't handle me." I sighed loudly. "I bet I can handle you in the bedroom," he smirked. "I bet you can," I grinned. He shook his head while chuckling as we proceeded to roam around. "I'm going to the bathroom. Find us a table?" I asked. He nodded and kissed me swiftly before I went and found the bathroom on my own. I did my thing, actually using the bathroom for once even though I didn't need to. There were already a few women coming in and out to touch up their makeup. I couldn't have one of them walking in on me sitting there barefoot, now could I? I went back out and spotted Carter immediately. I headed over to the table where Carter, Zach, Connor, and Hudson all sat. Zach smirked at me while patting the chair beside his while Hudson did the same. I chuckled, ignoring Hudson. Connor rolled his eyes before forcing Hudson to trade seats with him. He mocked his actions and did the same. I laughed before walking up behind Connor. "Duck… duck…" I said while patting his and Zach's head. Carter grabbed my arm and pulled me down in the seat beside his. "Goose," he smirked. I grinned while Hannah sat beside Connor, he brought her as his date, and Zach sat alone. "Awe, Zach didn't bring a date?" Hannah taunted. "I prefer the single life. I don't understand why people tie themselves down like that," he sighed while eyeing each girl that walked by. "It's surprisingly worth it," Carter mumbled, staring at me. "What?" I chuckled. "Nothing," he shook his head with a smile. We all talked that night, got to know Zach a little better. He was older than us, but he fit right in, getting along with Hannah and Connor. This is probably what it's going to be like at these stupid parties. The five of us. Hudson got out of there when he realized no one would even speak to him. He only tried talking to me. I bet if he could change himself, he could even become friends with Carter like they were when he was on the team. I'll never understand what happened to him. Before dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Forrester went to the top of the stairs and clinked their glasses. Everyone looked up in anticipation but Hannah and I were just confused. "The Forresters do this thing, a tradition, where each table unanimously votes on the couple they think looks the best tonight. It's stupid," Carter explained. "What about single people?" Zach frowned. "Enjoy the single life now," Connor laughed. "How do they vote?" Hannah asked. "One person from each table goes up there and tells them who they want to vote for. They announce the winners," Carter replied. "Who's going?" Connor asked. "I'll go. I'm single. My say," Zach shrugged before standing up when it was our turn. We didn't even decide this unanimously. He came back down with a satisfied look on his face. "Who did you say?" Hannah asked. "I'm not telling," he shrugged. I turned to Carter and we resumed our conversation because we both agreed that this was stupid. It's like the people here are so desperate to feel young, so they organize a little prom for themselves. It's kind of sad. "Guys!" Hannah exclaimed. "What?" I turned to her. "You won! Go!" Connor laughed. "Huh?" we said in sync. I glanced up to see Mr. and Mrs. Forrester looking right at us. Carter looked at me. "Let's just get it over with, we don't have to give a speech, do we?" I asked while standing up as he did the same. "I don't think so," he said as I linked my arm with his and we walked up the stairs. "You do the talking," I grinned as we reached up there. "Congratulations," Mrs. Forrester grinned. I bet her daughter isn't grinning right now. "Right, um- what do we do now?" Carter asked. "Oh, that's it. You two can go back," Mr. Forrester shrugged. Are they serious? That's it? That's all it was? Just going up there for everybody to see and then coming back down? I looked at Carter and held in my laugh till we got to our table. "Well, that was stupid," I mumbled. "Very," Carter said. "Incoming," Zach sang before Abby came and stood in front of us. "Congratulations on the win. It was a very close call with me and Hudson." "Right," Hannah snorted. "Better luck next time," Connor smiled. I stared at her while she gritted her teeth. Her eyes even glossed over. I don't think it's Carter that she wants. I think it's the love she knows he has to give. I watched as she ran into the bathroom and everyone ignored it. Like she wasn't even there. I felt horrible for her. No one ever pays attention to her, not even her parents, not even Hudson who is supposed to be her boyfriend. I know that was just a ploy but he could at least pretend to care. She just wants someone to care for her. "I'll be right back," I said while standing up and heading to the bathroom. There's a reason she's so bitter. And it isn't because she's a bitch who just wants a guy. It's because nobody cares for her. I walked into the bathroom where she sat on the seat, sniffling. She looked up and rolled her eyes, "You don't have to walk in to humiliate me. I already did that for myself," she laughed humorlessly. "I'm not here to humiliate you," I said while crouching down in front of her. "Are you all right?" . . . . . Chapter thirty