The One Where Teagan Tells Me to Take Care of My Heart

"Would you all believe it if I told you I tripped on my own laces and fell on her lips face first?" I ask timidly. We are all back in our booth but this time I am sitting on one side and all 5 of them have squeezed opposite me.

"You are wearing flats." Teagan points out.

"Plus she is taller than you." Jaxx adds. I roll my eyes. Very helpful, Jaxx. Thank you.

I sigh at them and shrug.

"I don't know what to tell you all."

"The truth would be nice." Audrey chimes in, her arms crossed over her chest. With her curly dark brown hair in a huge ponytail and her spot on makeup, she looks exactly like a mean girl. If I hadn't known any better, I would've thought of her as one but she is one of the sweetest and kindest girls I know.

"We, uh… we are like friends with benefits." I stutter, getting it out as fast as I can. I mentally facepalm but it feels like they believe me.

"Like you two are sleeping together?" Sean asks and everyone groans. I have come to realize that Sean can be really dumb sometimes.

"Obviously, Sean. That's what FWB means." Tara rolls her eyes while everyone snorts.

"Yes. We are sleeping together."

"How is she in bed? Is what everyone says true?" Tara asks, leaning ahead excitedly. I roll my eyes at her.

"I am not answering that for the sake of our privacy."

"When did it happen?" Teagan shoots, looking at me suspiciously. I frown as I try to decipher the reason behind her frown.

"Yesterday when I went to her house. She played Perfect on her guitar. Asked me how it was. I didn't know what to say, so I kissed her. We didn't do anything then… Just made out but she came over last night and we got carried away." I can't believe how good of a liar I am. This is some strong shit I am lying about.

"Woah… Damn." Jaxx mutters before grinning at me widely, "Well, thank you. We don't have to put up with Cynthia anymore!"

"Yeah! Good riddance! She can now take her fake ass, bleach blonde hair and go irritate someone else…" Audrey rolls her eyes, flipping her hair over her shoulder.

"I won't go deaf due to her shrieking anymore. What a blessing in disguise." Sean lets out a sigh of relief.

"Well… I am happy the status of my relationship has saved you from sudden death. Can we go now? I need to make sure my dress is pressed for Eli's charity dinner tomorrow." I get out of my booth as everyone behind me "aws".

"She's taking you?! She said she'd take me?" Jaxx groans as they all start following me outside.

"So, you and Elliot, huh?" Teagan raises an eyebrow at me as we sit in my room. She is painting my toenails while I read. I look up at her mischievous expression with a groan. I don't like lying to my sister but I am not ready to tell her the truth either.

"I mean... It just kind of happened. We have great chemistry so we thought why not." The expression on her face turns to concern.

"Be careful. I don't want to see you go through what you went through with Rachel again." She starts coloring my nails again.

"Elliot's not like Rachel." I frown defensively at her statement. "She is everything Rachel wasn't."

"Look at you. Defending her like she is your girlfriend. I know she is nothing like Rachel. I am just saying. Be careful. Take it slow."

"We already had sex, Tea. Slow isn't possible now." I snort. Why did I just lie to her?

"You know what I mean." Her blue eyes flash with a knowing look. I bite my lip, nodding at her. I know what she means. Sadly.

"Damn, Thals! You look gorgeous!" Audrey whistles as her and Sean pull up to my house. I blush as Sean gets down and opens the backseat door for me.

"Thanks, Sean. And Audrey, you look beautiful. Your makeup and hair is on point." I say, settling in the seat as Sean starts the car. "Also, love the suit." Audrey is wearing a sky blue blazer with sky blue pants and black dress shirt. She looks like a million dollars.

"Girl… Your red dress steals the show." She grins at me in the rearview mirror. I feel a blush crawling up my cheeks as I smooth out my dress. It's been a while since I have had to get all dolled up. But I feel really good tonight. The reddish-maroonish dress is sleeveless and is a little form fitting but still modest enough to be considered a formal gown. The back is a show stealer and what made me buy the dress despite the expensive tag. It has criss-crossed thin straps till my mid back, showing just enough skin. Paired with a golden clutch and black stilettos, I feel pretty confident in it. Thank God, Teagan was able to do my makeup before she left for her date. I am not very good at makeup. "Elliot's gonna have a hard time keeping her hands off of you."

"Okay then." I roll my eyes and pull out my phone.

'Left my house. Be there in 10.'

'I'll meet you guys outside.' The reply comes back immediately. I shoot an okay and keep the phone away, turning my attention to Audrey who's talking about the upcoming cheer team competition.

The auditorium bursts into applause as Elliot finishes her song and bows before the crowd. She looks so happy and content on stage like that's exactly where she belongs. And maybe she does. There was just something so magical about her since the moment she plucked the first strings to the song Thinking Out Loud. She looked completely lost in the music. Her eyes closed. She looked ethereal almost. The entire auditorium was silent and I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride staring at her. I couldn't wait to see her.

Sadly, we couldn't see her before the show because we got stuck in traffic and arrived after the program started. But hers was the last performance too so I am glad that that was the case.

"I am going to go see her backstage, okay? We'll see you guys outside." Jaxx nods and we get out of the seats.

"Hey, Superstar." Elliot turns around with a big grin on her face as I approach her.

"Thals!" She exclaims, pulling me in a hug. I giggle as I wrap my arms around her waist.

"That was so beautiful, baby. I loved it. You really sold the show." I peck her lips as we pull away from our hug. Elliot grins before holding me at arm's length.

"Well, apparently not as beautiful as you." She whistles as she takes me in. I roll my eyes with a smile.

"Well… You don't look bad either." I give her a once over. She looks dashing in her red shirt and black tux. Her hair is up in a bun, leaving her face open and her sharp jaws pop out more. Diamond studs and a chain around her neck complete her look.

"Why thank you, milady." She cheeses and I roll my eyes at her again. "If you roll them anymore, they'll fall off." She quipps while wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me close. She leans down to kiss me but is met with my palm instead.

"Hold it, Fernsbury. I have lipstick on." Her shoulders slump and she groans against my palm.

"I think I deserve at least a kiss after that stellar performance." She boasts, making me laugh.

"You are so lame. Let's go. Our friends are waiting for us outside." She presses a kiss to my forehead and wraps an arm around my waist.