obigem

[obigem]

As you may know the Data Bill is currently going through UK parliament, and Conservative amendment would force agencies to record sex/gender as birth sex only. As if this doesn't go far enough to humiliate and discriminate against trans and intersex people, this amendment would also require all state agencies (DVLA, Passport Office, etc) to revert and purge all sex data that doesn't correspond to sex at birth within 12 months. This would mean that trans people with corrected documents could see these being voided and replaced, leaving them open to being outed, discriminated against, and in many cases, putting their lives at risk. T*rf organisations like S*x Matters have already mobilised and are encouraging their flying monkeys...I mean supporters to email their MPs about this bill. While it is unlikely that it will go through (Nadia Whittome received assurances that it will be voted down by the government), the support it receives has a high chance of encouraging Labour to put a similar amendment through in the future. We need to show that we stand together as a community against this. It's probably safe to say that almost everyone here knows and loves a trans and/or intersex person, or in fact is a trans and/or intersex person. Rights are at risk. We can't just say we love and support our trans siblings, we need to take action. Write to your MP and tell them why this bill is wrong and that trans people MUST be protected and supported.

Please do not be rude to your MP or send them verbal abuse (even if it's tempting). This is not the time for that. Use clear, polite and firm language to make your point. As a community, we must be mindful of how we approach this, as lives are at stake. While you are writing about this issue, please also consider mentioning the detrimental effect the Supreme Court ruling has had. Many trans people find themselves banned from public bathrooms all together as organisations struggle to meet the unrealistic aims of the EHRC. On the 6th of May 1933, the Nazis looted the Institute of Sexology. Do not let them do this in 2025.

More information: https://www.reddit.com/r/LabourUK/comments/1kd4s9m/shadow_technology_minister_adds_amendment_to_data/ Find and write to your MP: https://www.writetothem.com/

[obigem]

"Listen," She said as she cupped his face in her hands, "no one has ever made me anything before. The time and effort you put in, nothing store bought could ever compare."

"You like it that much?"

"I love it."

His heart lifted at her words.

"What if I told you this was only half of it?"

"You made me something else?"

"No." Jai pulled her back into his arms. "This one is a little different. The thing is that bracelet was my way of expressing myself to you as best I could with some cheap scrap metal. But the truth is, it doesn't quite say all I want to convey."

"What more is there?"

"A lot. I don't think you realize how much I think about you. All the things I'm doing now, it's not just for me, it's for us, for you."

"Jai, you don't have to do anything for me."

"I do. Because all the things I want to accomplish in life, it's to be worthy of you."

"You are worthy."

"Let me finish," Jai eased her, "What I mean is, I want to be the type of man who can take care of those he cares about. I want to go to a good trade school, open my own shop, and one day have a family. When I see that person I can build those things with, I see you."

"You're not just my girl, Cordie, you're the one. The one that one day I hope to not just give a promise ring, but 𝘵𝘩𝘦 ring. Because….I love you."

"You—" In that moment it was like Cordie's brain had short-circuited. Did he just say he loved her? He couldn't. To love someone, it was a big deal.

And now that he'd said it, well, it changed everything. He wasn't just her boyfriend, he was a guy that loved her. Really loved her.

She looked back at him and he had a look on his face that expected a response. Of course he would. He said he 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 her. She had to say something back.

"I, I um, I, I love—"

He leaned in, expectation still present on his face.

"I love this song."

"You love…this song?"

"Yeah, it's so catchy. I love it so much when I hear it. It always makes me wanna dance. Except, I think I need to use the restroom."

"You do?"

"Yeah, real quick. Wait for me?"

"Yeah, um, sure. I'll wait for you on the dance floor."

"Sounds good!" Cordie gave a half-hearted smile before turning away. Her heart was pounding. Jai told he loved her, and she told him she loved the song playing. After the bracelet, him baring his heart, was that all she could say?

Of course she liked Jai. He made her feel special, safe, cared for, but did she love him?

She'd told Aiden once that she loved him, but she was a child when she said that. She had no idea what it meant then. Not really. Did she know now though?

That look on Jai's face when she didn't immediately say it back, she'd hurt him. He probably hated her now, and she hated herself for making him feel that way. But she knew it'd be worse if she said it back without knowing for sure. She liked him too much. When she said it, she wanted to be sure.

[obigem]

"You're probably the most precious thing in my life." Jai said as his thumb and forefinger delicately caressed her hand. "So beautiful and sophisticated and just so perfect."

"You're flattering me too much. I'm not all those things." Cordie blushed.

"You are. And so much more."

"I can't afford the piece of jewelry that would accurately reflect all that you are, but I could make something that could reflect me and how I feel about you. It's crude, maybe unremarkable, common even, but it's sturdy, and if taken care of properly, can last forever."

Out from the right pocket of his jeans, Jai pulled out something that glinted under the auditorium light. It met her hand and he claspsed it around her wrist

"A bracelet? You made me a bracelet?" Cordie gasped

"Mr. Oldsfield said I could use as much as I wanted of the scrap metal from shop class."

"It took a while to sort through all that was in the bin and find pieces that matched each other so I could weld together something that looked halfway decent. I'm just glad I was able to finish it in time."

"Is this why you've been so short on time lately?"

Jai shrugged, maybe in embarrassment.

"You…you dummy, you should've said something. This whole time, I thought we were drifting apart and I wasn't a priority to you anymore, all while you were doing something like this. I'm a true idiot."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you worry. I just wanted it to be a surprise."

"90% of my paycheck goes into a CD so it can compound interest until I need it for trade school, so I don't actually have a lot of money on hand despite how much I work. But maybe next year, I can afford to get you—"

Before he could finish, Cordie moved toward him and captured his lips.

There was no way for her to turn back the weeks she spent worrying over nothing, while he worked and spent every one of his free moments making this for her.

The only thing she could think to give him that could come close was this kiss.

[obigem]

"So, those ideas about changing things, I'd love to hear them." Cordie anticipated Jai's words as she settled more into his embrace through their dance. Perhaps now wasn't the right time to ask. They'd been having fun, and problem solving could easily become a wet blanket. But he did offer solutions.

"Do you think we could revisit that a bit later? I was hoping we could go somewhere to be alone for a bit."

"You wanna be alone?" Cordie's heart halted.

"Not for long. I was hoping we could go somewhere private for a bit so we can talk just you and me."

"Oh." Cordie relaxed. "That sounds nice."

Jai wrapped his arms around her and whispered in her ear. "I knew you'd think so. It'll only be for a few minutes, and then we can get back to dancing."

"It can be longer if you want. It doesn't matter to me. As long as we're together."

Hearing her say that, it emboldened him further.

Jai took her hand as he led the way.

"Should we go up to the second floor to talk?" Cordie offered.

"No, there'll be a lot of foot traffic up there. I was thinking behind the photo backdrop. People are less likely to wander back there."

"OK." Cordie trusted him completely.

Once behind the backdrop, they quickly found themselves back in each other's arms, like magnets.

There was something about having Jai's arms around her that made her feel safe and warm.

"I could stay like this forever." Cordie hummed as she rested her hands on Jai's arms that draped her shoulders.

"Yes, but if we did, we'd ended up wasting the night away."

"It wouldn't be a waste. It'd be nice." Cordie snuggled into his neck.

"You're making me lose my nerve, ya know?"

"How?"

"When I picked you up tonight, I wanted to do one of those grand gesture things."

"But then your mother walked in on us, and I guess maybe I got cold feet or I was nervous or embarrassed."

"Embarrassed about what? You can tell me anything, Jai."

"When I got back from the institute, I was really unprepared. That thing you said about promise rings—"

"No, Jai, I told you to forget about that. Promise rings, they're just silly pieces of jewelry. What we have is so much more than that."

"It's not the jewelry itself, but what it represents. That's what I want to give you, but I went to so many stores, even the cheapest ones are so expensive."

"But even still I wanted to get you something that could translate my feelings for you."

"I don't understand."

"Cordie, could you hold out your hand for me?"

Filled with confusion, but also now some curiosity, Cordie slowly raised her hand to him. As she did, Jai began to dig around in his pocket

[obigem]

"Jordie, she said something to you, didn't she?"

"Please, she and I had a tiff earlier today. We're not exactly talking right now. Plus she's been so me, me, me lately. I'm going off vibes. The fit is a miss, but you were going for sexy, right?"

"No."

"Please. Who's the guy? They're here, right?"

"There's no guy! Besides he wouldn't be interested in me anyway."

"So there is a guy?" Izzy gave a knowing glance. "Let me help you! You've got a cute little figure, with some proper styling—"

"He won't notice." Zella's eyes flicked to the dance floor then back.

"Ah. He's taken, isn't he?"

Zella's palms suddenly began to sweat. He was figuring it out.

"Come on. You can just whisper it to me. I'm a much better secret keeper than Jordin and Cordelia. Cordie can't hold air and Jordie is a gossip hound, but I hold anything I'm told in confidence to the vest."

"You wouldn't believe the mountain of Jordin's secrets I'll ultimately have to take to my grave. Plus, Jordin may have mentioned she's on your case. You don't want her to figure it out first do you? If you tell me, I'll throw her off your scent. No questions asked"

It was an interesting proposition.

One she would ultimately have to pass on.

"I appreciate it, Izzy. But to be honest, I think I may just give up on whatever this is for me. It's one thing when a person has a chance. Another entirely when the person they're interested in has it bad for the one their with."

[obigem]

Zella naturally assumed Izzy was talking to someone else, when he came behind her and in a harsh whisper said, "Nod and agree to everything I say, and laugh when I laugh."

"What?" Then she remembered his instructions and started nodding vigorously. "Yes absolutely, I agree."

Izzy sighed, "Wow, you're really bad at this, aren't you?"

"I have no idea what I'm supposed to be being good at." Zella shrugged.

Izzy looked over his shoulder and then back again. "It's fine, girliepop. It looks like whatever that was got Angela off my back, so we're cleared."

"What's going on?"

"Oh, nothing. Angela just has the world's worst gaydar, and I have the world's worst luck. Now you, how'd you'd end up looking so tragic keeping the punch table company?"

"Am I suppose to answer that?"

"Well, of course."

"You called me tragic."

"What's fun shade between friends?"

"I think for it to be 𝘧𝘶𝘯, we both have to be in on the fun part." Zella shot a side eye."

"OK, fine, if I shade myself, we'll be even right?"

"Well—"

"How's this for shade? I'm here alone because the guy I have a hopeless crush on has a type, and I'm not it."

"What's his type?"

"Toned, straight, and dumb. I think he's banking on that last part to help him over that they're not into guys hurdle." Izzy sighed again. "Jordie says I should give up on him, and I probably should. Jacob Caliente isn't worth the aggravation. But maybe I just like the challenge."

"I think you have more of a shot than you give yourself credit for." Zella assured him.

"Aww, Z. That was really sweet. Now let me help you."

"Help me with what?"

"Duh, the guy that 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 hopelessly crushing on?"

"I never said I was crushing!"

"It's obvious, you're crushing."

[obigem]

But just as the ideas were starting to flow, an unexpected guest had managed to make it to the formal.

As Zella walked in, she was smacked in the face with one of the reasons she was reluctant to go. Cordie and Jai looked perfectly coupled. Meanwhile, she felt out of place.

Here she was standing in the festively decorated auditorium in one of her church dresses from last season, evidenced by how snug it had grown in the bust, a hastily thrown up bun, chipped nails, and no makeup because she had no idea where to begin applying it all by herself.

She had absolutely no business being here standing awkwardly in the midst of all these couples.

But Cordie had gotten to her. She was always so persuasive the way she said she wanted to have fun, there was a part of her that wanted that too. But seeing her and Jai, maybe it was an empty gesture.

Things were looking less magical over by the tables where Izzy Broke had unexpectedly been joined by Angela Pleasant.

"You know, I worried the lighting in here wouldn't complement my delicately rosey skin, but it seems even blue tones complement me." Angela batted her eyes at Izzy.

"What do you think, Isaiah?"

Izzy winced at the sound of his full name. He hated when anyone called him 𝘐𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘢𝘩.

"Sure." He brushed her off.

"So you agree? My skin looks beautiful in this lighting?"

"Beautiful?" This conversation was snowballing and Izzy needed an escape hatch, fast!

Almost in answer to his prayers as he looked toward the punch fountain, there was Zella.

"Saved by the Zelle!" Izzy said to himself with a smirk as he readied his escape.

"So, seeing as though both the lighting and the both of us complement each other, I was thinking—"

"Sorry, Angela." Izzy stood

"Zella, just waved me over. Punch fiasco. You know how it is."

"Actually, I—"

"I knew you'd understand, sweetie. I should go. You know how quickly punch stains set."

Izzy immediately beelined it over to Zella.

"OMW, it's worse than I thought!" Izzy said loud enough for Angela to hear.

[obigem]

The auditorium was transformed into a winter wonderland for the freshman, sophomore Winter Formal. Since prom, in the spring, was open to only juniors and seniors, Winter Formal was very much prom for the underclassmen. And sans the special venue and budget, it had just as much fanfare.

Jordie had her eye on being crowned Frost Queen of the Winter Formal, but Cordelia's goals for the night were far less lofty. She just wanted to soak up every minute of it by Jai's side.

As they posed for their official Formal pictures, she felt well enough like royalty even without the crown.

"Come on!" Jai pulled her by the hand toward himself

"No, wait! There's a few more poses I want us to try. Ya know, to give the photographer some more options for our photo package?"

"Cordie, we've already done five! That's enough"

"But—"

"You always look great, so it'll be fine. Dance with me."

How could she refuse him when he asked her like that? When he looked at her like that and she just wanted to melt in response?

So of course, she danced with him. One of her favorite songs was playing, she was with Jai, and she was happy.

"You having fun?" Jai asked her when he noticed the smile that was playing at the corners of her mouth.

"Lots!" Cordie rose her voice so she could be heard above the music.

"Good. I wanna make sure this night is perfect for you. I know we haven't had a lot of time lately, and that's my fault."

"You…have to work." Cordie attempted to give him an out.

"Yeah, but not at the expense of not seeing you. You've been feeling neglected, haven't you?"

Cordie bit her lip.

"I knew it. I don't want you to feel that way. I wanna turn things around."

"How?"

"I have a few ideas."

[obigem]

Neither of them were sure how long they had been there holding each other until they heard someone clear their throat.

"Ahem," Dre said loudly, "Hopefully you two are keeping things appropriate?" Dre averted her gaze knowing exactly the types of things two teenagers left alone can get up to.

The two of them quickly disentangled.

"Mama!"

"Dr. Fletcher!" They both said startled. "We were just—"

"Just saying hello." Cordie finished for them.

"Is that what the kids are calling it these days?" Dre smirked. "Jairo, it's good to see you. You've been sparse around here of late."

"Oh? Yeah, I've been working a lot."

"Yes, Cordelia says that keeps you busy. Hopefully not too busy to make time for her."

"Mama!" Warning flared in Cordie's voice.

"I'm only teasing." Dre waved her off. "We're all very proud of your accomplishments, Jairo."

"Thanks, I do my best. But more importantly, taking Cordie to the formal, that takes precedent right now."

Coride blushed. "It's just the formal, Jai. You don't have to treat it like some big thing."

"Not a big thing, huh?" Dre arched an brow as it was clear her daughter was playing coy.

"Of course it's a big thing. Any time I spend with you will always be a big thing." Jai reassured her.

"Oh, well." Cordie got flustered, her words a tangled web that refused to make it out her mouth.

"Alright, you two," Dre's smile softened, "Shall we commemorate the moment?"

"Commemorate?" Cordie said confused

"Your father and I would love some pictures in honor of our little girl's very first Winter Formal. So, would the two of you—"

"Yes, of course," Jai said as he pulled Cordie to his side by the waist. She relaxed into his side as they found a pose that felt right

"A little more to the right." Dre directed them. "In more. A little bit closer. That's it!"

Once they were where she wanted them, she began snapping away.

"Aww, you look adorable!" Dre gushed. "I'll make sure your mother gets copies of these too, Jairo."

They were the picture of Winter Formalness.

Now that he was here, Cordie hoped this was evidence that they weren't drifting apart after all. That she was possibly blowing everything out of proportion.

Jai showed up when it counted. He was there for her. Sweet toward her. The way he'd always been as long as she's known him.

She'd told herself if he'd showed tonight, she'd take him aside and have a talk with him about her insecurities. She couldn't keep putting her feelings thru the ringer like this. She had never been the type of girl to be this wound up. But why rock the boat? She questioned whether it was worth it.

[obigem]

Cordelia walked unsteadily toward door. With each step, her heart pounded harder. She snuck a look and took Jai in. He had done something different with his hair and was wearing a dark blue button down to match her dress. He looked so handsome, and he actually was listening to her about color matching.

"Hey," She said breathless as she reached him and then grabbed onto his hands, "you made it."

"I made it? Did you think I wasn't going to?"

"Oh, um, no." She lied. And then she decided to be a bit more honest. "Well, I might've worried, just a little, that something could've come up, and then—"

"Cordelia, there's nothing that would've kept me from taking you to the Winter Formal."

"I know. It's just you've been so busy, so if something had, I would've understood." She needed to stop lying, but the truth would make her sound so pathetic.

"I would never have done that to you."

"You're my girlfriend, and I—" there was a noticeable pause before he continued, "you look beautiful tonight. I'd have been a real fool to stand up that face."

"You really think I look beautiful?"

"You 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 look beautiful."

"Oh," she tried to hide her blush, "well, it's raining let's go in."

Once inside, Cordelia held Jai in her arms, taking in his warmth, the sound of his heartbeat, the way she hadn't been able to in ages.

"Hey," he prompted as he noticed the intensity of her gaze. "What's up?"

"I'm just relearning your face."

"Stop it! It's the same as it's always been."

"Mmm mmm," She shook her head, "it's not. Every time I revisit it in my memories, when I finally get to see it again, it's different in person. It's more."

"More in a good way?"

She squeezed onto him. "I missed you, you jerk. I hate being such a girl about it, but in moments like this I can't help it."

"It's like I don't get enough of you ever, so each time you leave me wanting, craving even, more than I can ever have."

"I had no idea it was like that for you too."

"You feel it too?"

"Of course I do. Cordie, I—" Jai hesitated as he felt the moment out.

"I—"

And then Cordie burrowed into his chest.

"See? This right here. This is what I miss. Being able to be this close to you." She settled there before musing. "You smell so nice."

"Yeah? So do you." Jai gave her a gentle squeeze. For now, just having her in his arms like this was enough.

Cordelia Fletcher, she was everything to him, but it was clear he wasn't doing a very good job of showing her that. If things kept on like this, he would definitely lose her, and he'd never forgive himself if he let that happen.

So tonight, he'd have to make it clear to her how much she mattered.

[obigem]

When Dre noticed how Cordelia's expression hadn't lifted, she continued.

"You know, that disagreement you two had a few weeks ago, it hit your father pretty hard. I know he can be a little overprotective, but it's just because he loves you. You're his first baby."

"I know that, Mama. I just can't keep playing the part of his baby forever. I need him to let me—to be OK with me growing up."

"He wants to, trust me. It's just going to take him a little longer. If you can afford him some grace, I think the two of you should talk."

"He's my dad. I've got nothing but grace for him." Cordie smiled.

"Well good. I may not be your dad, but I can muster enough comfort for the both us. Bring it in." Dre widen her arms prompting a hug.

"Mama, no! We just got me together, I can't have our hard work all rubbed off in a hug."

"I'll be gentle! It's just one hug. You'll feel so much better after."

"I—" There was a part of her that really wanted the hug, but—"Mama, I just can't. I'm fine, really. I don't need one." There was another part of her that feared her mother would figure too much of her out if she did.

"And you're sure?"

"Positively so."

"OK then." Dre relented. "No hug, for now. I'll go get the camera and tripod so when Jai arrives we can take lots of pictures."

As her mother walked away, a new relief washed over her. One where she was glad she wouldn't figure out how frazzled she was.

Because had she held her, not only would she have known, but there was no telling how Cordie would've reacted. If she would have broken down and completely fallen apart, and shown the true face of how insecure she felt in this relationship, and how pathetic that made her feel.

Not in front of her mother, the most confident person she knew. Even if it was a lie, she wanted her to believe she was just as confident, maybe even more.

As she held onto that little sliver of her dignity, the doorbell rang. And then suddenly her heart was in throat.

There was a part of her that didn't want to look up.

Because if she did look up and it wasn't him, she just knew she'd never be able to keep it together. Her heart would crumble and she was liable to cry all her make up off. And imagine what she'd even be able to say to her mother about it.

But when she did look up and it was him, rather than be excited or relieved she was nervous.

What if he didn't like her dress, or her hair, or her make up? What if he didn't notice the amount of effort she put into each detail. What if—

Stop it Cordelia, she scolded herself. Just answer the door!

[obigem]

After Dre finished helping Cordie with her hair and make up, the two headed down to the foyer to wait for her date to arrive.

The fact that the hard part was over—the looking as perfect as possible part—should have set Cordie's heart at ease. But instead it was pounding outside of her chest.

Each tick of the grandfather clock landed like a death knell. She avoided looking toward the door so she wouldn't have to be disappointed each time she looked and he wasn't there. Instead she'd taken to wringing her hands to ease the tension.

And Dre noticed.

"Baby, talk to me." She prompted.

"What?" Cordie tried a play of ignorance.

"Don't give me that. You'll rub your hands clear apart the way you're at it. What's wrong?"

"I—I'm just ready to just be at the formal already."

"And?"

"And…I'm hoping that Jai actually shows up to be the one to take me."

"Did Jairo not say he was taking you?"

"He did."

"But?"

"But…he's just been pretty unavailable of late. He's cut time together short and had to cancel a few times. I know I shouldn't worry. Maybe I'm being dramatic. But I can't help it. I worry we're growing apart."

"He's still working that part time job, isn't he?"

Cordie nodded.

"Then I'm sure he's just still figuring out how to manage things. Jai's life is a bit different than yours, love. For him, this job is very important, so give him some grace. I'm sure he'll come just as he promised.

"Where's Daddy?" Cordie hoped to move the topic away from Jai to ease her nerves. "Shouldn't he be here right now to scrutinize how inappropriate he thinks my dress is?"

"Cordelia, be nice." Dre gave her the eye. "And you father is at the robotics shop."

"This late?"

"There's a robotic expo coming up. He's running maintenance on all his best machinery to show, so he's putting in extra time after hours so he's ready."

"Oh." Cordie's heart fell. "I just thought he'd be here."

"He'll be in late, but he told me to take lots of pictures of you and Jai."

[obigem]

"OW, Mama, you're going to rip out my scalp!" Cordie yelped.

"I'm doing my best here! If you could just sit still—"

"I'm sitting still! You're being too rough!"

Winter Formal preparations were going rocky in the hours preceding the most anticipated event of the season.

As any daughter of Andrea Fletcher may be apt to do, Cordie had meticulously conceptualized exactly how she wanted to look for the dance. From her dress, to her shoes, her nails, her make up—she had to be utter perfection. And her hair was no exception.

But her mother wasn't exactly helping to realize that vision.

"You're ripping my hair out! Can we please just use the flat iron?"

"You already used the flat iron on Monday, and it hasn't been a full week yet."

"We're two days off. We can make exception."

"Not if you don't want your hair to fall out."

"At the rate you're going that'll happen anyway!"

"Well, sweetheart, what do you want me to do? You just washed your hair, I said we should do a detangling treatment. You said that will take too long. But then you also said you want your hair to be bone straight."

"There's no way for me to gently brush out your undetangled curls till they're bone straight without being a little rough."

Cordie started to open her mouth.

"And no! We will not be using heat. You'll thank me when you're 35 and your natural hair is still as thick as the day you were born."

Cordie sighed. "You just don't get it."

"You're right. I don't. What is the meaning of this, Cordelia? You have beautiful hair just the way it is, but lately all you want to do is mess with your natural texture."

"I just want to look pretty."

"You're adorable."

"I 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 want to be cute!"

"When people see me, it's 'there's little Cordie Fletcher' with the frizzy hair. Isn't she precious? I don't get taken seriously. I'm not seen as mature. I mean, in some countries I could be married off by now with 5 kids, but instead I get an extra toy with my Princess Meals at Wendy's McBurger Queen. It's patronizing."

"I want to be seen as a real woman. When Jai—"

"So this is about Jai."

"Not completely. But when he came home from the O'Haleran Institute, it was like he had matured years ahead of me. I just want to look like the girl who could be on his arm. Is that so bad?"

"That's…a complicated question, baby girl." Andrea took a minute to gather her thoughts before answering. "You're only 15, which is so young, and I don't think there's anything wrong with slowing down and enjoying your youth for what it is. You shouldn't rush growing up. Youth is so fleeting."

"But, by that same token, I was 15 once too. I know what it feels like to want to look and be treated more maturely. I don't have a problem with you exploring that if that's what you really want, for yourself, not a guy. If Jai is the one making you feel like you have to—"

"He's not!"

"He's never once said I have to look any certain way for him. I just like how I feel when my hair is straighter. You know, more grown up, not like a baby anymore."

"OK, then."

"OK? So we can use the flat iron?"

"No flat iron. But I'll do what I can with this brush to give you a mature look."

"What does that mean?"

"It means, I'll be using the detangling serum to brush out your hair in sections. It won't be bone straight, but I can get it a little loser. After that we'll do a very mature updo."

"Oh."

"Come now, not 𝘰𝘩. Have a little faith in your mother to make you look good!"

"I once spent 2 hours wrapping my braids into an elaborate updo for a dinner with your father to announce my pregnancy with your sister. The dinner turned out to be a disaster, but I looked absolutely hot!"

"You never told me that story."

"That's a 'when you're older' type of story. Trust me."

"So, are we also going to trust Mama to make you age appropriate hot for your formal?"

"I guess. I mean, it's not like I've ever seen a picture of you, Mama, where you didn't look good, so I'm surrendering control."

"Atta girl! You're going to look great, sweetheart." Dre flashed her a smile.

To surrender control. Those were words that rarely left Cordelia's mouth. But she was already working herself into a frenzy over the formal. She wanted to look good for Jai. And maybe all this effort would be enough to ensure there'd be no hitches. He'll show up for her, and they'll have a good time.

[obigem]

Zella, let out a sigh as she rolled her eyes.

Since lunch period started they've done nothing but talk about nails and hair and dresses for the formal. She'd give almost anything to talk about literally anything else.

"Well, jeeze, Z. I didn't think we were being that boring." Jordie said as both her and Cordie's attention turned toward their third musketeer.

"What? No, you're not boring."

"Your sigh that could blow over a building says differently." Jordie arched an brow.

"Ignore her, Z," Cordie waved Jordie off. "I get it completely. We've been so focused on ourselves, we hadn't asked you anything about your formal look. So tell us!"

"Oh, no, actually I'm not going to the formal. No one asked me, so…"

"That's OK, you can still go." Cordie reassured.

"In Jr. High, we used to go in groups together like friends all the time, so you can come and hang out with me and Jordie and—"

"Our dates? Cordie, be serious. Zella does not want to third wheel it."

"Jordie's right, Cordelia. Besides I don't have a dress. I'm fine not going."

"She wouldn't be 'third wheeling.' You're our friend, Zella. If you came, we could all have fun together. I'll lend you a dress if you want."

"No, really, Cordelia. It's fine."

"Aww, but still. We need to catch up, just us girls. So after the formal, slumber party? What do you say?"

"I say…" Zella hesitated for a minute before answering. If she said yes, she'd be made a hostage to more formal talk, and it was already starting to grate on her nerves during this lunch period. But catching up with Cordelia and Jordin did sound nice.

"…sure. Why not?" Zella gave in.

"Plum to the max!" Cordie cheered. "I'll text you when we're leaving the auditorium so you can have your dad drive you over to my place for the night. Ya know, unless you change your mind and decide to come to the formal after all. I still think you should. It'll be so much fun."

"I'll think about it, but as it stands, I'm pretty set on not going."

"But if you change your mind—"

"I'll let you know. I promise."

As the slumber party was decided, the end of lunch bell sounded and the three stood to depart. Cordie and Jordie prattled on about the formal, but Zella hung back.

They hadn't had a slumber party in so long. Not since the two of them got boyfriends. So much had changed in just a year and Zella couldn't deny that some of the distance between them was self-imposed. Cordie and Jordie were her best friends, but having to hear about Cordie dating Jai? She couldn't do it

"That look on your face, Z," Jordie glanced over her shoulder at her friend, "you look a little heart sick."

"What?"

"Am I wrong? I wouldn't think so. I'm pretty good at picking up on matters of the heart."

"No way! Me? How could I ever be heart sick? I just have a lot on my mind."

"You're totally lying. But I haven't figured what about, so I'll let it slide—for now. Come along, Zella. Can't be late for class!"

Jordie's swiftness spooked her. She couldn't know she was crushing, could she? The last thing she needed was for Jordie to uncover her secret. It would ruin everything.

[obigem]

If there was one thing Cordelia was good at, it was keeping herself busy to keep her mind wandering toward things that would just make her anxious.

School was the best distraction for that, as on top of her student council and tutoring duties, she was a go to for her peers to rely on.

Having trouble with a math problem?

Ask Cordie.

Need help cleaning up the class room?

Cordie can do it.

She was happy to do it, to keep busy, and to keep from buzzing about the formal. The day after tomorrow it would be her, a sparkly dress, and Jai.

Hopefully.

"So, did I tell you which dress I decided to go with? It was really tough. It came down to the powder blue one with all the tulle in the skirt half. I felt like Cinderella in that one, but then there was the dark blue glittery dress. I felt so pretty and mature in that one." Cordie gushed.

"I kept going back and forth on it, and honestly I think I started to lean toward the powder blue one cause I thought my mom would never let me get the dark blue one since it's cut a little low in the front, but then she said—"

"Anything for my angel." Jordie mocked replied.

"Oh, wait, no, that would be what your dad would say. Your mom would be more like 'whichever one will make you happiest, baby girl.'" Jordie shifted her voice to mimic Dre's.

"My mom doesn't sound anything like that." Cordie lied.

"Right, then what did she say?" Jordie smirked in her direction.

"Forget that, why don't you tell me about the dress you settled on for the formal?"

"And ruin the surprise of my grand entrance? I don't think so." Jordie huffed.

"The biggest surprise is who you're actually going with. You never said. Unless you're going stag?"

"I do 𝘯𝘰𝘵 do stag. Especially not when I'm vying for Frost Queen of the formal."

"OK, but with DeShawn dating Fern, then—"

"Please, how many times do I have to tell you not to bring up De𝘓𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘳 and his desperate wannabe, hanger onner, sad excuse for a girlfriend."

As much as Jordie protested it, Cordie knew she still had feelings for DeShawn.

It was easier for her to act like she was over him when she assumed his infatuation with Fern would be temporary. But now they were going to the formal together, and couples that went to dances together were a big deal.

"I'm just saying, if you just talk to DeShawn about how you feel, then—"

"Blah, blah, blah, never gonna happen!" Jordie talked over her. "Besides, I have a date that's ten times cuter than D could ever hope to be. You'll just have to be stunned by his beauty when we arrive together."

[obigem]

"I wasn't planning on it. Besides, won't your boyfriend have something to say about it?"

"Jai? I wouldn't think so considering he'll be there too."

"I'm confused."

"About me being at the formal with my boyfriend? Oh wait, you mean about me asking you to come. It's so we can fit in extra practice"

"Of course that's what you meant." Matthew sighed.

"If you're worried about Jai getting the wrong idea, don't worry. I plan on explaining everything to him. That it's just me doing a friend a favor. He's really understanding, he'll get it."

"Honestly, being there…I couldn't stomach that."

"You hate dances that much?"

"Not all the time, but—" He thought of what it would feel like having to watch her dance and fawn over him—"I can't commit to being there. I'm sorry."

"No big deal. We'll make our other practice time work. I'll do my best." She nodded at him.

"Yeah." He replied.

"So…" Cordelia started without finishing.

There was a pause for an awkward moment, and within it Matthew started to wonder if she might want something from him, or if there was something he should give.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Matthew. Goodnight." She nodded again.

"Yeah, goodnight."

As she went in, Matthew was left a bit bewildered.

He had somehow ended up roped into cotillion with Cordelia Fletcher as his date. And was it possible that they were friends again? It all seemed a bit too good to be true.

So of course he had to wonder what might come along to ruin it.

[obigem]

"I think that was maybe one of the hardest things I've ever experienced before. I've never had anyone…..die on me. It hurt really badly, and I wasn't letting myself feel it as much as I needed to and wanted to. I was afraid. But then you came and you made me feel like I could let it out."

"If you hadn't been there, I think it might've taken me a really long time to let myself hurt without holding it back. I would've held on for my family, even for Jai too, so they wouldn't worry. So I could be strong for them. But with you, I felt free to just be, and I needed that."

"I never got to thank you for that, so that's why I insisted. If this could help you in some way, I wanted to help you the way that you helped me."

"You—" Matthew momentarily lost his words. He had no idea just being there for her during her grandfather's funeral meant anything at all to her.

It didn't seem like his presence meant much at all, especially not after Jai showed up and she collapsed into his arms, so for her to say that…

"You don't have to thank me. It wasn't anything anyone wouldn't have done."

"I don't think that. You've always been really good at holding me to task."

"Making sure I show up, even if it's in a way that's not particularly pretty. I think that's always kind of made me better."

"You shouldn't sell yourself short. You shine all on your own."

"Yeah? Well, you do too, when you let yourself. So whadaya say? Are we cotilioning?"

"I….have a previous engagement I deal with after school Tuesdays and Thursdays. Other than that, I don't have many conflicts."

"Great! So, if I fit in practices between student council, tutoring, and my date nights with Jai, I can make Mondays and Fridays before and after school work."

"Yeah, yeah, that's fine." Matthew tried to ignore the mention of date nights with Jai.

"Perfect. Oh, that's right, are you going to the Winter Formal?"

"Who's asking?"

"I'm asking."

His heart skipped. "You're asking 𝘮𝘦 to the formal?"

"Well, yeah. Will you be there?"