Chapter 5: HEART OF THE PARTY
Cherry's phone buzzed, signaling a long-awaited message. She hastily grabbed it, her eyes scanning the screen with anticipation. But her excitement quickly turned to dismay as she realized the party invitation list didn't include her name. Her heart sank, and she felt a surge of anger and humiliation.
'Who do they think will write about the party now?' she thought, her mind racing with indignation. 'This can't be happening to me!'
Without knocking, Cherry burst into Holland's room, her phone thrust forward. 'What is this?' she demanded, her voice trembling with restrained tears. 'Where's my name on the invitation list?'
Holland's confused expression turned to understanding as he realized the reason behind Cherry's distress. 'Cherry, I—'
But she cut him off, her voice rising. 'All you want to do is ruin my reputation! I was counting on this party, Holland!'
The tension was palpable as Cherry's eyes blazed with anger and hurt, her pride wounded by the snub."
Holland witnessed his sister's devastation and tried to console her, but she swiftly shut the door, blocking his approach. She fled to her room, locking the door behind her, and Holland was left standing outside, with her phone in his hand.
"Cherry, please open up," he pleaded, knocking gently, but she remained silent.
After a few minutes of futile attempts, Holland relented, saying, "Your phone is out here," before retreating to his room.
Cherry waited until she heard the door to Holland's room open and close, then she cautiously emerged, retrieved her phone, and quickly locked herself back in. She wiped away the fake tears and smirked, satisfied that she had successfully manipulated her brother's guilt.
"Now, it's time to plan my party entrance," she thought, her mind racing with strategy. Since students needed an invitation to attend, but people accompanying their partners from other grades were exempt, Cherry had less than a week to find a new boyfriend – her ticket into the exclusive party.
Contrary to expectations, finding a boyfriend wouldn't be a daunting task for Cherry. With her captivating looks and curves, she could effortlessly ensnare anyone's attention within hours. Her luscious, curly hair cascaded down her shoulders in a rich, light brown hue, framing her heart-shaped face. Her light green eyes sparkled with depth, complemented by a small, pointed nose and cherry-colored lips that seemed to pout even when she wasn't trying. Her skin was a marvel - smooth, soft, and radiant, with a milky complexion that seemed almost ethereal. Her cheeks flushed with a natural pink glow, even without a hint of makeup. Her curves were the epitome of perfection, and she knew exactly who to use them on.
Travis, the charming assistant captain of the soccer team, had been under her spell for months. While other girls vied for his attention, Cherry was the only one who held his heart. She had been playing hard to get, but now was the time to drop the act and reel him in. With a flutter of her lashes, she knew she could have him hooked in no time."
At lunchtime, Cherry mustered her courage and sauntered over to the soccer team's table, her hips swaying effortlessly as she walked. The room fell silent, with most boys gazing at her in admiration and girls watching in awe, whispering to each other in disbelief. The soccer team's table was notoriously off-limits to girls, lest they face ridicule from the entire dining hall. But Cherry didn't flinch.
Travis, the blonde-haired, blue-eyed heartthrob, was engrossed in conversation with his friends when Cherry approached him, her voice husky and seductive. "Travis, can I have a word with you?" The room held its collective breath as Travis's eyes widened in surprise, and glares came from all directions. The tension was palpable as everyone awaited his response.
"Sure thing," Travis said, standing up and following Cherry out of the dining hall, their exit accompanied by a chorus of stares and whispers. Once outside, he turned to her with a charming smile. "What's on your mind, sweet cheeks?"
"Well, I've never had trouble playing hard to get... until now," Cherry said, her voice trailing off as she gazed at Travis. "Maybe you're the exception I've been waiting for."
Travis's eyes sparkled as he interrupted her, "No need to say more, sweet cheeks." And with that, he leaned in, his lips claiming hers in a passionate French kiss. His hands wrapped around her waist, hers around his neck, as they stood there, lost in the moment. The dining hall crowd erupted in cheers and whistles, but they were too caught up in each other to notice.
As they broke apart for air, Travis whispered in her ear, "So, do I need to ask you to the party, or is it a given?" Cherry's smile was her only response, and Travis sealed it with another peck on the lips. "See you after class, sweet cheeks," he said, releasing her waist and walking away with a triumphant smile.
Cherry's eyes gleamed as she typed on her phone, "Things are heating up... First headline: Cherry and Travis's sizzling romance!" She smiled to herself, already envisioning the attention their relationship would bring.
As Cherry entered the class room, her blonde-haired, dark green-eyed best friend, Marcy, let out a squeal of excitement. "Oh my gosh, Cherry! I was in class during lunch, brainstorming our next cheer routine, when I got a text that made my jaw drop!" Marcy's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
Cherry's curiosity was piqued. "What was it?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation. Marcy waved her phone screen in Cherry's face, displaying a video clip that made them both scream in unison.
"That French kiss was everything and more!" Marcy exclaimed, still holding Cherry's hand. "I can't believe you didn't tell me you were planning to accept his invitation!"
Cherry grinned, her eyes shining with excitement. "I know, right? I surprised myself too!" She giggled. "And speaking of the party, I was thinking we should coordinate our outfits - matching dresses and jewelry would be fabulous!"
Marcy's eyes lit up. "It's like you read my mind! Let's go shopping together this weekend and find the perfect looks!"
Marcy's gaze flicked upwards, and she suddenly darted away, leaving Cherry bewildered. But before she could process what was happening, Travis materialized in front of her, his charming smile illuminating the space. It dawned on Cherry that Marcy had intentionally made a quick exit to allow Travis to escort her to her next class.
As they walked together, Travis's presence commanded attention, and the whole school seemed to buzz with excitement about their newfound relationship. Even Holland couldn't help but be drawn into the whirlwind, his eyes fixed on the pair with a mix of surprise and amusement.
The day unfolded like a dream, with Travis showering Cherry with attention and affection. Every moment they shared was like a public declaration of their blossoming romance.
* * * * *
At the end of the day, after soccer practice Travis stood under the showerhead, rinsing off the sweat from a grueling soccer practice, Holland unexpectedly appeared beside him. "I heard about you and Cherry..." Holland's voice trailed off, but Travis knew exactly what he was referring to.
"Yeah, she's an amazing girl," Travis replied, anticipating Holland's concern.
Holland's expression turned serious. "I trust you, Travis, but I need a favor. Don't take her to the party." Travis's apologetic smile was all the answer Holland needed. "I'm sorry, bro, but I already asked her."
With a towel wrapped around his waist, Travis exited the shower room, leaving Holland to mutter a frustrated "damn" under his breath. He realized there was no way to stop his sister from attending the party with Travis, and a sense of unease settled in.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone