Chapter Text
Lottie is kind of dreading the school bell to ring.
She’s sitting in her last class of the day, French, and Jackie is sitting next to her. She’s chatting with some seniors boys, teasing them really, making them think they have a chance because she knows they’re obsessed with her. Or just want her for her body. Probably both.
“Seriously guys you should come, there will be plenty of…. beverages” she says just in case the teacher is around. She’s twirling her hair in a seductive way but she has a twinkle in her eye that tells Lottie that this is hilarious to her.
“Yeah we’ll totally be there” one of the boys winks back. Lottie tries hard not to be sick, she doesn’t know how Jackie does this.
“Ms. Taylor, since you think you know so much about the French language that you are talking during my lesson, maybe you should just come up here and teach it yourself” the teacher says harshly, staring at Jackie with mirth in her eyes. Jackie sucks at French. But Lottie has no room to judge.
Jackie looks up, clearly shocked she was caught even though she was the only one talking.
“I-“ Jackie starts, getting cut off by the bell. Damn, that would’ve been interesting to see her get out of. She could probably do it though, Jackie is good at persuading people like that.
Exactly what she had done to her, persuaded. Lottie was never really interested in parties at all. Sure alcohol is fun but she already sees things without the influence, so it’s not really something she wants to amplify. Once Jackie had found out Lottie more often then not has an empty house though, it was the point of no return. Jackie begged her for days to let her host a party and finally she gave in because she was tired of being lonely. Jackie had promised it would just be a few people the first time, but of course it wasn’t. The party got out of hand, there was spilled beer, puke, and chips all over her living room the next morning. Of course she made Jackie help her clean up, as hungover as she was she caused this. After that Jackie promised to set firmer boundaries with people about messes, even when they’re drunk. From then on there has been a party at Lottie Matthews’ house every other weekend for the last three months.
“You got lucky this time, Ms. Taylor. You all enjoy your weekend, be safe, don’t do anything stupid, and I’ll see you on Monday” half the class was gone before the teacher was even done with her spiel.
Lottie gets up and starts packing up her things. “Why do you mess with them like that, I mean don’t get me wrong they’re douches but like, what’s in it for you?”
Jackie gets up too, not having to pack anything up since she had not done any work. “People want what they can’t have, and that’s exactly why I mess with them” she cracks a smile “they’re stupid boys anyways, who cares” Lottie couldn’t argue with that.
Jackie and Jeff had broken up a few months ago, Jackie was the one who ended it. She had realized that Jeff was basically a man child that only wanted her because of her status and her body, typical. Lottie has never seen Jackie happier, except maybe when she makes a goal, or looks at Shauna Shipman. The whole team had a party when they ended it, it was legendary. Even Nat was there, and she was happy for Jackie despite not wanting to show it, Lottie could tell.
“Ok Lot, let’s go find Shauna and jet, I still have lots to set up.”
This weekend was a party weekend. Lottie had no idea where her parents were as usual, she’d probably receive a card from wherever in a few weeks.
The girls exit the class, Shauna is already standing outside, leaning against a row of lockers. “Straight to Lots?” Shauna asks, only looking at Jackie. “Uh I think we need some more cups, Lot did we get more cups since last time?” Jackie turns and asks her but she might as well be talking to a brick wall.
Lottie is very focused on something else entirely. Here comes Natalie down the hallway, wrapped in her leather jacket, band tee, black jeans, and her signature leather boots that are so worn in they’re starting to get holes.
Lottie should buy her new ones.
When they lock eyes, Lottie sees she’s wearing eyeliner too, like usual, doesn’t mean it’s not still hot every time.
Lottie waves, “Hey Nat! You coming to the party tonight? You can roll with us if you want, we’re going to set up” she says with a bright smile on her face throwing a thumb towards Jackie and Shauna who greet her.
Nat stops, looking a little surprised. “Nah, I’ve got some shit to do in like 20” Nat says struggling to make eye contact.
“You’re coming later though, right? The whole team will be there” Jackie asks hopeful. Everyone likes Natalie, no matter how grumpy she can be, of course they want her there.
“Yeah I might stop by for a few” Nat says, finally actually making eye contact with Lottie. Lottie smiles, maybe bigger than she means to. They hold it for what feels like forever, beautiful blue eyes meeting soft brown.
Shauna coughs from behind them, startling Lottie a bit. “Well we really gotta be going, the store will be packed, we’ll see ya nat!” Jackie calls starting down the hallway towards the front, Shauna in tow.
Lottie and Nat locks eyes for a final time “see ya Matthews” Nat says, giving her a small smile. That’s going in the wins book. And before she knows it, Nat has disappeared, off to run an errand Lottie probably doesn’t wanna know about.
“bye” she says softly to no one. But it is to someone.
She quickly walks to catch up with Shauna and Jackie. That was… different. She has the strangest feeling tonight’s also going to be a little different.