When I rolled over in my bed and opened my eyes a sliver I was surprised to see how much sun was directly shining in my bedroom window. I leaned on my pillow and grabbed my phone from the nightstand to see that it was already ten o'clock. I slid my cellphone back on the nightstand and sat up rubbing my eyes.

I'm shocked that I wasn't tired considering how I was tossing and turning all night racking my brain with thoughts. Yesterday afternoon put some things into perspective for me and I felt more cautious than ever. I was contemplating whether or not I already made my decision.

My stomach began to growl so I decided that I needed to stop overthinking for a minute and eat some breakfast. When I strolled downstairs both of my parents were in the living room drinking coffee watching the morning news.

"Morning sweetie," my mother chirped.

"Morning," I waved, stepping into the kitchen.

I grabbed a bowl from the cupboard and poured some Fruity Pebbles and milk into it. I snatched a water from the refrigerator and sat next to my mother on the couch.

"It was nice to finally meet all of your friends," my father said, sipping his coffee.

I chuckled, "Yeah thanks for not scaring them off."

"Hey, I didn't like the fact that there were three boys in my house all to hangout with my daughter, but they were respectful so I let it slide," he quipped.

Shoveling a spoonful of cereal in my mouth I garbled, "I appreciate it."

"They were nice boys," my mother grinned. "Especially Beck."

I stopped eating my cereal and didn't respond back to her because I knew what she was trying to get at. I glanced at her and she had a coy look on her face as she was watching the television with her coffee in her hand. I swear my own mother was turning into my best friend. I expected that comment from Layla but not from her.

"Yep," I gulped.

My father nodded, "Yeah he was quite helpful and you wouldn't think it by looking at his build but he's quite strong."

I cocked an eyebrow, "Yep."

Okay now I had a sneaky suspicion that Layla was involving my sweet innocent parents into her scheme. I must be missing something here. Universe please send me a sign.

As if on cue Layla waltzed through the front door with her dress in one hand and a small makeup bag in the other. She set her stuff on the kitchen table and sauntered over sitting on the arm of the couch by me.

"Hey, what are we talking about?" she questioned.

I set my bowl on the coffee table and retorted, "Take a guess."

"Boys?"

"We were chatting about Tara's friends and how great they all were," my father answered.

Layla grinned, "I see."

I rolled my eyes, "You guys were gawking about Beck and how nice, and helpful, and strong he is."

"Oh I love this conversation," Layla beamed, leaning closer to me.

"Sorry sweetie, but as a parent it's your duty to scope out your child's friends. When you get older you'll understand," my mom stated, rubbing my shoulder.

"So," Layla interrogated, "what's your opinion about Tara's prospects?"

Oh my gosh. I can't believe my best friend just said that. I swear I must be dreaming. Someone please pinch me so I can wake up.

"We don't need to have this conversation," I muttered.

"I think I'm favoring towards Beck. He helped me without asking and I saw the way that my daughter was gawking at him. If I were her that would be my choice," my father responded.

"I really do like Josh and the chemistry that you two have is quite sweet, but I'm going to have to side with your father. The vibe that you and Beck were giving was different but in a good way. Plus it helps that he's quite cute," my mothered explained.

Layla nudged me, "This is why I like your parents. They have a great mindset."

I wanted to smack myself into another dimension at this point. The fact that this conversation about my love life was even happening flabbergasted me. I rubbed my face with my hand and stood up.

"Okay, shouldn't we be getting ready for the dance," I grunted.

She looked at her phone and then cocked her eyebrows, "Why? It's early yet."

"Can you just grab your stuff and come with me upstairs, please?" I uttered.

She giggled and stood up, "Okay fine, bossy pants."

Layla grabbed her dress and bag and followed me upstairs. I could hear my parents giggling as we reached the top step. I'm glad they found enjoyment in me being embarrassed.

"So seriously, why are we getting ready this early?" she questioned.

"Sit down," I ordered, pointing at the bed.

"Okay," she leered, and sat on my comforter.

"Be honest with me Lay," I rested my hands on my hips, "have you been scheming with my parents?"

She furrowed her eyebrows and began laughing like what I said was crazy. I crossed my arms and continued looking at her waiting for an honest answer. I understood that I was taking this a little too seriously but I needed explanations.

"No Tar, I swear. Those were their true opinions and not some words I told them to say. I'm a little appalled that you would think that I would go that far."

I sighed and sat down at my desk, "I know, but I had to ask. You guys really would choose Beck over Josh if you were me."

She walked over to me, rested a hand on my shoulder and nodded. "Yes."

"I hate this so much. Why do I have to develop feelings so quickly for men? It was a lot easier way back then before I even discovered the male species," I groaned.

She held her arms out to me and I quickly took her offer and enveloped her. I know how many times I have said this but I really appreciated Layla Newman. This was nothing to be sad about, which I wasn't, I was just so overwhelmed and she recognized how to fix it. I was always going to be grateful for these hugs and conversations, even if they were messy.

We let go and she bubbled, "Why don't we start getting ready? It'll get your mind off of this for a while."

I smiled, "I thought it was too early."

"Ehh, we'll take our time," she waved her hand. "Besides we can take a pizza break halfway through."

I scoffed, "Is that why you purposely saved half a box last night and told us to not touch it?"

"Maybe," she smirked.

I giggled with my best friend as my phone buzzed on my night stand. I picked it up and saw that it was a text message from Josh.

Josh: hey T, what color is your dress? I wanted to match my bow tie with it :)

Tara: midnight blue

Josh: got it. Noah and I are at the mall looking for dress pants and ties

Tara: of course you are, good luck!

Josh: thanks :))

"I can't believe them," I shook my head.

"What?" Layla asked confused.

I reported, "Josh and Noah are just now buying dress pants and ties."

She rolled her eyes and uttered, "Why am I not surprised? They would never last a day if they were women."

"No doubt," I chuckled.

"So are you excited?"

"About what?" I quizzed.

She rolled her eyes, "Going to the dance that you've been eager about for weeks."

I mumbled, "Yeah, I guess."

"Then why don't you sound like it?" she raised an eyebrow.

I shrugged, "I don't know. I just thought it would be a little different."

"Different how?"

I sat on my bed and divulged, "A couple of weeks ago I would've been bouncing off the walls to go to prom with Josh, but I don't know if I am anymore."

She sighed and sat down next to me, "I knew it."

"What?"

"You didn't seem as happy as Josh when that ball went through the hoop. You rather go with someone else, don't you?" she inquired.

"I don't have any other choices besides you and Noah," I confessed.

She nodded in understanding, "I guess I should've figured that Beck wouldn't be going."

"It's fine honestly. I just didn't want to upset Josh. I would've felt bad if it didn't go in because he likes me now and I know how that giddy feeling is. I used to feel that all the time with him," I admitted.

She raised an eyebrow at me and questioned, "Used to?"

I sighed and stood up pacing back and forth around the room. I couldn't even believe what I was hearing myself say. Maybe Layla was right when she said that I already made my decision and didn't even acknowledge it.

"I don't know Lay," I crossed my arms. "I was glad to see Josh happy, but I hated seeing Beck upset. I'm caught in between two worlds it feels like."

"I get what you're saying Tar. Do you want a piece of advice?"

I nodded, "Yes please."

"Pick the world where you can be yourself."