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THE DAY WE have all been waiting for has finally arrived. The day I have both dreaded and longed for: the Winter Formal. AAAAAAHHHHHH!!! It's Winter Formal day and I have literally zero chill in me!!!

"Can you just calm down, finish your breakfast, and then get in the shower?!" Summer scolded me for the nth time this morning as my mum laughed at Summer for doing her job for her.

"Yeah, okay. Sure." I said quietly, slightly afraid of Summer.

"I don't want to hear a single word from you until you've done all that I've told you." Summer continued. I nodded obediently in response.

I quickly finished my cereal and my milk and cleared my dishes before heading up to my room. When I got upstairs, I bumped into Aunt Tessa who was in a rush to get her morning tea. We greeted each other good morning then she kissed me on the forehead before rushing downstairs.

Summer, Aunt Tessa, and Aunt Tessa's boyfriend, Luke, came over last night and stayed over. Aunt Tessa was going to help Summer and I get ready for the formal so the most practical option was for both of them to stay for the night. It went exactly how you think it did: movies, junk food, doing each other's nails, late night talks, and finally sleeping at 3 AM. I was more than glad to have Aunt Tessa over. Ever since she moved out, Alfie and I would always be extremely excited when she came over.

I took a quick shower and I even made the effort to moisturise my hair. When I finished, I got dressed in joggers and Max's old Dodgers baseball jersey—which he willingly gave to me when he outgrew it. Unfortunately, as much I love his old white Dodgers jersey, I like his new blue Dodgers jersey a lot more but he won't let me have it since it was one of his favourite outfits from the X Factor. I'd say give or take 3 or 4 more months then that jersey will be in my possession.

When I went back downstairs, the house was pretty much hustling and bustling. Alfie was watching telly in the living room, Luke and dad were prepping up lunch, mum and Aunt Tessa were discussing something, and Summer was on the phone with someone she was raising her voice at.

"Just get there on time! If you won't be there, then forget it. I'm getting sick of you pulling a constant attitude on me." Summer exclaimed before she dropped the call.

"John Lahey?" I asked her. She rolled her eyes and nodded. "What's up with him?"

"He said he's going to be late because of his hair appointment or whatever." Summer said while rolling her eyes.

"Screw him." I snapped.

"Screw him!" Summer agreed as we both laughed. "I'll go shower now."

"Okay. Love you!" I called after her.

"Love you too, loser!" She called back.

We all kind of had high hopes for Summer and John. They obviously fancied each other very much, but then they have a strong love-hate relationship. Sometimes the hate is stronger than the love and it has a tendency to become toxic for both parties. Summer always tests the waters with John. She knows that when he draws the line, she'll stop whatever is going on between them.

——

After Summer freshened up and we had a really good lunch care of dad and Luke, Summer and I started getting ready. We got ready in Aunt Tessa's old room. Thankfully, she loved doing her own hair and makeup, so Summer and I knew right away that she was the person to call for help.

"Alright! I will do Charlie's hair then Carol will do Summer's hair, then I'll do Summer's makeup then Charlie's makeup. Sound good?" Aunt Tessa beamed.

"Sounds great!" Summer and I smiled. Mum and Summer did her hair on the bed while Aunt Tess and I did my by her vanity.

"What time are the boys picking you girls up again?" Mum asked.

"Around five." I answered.

"Just enough time to get you girls ready." Aunt Tessa smiled. "Hey by the way, is that Max's Dodgers jersey?"

"Yes..." I answered shyly.

"Cute." Mum smiled as all of them smiled knowingly.

"I've honestly been waiting for this since forever!" Aunt Tessa sighed happily.

"Same! She finally got knocked into her senses." Summer laughed.

Since Summer and Aunt Tessa were over last night and we stayed up talking and watching movies, I decided it was time to tell them how I felt about Max. They were over the moon when I told them and I was afraid they'd wake up the neighbors. It was like they won the World Cup or something with their cheers of victory. Long story short, they were a lot happier than I was about my realisation.

After a few hours, mum and Aunt Tessa had finally finished doing Summer's and my hair and makeup. Luckily it didn't feel too long since we spent the time talking about the Winter Formal and what we were expecting and what we should do and not do. Summer had beautiful full-volume curls while I had mine curled and up. Summer's parents had come over while Aunt Tessa was working on us so they could catch us before we left for the formal. We thanked mum and Aunt Tessa for their help before Summer and I went up to my room to change our clothes.

"We are going to have the night of our lives tonight." Summer said as she helped me tie up my dress.

"We sure are, lovey." I smiled at her through my mirror. She placed a gentle hand on my shoulder to tell me she was done.

I admired myself in the mirror. I felt pretty. Beautiful, even. Max was right when he told me to pick a dress I wanted because I wanted it. He was always right about loving myself and not needing a guy to tell me I was beautiful. I felt confident and unshakable, and it felt great.

Summer stood beside me and we admired each other. She looked so gorgeous in her dress. She went for a Little Mermaid look and she looked extremely great with her full-volume curls and strong eye makeup.

"You look stunning." I told her.

"Have you seen yourself? You're breathtaking!" She chuckled.

"Right." I laughed.

"Girls! Max and Harvey are here!" Mum called from the bottom of my stairs.

Summer and I looked at each other wide-eyed. My heart jumped and started to beat outside of my chest. I suddenly felt so nervous that my stomach was starting to ache.

"Pull it together and let's have one hell of a night." Summer said sternly as she handed me my purse.

I took a deep breath and accepted my purse. I nodded at her and smiled confidently. No more nerves, Charlie. You'll be fine, I told myself. Summer and Harvey will be there every step of the way—most especially Max.

"Let's have one hell of a night." I smiled at her.

She squealed happily as she grabbed her purse. We locked our hands together as we carefully walked down my stairs. As we walked down the hallway, I could already hear everyone's muffled voices from downstairs.

"I'll go first." Summer said as we stopped at a spot where everyone downstairs couldn't see us. I nodded at her then she gave me a hug.

She stepped into her spotlight as I heard everyone's reaction at the sight of her. From where I was, I could take a peek and see their reaction. Mum and Aunt Tessa had proud looks on their faces while Summer's mum had tears in her eyes. Harvey's jaw dropped as he looked at her in awe. I had to chuckle at how stupid he looked. Sara had also come over and I smiled at the fact that she came too.

"Charlie!" Summer called for me as she finished basking in her spotlight.

"Showtime." I told myself as I let out all my nerves and anxiety in a deep huff.

I carefully stepped down the stairs and everyone's eyes were on me. On a usual basis, I'd feel super self-conscious, but this time I felt really confident.

Summer looked at me proudly while Harvey gasped, as if he couldn't believe that it was me he was looking at. Mum and Aunt Tessa had tears in their eyes, and frankly, so did dad. Alfie looked like the proudest little brother, and not just for how I look but also for finally getting my ass out of the house. Sara looked at me in awe as if she saw her own daughter just grow up right in front of her. My favourite reaction was Max's—he looked at me as if he saw something so eye-catching and so breathtaking that he literally froze up.

I chuckled as I got down the steps and stood before my best friend who came without a tie just as I asked and looked like a deer in headlights with his mouth hanging open. I laughed as I shut his mouth and caressed his cheek with my thumb. He still looked at me like a child seeing something so astounding for the first time.

"Like what you see?" I asked him quietly. He nodded, still in shock, while I laughed in response.

At the corner of my eye, I saw my mum approach us with a box in her hand. I turned to her and gratefully took the box from her. It was Max's tie that perfectly matched my dress. I opened the lid and showed it to him. He smiled as I took it out. I had told Max about the tie the same day we got my dress, so he was duly notified to come to my place not wearing a tie. I handed my mum the box back as I wrapped the tie around him.

"Ooohhh! Spicyyy!" I teased him as I shimmied a little. Everyone laughed as he rolled his eyes.

"Charlie, stop it." He laughed, feeling really embarrassed with his cheeks turning a little red.

I laughed as I tied his tie. Dad taught me how to make a tie the other day and I've been practicing. Luke gave some tips last night too. I'd say I'm pretty good at it already.

"You loop this here and then-" Max said and tried to point directions but I cut him off by spanking his hand away.

"Shush! Me! I'll do it." I sassed.

"Yes ma'am." He chuckled as everyone laughed.

Max and I were the center of attention and I could feel all eyes on us, and to think that this was our family watching us. I carefully finished his tie and patted his chest when I finished. He smiled down at me as I caressed his face with both hands. He turned to Harvey and Harvey handed him the corsage while Summer handed me his boutonnière. Max slipped a light blue corsage on my wrist and placed a gentle kiss at the back of my hand before he let me put the boutonnière on him. My heart fluttered and I was struggling to stifle the blush creeping up my cheek.

"Pictures!" My mum beamed when we finished. "Picture time!"

Summer, Harvey, Max and I stood together for a group picture. Mum and Sara insisted that Harvey, Max and I have a trio picture, so I stood in the middle. This was definitely one to frame up. I got to take pictures with each twin then Summer and I got pictures together as well. Summer and Harvey got some shots together and so did Max and I. My favourites though were Max and Harvey's shots because it was nice and formal at first but then it got really wacky. As if our other pictures didn't end up that way.

After what felt like a million photos, our families finally let us off the hook. We hugged everyone goodbye before we left. Summer and I thanked mum and Aunt Tessa, most especially. Alfie rushed to his room as we said our goodbyes but he caught up to us when we were all settled in Aunt Tessa's car. Unlike prom, the Winter Formal didn't call for limousine rentals for a formal and grand entry. The Winter Formal was much simpler but somehow more grand.

"Hey bubba!" I smiled as I peered over the back window.

"I made this for you a couple of weeks ago." He panted as he slipped a blue beaded bracelet on my wrist. It blended perfectly with my dress. "Just a special little something for your special night."

"Oh baby!" I sighed happily as everyone awed at the moment. I hugged my brother through the window and kissed him goodbye.

"If you need anything, call or message me." He said just like everyone else had.

"Of course, baby." I smiled.

We all waved goodbye as we drove off. Luke and Aunt Tessa had the honour of driving us to the formal. Max and I sat behind them while Harvey and Summer sat at the very back. Aunt Tessa gave us endless tips on how to enjoy the formal and places to go if we end up completely bored. She was extremely the best and I only realised then how much I really, really missed her.

——

When we got to the hotel, we were right on time. Cars were piling up and students were filing in. As Luke pulled up at the lobby, he and Aunt Tessa bid us all goodbye. Harvey helped Summer down while Max helped me down.

"Formal time?" I asked my three friends.

"Formal time." They all responded as we all locked hands and entered the hotel together.

We split apart by the time we reached the door of the ballroom. Max and I obviously stayed together as Summer went to search for John and Harvey went to search for Hazel. Finally being alone for the first time that night, Max and I had no idea what to do as we stood outside the ballroom.

"Before we go in, since it's really loud in there, I just want to let you know how beautiful you look, Charlie." Max blushed.

He blushed. I repeat, he blushed. It's not like he didn't do that often when we were together. It's just like... something about him blushing made my heart flutter and it's something I've come to notice more now that I like him too. Obviously I couldn't help but smile and chuckle at his comment. It made my heart flutter like crazy!

"Thanks, Max. Good choice picking blue. I told you to trust me, right?" I smiled.

"Yup. You look perfect." He smiled.

"Don't give me too much credit. You look really handsome yourself, Max." I smiled as I straightened his tuxedo and tie.

He carefully escorted me inside where we saw everyone dressed to the nines. The Events Society was not playing around with their Disney theme. It was like a miniature Disney Theme Park all drenched in Christmas. We looked around in awe as we approached the registration table which was manned by Lucy Brown and King Adams.

"Wow this is quite the sight." Max whispered to me.

"I know!" I whispered back.

"Hi Charlie! Nice to see you! You look so lovely!" Lucy, who I shared one of my classes with, beamed as she handed me a folder to sign our attendance.

"Aww! Thanks, Lucy! You look really lovely too." I smiled as I signed for myself and Max.

"Don't forget to vote for your Winter King and Queen!" She winked at me as she pointed to a large glass goblet.

"Right. Thanks." I smiled nervously as I pulled Max.

"Wait, who are the nominees?" Max asked, holding me back.

"Oh, there's a list over there." Lucy answered as she directed us to the goblet again.

Max thanked her and pulled me to the glass goblet where people were casting their votes. The glass goblet reminded me of the one from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I couldn't help but chuckle a little. On the table it was on, there were pieces of paper and a list of the nominees names. The nominees came in pairs which meant if you wanted one person as the Winter King or Queen, then you'd automatically vote for their partner as well.

I didn't bother to scan the list since I already knew who were on it, but it was the first time Max saw the list. I watched him as he scanned the names of the nominees. I held my breath waiting for him to react.

"When were you going to tell me you were nominated?" He gasped. "That's great, bub! I'm so proud of you!"

"You're not mad?" I asked.

"No! Why would I?" He chuckled.

"Because I didn't tell you sooner..."

"Wha- That's no problem, bub!" He chuckled as he flicked my chin causing my heart to flutter. "But really, when were you going to tell me you were nominated?"

"I wasn't." I chuckled and received a disappointed look from Max. "I don't think I'll win anyway, so there's no point in telling. It's no biggie."

"Did anyone else know?" He asked. I nodded.

"Mum, Aunt Tess and Summer." I laughed. "Summer who is a nominee along with John Lahey."

"Right." He chuckled. "Well, you know who my vote is."

"Not Charlie Wright and Max Mills." I laughed as I voted with him.

"Charlie Wright and Max Mills!" He laughed as he folded his piece of paper.

I rolled my eyes as I cast my vote as well. Maybe there would be no harm if I voted for us. It wasn't like we had any chance of winning anyway. I folded my paper and handed it to Max who kissed them good luck. He placed the papers in front of my face and I kissed them good luck too before he dropped them into the glass goblet.

"Now let's dance." He smiled as he pulled me to the dance floor.

We got there just in time for the next song to start. The first notes of Never Knew I Needed by Ne-Yo from Princess and The Frog started to play overhead. My eyes widened and a huge smile spread across my face.

"For the way you changed my plans," Max sang as he pulled me in front of him to the beat.

He rested a hand on my waist while he held my hand. I rested my other hand at the back of his neck as we held each other firmly. The song was a mellow song, so it wasn't too slow but it carried a steady beat. It was one of my favourite songs and dancing to it with my best friend made me so happy.

And for the rare and unexpected friend, my heart jumped at how relatable this song was. I felt like freezing up and I was getting extra nervous. Max felt I was getting nervous and pulled me closer to him. He smiled down at me as he leaned his cheek on my head.

For the way you're something that I'd never choose but at the same time, something I don't wanna lose and never wanna be without ever again, my heart jumped at the words. Not even an hour into the formal and I was already getting in my feels. Max looked at me and we smiled at each other knowing we wanted to sing the next lines out loud.

"You're the best thing I never knew I needed," Max and I sang together.

"So when you were here I had no idea," Max sang. "You the best thing I never knew I needed."

"So now it's so clear, I need you here always." I sang as I gently rubbed my thumb back and forth across his cheek.

He chuckled and pulled us back into a small hug. We swayed together and everything felt so right. Usually, I didn't like being so close to Max in public places in the fear of being teased that we like each other or that we'd look cute together. But tonight I wanted to world to know that I was so happy to be with him. I wanted everyone to know that my best friend makes me the happiest person in the world.

"Undeniably happier sitting with you right here, right here next to me," Max sang quietly to my ear. "Girl, you're the best."

I felt him smile as I smiled at his singing. My heart fluttered and I could feel it beating out of my chest. So this is what it's like to be so in love with someone. It was like a pure bliss of cloud nine, and serendipity, and all things good and true. It felt perfect.

——

Max and I danced the night away. One can only imagine how fun it was to dance to different Disney songs, both old and new, along with our friends. Harvey and Hazel were happily dancing and sneaking chaste kisses here and there. Summer managed to find John Lahey but somehow they didn't spend the night together after dinner.

After dinner, the head of the Events Society, Margaret Hunt, announced that it was time to crown the Winter King and Queen. All students and guests proceeded to stand closer to the stage. We all stood together as we waited for the announcement. Summer stood beside me with her curls making her glow like a goddess in all her glory.

"I hear you and Max are in the