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“Cole’s eyes are going to pop out of his head,” Hayley said, grinning at me.

She must have sensed my discomfort because she stepped next to me and grasped my arm in a reassuring squeeze. “That’s a good thing.”

I sighed. “I just don’t feel sure about this.”

“Madi, you used to love dressing up,” she sighed. “It used to make you so happy when we went shopping together and you found the perfect skirt or the perfect top. You don’t need to keep hiding behind the clothes you wear. There’s nothing wrong with looking beautiful,” she said.

“But if I try too hard, Jake will see it and will be upset,” I whispered.

Hayley lifted a finger at me. “What did we agree about Jake?”

“No worrying about him tonight,” I said, letting out a sigh. It still didn’t stop the niggling feeling in my stomach though as I looked at myself in the mirror.

Hayley grabbed me by the shoulders and turned me to face her. “I think we both know this is about more than just Jake,” she said, looking me in the eyes. “You’ve been different ever since that hot list came out last year.”

“I haven’t,” I murmured.

Hayley lifted one eyebrow at me, not buying my denial one bit. “I think we both know you have. I wouldn’t have been able to stop you from wearing that dress a year ago, but now you look sick at the thought of wearing it.”

“Clothes just aren’t as important to me as they used to be,” I shrugged.

“Perhaps,” Hayley said. “But I know you, and I know that the reason you’re uncertain about wearing that dress is because you’re worried about what people will think of you. But you shouldn’t be. You are the sweetest person I know, and the people at school love you because you are kind to absolutely everyone. You’re not popular because you’re hot; you’re popular because people actually like you.”

“I’m not concerned about that.”

“Really?” Hayley wasn’t convinced.

“I don’t know,” I replied. “Maybe a little, I guess. I just don’t want girls calling me names again.”

“You know perfectly well Laurie started that crap after you were voted top of the hot list, and it was only because she was jealous. You can’t let it worry you.”

I shrugged. Neither of us knew for sure that Laurie was the one who started it. Even if she did, it didn’t matter. Those girls said hurtful things to me all on their own.

“Don’t hide your own light because you’re afraid of outshining others,” Hayley continued. “People say hateful things because of their own insecurities. You can’t let them change who you are.”

“Wow, that was deep, Hayley,” I smiled.

“I think I read it on a bumper sticker. It’s still true.”

I laughed and pulled her in for a hug. “Thanks, Hayles. You’re the best BFF a girl could ask for.”

“Yeah, I know,” she said, with a chuckle. “But, you know I’d still be your BFF if you rocked up in a hessian sack tonight, right?”

I laughed. “Yeah, I know.”

“And everyone else who knows you feels the same. We all love you for who you are. But that doesn’t mean you can’t add a little extra sparkle to your get up once in a while.”

I pulled back from our hug and I felt tears welling in my eyes.

“Don’t you dare cry on me, Madison!” she said.

I shook my head and took a deep breath to control myself. It was like Hayley’s words had taken some of my self-doubt away. I felt lighter and freer than I had in a long time. I’d spent so long fixated on what other people thought of me that I’d changed who I was for them. She was right, I needed to be myself.

“Okay, I’m good,” I said.

“Great, because you’ve got about two minutes to get across the street. Bonding time is over; you need to hurry!’

My eyes widened slightly. How the hell was it seven already? I didn’t give myself too long to think it over, quickly skipping out of the room and starting down the stairs.