A/n: So I decided to just do a ton of rewrites and put everything for the charity ball into chapter 4 instead of splitting it. Sadly that means some things I wrote got cut and changed but ill probably use some of those ideas for chap 5 instead. If you haven't already go check out chaper 3 it kinda flopped but I thought it was good 😭😭 Also if you'd like to be added to the tag list let me know 😊
Warning ⚠️: foul language
Finally it felt as if Saturday would never come, you've been dreading the charity ball for almost two weeks now. Yet here you were awake bright and early having to listen to Cynthia yell at the poor party decorators as they moved around tables to her liking.
"I'm sorry but did I say I wanted a table in the center of the dance floor? That's right I didn't so go get rid of it. What's the point of a goddamn dance floor if there's no room to dance!" Cynthia yelled motioning for the poor boy to come move the table away from her sight.
You and Topper were on table duty in the dining area, Cynthia wanted to make sure the tables were done perfectly and that her seating chart she spent months on was followed exactly as she had it.
"Ok so Kelce and his family are at table four with the Van Burrens while the Waltons and Arnold's make up table five." You said placing down each name card on the plates.
"Did you put the cards down for our table? I don't see them in my stack." Topper asked, going through his stack of names one more time.
"No, I have them right here." You handed over a stack of cards with Topper's family, the Camerons, a few of the richest donors' names and a lone single card with your name on it.
Your family never seemed to get invited to these events even when you're a yearly attendant you knew Cynthia saw no point in doing so since your family didn't have anything to offer. They couldn't donate money or bid on an auction without selling your house to do so; they were useless in Cynthia's eyes.
You on the other hand are Cynthia's greatest example of her charitable efforts. You're the poor lowly girl from the cut that she took in and handed the best opportunities one could get and molded into an example of what could be done if given the chance. You're the living proof of just how far Cynthia Thorton would go to prove she's better than everyone else, like she always says no one on figure eight would do for you like she has done.
"So you and Rafe, that's an interesting pair." Topper said, pulling you away from your thoughts and placing the cards down on the plates.
"I mean he's not the type of guy I pictured you with but I guess good girls always go for the bad boy types.''
"Topper get real I told you yesterday we're just going as friends. And you're giving Rafe too much credit. He is not a bad boy, he's troubled at most." You rolled your eyes as you continued to go around the tables.
"I mean after all these years it's only natural to wanna go out with your best friend's brother. I mean I guess more for convenience than anything you're around him just as much as Sarah is."
Topper wasn't letting go of the topic, studying your face to see if he could get a rise out of you.
"The last thing Sarah wants is for me to date Rafe. She'd say I could do better. I know that for a fact. I mean what type of guys do you picture me with then? It sounds like you've put some thought into this." You looked over at him shly, maybe this was your opening to finally see where Topper stands on your friendship if there's a chance that it could be more.
"I hate to say it but we all know you're the spitting image of a virgin mary. You need a nice guy, someone to complement that. Guys like Rafe and dare I say your dirty ass friend JJ are gonna be more of a project than a boyfriend."
You took in his words trying to figure out what he meant by it, was this his way of hitting on you ? Or was he just being a concerned friend looking out for your well being. You always did take his words into great consideration and he knew that, same as you and Sarah, if he didn't like someone then you both didn't and vice versa. Of course there were a few exceptions to this rule but for the most part you both always let each other know if you weren't happy.
"It's a shame you don't have a brother that would be convenient for me."
Oh my God why would you say that , you started to panic from his lack of response maybe you said too much or maybe that sounded plain creepy. You continued to mentally panic before Topper burst out in laughter.
"God I couldn't handle having a brother. It's bad enough my mom likes you better than me. I can't imagine what it would be like if I had a brother too."
A sigh of relief escaped your lips that he didn't think your joke was weird at all.
"Topper quit fooling around and go make sure all the servers are wearing the appropriate color handkerchiefs for their vests. Also make sure all the auction goods are in the right place in the back. I don't want anything out of place. And (Y/n) come with me. I want you to see the dresses I have picked out for you. I couldn't decide which I liked best." Cynthia motioned for you to follow her as Topper went inside to go get the wait staff ready and check the auction goods.
She had you all on a tight schedule wanting everything ready by twelve since guests will start rolling in at one. She brought you inside to the lavish locker rooms that seemed more like hotel rooms than anything. She had a few different dresses hung up on a rack one of every color you could think of.
"Do you know what color the Cameron boy is going to wear tonight?" She turned to you, putting dresses up towards your body to see what she liked best.
"Um I don't know we never really planned to match or anything." You shrugged looking around the room.
"Hmm well go with this one Topper told me he wears his blue suit alot to these types of events so we'll just hope for the best. If anything you and Topper will match his tie is going to be this shade of blue. " Cynthia pulled out a bluish gray dress with a small slit down the side and held it up to you.
"We'll go with this one it should do your figure justice." She handed the dress over to you and shoved you towards the changing area.
"I hope you don't mind. I did some revisions on your speech for today. I want you to mention how the Thortons are donating a new library for Kildare County elementary." She said hanging up the other dresses back on the rack.
"Um, don't you think you should be the one to mention something like that? I was only supposed to give a summary about the scholarship program." You stepped out of the changing room smoothing out the wrinkles in the dress as Cynthia came over to inspect the fit.
"It just looks better if you do it, just trust me on this. Now let me just fix your hair and everything will be perfect."
You only nodded as she began to touch up your hair, it was gonna be a long night you could already tell. By the time you two were finished one o'clock had come and guests started to fill up the club.
Your eyes were glued to the door so you could look out for Rafe wanting to make sure you didn't miss him at all. You saw Ward walk through first with Rafe following behind him and you went over to greet the pair.
"Hi Mr Cameron it's a pleasure to see you, thanks for coming tonight." You came over and gave him a hug as Rafe stood behind him quietly.
"No need to be so formal (y/n) I bet Cynthia's making you say that to everyone. Now let me go get a drink. I don't think you kids wanna be bothered by me any longer. I'll see you both later when dinner starts." He laughed, motioning for Rafe to speak up before stepping away towards the bar.
"You look nice." Rafe said looking you over at the way your dress hung on your body.
"Thanks you look nice too." Of course Rafe wore his signature baby blue suit like Cynthia thought he would.
"We should go find tweedle dee and tweedle dumb there probably looking for us." Rafe started to walk off and you followed him to go find the boys.
Kelce and Topper were talking to Kelce's girlfriend Anais and her friend Savannah, all of them sipping on champagne trying their best to avoid their families.
"Look who finally decided to show." Kelce patted Rafe's back pulling him into their ever growing circle.
"Looking good Cameron." Savannah said, giving Rafe a small wave.
He barely acknowledged her, only giving her a small nod of thanks. That wasn't stopping her from cozying up to him pressing herself against his side as you all talked ignoring you completely.
"How does Sarah feel that you two are here together tonight (y/n) ?." Anais said, resting her head on Kelce's shoulder.
"Baby you can't just ask people that (y/n) is one of the bros that's just weird." Kelce looked at her with shock in his eyes.
"Yha that must be so weird for Sarah that you're here with Rafe tonight." Savannah said, glancing over at you.
"I mean It is a little surprising you two would go together usually your my date by default since we're dateless a lot of the time. I mean we've probably known each other the longest too." Topper pointed out.
You couldn't help but to feel a little unsure of what Topper meant from his words all day. He's been confusing you since early this morning. It almost felt like he was holding something back.
"You and Rafe do make a pretty goddamn odd pair. I mean everyone knows you and Topper are like a package deal just like Sarah and you. So for you to come with Rafe is just fucking bizzar." Savannah added.
"Why does any of this shit matter? First off I've known (y/n) just as long as you have Topper It's not that fucking weird and I could give a shit less about what Sarah thinks too I make my own choices. You guys are just being fucking ridiculous. I don't get why the two of us coming here together is so damn weird." You could see a slight scowl form on Rafe's face as he spoke, his nerves starting to get the best of him.
"I mean it's not weird Rafe's right we might butt heads a lot but we've always been good friends." You leaned your head on his shoulder and smiled causing him to relax from your affectionate touch.
Savannah did her best to squeeze between the two of you to reclaim her spot next to Rafe, angering him once again from the fact she was standing between the two.
"I mean it's good to know you guys are just friends." She smiled.
The awkward tension felt like it was in the past as you all continued to chat. Before you knew it everyone was gathering for the auction and impending speeches. You all moved towards the lounge where Cynthia had a gorgeous stage set up for the auction bids. It was a Thorton specialty to host an auction to raise money; it's what supposably set their charity balls apart from others on the island.
"These auctions are nothing more than a glorified garage sale for rich people." You said as you all watched everyone crowd around to see what Cynthia would announce.
" I guess someone like you wouldn't get the point of this." Savannah chimed in, rolling her eyes. You looked over at her and the attitude that she's been giving you most of the night didn't go unnoticed.
"I mean (y/n)'s right my dad donated a private plane ride this year. People are gonna go crazy for a chance to ride on the Camerons private plane." Rafe said.
"Ugh my dad was gonna bet on that." Anais groaned
"All our parents wanna do is show off on who's giving out the best prize and who's dishing out the most money." Topper said, keeping his eyes glued ahead waiting for when he'd have to take the stage with his grandpa.
You saw his mom signal him over as he quietly pulled away from the group making his way towards the stage. You knew your turn would be approaching soon, your stomach twisting into knots from your impending speech.
"All I'm saying is that this is supposably done in the name of charity but it's all actually a big ego competition. No one really cares where the money goes, they all just want everyone to talk about how much they gave or how great their auction prize was." You couldn't help the words from coming out of your mouth the closer it got to you having to go on stage.
You didn't even notice that Rafe had started to rub small circles on your back in a way to comfort you. Rafe leaned in, pressing his lips close to your ear where only you could hear him.
"Yha just nervous I guess." You tried reassuring him, smiling from his efforts to talk you down.
He really did seem to be on his best behavior tonight for once he was sticking to his word. You were pulled out of your thoughts when you heard Topper announce your name as the next speaker, you made your way towards the stage stepping over to the microphone. You flash your signature bright smile as everyone's claps begined to die down. Rafe couldn't help himself from keeping his eyes on you admiring how just your simple presence could light up a room.
You looked down at your cards quickly before looking back up at the crowd. "Good evening, I just want to start off by saying thank you to everyone who has donated today. Your kind actions have not gone unnoticed, your money is going towards a wonderful cause to help underprivileged children through the Thorton foundation."
So far your notes didn't seem too far off from what you originally had as you continued to go your eyes finally noticed where your words ended and Cynthia's began.
"As some of you may know, I was lucky enough to have my life changed by the Thorton foundation when I was a little girl. I was picked out of hundreds of kids to get the chance for a better education. The Thorton foundation has saved me from my life of poverty and despair."
A copper taste started to form in your mouth as you read the words out loud everyone's eyes stayed on you. The looks of pity and a few tear stained faces were seen in the crowd clearly affected from your untrue words.
"Not only was I lucky enough to have this opportunity but I was also able to find a new found family in the Thortons. Thanks to Cynthia Thorton I was giving a second chance I would of never had before. She saved me and provided for me when my family couldn't. She helped me to come out in society as the well rounded young lady you all see before you today. She's practically a second mother to me who has graciously taken me under her wing and into her home for all these years. That's why I'm so happy to announce that the Thorton family will be donating a new library for Kildare County elementary so that kids today can have a better chance at a more well rounded education just as I was giving the chance from the the Thorton foundation."
You smiled as everyone started to clap and cheer from your speech. Cynthia had come back onto the stage hugging you tightly and kissing your cheeks as you walked off. You tried your hardest to not let this bother you to not let this get under your skin as you walked back to everyone.
" Interesting speech you had there (y/n)." Topper said his eyes fixed to the stage as he watched his mother bow from the praises being thrown her way.
"You really are the orphan Annie of the cut aren't you. You know not everyones lucky enough to have a nice rich family to take care of them like you." Savannah looked at you waiting for you to embarrass yourself and snap at her.
"Shut the fuck up Savannah you have been such a needy bitch all night can't you go cry for attention some where else." Before you could say anything Rafe had already done it for you saying it better then you probably would have. That still didn't stop Savannahs jaw from dropping over Rafe's word considering he's been relatively quiet this whole night.
"Your really gonna stand up for her, sure she can slap on some name brand clothes, go to the country clubs and cozy up to us but no matter how you look at it (y/n) isn't one of us she's always gonna be a fucking lowlife pouge." Savannah was fuming and you couldn't quite understand where her animosity with you came from but all of this started to feel like too much.
"Um, why don't we all go to the table? I think dinner is gonna be served soon so we should all go sit down." Kelce grabbed Anais hand, edging her to take care of Savannah so they could all walk off to their table.
You just stood there quiet not saying a word unsure of how to feel about everything. Your head was swirling with a million thoughts at once.
"Don't listen to that (y/n) you've always been one of us, you're a kook at heart. I don't care where you're from, you're better than that, you were never meant to be a pogue." Topper said trying his best to comfort you but his words stung more than anything without meaning too.
"You don't get it, none of you get it." You ran off heading towards the locker rooms just wanting to finally break down.
You sat on the floor letting out all your anguish that you've been holding in all this time. You put your head between your knees and continued to sob not even hearing the door opening up.
"Hey." Rafe said, sitting down beside you.
"What do you want? Did you come here to get a good laugh to tell me how I'm just Topper's little love sick bitch or something come on Rafe what is it this time you must be so excited to finally see me knocked down a peg." Your voice seethed with anger looking at him with tear stung eyes.
"No I don't wanna say anything like that I just wanna see if you're ok." He looked at you his blue eyes staring deeply into yours.
You didn't see any pity in his face if anything he looked sad almost like he could feel your pain. You just busted down once again.
"I know I give you a hard time but I would never kick you when you're down like this, I know for a damn fact that wasn't your speech up there. I also know Savannah is a huge fucking bitch."
"She is, isn't she." You laughed, making him smile at your slight change in tone.
"It's just all my life everyone's wanted me to be what they think I should be. I'm either the pogue princess, the Thortons charity case or a traitor to the cut. All my life I've had to prove to people that I deserve to be where I am and that I deserve to have the friends that I do. No one even knows who I am." You looked over to Rafe tears gently rolling down your face as you sniffles calming down slightly.
" You're the girl that puts everyone's needs before your own. The kind of girl that would invite her best friend's mean older brother to hang out with them after he destroyed their fort." He looked down as he said it, not wanting to meet your eyes.
"It was actually a tent not a fort." You couldn't help but to smile. Rafe was really trying his hardest to make you feel better.
"Why have you been so nice to me recently? I'm used to your hot and cold attitude when it comes to me but you've really been extra nice recently. It's kinda weird."
"Well I'll be fucking mean to you if thats what you want." You couldn't help yourself from leaning in and hugging him tightly, catching him off guard It took him a minute to hug you back.
He relaxed a little, taking in the scent of your shampoo and the way you felt in his arms a feeling he could relish in forever. Before you could pull back, Rafe leaned in, kissing you gently, too caught up in the moment to realize what he had done. The kiss was surprisingly chaste coming nkt what you'd expect from Rafe Cameron himself. You were shocked to say the least.
"Sorry, I should go." He got up in a hurry trying his best to rush out.
"Rafe wait." You stood up holding onto his arm so he couldn't go yet.
"What is it." He didn't bother looking at you, embarrassment starting to seep in the longer he stood by you. He couldn't believe that he let himself get carried away like that after all this time.
"Can I kiss you again?" You asked, looking down.
"What did you just say?" He looked down shocked trying to make sure he wasn't imagining everything and that this wasn't another dream of his.
"Please don't make me say it again Rafe."
He leaned down, taking your face in his hands and kissing you once again, this time deepening the kiss. He couldn't believe this was actually happening that you just asked to kiss him. He's dreamt of a moment like this for years but never thought you'd actually reciprocate.
But like all his dreams it always came to a halting stop when you pulled away suddenly at the sound of the door opening to reveal Topper making his way inside.
"Hey is everything ok I know Rafe said he'd handle it but I just wanted to check on you." Topper said, stepping in looking between the two of you.
"Everything's fine i'm feeling better now." You couldn't meet his gaze wondering if he saw anything from the looks of it he didn't seem to be any wiser.
"Ok that's good my moms wondering where you've been we're like half way through the dinner." Topper smiled, opening the door up to let you out.
You started to make your way out wiping your face to remove any evidence of crying. "Aren't you guys coming ?" You turned around noticing they weren't following you.
"Actually I'm going to talk to Rafe for a second, right buddy." He looked at Rafe and all he did was nod.
You looked between the two of them nodding as you walked off towards the dining area. Maybe he did see you guys kissing and was gonna ask Rafe what was going on. To be honest you weren't sure what made you want to kiss him, you had a million thoughts running through your head.
It was so nice to just finally be noticed for once and to be heard after all this time. You wondered what Topper wanted to talk to Rafe about and why you couldn't be around.
"So you where in here for a while was everything ok." Topper looked at Rafe looking for a clue as to what took you guys so long.
"Like I said earlier I just wanted to make sure (y/n) was ok." Rafe could see something was bothering Topper that he wasn't saying.
"You look like you wanna say something why don't you fucking say it."
"It's just… I don't know man you've been acting different around (y/n) and she's not like those other girls you mess around with that you can just toss to the side." Topper eyed him seeing Rafe's demeanor change.
"Are you trying to say I'm not good enough for (y/n) or some shit? Where's this even coming from who the fuck are you to be the judge of who's good enough for (y/n) and who's not." Rafe was shocked at Topper's sudden attitude change. He knew that you had some type of feelings for Topper but he never thought Topper reciprocated.
"Listen I care about you Rafe but all i'm saying is you come with alot of fucking baggage and (y/n) shouldn't have to deal with that."
"Don't fucking worry about what I do "buddy" I didn't realize you where (y/n) keeper. I'll see you outside." Rafe walked out not wanting to deal with this any more than he had too. What the hell was happening?
It was bad enough he had to worry about JJ, now all of a sudden Topper is switching it up on him. He couldn't help but to hold onto your kiss and wonder if it had as much meaning for you as it did for him. This was the sign he was waiting for he couldn't wait any longer Rafe wasn't gonna let anyone stop him from finally going after you.
