by Jenni James
“What? Are you kidding me?”
Skyler shook his head. “Nope. My dad was asking me last month if I had any plans to sell the thing, and I don’t, so take it. Use it. I’d rather see it go to a good cause than rusting at home. Besides, now you can take your girl to prom like you wanted to.”
“But what about your dad?” I asked him. “Couldn’t you use the money to help with medical bills, or something?”
Skyler laughed. “Dad’s insurance is completely covered by the school district. He’s been there so many years, that’s the least of our worries.”
Zane looked more overwhelmed than I’d ever seen him before, completely at a loss for words. So I stepped in. “He says ‘yes. Thank you—I really shouldn’t—but I could use some wheels, so I won’t overthink this too much. Maybe later I can work out a way to pay you back.’”
Skyler laughed. “Perfect. You’re welcome to hitch a ride with me now, and I’ll let you see her.”
“I can’t believe this is happening.” Zane looked so adorably baffled.
“Just go.” I nudged him. “And say thank you.”
“Thank you!”
Skyler put his arm around Zane’s shoulders. “Come on. You can thank me later after the shock has worn off.”
I giggled as Zane allowed himself to get tugged away. “Bye!”
There. Now the world could right itself again.
I was so giddy, I almost starting skipping on my way home from school, but I stopped myself just in time to remember that I wasn’t always the most graceful person. I couldn’t believe Skyler would do something like that for someone he didn’t even know. Even in the midst of his own trials, he was thinking of others. But then again, seeing how Maralyn was starting to cheer up, he definitely had some magic.
Skyler’s magic wasn’t over just yet. On Friday, the night before prom, he had another trick up his sleeve. He and Maralyn had been spending every other night together, just talking about life—her grief about Dad and Skyler’s worries—so it didn’t surprise anyone when he came to the door that night.
However, when it included one charming kitten with a big ribbon around her neck, I began to wonder if something was up. “Here,” he said as he handed the ball of fluff to Mara. “I thought you could use something soft to make you smile.”
“Aww…” She melted. I melted. Katelyn melted. Even my mom—who hates cats—melted.
“She’s so adorable.” I stepped forward and rubbed a finger over the kitten’s fluffy fur.
Maralyn rubbed her nose into the kitten’s sweet little neck. “I love her so much.” It was then that she noticed a small white piece of paper attached to the bow. “What’s this?”
Skyler grinned. “You’ve got to see for yourself.”
Mom held the kitten while Maralyn took off the note and read it. “You’re inviting me to prom?” Her jaw dropped.
“Well, I’m assuming you already had the dress, and I didn’t want you sitting here in the house feeling lonely, so I thought it was the only practical thing to do—invite myself to your prom.”
“But will the school allow that?” Mom asked.
He shrugged. “Technically, they don’t pay me anything, and I’m doing a huge favor for them, so I’m pretty sure no one is going to say anything. Especially since I already got the principal’s approval.” He looked back over at Maralyn. “So, what do you say?”
“Yes!” Mara laughed. “How fun. I’d love to go with you.”
Skyler looked surprised. I didn’t realize he’d been worried that she’d turn him down. “Really?”
“Of course!”
I was genuinely happy for her, and decided now probably wasn’t the time to bring up that we’d sort of planned to go together. Even though it was grudgingly, I had begun to look forward to it. Or at least, to showing up in the green dress.
Anyway, it didn’t matter. What mattered was that Maralyn was beginning to see what an amazing guy Skyler was. And she was happy again. And hopeful. She needed this—way more than I needed to be seen in a green dress.
I slowly stepped away as Mom, Katelyn, and Maralyn continued to coo over the sweet kitten. I shut my bedroom door and contemplated all the good things that were happening around me. Even though life was full of insane drama, there was a tiny glimmer of hope beginning to shine through.
And hope was good.
I walked over to the closet and opened the door. There was the dress. I had absolutely no intention of showing up at prom by myself. And as long as everyone stayed preoccupied with Maralyn’s excitement, I wasn’t going to bring it up at all. No one even needed to remember that I’d gotten a dress. I mean, I could wear it next year, right?
Zane had messaged me on Facebook the night before, thanking me for the awesomeness that was Skyler’s truck. He was positive I had something to do with it, but I didn’t. I had no idea at all that Skyler even had a truck—which I was quick to explain.
I imagined Loni’s joy in realizing she still got to go to prom, and that Zane wasn’t being punished quite as much as his father wanted him to be.
Then this sort of numbness came over me. I went over to the pink chair and sat down, just processing everything. Hopefully, Mara would continue to blossom through Skyler’s kindness, and hopefully, Zane’s happiness continued to grow. I really had some incredible people in my life. I had so much to be thankful for. So very, very much.
And I hated prom. I did. I always have.
Still, I felt small for a selfish moment. Small, and a teeny bit forgotten. I took a deep breath and stood up. Time to focus on homework or something—anything but this.
The next day dawned all bright and cheery. Mara was a whirlwind of excitement and eagerness that everything be perfect. She spent hours on her hair and makeup, I even helped at one point, getting the curling iron to capture her ringlets perfectly before setting them with bobby pins. It was just so much quicker to help with the back than having her struggle to reach it all. By the time she was done, Skyler had arrived to take her out for dinner before prom began.
I helped her slip on her dress and then watched her twirl in front of the floor-length mirror. She looked amazing. “Beautiful!” It wasn’t the pretty purple Cinderella one, but it was pink and elegant.
Mara smiled and gave me a hug. “Thank you for all your help! I can’t believe I actually have a date.”
“He’s so awesome, isn’t he?”
“You know, I didn’t think so at first, but yeah, he’s pretty much amazing.”
“Have a blast.” I waited for her to remember me, to have some sort of regret at not going together so I could brush it aside and tell her it didn’t matter, but she didn’t. She spun around one more time and then rushed out the door toward a very happy Skyler.
The “ooh”s and “ahh”s from Katelyn and Mom were what Maralyn needed most.
After I heard Mom begin to take pictures, I shut my door. That odd numbness came over me again. I tried to make sense of it. It didn’t matter. None of it did. This was exactly how I wished to be tonight—home alone, while Maralyn dazzled everyone at prom. This was my dream.
So why was I acting so silly all of a sudden? Two ridiculous tears found their way down my cheeks. In frustration, I wiped them away. This was so stupid. I took a deep breath and plopped down in front of the long mirror. All Maralyn’s makeup was still scattered on the floor.
As I looked at myself, I reached over and began to apply the makeup the same way she had put it on me the other day. If I was going to stay home, there was no reason why I shouldn’t look pretty doing it, right?
I had to steady my hands to put on the eyeliner—that was the hardest part. After about fifteen minutes or so, Maralyn’s face stared back at me. I guess putting on makeup wasn’t as hard as I thought it’d be.
I pulled my hair out of its messy bun and then brushed my long curls. Then I found a discarded headband full of crystals, like a tiara—probably something Mara had considered before choosing to do her hair a diffe
rent way. I slipped it on my head, just past my bangs. It was really pretty.
Smiling, I realized I felt a bit better. I stood up and pulled out my dress, just to see what it would’ve looked like with the sparkly band on my head. I removed the plastic bag and pressed the dress up against me, holding out the long skirt. I loved how enchanting the soft layers were. I rocked from side to side to watch the skirt swish across my feet. When I caught my reflection in the mirror, I looked like a princess.
I couldn’t remember a time when I looked and felt more beautiful. I glanced over at the dresser. The two tickets Mara had gotten for us were still there. Maybe, just maybe, it wouldn’t be so bad if I showed up to prom after all. I didn’t have to be with someone. I could go just to experience it and feel pretty and be there. I didn’t have to be miserable just because I wasn’t dancing. I determined my own experience, not anyone else.
I squared my shoulders, lifted my chin, and stared at the gorgeous girl before me. This was the girl my dad saw. This was the girl Maralyn and Zane and my mom saw. How was it that I’d never seen her before?
I think she’d been hiding way too long. I took a deep breath and then smiled, letting go of all that fear of rejection. I was holding myself back—no one but me. And it was time to show myself I was worth it too.
The dress glimmered in the mirror. I was just about to put it on when Mom called from the other side of the door. “Hey, Ellie, someone’s here to see you.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
“Coming!” Who was here? All at once, I panicked. I didn’t want anyone else to know my plans just yet. I put the dress down on my bed and whipped off the headband. Then I grabbed a ponytail holder and put my hair up in a messy bun. Okay. I look normal-ish. Nothing could be done about the makeup, but oh, well.
When I opened the door, I was stunned to see a tuxedo-clad Zane holding a bouquet of white roses in his hand. “I come in peace.” He grinned and stepped forward, handing me the flowers.
“But . . . how? Why? Aren’t you supposed to be heading to prom about now?”
“Yep. I am.” He pulled out two tickets. “Funny thing is, my date took one look at my new set of wheels and ran.”
“What?” I couldn’t believe what he was saying. “Loni isn’t going to prom?”
“Oh, she’s going all right. Seems she’s been getting to know someone new these past few days and feels he’s a better fit for her. Well, he and his nice Mustang, of course.”
“Wait. What? Who?”
“His name is Zed. We’ve been known to play on the same team from time to time. And he’s a couple of years younger than me, but she doesn’t seem to mind.”
“Oh, my gosh. Loni went to prom with your—”
“With my brother. Yes. It’s true.”
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Are you kidding me?”
“Nope.”
“I mean it. Are you kidding me right now?”
“No.” He chuckled. “Is that all you’re going to say?”
“Probably. It’s about all that’s coming out.”
“I noticed.” He was so good-looking, standing there in my living room, I could hardly breathe. “So I came here to ask this gorgeous genius I know to come to prom with me. I’ve only been falling for her for weeks now. I figured since I was free and all, it was time I did something about the irrational feelings I’ve been having.”
“Irrational, huh?” I moved the flowers to one hand and stepped forward.
“Yes. It’s bad. I get nervous when I’m around her, and I have a hard time focusing on what she’s saying because I find myself wanting to kiss her more than I want to talk.”
I blushed. “Are you kidding me?”
“And there she goes again, being loveable. I’m sure there’s a cure for saying that all the time. Maybe we should find it.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, I wonder if a kiss will help you not ask that question again.”
I was just barely hanging on. “I doubt it. I’m still in complete shock right now.”
He moved until the tips of our toes were touching, and then he grinned down at me. “Your mom and sister have left the room. I think we can finally talk for real.”
I laughed. “Haven’t you been?” I’d totally forgotten about my mom and Katelyn. Not that it mattered—nothing did except for Zane.
“I know I don’t deserve you,” he whispered, his warm breath sending shivers across my cheek. “I know I’m a brat who treated his girlfriend badly because I was in love with you.”
My breath caught in my throat. “You—you were?”
“Yes. I am.”
“Are you kiddin—?”
He kissed me soft and slow and sweetly, and shut that question right up. “Did it work?” he asked as he pulled away.
My lips missed his the second he pulled away. I could hardly breathe—but it was a good feeling this time. I grinned. “I think so.”
“Good. And for the record, I’m being serious.”
He couldn’t love me. It wasn’t logical. I stepped back and shook my head—even though my heart was soaring. “Good grief. You didn’t even know me. You still don’t.”
Zane tugged on my elbows and brought me close to him again. “You’re wrong. I knew there was something unique about you the second we met. My heart started racing, and I felt this pull toward you. You were so amazing, I had to know more. I had to understand how your mind works, to talk with you for hours. I’d finally found a girl who understood me. I fell for you so hard that first day—I’ve never been such a fool like that before. Who leaves their car and walks a girl home?”
“Guys who are crazy.”
“Guys who are falling in love.”
My heart stopped. I honestly couldn’t respond. He loved me. He loved me. He loved me! How was this possible?
“So, will you please come to prom with me? I don’t know how I got so lucky to have my girlfriend dump me on the exact day I was wishing she would, but it happened. I don’t care that she’s with my brother—I hope they’re happy. I only care that I can be with you.”
“Well, ironically, I do have a dress.”
“Good!”
This was even better than going alone. “And surprisingly, I do want to go.”
“How about food? Are you hungry, too?”
I grinned. “I could eat something.”
“Perfect. Now, how soon can you be ready?”
“About five minutes.”
“Are you kidding me?” He laughed. “You are the perfect girl!”
“Now look who’s asking that question.” I bit my lip and told myself to calm down. Then I attempted my first real flirting. “Should I kiss you for saying it?”
“Are you kidding me?” he asked again.
I chuckled and pushed against him. “Go away. I have to get ready for prom!”
By the time I’d gotten dressed and fixed my hair again, Mom had her camera all ready. She was gushing with excitement that both of her girls were going to prom. She made us wait while she pulled apart the corsage Zane had gotten for Loni and replaced it with the new white roses he’d bought for me. Then, with the same floral tape, she took a couple of roses and created a boutonniere for him, too.
“There! Now you look like a real couple.”
“Thank you, Mom.” I gave her a hug, since she was getting all emotional. Then I gave Katelyn a hug too.
She whispered, “He’s so cute!”
I chuckled and answered, “I know.”
“Well, go and have fun!” Mom shooed us toward the door. “Katelyn and I are going to stay home and eat ice cream and watch chick flicks.”
“Yep.” Katelyn beamed. “We even got rocky road ice cream!”
“Well, we’ve been put in our place.” Zane opened the door and walked me out to his chariot.
I started laughing the second I saw it and couldn’t stop. It was one ugly beast. “That’s awesome.”
&n
bsp; “Apparently, Skyler loved four-wheeling back in the day.” The junky gray truck had a huge lift on it, large tires, and different-colored doors, hood, and tailgate. “Seems it’s been through a lot, and the salvage yard has saved this baby more than once.”
“No wonder why Loni wouldn’t go with you.” I’d never seen anything more ridiculously wonderful in my life. “I’m terrified of how awful the seats must be.”
“Don’t! I put down trash bags so you wouldn’t get your dress dirty.”
I was still laughing. “Shut it. How perfect.”
“What?” He chuckled. “Don’t you love my ingenuity?”
“You’re the perfect guy for me.”
The door creaked as he opened it. “I’m glad to hear it, m’lady. Your carriage awaits.”
Giggling, it took three tries to finally get my foot up high enough to climb into the cab. Once inside, I straightened out my gown over the black plastic trash bags and then waited for him to bound up and start the engine. “This smells just like my grandpa’s old truck.”
“It probably was your grandpa’s truck.” He winked as he pushed on the clutch and revved the old engine, then threw the thing in reverse and backed out of the driveway.
It creaked and bounced, but it was fun.
“So, it’s not as quiet as my other car, but I’m happy to have wheels.”
I looked over at him and really searched that good-looking face. He’d definitely taken a step down by driving this thing, but he didn’t care. There was something pretty wonderful about finding a guy who was grateful for what he had. Zane really wasn’t after money, or popularity—he was his own guy. Hence the reason why he was turning down his dad’s business. I needed him. I needed someone real and genuine, who actually saw me. I couldn’t believe that guy was sitting next to me, dressed up, handsome as ever—and all mine.
We didn’t have a lot of time, so Zane stopped by a burger place and we went through the drive-thru. We tucked napkins under our chins and ate in the parking lot as quickly as we could. Then we popped some gum in our mouths and made it to the Elks Lodge a few minutes before they closed the doors.
