After shopping the rest of the day, Becky and I were finally on our way home. I didn’t see any more of my mystery man or the red-eyed demon guy, although it didn’t stop me from thinking about them… about him.
“Now that I’m going with Charlie to the prom and you have an awesome dress, we have to find you a date so we can all go together. Who would you want to go with?” Becky casually hinted while glancing at me from the corner of her eye.
Since moving here, Becky has always been my best friend even though I couldn’t share some things with her, like what happened today. I almost wanted to laugh at the thought. I watched two non-humans fight to the death and now we were back to prom. Because of my life experiences, I knew I acted much older than my almost eighteen, but I would do almost anything for Becky.
“I don’t know. I could just go by myself and meet you there.” After such an eventful day, I just wanted to go home and not think about anything, especially a stupid dance.
“No, we have to find you a date. You’ll enjoy it a lot more if we do.” I could hear the determination in her voice.
“I don’t know Becky. Let’s wait until Monday and see how it goes.” Please let’s not talk about this anymore. I thought as I leaned my head back and closed my eyes.
“Ok, but I’m not going to let you forget it.” With closed eyes, I chuckled because I knew she wouldn’t. She would pester me to death until I had a date.
When we arrived home, I waved goodbye to Becky and headed for the house. It was only 10 pm but the porch light was on and Sarah was already in bed. I climbed the steps and headed to my room, dressed for bed and while lying there, I replayed the events of the day over-and-over in my head. I knew sleep wouldn’t come tonight as I was left with more questions than answers.
I met Becky Monday morning and as she drove us to school, I smiled slightly as I heard the turmoil churning in that head of hers. I wonder if she’s thought about a date for the prom. How do I ask her without seeming like I’m badgering her? Who should she go with? Her thoughts just kept coming while I sat silently beside her. I loved the fact that she forgot I was different. She treated me like any other seventeen-year-old girl, as a friend.
“So Amber, have you thought anymore about the prom and who you would like to go with?” She asked without looking my way.
“Not really. There are several boys I that I think are cute but I’m sure they wouldn’t go with me.” “Quit being so negative, you’re beautiful and a lot of boys would ask if they thought you’d say yes. They’ve just learned over the years that you never say yes. Whoever you ask will probably pass out from surprise.”
“Shut up, they will not!” Would they? I really didn’t know. They stopped asking me out two years ago and now they didn’t even think about asking me out. I knew that for sure.
We arrived at school, and after locking the car door we walked up the front steps.
“Oh, yes, they will. Just wait and see.” She smirked. “Ok, I have to get to class. I’ll see you at lunch.” She turned and headed down the hall.
“Ok, see ya.” I headed off to math class wondering what Mr. Hooker had in store for me today.
Sitting in my chair, I looked around at the boys and noticed there were some really cute ones. I just needed to decide who I wanted to ask. I hoped that whoever it was would say yes so I wouldn’t have to pick someone else. One time would be hard enough.
When class was over, I realized Mr. Hooker hadn’t tried to catch me day dreaming that day, unaware and without the answer to whatever math problem he came up with. I walked up to his desk, and as he lifted his head, I asked, “Are you ok Mr. Hooker?” He smiled and I heard him think, I just finally gave up. You’re just too smart.
“Everything is fine. Why do you ask?” He smiled politely.
“I don’t know. I just wanted you to know that I’ve always looked forward to your class and I will miss you when I graduate. You have taught me a great deal and I wanted to say thank you.” I gave him my best smile. He really was a great teacher and most of the time I enjoyed our little game.
“Thank you, Amber.” I’m sure I didn’t teach you much but it’s nice to hear that you enjoyed it. I nodded, and then left.
As I walked down the hall, I noticed Dean standing near my locker. He was cute with his dark brown shaggy hair. Looking nervous, he kept shifting his weight from foot to foot. I slowed my pace to see what might be happening, but I understood the closer I got. I can’t believe I’m going to ask Amber to the dance. Why am I doing this? I know she’ll say no. God, I’m going to kill Becky if she says no. She is the prettiest girl in school, there’s no way in hell she’ll say yes. “Hi Dean.” I grinned at him as I approached my locker. Oh God, I can’t do this! I didn’t know what to do to help him. I knew I steered clear of most people, well everyone besides Becky, but I had a good reason. I couldn’t even hold a boy’s hand without him wondering if he could get to second base and devising ways to make it happen. Shut up Amber, this is for Becky! I reminded myself.
“Hi Amber.” He cleared his throat. “I was wonde…” He cleared his throat a second time and I hid my smile. “I was wondering if you would like to go to prom with me.” He exhaled slowly. I did it. I didn’t think I could, but I did!
As I stared at him, I couldn’t help but let my smile show. He stood at about five-feet-ten and had a slender build. Not very muscular, but he still looked good. “Okay.” He smiled as I heard him think, Yes? Yes! She said yes! Oh my God! What do I do now? Okay, think. Be cool. “Okay, good.” His smile was wide as it split his face.
“We’ll talk about the details later, I have to get my books and get to class.” I quickly opened my locker and switched out my books.
“Okay, cool. See ya at lunch.” He turned and walked away but I could still hear him. I can’t believe I have a date with Amber! I can’t wait to tell everyone! I couldn’t help but giggle as I wondered if he might skip down the hallway.
When the bell finally rang, I headed to the cafeteria only to find Becky sitting with Charlie. I
slowed my pace wondering if I should sit somewhere else when Becky looked my way. “Come on, we saved you a seat.” I hope she’s not mad at me for inviting Charlie.
After I sat down next to Becky, I said, “Hi Charlie, how’s it going?” His relieved expression told me he worried I would be upset about him joining us, even if I hadn’t heard it.
“Good. We were just talking about prom.” He looked at Becky and smiled. I hope I can get her alone. Wonder if I should plan to stay all night with her.
“So Amber, are you going with anyone?” Becky asked with a mischievous grin.
“As a matter of fact I am. Dean asked me this morning and I agreed.” Thank God! I smirked. As we started eating, a shadow fell across me and when I looked up, I found Dean standing there holding a tray.
“Mind if I sit with you?” He looked hopeful. Please say I can. I told everyone I was….
“Sure, have a seat.” I smiled as he let out a slow breath. “We were just talking about prom. I can’t believe it’s next Saturday.”
“And graduation is two weeks after that,” Becky added.
We sat there and made our plans. Charlie and Dean would pick us up at Becky’s house and we would all ride together. I knew Becky felt excited about our double date but I was less than enthused about the idea. However, if I could do this and make her happy, then I would gladly do it for her.
The bell saved me from any more prom plans and as I walked to my most hated class, I heard that the news of my date had reached many of my classmates. My attempt at normal had backfired. I wanted to blend in but now everyone was talking about me.
I heard some of the girl’s thoughts even though I didn’t want to. Why did Dean ask Awkward Amber! She’s so weird, she never dates so why now, and I wish I had her hair. When I heard some of the guys, I couldn’t help but smile. Why didn’t I ask her, Dean is so lucky! Some were nice to hear but Gina hit a sore spot with her dig, He’s probably t
rying to get some virgin action. It was a nice reminder that I could not and would not see myself with Dean or any other guy.
That night while lying in bed, my mind automatically went to the sword wielding man. It had been several days and I now questioned whether it actually happened or not. I hadn’t seen anything else since leaving the mall. Turning onto my side and pulling the sheets up to my chin, I finally drifted off to sleep.
“Mom, why do we have to move again?”
“I’m sorry baby, but it’s not safe here anymore.” She hurriedly threw clothes into a suitcase.
“But why? We haven’t been here very long.” I stood holding a blanket and a stuffed lamb while standing in my PJ’s.
“I promise I’ll tell you one day, but right now I don’t have time. We need to hurry baby.” She slammed the suitcase shut, zipped it up and grabbed my hand as we left.”
I woke up with a start. What the hell was that? I didn’t even remember that we moved around a lot. Actually, I hardly remembered anything about my mother. I settled back down with the covers pulled up so only the top of my head showed and I drifted back to sleep.
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