Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 71967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
“Oh,” I play along. “Right, sorry.”
I take a seat in the back, watching as he swiftly makes his way towards me, our fingers briefly meeting as he hands me a small packet of papers.
Meet me tomorrow tonight, it reads.
What?! The idea catches me by surprise, especially since tomorrow is Saturday. I look up, confused and wide-eyed. He’s fixed on me, and I mouth where.
His playful eye roll saddens me, making me miss our easygoing conversations. He motions for me to turn the page.
Duh.
On the track - 10pm.
I turn the next page.
You may hand this back to me and go.
I get up, confused, handing the paper back and pausing just outside the door. He meets my gaze and gives me a wink.
I pull into the school parking lot, stuck in traffic behind a row of limos, hearing the music blaring as girls in ball gowns and guys dressed in tuxedos make their way inside. I look down at the very plain sundress I’m wearing, pressing my flip-flop on the gas pedal as I continue to the back lot.
I’m very early, since I lied through my teeth on what I’m doing tonight. I don’t know if I wore a dress for the special occasion, it being prom and all, or because it’ll be easier access for him.
I head outside at exactly ten o’clock, and make my way on to the track. It’s dark, but I can still see, thanks to the lights from the school in the distance. I start humming along to the popular song blasting in the gym as I wait, looking at my watch every two seconds, wondering if he’d actually stand me up.
Two songs later, he’s still not here.
The cool May night air is starting to set, and I shiver, moving from the grassy area to a lane on the track, walking just to keep warm.
My favorite song comes on and I sing along, dancing to the beat, imagining Ashley and Chloe squealing with delight.
“You are so damn cute,” his voice startles me.
“Please tell me you haven’t been watching long,” I freeze, cringing at the thought.
He laughs, walking into the light. My blood burns at the sight of him, instantly warming me, despite the now light breeze. He looks sleek, debonair in his black tux and ivory vest and tie, his dark hair neatly styled, and his eyes are glowing an unearthly blue as he holds out the prettiest flower I’ve ever seen.
“What are you doing?” I’m taken aback.
“Taking you to prom,” he grabs my hand and slides the flower onto my wrist.
“But you’re so fancy and I’m-”
“Beautiful.” He finishes my sentence before pulling me close.
I rest my chin on his shoulder as he sways me to the music, and for the time being I forget we can no longer be this intimate, because everything right now is so complete.
“Thank you,” I whisper in his ear.
He pulls back, planting a kisses me on me with such finesse that I nearly loose my balance. It’s sweet, full of tenderness and devotion, much like the night of the play. He’s hard against my stomach and I moan as I move my hands lower.
“No, pretty girl,” he mutters, catching my hands and stopping me. He entwines his fingers through mine, holding on tighter. “Tonight we just dance.”
DEAD INSIDE
Prom.
He took me to prom.
In our own little way.
It’s not what I ever pictured.
It was better.
I’ll never forget prom.
We swayed until midnight in each other’s arms, holding each other as we danced, even through the fast songs, and despite the chilly late night air I stayed warm and cozy.
We watched in the distance, when everyone left the school. We stayed, and he wrapped his jacket around me and we watched the sun come up, talking well into the early hours of morning. He’d interrupt me every now and then with a kiss, but never anything more.
I close my eyes, remembering his words as he walked me to my car. You’re in for it tomorrow, Ms. Cunningham. That little dress you’re wearing is going to taunt me all day. I realize it’s already Sunday, and I’ll get to see him again tomorrow. Wear this again for me, will you? He skims the top part of my thighs before giving me one last kiss and shutting my car door.
I do as he asks, walking into school early Monday morning in my sundress.
I let my guard down and allow myself to sit with him in his office before school starts, and then again at lunch.
He still hasn’t touched me, but our banter is back. We’re joking, playing love, hate, no opinion through a Scrabble game.
During lab class, we’re at the computer lab, which is down the hall from his classroom, and when the bell rings the whole class is surprised when we enter the classroom. The desks are spread wide and not in their usual formation.