Tangled Dreams (28 page)

Oh God. I thought putting my head down on my study hall desk. Prom was tomorrow and I was so tired of hearing about it. Clay finally gave up and asked some senior cheerleader to go with him. I think her name is Mindy. That tells you how popular he his. When a junior asks a senior to go and she says yes. Rumor has it that she asked Gavin first and he shot her down. I couldn’t understand why he hadn’t said yes to anyone, surely he wasn’t going by himself. The only thing I know was that I was getting dirty looks from her. I don’t think she likes the fact that I live with Gavin, and he turned her down. Top it off, Clay was still giving me rides to and from school instead of picking her up, or going over to her house. I told him he should. But, he only replies that I was his girl first. He’s so stubborn. I’ll add her to the growing list of names that hate me. He let me know this morning if I changed my mind he’d drop Mindy in a second. I should say I was shocked, but not so much.

The next morning Andrea called me excited giving me details of her plans for prom. I could hear Gavin wrestling around in his bedroom. He was in for the day, and I decided to get out of the hallway before I came face to face with him. I had to admit I was jealous because Andrea heard he picked out tuxes with his buddies. After questioning her however, she had no clue who he was going with. She said she asked around and no one knew. I guess he wouldn’t tell anyone. Which only meant he evidently cared about this girl. He was a private person anyways. But, if he didn’t care about this girl he wouldn’t care who knew about it. It made me so sad, and all I wanted to do was go back to bed.

Laying on my stomach on my bed, I had my earphones in, and on low.  I could hear Gavin getting ready in the next room and I desperately trying not to pay attention. I thought about peeking out when he left just to see how handsome he was in his tux, knowing that would only make myself feel worse. Lost in thought I suddenly heard a knock on my door. Not even looking up I figured it was Julia so I just hollered for her to come in.

“Hi Maddie.”

Hearing those words come out of his mouth was of course music to my ears. Turning my head I was in shock. He was standing in MY room (something he hasn’t done in a while) wearing a black tux with a royal blue tie on. His hair slicked in a gorgeous style and I knew it. Now I was miserable after seeing him. “You look great. Did you need something?” I asked sitting up on my bed staring at him. Hopeful to have him tell me and get out, because I couldn’t stand to sit here and stare at him looking this way.

“Yeah.” He said nervously with his hands behind his back holding something.

“Well, what is it?” I asked curiously. Surly he didn’t want me to come down and meet his new girlfriend. I would just die. Oh God worse yet everyone was gone maybe he wanted me to take pictures. I’ll die before I do that. I thought to myself. Now feeling the nervous butterflies in my stomach.

“Well, I wanted to ask you something.”

Oh geeze here it comes. Pulling a gorgeous royal blue dress from behind his back . I had to say I was still a little confused. Surly he doesn’t want me to see that girls dress that he’s going with. Walking slowly towards me he laid the dress in my hands.

“Maddie, will you go to the prom with me?” He asked getting down on both of his knees to look at me straight into my eyes.

Shocked, “How? what? How did u get a dress? I’m so confused.” I said wide eyed now staring at him in disbelief.

Laughing, “Mom went and got this for you.”

God how I missed that laugh. “Why would she do that?”

“She knew how much we both wanted to go, but how we refused everyone so she figured we could go together.”

“Oh Gavin.” I said with tears starting to build. Still not sure if he wanted to go with me or if he was doing it for Julia, but at this point I would take it.

“Please don’t cry baby.” Putting both his hands on my cheeks forcing me to look into his eyes.

“If you don’t want to go, I won’t force you.”

“Are you kidding? Yes. I definitely want to go.” I couldn’t help it. I pulled him in for a huge hug and he felt and smelled so good. I almost forgot what he felt like. “What am I going to do? I don’t have anything else.” I said going from blissful to panicked in 0.2 seconds.

Pulling back from her he couldn’t remember the last time he was this happy. He actually expected being shot down and was ready for it. “Calm down. Your shoes and everything else mom said you needed are down in the bathroom. “Well, are you going to sit there? Or are you going to get ready? It’s almost time.” He said lifting me up and scooting me out the door to get the rest of my things. “I’ll be downstairs in the living room waiting on you.”

I was sitting on the edge of the tub holding my dress staring into the full length mirror. It all seemed like such a dream. I couldn’t believe I was actually going with Gavin. If this was a dream I never wanted to wake up. Ever. Standing up I put the full length gown on and it looked gorgeous. It looked like it had been made especially for me. It was form fitting and strapless and fit me in the bust tightly and made me appear even bigger than I really was. The matching shoes were absolutely beautiful. They had criss cross straps and ribbon winding up my leg. Standing here I quickly curled my hair and put it in a style that was up with ringlets stringing down on my back. Hurrying to put on my jewelry and make up. Standing here staring at myself I could hardly recognize the reflection. I looked so much like my mom. I loved and hated it at the same time. Spraying on perfume, I grabbed a small black purse, threw some make up in it and left to go downstairs. Walking down the stairs, I was nervous and excited and ready to go with the guy of my dreams. Slowly peeking into the living room he was sitting in the recliner looking impatient and nervous. I was excited and terrified at the same time, taking a deep breath I stepped out into view, “Are you ready?” I asked my voice breaking a bit.

Standing up slowly he just stared at me and I was hoping he hadn’t changed his mind. “Gavin, are you ready?” I said now even more nervous.

“You are so gorgeous. I didn’t think you could get any more beautiful but, you did.”

Blushing now, “Thank you.” I said looking down at my shoes nervously. Walking over to me he lifted my chin with his hand to look at him in his eyes.

“I mean it.”

Sighing, “I know. Thank you. You look so handsome to. And look we match.” I said pointing at his tie, just realizing how stupid I was for pointing that out.

“Yes we do.” He said chuckling. “This means we came together.” Teasing me.

“Yes, it does.” Embarrassed. “I know. Stupid.”

“No, hardly. I find it cute. I missed the cute way you always point out the obvious.” Smiling. “Okay, well it’s time to go. You mind if I hold your hand?” Asking awkwardly.

Shaking my head, “I don’t mind.” Smiling he grabbed my hand and led me out of the house, down the steps holding on to me carefully.

“Sorry, I couldn’t get anything more fancy.”

“Are you kidding? Who cares. I would have been happy to go in your truck.”

“I know and that’s one of the things I like about you.”

Helping me into the car, “I know I’m just a normal girl.”

“There is nothing normal about you Maddie.” Chuckling. “And you sure the hell don’t look like any girl I’ve seen. You are all woman. A very gorgeous woman.” He said shutting the door and walking around to get into the car. Leaving me blushing. I felt like I was on cloud nine. I didn’t know exactly how happy you had to be to be on cloud nine but I was sure I was at it. Fidgeting with my purse I realized he had left to go back into the house and I was scared he really had changed his mind, knowing her paranoia was at work. Finally, the drivers side door opened and he slid in.

“Sorry Maddie, I forgot your corsage. Mom would have had both our hides if she came home and found it in the fridge.”

“Aw it’s beautiful.” I said putting my hand out so he could slide it on. “Well, it’s not as beautiful as you. I wish I could say I had a hand in getting it, but I didn’t. I’m not really the flowers kind of guy.”

“It’s okay Gavin.” I said not really caring, it was enough just being with him.

“You had everything, what would have happened if I would have said no?” I asked as he pulled out onto the road.

“Actually, I expected you to say no. I thought getting dressed and buying the tickets were a total waste of time. And I told mom that but, she doesn’t give up.”

“So you didn’t actually want to go with me?” I asked now getting a little upset.

“Maddie, of course I did. I just didn’t think you wanted to.”

“Okay.” I said. “I figured if you said no, she could just take the dress and tux back because, I wasn’t going.”

“Gavin, it’s your senior prom you should go no matter what.”

“Maddie, I know it’s my senior prom and it’s supposed to be this great thing, but, it’s only great if your happy with the person your going with.”

“So, are you happy? I mean with the person your going with?”

“Maddie, do you think I would of asked you other wise? You know me better than that.”

“Yes, that’s true.” Sitting here in silence I felt like I was in a dream and all I could do was look out the window at the dark night sky and the pastures and trees rolling bye. It was so surreal. I couldn’t believe it was only a year ago that my life was so different. It was amazing how much my life had changed in such short of a time.

“What’s the matter babe? Your deep in thought.”

“Nothing, just happy.”

Reaching over to squeeze my hand. “Really?”

“Really.” Pulling into the parking lot you could see couples standing outside talking, getting ready to go in, and you could already hear the music booming. When all of a sudden I felt panicky. I couldn’t believe this whole time I forgot about Clay. I knew I was going to hurt him. I told him I didn’t want to go and here I am with Gavin. Sudden dread overwhelmed my body and I felt paralyzed.

Opening up the car door, he helped me climb out. I stepped out into the night cool air, standing rigid.

“What is wrong Maddie? You suddenly look terrified.”

“Nothing.”

“Maddie…”

“Okay, I told Clay I didn’t want to go when he asked me and now he is going to be here.” I said fast almost in a panic.

Gavin looking down. “Do you want to be here with him?” His voice obviously changing to disappointment and anger.

“No, or I would of said yes.” I said now annoyed.

That lifted his spirit’s a bit but, he wasn’t sure he really bought it. “Well, don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of him if he gets to pissed off at you.” Holding his arm out for mine.

“I don’t think I’m worried about him being pissed. I’m more worried about him being hurt.”

“You care about him a lot.” Gavin said as they walked slowly to the building.

“Yes, I do. He has been a really good friend to me.” I said almost to defensively, and just decided to drop it after that and try to have a good time. Hoping to no great avail that Clay wouldn’t notice me here.

Walking into the gym it did look nice and you could tell a lot of time was spent making this dance even more special than the last. There was twinkling lights strung up everywhere. Of course, the bleachers were pushed back replaced by round tables with white table cloths. Silver star confetti was sprinkled all over with white candles floating in a glass heart shaped dishes on each table. The chairs even had white skirts of some sort over top of them tied with a ribbon on the back. It  looked breath taking and straight out of a dream. I had to hand it to them I wouldn’t of recognized it as the gym at all if I didn’t already know better. Walking up to the first table in the entrance Gavin handed our tickets to our phys ed. Teacher.

Turning to me, “You ready?” He asked winking at me.

It almost felt like we were coming out as a couple to the world. Because, I knew that’s what everyone would automatically think. But, I was getting to the point that I didn’t really care. What girl wouldn’t be proud to be on Gavin’s arm? That was the real question. But, that didn’t replace my apprehension about the situation. My fear was being the center of attention. I hated any kind of attention from large masses. Of course, my idea of large masses is any thing over three people. Walking into the gym further, the music was booming in my head and the lights were streaming everywhere it was almost disorientating.

“I know what your thinking Maddie. But, I’m sorry you’re the most gorgeous girl here. You’re going to attract the attention of all the guys here.”

“How did you know I was self conscious about walking in.”

“Maddie I know you. You think your average, and that you could blend into a wall. Hoping no one will notice, and if you do think people are going to be looking at you, you get all nervous and fidgety. That’s why you keep messing with your purse.” He said stopping to look at me flipping my purse around back and fourth.

“This is one of those times, I wish you didn’t know me very well.”

“Well, the only thing I have to say to that is tough. Because, if you didn’t want anyone to notice you, you shouldn’t of worn that dress. Oh by the way, remind me to thank mom later for picking that out.”

“Gavin!” I said nudging him in the side with embarrassment. Grunting he held his side like I had broken a rib. “Stop it, you are going to draw attention.” Laughing he led the way to our table. Unfortunately it was more in the open than a lot of the other tables.

“I’m going to go get us something to drink.” Gavin said shouting in my ear over the music.

“Okay, I’ll be here.” Wishing now I had wore my hair down to hide my face from the now staring people. Looking down at the table I started fiddling with the confetti. Looking up that’s when I seen him. Clay standing not to far away staring straight at me, with a look of hurt in his eyes. Something I didn’t want to see. I was hoping he would just turn away and ignore me. That was about the time he started walking toward me. Sure, I thought. Gavin just had to walk away. Perfect timing.

Looking up, “Hi Clay.” I said giving him the best smile I could manage.

“Madison, I thought you weren’t coming.” Saying with hurt in his voice. “Well, I wasn’t planning on it when you asked me Clay.”

“What changed your mind?” Spotting Gavin at the food table. “Oh, I should of known.” Looking back down at me.

“I’m sorry Clay.”

“I know you are. I knew up against him I would never win. You look absolutely gorgeous Madison.”

“Thank you Clay.” I felt so horrible.

“Do you think you could at least save me a dance? You are the most gorgeous girl here.”

“I’ll try Clay.”

“I guess that’ll have to be good enough.”

“Is there a problem?” Gavin asked walking up setting the punch down on the table.

“No, no problem.” He said staring at me.

“I just asked Madison if she would save me a dance, if it’s okay with you that is.” Now giving him direct eye contact.

“I’m not her boss, she can decide for herself.”

“Great, I’ll look you up later Madison.” Turning to walk off. Gavin slumped down in the chair next to me and I could tell he was in a bad mood now. That made me so scared that I was ruining his last school prom and I knew I had to step out of my shell if not for myself, then for him for one night. He deserved that much. I refused to sit on the side lines all night. I was going to make sure he had a good prom if it was the last thing I did.

Sitting here in silence I waited for a slow song to come on. He hadn’t looked at me since the Clay situation. Getting up I grabbed his hand and jerked it for him to get up.

“Maddie, what are you doing?”

“We’re going out to dance.”