The Perfect Prom Date (3 page)

     
The next Monday morning I came down to breakfast wearing a short jean skirt that showed off my long lean legs. I knew most girls would be jealous to have legs as long as mine. I bought the skirt over the weekend, and I wanted to wear it before I lost my nerve. I pulled on a plain green t-shirt to go with it, nothing too revealing, but it was a deviation from the oversized sweatshirts that I usually wore. Even I had to admit that it really brought out the color of my eyes. I slipped a pair of black converse on my feet.
 
Originally I had wanted to do something different with my hair, but I took so long deciding what to wear that I only had enough time to pull it into a ponytail, like always. Anyway, I thought the skirt was enough. I didn’t want to be completely outside of my comfort zone.
 

     
As soon as Ellie saw me walk into the kitchen she exclaimed, “What’s the special occasion?”

     
“Nothing.
 
I just felt like wearing this.”
 
I tried to act like it was no big deal.
 

     
“As if. You haven’t worn anything other than those dreadful sweatshirts to school throughout your entire high school career, and now suddenly you feel like wearing something different. What gives?”

     
“Nothing. Leave me alone,” I said, as I reached around her to grab a bowl out of the cupboard.

     
“Let me guess,” she tapped her finger on her chin while looking up at the ceiling, “you still don’t have a date to the prom.” She chuckled, clearly enjoying herself.
 
“And all this,” she pointed at me, twirling her finger to indicate my new look, “is all about trying to trick someone, other than that nerd Simon, into asking you.”
     

     
I slammed the milk down on the table. I inhaled through my nose, getting my anger under control. I had put a lot of effort into this day and I didn’t want Ellie ruining it. I poured myself a bowl of Frosted Flakes and began to eat.
 

     
Ellie wouldn’t let it go, “You’re all dressed up, pretending to be more interesting than you are. When in reality, you’re the same boring person you’ve always been.” She stood with her hands on her hips, waiting for me to defend myself.
 

     
I struggled not to dump my cereal over her head. It would have been so satisfying to watch soggy cereal drip down Ellie’s face, replacing her smug look with one of shock.
 
I took one more bite, and then I rinsed out my bowl and put it in the dishwasher.
 

     
Continuing to ignore her, I grabbed my coat and bag, and left. Rachel was waiting for me in the driveway. She picked me up for school every day, so we could chat on the way.
 

     
“Wow, you look amazing!” she exclaimed, when I slid into the passenger seat.
 
“That skirt looks really great on you. And your makeup looks just like it did when the lady in the store did it. We should’ve hit those stores ages ago.”

     
“Thanks,” I said, shyly.
 
I wasn’t used to receiving such gushing compliments, even from my best friend. “You look great too.” Rachel normally wore skinny jeans and a plaid shirt, but she branched out on our shopping trip by buying a couple of new shirts, and she was wearing one of them now.
 
“No, I mean it. That’s a great color on you.”
 

     
“Thanks,” she smiled. “You did a good job helping me pick this one out.” She turned up the radio; one of our favorite songs was playing. “Come on, let’s get you to school so that everyone, especially Brennan, can see how hot you look.”

     
I hadn’t told her about my 10 step plan yet, but she knew that I was secretly crushing on Brennan, and that I desperately wanted him to ask me to prom. “I hope he thinks so.” I looked nervously over at Rachel.

     
“Please. Brennan would have to blind not to notice you.” She smiled brightly at me.
 

     
Rachel and I anxiously waited out in the hall outside of English class. The plan was for me to enter the class just ahead of Brennan, that way he’d see me. I was so focused on chipping my nail polish that I didn’t see Brennan coming down the hall, until Rachel nudged me and whispered, “He’s your chance. Good luck.”
 

     
I said a quick goodbye, timing it so that I walked in just ahead of him like planned. I wanted him to see how good I looked in my new skirt.
 
Quickly, I glanced back out into the hall at Rachel, who stood waiting to give me a signal. She made a thumbs up sign, which meant that he had noticed me. I did a silent cheer.
 

     
“Oh, hi, Brennan,” I said, trying to act casual.
 

     
“Hi, Josie.”
 
I felt his approving gaze take in my new look as I took my seat.
 
“You look… different.”

     
I raised my eyebrows, questioning whether he meant different in a good way or in a bad way.
 

     
Comprehending, he responded, “Good. You look good.”
 

     
“Thanks,” I answered, smiling shyly. I wanted to strike up a conversation, but I was too nervous. I pretended to be busy. I took my time pulling out the essay that was due today. I finally looked up when Mrs. Perkins walked in and began taking attendance.
 

     
Several times during class I thought I could feel Brennan’s eyes on me, but every time I turned to look, he’d quickly look the other way. I wasn’t sure what it meant. When the bell rang, I packed my things in a rush. I wanted to catch Rachel and talk to her before my next class. I wasn’t paying attention as I left the classroom, and the next thing I knew, I slammed into a hard lean body, momentarily stopping my heart. I looked up and saw that it was Brennan. He looked surprised.
Shit! Shit! Me and my bad luck.
My face instantly flamed red.

     
“I’m so sorry,” I said, stooping down to gather my books and papers that were now everywhere.
 

     
“Wow, everybody, look at that,” Tracy yelled, “Josie wears granny panties.” Everyone in the hall laughed. In my haste to collect my belongings, I forgot that I was wearing a skirt. I was giving everyone in the hall a free show. I quickly stood, tugged my skirt down, and ran, leaving my things scattered all over the hall.
 

     
“Josie,” Brennan called after me. I didn’t spare a look.

     
I ran into the bathroom, shutting myself into a stall, and cried. I wanted Brennan’s attention, but not like that. Now what was I supposed to do? This was even worse than having orange hair. I blew my nose loudly. I didn’t even have my phone to send Rachel a text. I cried even harder.

     
“Josie, are you in there?” said a male voice, several minutes later.
Is that Brennan’s voice?
It can’t be.
 

     
“Yeah,” I sniffed. I didn’t want him to know I was crying.

     
“I have your books.”
Huh?

     
“Just leave them. I’m not coming out.” There was no way I was ready to face anyone, especially Brennan, after being humiliated.
   

     
“It’s not as bad as you think.”

     
“I’m sure it’s worse.”

     
He chuckled. “It’s not. Trust me.”
 

     
I sighed. It wasn’t like I could stay in here forever, even though I wanted to. “Okay, fine. Give me a minute.” I blew my nose again and slowly opened the stall. Looking in the mirror, I realized that my face was a mess. My eye makeup was smeared and my nose was bright red. I quickly splashed water on my face and then patted it dry. I walked out, keeping my eyes down.

     
“Here is your stuff. I think I got everything.” He handed me my books.
 

     
“Why are you being so nice?” I asked. “I made an idiot out of myself.”

     
“It’s no big deal,” he shrugged. “No one could really see your underwear. Tracy was just being mean.”
 

     
My eyebrows drew together. “Really?”

     
“Really. Although I’m not sure what everybody thinks of you taking off so fast.”

     
“They probably think it’s because I am wearing granny panties,” I choked out a laugh.
 

     
“Come on, we’re late to calc.”

***

I kept a low profile over the next two days. Even though I didn’t go back to wearing my hoodies, I didn’t dare risk wearing a skirt again. By the end of the week, everyone had stopped talking about me flashing my underwear in the hall, they had moved on to bigger gossip. Tracy and her boyfriend, Ryan, had broken up.
 

I hadn’t made any progress with Brennan. We had barely spoken. On Friday I saw an opportunity, so I took it. We left English class at the same time, and we both had calculus next. I fell in step beside him. Usually he walked to class with his baseball buddies, but today they seemed to be hanging back. Tentatively, I began,
 
“Are you ready for the test?”
 

“I think so. The calc teacher at my old school was a total hard-ass. I honestly thought that all math teachers were like that until I met Mr. McCormick.” He smiled.
Maybe talking to Brennan wasn’t going to be as hard as I thought.

I laughed. Our current teacher was the exact opposite of what he just described.
 
“Yeah, Mr. McCormick is pretty laid back. It’s probably because he’s been here forever.
 
My mom even had him, and trust me, that was a long time ago.”

It was Brennan’s turn to laugh. “I can’t believe your mom had him too. Maybe that explains why he gets sidetracked so easily.”

“He does love to go off on tangents. I’m not even sure how he goes from teaching us about sine and cosine, to telling us how he bought a set of dishes at a garage sale for two bucks, and every time he used a dish he threw it away because he hated doing dishes. I can’t even imagine the look on his neighbor’s face when they were done eating, and Mr. McCormick got up and threw the dishes right in the trashcan.”

“I’m sure she was pretty surprised.” Brennan nodded in agreement.
 

“I guess he never heard of a dishwasher.”

We arrived at the classroom all too soon. “Good luck on the test today,” I said.
 

Brennan paused before finding his seat, “Do you want to study for the next test together? Even though my old teacher didn’t tell us stories during class, I think there is a topic or two that we didn’t cover that you guys already did. I’m a little worried that things I missed might show up on the final.”
 

I did another silent cheer. He noticed me. Mission accomplished. “Sure. That sounds great.”

I was smiling from ear to ear as I took my seat, and I didn’t stop smiling all period.
 

Comments:

blonde&lovinit: What can I say – I’ve always known how to dress. However I did take this opportunity to add to my wardrobe.
 
I bought 3 pairs of designer shoes and a Louis Vuitton bag.
 

countrygirl: I took your advice and I wore a little makeup and a new pair of cut off jean shorts to show off my legs.
 
And he asked me out!
 
Yeah! We r going 2 a tractor pull.

BLOG #3

Step Three: Flirting 101

     
The art of flirting is a very important skill. I know you probably think you can’t do it, right? Wrong. Of course, you can and it’s easier than you think. It’s like anything – all you need is a little practice. I’ll simplify it by breaking it down into two categories – non-verbal flirting and verbal flirting.
 

     
Did you know that 80% of all communication is non-verbal? It’s true, so be sure to pay attention and make the most out of the following suggestions. The most important advice I can give you is to always make direct eye contact with the perfect guy you’ve chosen. Don’t be shy, girl. Look right into those irresistible baby blues. He’ll know that you’re confident and interested in what he’s saying. It’s the first step in connecting with someone. Lean in close, as if what he is saying is the most important thing you’ve heard all day. Also don’t be afraid to playfully hit his arm when he teases you. You might be surprised to find out that your light touch causes his heart to quicken.
 

     
Flirting should be subtle and inconspicuous. If it’s done right, your guy won’t even realize that you’re doing it. Try twirling your hair or playing with a piece of jewelry to nab his attention. If you’re wearing a ring, spin it around on your finger. If big earrings are more your style, twist them around. This type of flirting is feminine and intimate.

     
The remaining 20% of flirting is verbal communication. This requires a little more forethought on your part, but it’s nothing you can’t manage. You’re a smart girl – you are reading this blog, after all. Let’s begin with flattery, which by the way will get you everywhere. I mean, who doesn’t like a compliment from time to time? I know I do. Compliments make me feel special and sometimes turn my day from bad to great. Let him know that you like the shirt he’s wearing. You can even take it a step further by adding how it brings out the color of his eyes. Laughing at his jokes is a compliment. It means you think he’s funny. So go ahead and laugh, even if you’ve heard that one before. It will boost his confidence.