Preston Greens

10. Dance Partner

Like I said before, I'm not looking for someone to love me right now. I'm not desperate for a love but for a dance partner. Those are two different things. I needed to find someone fast and I don't want to skip the dance or go alone. The moaning man is back and he scared me to death last night. He's not so mean this time around, but we do have conversations. He says he wants to come out and be where he belongs, but he won't tell where he belongs exactly. I tell him sometimes things are easier said than done. What scares me is that he just stands there near my bed. I said I need a nice greeting instead of scaring me like that, but he says I can't hear his footsteps because he is a ghost. That actually made sense, coming from a ghost, specifically, the moaning man. He usually doesn't make sense.

I asked him about life before he turned into a ghost, and he said he didn't remember. At least I tried. Why not get information directly from the source? I was talking to Josie about these matters and she said at this point, she should be writing to my parents. I was mad about this because she thought I was too young. Maybe it would scare me. Hey, I'm already scared, so I ought to know why. Sometimes I just feel so left out!

Lisa couldn't stop talking about Bobby asking her to be his dance partner, and I was getting sick of her boasting. This is normal though, I mean, who wouldn't go gaga for a boy who asked her for the dance for the first time? I know I would. I was a little ticked off, so after school I went straight to my room and picked up my phone. I dialed Bobby's number. Now it was my turn to ask him for advice. He picked up on the first few rings, thank goodness.

"Hello?" He said.

"Hi, it's Carly and wanted to ask you a important question, but please don't tell anyone."

Bobby seemed a little shocked. "Well, umm, go ahead."

"Do you know any guys that don't have a partner for the dance?" I asked him.

Bobby laughed. "Yeah, there's a bunch actually, and I do have a friend who's looking for someone." He replied.

"Thanks so much! Can you please do me this last favor?" I told him, "Can you give him my phone number?" It was out, and there was no taking it back. I was so desperate!

"Sure thing, his name is Charlie."

"Thanks again." I said. We hung up.

I fell back onto my bed and sighed. It was over, the big question. It actually wasn't that hard. Bobby was easy to talk to. Maybe I was easier to talk to. Bobby and I didn't have an awkward moment really. Mom knocked on my door. 

"Hey Carly, what's up?" She said, standing in my doorway. I jumped at the sound of her voice. 

"Mom!!" I squealed. Mom was home! "It's been two a-ok days!" I said. I hugged her so hard and I didn't want this moment to end. Mom laughed. 

"It was ok with dad?" She asked. 

"Yeah, it was fine. Sometimes he's just not the guy to talk to about girl stuff, you know?" I replied happily. "Can we celebrate at Olive Garden tonight?" I asked mom. Olive Garden was my favorite restaurant in the whole world. 

"I'll ask your dad, but I don't see why not." She said. She stroked my hair and left the room. I suddenly wasn't so drab anymore. Then I heard my IPhone ring. It was a number I didn't recognize, and it had my area code, so it might be Charlie. 

"Hello?" I said softly and sweetly. 

"Hey, is this Carly?" A voice said from the other line. 

"Yes, speaking." I said. 

"Hey this is Charlie, and Bobby said you were looking for someone for the dance." He sounded very articulate... and I liked him already! 

"Yes, that's me. You do go to STPA, correct?" I asked for confirmation.

 "Yes ma'am." He used his ma'ams and sirs!!! I caught myself before I said "I love you" through the phone. 

"Can we meet in person at lunch tomorrow?" I asked him. 

"Sounds great." He said. I hung up. I sighed. This was a happy sigh, and I've never heard before. I jumped at the sound. I made a face in the mirror and went to the backyard. Peppermint was drinking water, but the moment she saw me she was all happy and excited to see me. I gave her some kisses and pet her. She was gorgeous, that was for sure. I then had an idea. I ran inside while apologizing Peppermint for stopping her belly rub. I grabbed my phone and dialed Bobby. 

"Carly, what is it now?" He said a little irked. For once I didn't care. 

"Bobby, tell me about Charlie!" I said. 

"Well, he lives in this disgusting neighborhood called Preston Greens and..."

I gasped. Preston Greens?? I lived in Preston Greens! I ignored his comment that it was disgusting and squealed. 

"Charlie is pretty polite and well mannered, and I thought you two would be great to be dance partners."

"Thanks Bobby, bye!" I said in a rush and hung up the phone.

This was amazing. I wonder what street he lived on. I was going to ask him tomorrow, so I felt more relaxed. I couldn't wait for tomorrow...