We'll Make it Work

Chapter 1

Yeah, I know nobody commented on the last chapter. And yeah, I already gave it a title- but it's temporary. So I don't forget, and because I have free time, I'll write the rest now. Please please please comment on what you think! (Also, I use the name Winter Evergreen a lot. So don't judge.)

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                My stomach lurched at every bump we hit. The shaking of the car seemed exaggerated and I felt like I was going to puke. It didn’t help that I was utterly nervous.

                “What’s the matter?” my mom, who was sitting in the driver’s seat, asked caringly.

                Well, for starters, I was headed to Lombardi Middle School’s 7th grade Valentine’s Day dance. Bridget had a family thing, Charlotte had a basketball game, and Aqua was sick with strep. To make it worse, I didn’t have a date.

                “I…” I couldn’t think of something to say. I usually told my mom everything, but I didn’t want to mention dates or boys or anything like that. It just seemed awkward.

                Since my house was practically 30 seconds away from school (driving, by the way) I was at the front door with no time to reassure myself. I looked in the rearview mirror, flipped my hair back, and took a deep breath. Then waited for 10 seconds.

                “Winter, is there something wrong?” Mom asked, sounding genuinely concerned.

                “Um, no. I’m all good. I’ll see you at nine,” I quickly blurted, scurrying out the car door. Fortunately, Mom took the hint and drove away like nothing was up.

                Not only did I have no close friends or a cute guy to dance with, my crush’s date was the girl I hated most. Rose Marie Donatello.

                I had no reason to dislike her. Other than the fact that she absolutely hated me and was always saying nasty things about me behind my back. What was really hurtful was that she only did this to me. She wasn’t the kind of girl who’s so pretty and popular and always has something to say about everybody. She’s just a cheerleader who’s the ringleader of the club against Winter.

                I couldn’t believe that the guy I like best was going to the dance with the girl I like least, but that’s just one of life’s ironic turn of events.

                I nervously walked up the concrete sidewalk, my silver heels click-clacking in the process. When I reached the door, I told the lady at the front desk my name, and she checked it off on her clipboard.

                “That’s a very interesting name,” she commented. But I was used to it. Winter Evergreen wasn’t the most common of names.

                I could already feel the beat of the music playing in the gym. Strobe lights blinked away as kids jumped up and down to the song. The DJ had the speakers turned up all the way.

                I fist-pumped along with the crowd, trying not to be seen by anyone. It was so dark you couldn’t tell who anyone was, and I prayed Rose Marie wouldn’t recognize me. If she knew I was here alone, I wouldn’t hear the end of it.

                I’m not a total wimp. Normally, I had my friends to back me up, but when I’m alone, it’s like being thrown to wolves without any weapons.

                Nine songs played. The tenth one was just starting when I felt like I was going to die of dehydration.

                Just go to the cafeteria, pick up a water, and leave, I told myself. Hopefully, Henry and Rose Marie were in the crowd dancing together.