Note to self: learn social skills

Chapter 12

I know! I'm so sorry for the ridiculously long wait. I'll list my excuses at the bottom. For now, just read!

Chapter 11

I am walking down a staircase in heels: never a smart idea. I'm also in a big, white, fluffy dress which weighs more than I do. Both of these factors contribute to my being about to fall on my face. I look beside me and there is Richard holding me up. Ew, why is he touching me? And then I notice the crowd, everyone staring, and taking pictures, and Hal is standing at the end of a massively long walk by a guy who looks like a pastor and I'm getting married?

"Whoa ho hold on. I did not agree to this!" I yell.

I hear snickering. Then a loud clearing of a throat. I turn and there's my English teacher, "It doesn't matter if you agree, Miss Thames, the assignment is in the syllabus."

"Why would me being married be a class requirement?" I ask in horror.

Outright laughter.

"Miss Thames are you sleeping in my class again?"

I open my eyes to see a very angry Mrs. Grapho bending over to stare at me. She sighs, "Honestly, I don't know where you're brain goes sometimes, but please try to keep it in the class. You're almost on break, okay?"

"Yea, sorry." I say, sitting up.

I take a quick glance around to survey the damage. Yep, people have pulled out their cells and are texting the incident around. There's probably pictures of my sleeping face all over MySpace by now. A month ago, no one would have cared. Of course, a month ago, I wouldn't have had a dream about marrying Hal Monroe either.

Oh... gross. Seriously. Ew. Freud would have a field day with me.

When the bell rings I run to my locker as fast as possible. We're on a half day schedule so the classes are shortened. I'm jogging to history when I see Hal, going to a class on the other side of the hall. He smirks. He knows somehow what I dreamt about. My face heats up and I duck into class just as the bell rings.

"Are you lost?"

I look up and realize I've ducked into the wrong class. I definitely do not want to be in Advanced Bio-Chem.

"Oh... oops." I say, backing out. I make it to history late, earning a reprimand and the bad seat in the back under the vent that only blows out cold air.

That day is the longest half day ever. Finally the bell rings and everyone nearly tramples each other (mainly me) in their attempt to get out for Thanksgiving break. I meet Lily and Ruth by our lockers.

"Have fun in the city." Lily says, giving me a hug. "I hope you and Hal can have some good alone time."

"Something like that, yea."

Ruth elbows me, "Good luck." She says.

"Luck for what?" Lily squeals, "Oh my gosh, you want him to kiss you, don't you?"

"Er..."

"I mean, who wouldn't want Hal to kiss them. I'd be dying for it. And you all have been together for like a month now. Well... almost. Where do you think it'll be? Oh, do it during the parade!"

"Lily, calm down." I say, "I don't know what's going to happen, okay?"

"But you'll call me?"

"Of course." I feel my phone buzzing. I look at it and Hal's name is on the screen. "I guess I should go." I say, "Have a good Thanksgiving, see you guys next week."

I walk down the steps slowly because my legs are still hurting from running the mile. This is exactly why I don't do sports. Why all the pain? Totally not necessary.