the sky is blue

•••house warming•••

Dana had just turned fifteen, and she invited me along with my friend Eric and some other people from school. 

She would be there.  That's what I cared about.  I was getting to the point where I had no problem admitting I really liked her. 

But the way I picked to admit it sucked...

I showed up fashionably late, but I was the only one there so far.  Dana was upstairs getting ready and doing whatever else. 

I sat in the chair and listened to the rippling of the pool water against the cemented side of the pool.

Sitting there relaxing, I almost fell asleep, but Dana's dog barked at a nearby squirrel and I was awake again. 

But when would she come? 

At last, people started to show up.  First came Eric.  Then came my other friend Trina.  Then came a girl Brianna. 

I couldn't stop wondering to myself, especially when she walked through the front door, nicely dressed and beautiful as ever.  Her dark brown cascade flowing down the sides of her face.  Her smooth skin.  Her curled, pink lips smiling right at me.  And her eyes!  Her eyes match her hair; they are two glistening gems of topaz. 

I'm getting carried away.  Let's just have fun and not think about her.

•••••••••••

The night was going well so far, and it was a lot of fun. 

We spent most of the night just talking endlessly.  Ranting about school, voting on the best songs, and even sharing secrets.

I managed to stay true to myself most of the night before I cracked, which wasn't entirely my fault. 

"Truth or Dare," Trina said, smirking at me.  "Everyone has to participate this time." 

Oh wonderful, Trina. 

She really knew when to annoy me, and how to do it well. 

"Who do you like, and if you don't like anyone right now, who was the last person you liked?"

Of course she would pick that question now! 

There was no way I was getting out of this; I was doomed. 

Eric went first.  "This girl in my history class named Sofia."

Dana took a couple hours to "remember" who she liked.  "Victor."

Everyone else said who they like or liked until it got to me.  At first, I hesitated, trying to somehow slip out of this.  But all they eyes were on me.  Even hers.

So then I decided to do what was one of the most embarrassing things I've ever done. 

I pointed to my left. 

Everyone either laughed or smiled, but it was embarrassing for both of us.  I felt bad for her more than myself.  She didn't ask for all the publicity. 

She didn't seem unhappy, but she wasn't smiling either. 

I decided to shut up and move on. 

Dana's cousin went next, even though she was only ten. 

Last but most importantly, it was her turn, so she decided to quickly say a name and get it over with.  "Nathan."