A Doll of Hope

Chapter 12

The next morning, Christie woke up to find herself back in Bethany's room.

"Phew, what a night. I still can't believe it wasn't all just a dream." She said to herself as she rubbed her eyes. With a sigh, she threw the covers off of her. Looking down, she was surprised to see she was still wearing her dress and couldn't help but let out a laugh.

"Nope, it was real. I have the dress to prove it. I just hope I didn't wrinkle it while sleeping." She said as she stood up and straightened herself up. Walking over to Bethany's closet, she took out the clothes she was wearing when she came by the day before.

"After wearing this gorgeous dress for so long, it feels kind of strange putting my normal clothes back on. I guess it's just something else I'm not used to." After hanging her dress back on a hanger, she tucked it neatly in the closet.

"I think it would be best if I left this here. It would most likely just get dirty at my house." With a smile, she walked over to the vanity to brush her hair. After getting all straightened out, she walked out of the room. Bethany's mother was in the kitchen.

"Good morning, Christie dear. Did you sleep well?"

"Good morning, ma'am. Yes I slept great. I'm surprised I woke up already. I thought for sure I'd sleep all day." Bethany's mother let out a laugh.

"Well, you did sleep in pretty late. It's already almost noon." Christie formed a surprised look on her face.

"Really?! Wow, I don't think I've ever slept in that late before. Where's Beth?"

"She's in the shower, dear. She woke up about an hour ago. Shouldn't be too much longer. In the mean time, would you care for something to eat? How about one of my famous waffles?"

"Yes please. That sounds great. Thank you." While Bethany's mom got to work in the kitchen, Christie took a seat at the table. As she sat there, she couldn't help but think about all the fun she had the night before. Partying with all her friends and dancing the night away. Most of all, being able to spend so much time with Matt.

"I feel as though I learned a lot about him last night, but at the same time, I still know so little about him. The way he said goodbye, it was as if he wanted to tell me something but couldn't. Even so, he did seem to enjoy spending time with me. The way he danced with such a smile on his face and the way he..." Christie paused for a minute as she remembered him kissing her cheek. She couldn't help but blush as she remembered how tightly he embraced her.

"What...what did that kiss mean? I don't think he would have done that unless he had a reason. But what was it?" It was then, she remembered what he said as he held her.

"If you ever need to pour your heart out, I promise I'll be there to listen." Christie's mind went blank for a minute as Matt's voice rang so clearly through her ears. She could almost feel his embrace surrounding her again. She could hear him calling out her name with a smile on his face. But as he called out to her, his voice gradually change its pitch. Just then, she heard someone call her name in a much clearer voice, only it wasn't Matt.

"Chris...Chris...Chris!" Taken by surprise, Christie's eyes snapped open. She looked to see Bethany standing next to her with her hair all wrapped up in a towel. Bethany chuckled.

"Hey there, sleeping beauty. Still dreaming are we?" She teased as she squeezed her hair dry with the towel.

"Very funny. Why didn't you wake me up sooner?"

"Cause you looked like you were having a pleasant dream and I didn't want to interrupt." Christie rolled her eyes.

"Don't you ever get tired of getting your kicks out of torturing others?" Bethany laughed and stuck her tongue out.