My Valentine

Nineteen

Nightengale Phillips

"So, who are you going to invite to the Sadie Hawkins dance?" I would've expected Tammy to ask me that question, but on the contrary, it was Berry who threw it at me. Tammy quietly walked along with us on my left and Berry was on my right.

Neither had said anything to each other after they'd exchanged pleasantries when they got to school.

I was the little puppy stuck between two bombs that were ready to detonate at any moment.

"Ah, no. Tammy, have you?"

There was no way Marshall would agree to be my date because of our obvious situation. The dance was on Friday afternoon and with everything that was going on, I hadn't paid much attention and neither had Tammy, who wasn't a huge fan of dances.

I hadn't even gotten a dress as yet and I was seriously running out of time. Maybe I would just sit this one out.

"You know how I feel about that stuff, Gayle."

She had her earphones out, as if she was going to put them in soon. I had to get this done quickly.

"Tammy's not into the whole school dance thing," I tilted my head up to view Berry's reaction, "but I think if she ever found the right guy, she'd be more than willing to attend." If only she could cough up the courage, swallow her pride and just ask Berry out.

"I'll see you guys at lunch." My best friend branched herself off and entered her classroom. I hadn't even realized we'd reached the Chemistry Lab. Damn it.

Even though I knew I was going to be late for Literature, I still trodded down the hallway with Berry to his Automechanics Class.

"You can't accept anyone's invitation to the dance, Berry. Tammy just needs time." He sighed in defeat.

"I don't know what I did wrong, Gayle. Yes, I kissed her, but she seemed into it." The poor guy looked so confused.

"I know. Tammy's just confused, but I can guarantee you that she's going to ask you out by Thursday."

"Whatever. Check you later."

He caught me by the hand, pulling me back into the embrace I'd rejected as soon as we were hidden from the watchful eyes of his students.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He knew exactly what I was talking about and I also hoped he sensed just how nervous I was.

She was his mother! Maybe she wasn't aware that I was dating her son, but the thought of meeting Marshall's mother as the girl who he had affections for, scared the heck out of me.

This wasn't like my previous boyfriends' parents who were aware of the immaturity and casualness of the relationship.

I actually felt something for the older man and I wanted his mother to like me - whether she was aware of our feelings for each other or not.

"You little eavesdropper." He kissed my forehead and pulled me into him. This time, I didn't push him away.

We really were living dangerously because I knew he had a Freshman class next and anyone could have walked in on me in his arms, in spite of the closed door.

"Whatever. What if your mom hates me?"

That was the most clichéd thing to ask someone who you were romantically involved with, but it really did bother me.