Billy Hargrove // DNA

Chapter Twenty

Amelia's eyes fluttered open and an immediate wave of nervousness struck her. It was Friday morning, the day of her date with Steve. She had mixed feelings about the date; she was both looking forward to it as dreading it. What would happen if she crossed the line of friendship with Steve? Was she ready to face the possible consequences?

After Amelia laid in bed for a few more minutes, trying to reduce her rapid heartbeat she crawled out of bed and took a shower. She applied some light make-up and put on her clothes which she had laid out the night before. Amelia had decided on a white shirt with an oversized jeans and a soft pink waistcoat. The outfit made her seem sweet and girly which was exactly what she was going for.

While Amelia was curling her hair she thought at the past few days. It had been a strange week, Jonathan and Nancy had been absent from school since Wednesday and hadn't informed anyone where they were heading. Nobody knew where they were, including Steve. Amelia didn't dare to go to Jonathan's or Nancy's parents because she didn't know them very well and she also didn't want to betray her friends. For all she knew, they could be drinking beer in a lousy motel somewhere.

Not only did Amelia worry about Jonathan, she felt herself constantly being tossed between Steve and Billy all week. It seemed as Billy was genuinely making an effort to become friends with her. They had talked occasionally at school and had crossed paths in the neighborhood. He had acted so kind but every time someone spotted them together, his mood drastically changed. He made stupid jokes and used his charms and seductive eyes whenever someone passed. As if he didn't want anyone to think he was someone other than a womanizer.

Amelia nearly burned her hand as she was so distracted. She knew she would keep thinking about tonight for the entire day. It sure would be a tremendously exciting evening. Not only did she have a date with Steve but Billy and his family would come over for dinner. How did that happen?

Yesterday morning her mom had announced the news. Amelia had done everything to make her cancel the plans but since she couldn't give a good reason, her mom didn't want to. In the end Amelia had admitted she had a date with Steve but even that didn't change her mom's mind. She had said it would be extremely rude and impolite to change the plans last minute.

After Amelia had finished getting ready she observed herself in the bathroom mirror and felt pleased with herself. 

She walked downstairs and saw her stepfather was absent. "Don't forget. The Hargroves are coming over tonight." Her mom said as Amelia sat down on a kitchen chair. "How could I forget?" She said bitterly. "At what time will they be here?" Amelia grabbed the cereal her mom had laid out for her. "Around 8 pm. I need enough time to prepare dinner." Amelia didn't respond and continued eating. 

"You're still going out with Steve after school?" She knew her mom had hoped Amelia would have cancelled the plans. "Why can't you go out tomorrow?" Amelia rolled her eyes and sighed. "Because if you would have told me in time I could have changed our plans but that's too late now." She whined for she wanted her mom to know how displeased she was. "Well, make sure you're back home on time." Amelia placed her now empty bowl in the sink. "Sure." She said monochtonous. 

Amelia walked to the hallway where she put on her shoes. "Benjamin! Are you ready?" She yelled at the bottom of the stairs. "Coming." 

A few minutes later they were headed towards school. "How are things with Amy?" Amelia asked. "Good. We're taking things slow." He answered. "Aren't you afraid someone will swoop her of her feet if you don't make it official?" Amelia said in a playful voice. 

Benjamin shrugged and turned the buttons until he found a decent radio station. "I think she likes me so I'm not afraid." He muttered. A nice song blasted through the radio which made Amelia nod her head to the beat. "Which song is that?" She asked. "Uh, Footloose. It's from that movie in which that guy moves to a town where it was forbidden to dance." He responded. Amelia thought it was a strange film concept. "I haven't seen that movie yet."