Holding hands.

chapter 10

The days passed slowly. It was almost unbearable without Leah. But it worked. I struggled back with the help of Brent and Jonathan. Brent lived with me in my house to be able to help me and support me in the worst days. I went to the accident the road quite often. It felt like Leah was there waiting for me. I used to tell her what had happened at school and in my life. Everything became easier with every day that went by. Until autumn dance came up.

I stood in front of my mirror and pulled on my yellow dress. My hair was attracted to the tips and my makeup was already finished. The whole thing did not look as good without Leah at my side. She was like that accessory that decided if the outfit looked good or not.

A little later, Brent knocked at the bedroom door.I opened. He had a black suit that looked very expensive.

"I am here to pick you up for the prom." he said

"You kind of live here now, silly" I said.

"I know but I should pick a girl in the best way i can right?" He said.

I smiled at him.

"You're beautiful." he said and looked at me with big eyes.

"Thank you. You do not look to stupid either." I giggled. I see us in the mirror in the hall. We looked like one of those perfect prom dates in a stupid teen movie.

"Are you ready?" Brent asked an looked at us in the mirror.

"I guess so." I said quietly.

"Hey, what's that?" he asked uneasily and turned around so we were face to face.

"It just feels wrong ..." I said. and looked down at the floor.

"What feels wrong?" he asked.

"Leah .. She should be there with us .. It was her dream .. I should not go .." I said quietly. Brent put his hand under my chin and lifted my head so I was forced to look at him.

"Cass, I know that Leah wanted to go to the dance, but only because she can't it does not mean you have to sit at home. Believe me, she had wanted you to go. It is a sin that she passed away, but it can not be changed. You have to learn to live without her." he said.

He picked up a box from his pocket and opened it. In it there was a cute silvery necklace with a pendant shaped like a heart.

"I want you to have this and know that you are strong even on your own. Leah will always be with us, but you have me and Jonathan alive. And we are here for you." he said as he put on the necklace. I turned around and hugged him tightly.

"Thank you so much!" I said against his shoulder.

Later we drove to the school where the dance was held. When we walked in, we saw that the entire school was decked with balloons and lights that glowed in different colors.

At first we were photographed by a photographer and then we came up to a table full of snacks and drinks.

"Want to dance?" Brent asked after a half hour. I nodded and we went up on the dance floor. I was definitely not a dancer. I was most moving slightly to the side and back. In comparison to all those around me that moved as much as they could while they thronged on the dance floor.

A slow song came on and Brent took me close to him. I had never danced like this before. I have not danced much at all. The only dances I tested on was some kind of jazz dance, we got to test in third grade and the crazy dance you do while you clean your room to music and has ensured that no neighbors can't see inside. But this was something entirely else. It was like you just got a square to dance on. You took very small steps while you stood very close to your partner.

I had a really good night at the dance. But I must admit that Leah had probably appreciated it more.

After we where at the dance and Brent drove me to a mountain near our school. I had been there once before with my mom. It was a really beautiful view up there. Especially at night.

We stood together and looked out over all the lights from the city. Brent had his arm around me.

"I love this place. Especially the view." he said.

"It's beautiful, but cold." I laughed. Brent took off his jacket and put it over my shoulders, like any other pretty cheesy guy had done. I put it on. The black smoking jacket was, well, maybe not the best match for my yellow dress. But I did not care.

"I have had a lot of fun today." I said and smiled.

"Me too. The best part was that I got to spend it with the girl I love." he said.

What ?! Did he say the L-word. It made me happier than ever to hear it.

"The girl you love?" I asked.

"Yes" he said proudly.

"Well, I'm glad that I got to spend the evening with the love of my life." I said.

"Oh, where is he?" Brent asked playfully.

"Beside me, silly," I said and laughed.

"Oh really? Is he cute?" he asked.

"Super cute." I replied.

"Is he strong?" he asked.

"Oh, he is so strong." I replied.

"Is he a good person?" he asked.

"The best I know." I replied, smiling.

"Wow, he sounds like a keeper. Hold him tight." he said and kissed me softly on the lips.

"I love you. And I could shout it to the whole world." he said then.

"Really?" I asked, a little surprised. No one had ever said it with such a passion.

He turned away from me and towards the city.

"I'M TOTALY MADLY IN LOVE WITH CASSANDRA ISABEL MONTOYA! I LOVE HER!" he screamed out from the mountain. Some behind us looked at us and it was pretty embarrassing but it was also so damn cute.

"Okay, keeper, you can stop now." I said a little embarrassed. He just smiled at me.

"I love you too." I said. He hugged me from behind while we looked out over the city.

"I think you woke up the whole town when you screamed." I said.