Cowgirl Boots: a Cinderella Story

Chapter 10

I hardly remember anything from that weekend and when Monday came, I practically fell into the chair at the back of my first class.  My eyes drooped closed, however I tried to hold my pencil and tried to appear as if I was taking notes.  

The bell suddenly buzzed through the school, waking me up.  I jerked out of my chair, shoved my notebook in my backpack and ran out of class, ignoring the teacher's calls.  

I whipped around the corner, almost to the door of the girl's locker room, and crashed into somebody.  I had been trying to keep calm all weekend, but now this?  

"Watch where your going!"  I snapped, flipping my loose hair back over my shoulder as I bent down to pick up my backpack.  

"Alright, I'm sorry."   A strangely familiar voice apologized, surpassing a chuckle.  

I glanced back at the person who I had crashed into.  Jacob.  Why?  Selina was going to have my hide if he found out I was related to her, even if it was just by marriage.  

"It's fine, just-walk further away from the corners."  I answered, stumbling over my words and standing up, walking past the locker rooms to my next class, art.  

I expected him to continue on his merry way, because his backpack was on his back and he hadn't lost anything, but of course, he has to follow me to class.  I glanced over my shoulder, raising my eyebrow at him.  He just ginned.  

What on earth is wrong with this boy?  God, please help me stay cool, I prayed.  I blinked back tears of weariness and burst through the door to the art room.  Jacob followed me.  Just ignore him, I told myself, trying to sit down in my chair without knocking it over.  

I sensed Jacob hesitate, then leave the room while I pretended to be studying my non-existing history notes from my first class.  Finally!  I wondered why he could possibly followed me into my class room, until the art teacher burst into the room.  

The excitement about the dance filled the air all day.  That evening, after Benjamin had helped us finish chores and I had made a quick supper, Selina demanded that I braid her long hair in a crown around her head and help her paint her nails.  I did as she asked submissively, then hurried to help Georgie, who had already done her hair and put her dress on.  

"There's something missing."  I mumbled, then hurried to the drawer where I had hidden my makeup and Bible.  

I pulled out my makeup bag and dug through it.  I took out some eyeshadow and lip gloss and applied it to Georgie's facial features, as we didn't have time for foundation or concealer.  

"There, perfect."  I announced, stepping back.  

Georgie grinned.  

"Do you think Benjamin will like it?"  She asked quietly, glancing in the small mirror on my dresser.  

"Of course he will."  I assured her.  

"Now, what about you?"  Georgie asked me, glancing around the room, presumably for my dress.  

"It's alright, Georgie, I'd rather you and Benjamin had fun.  I'm not coming."  I told her, tidying up the makeup with my back turned to her so she wouldn't be able to see the tears welling up in my eyes.  

I blinked them away and turned around.  

"Are you sure?  Iris, I don't want to go without you."  Georgie pleaded.  

"No, I couldn't go.  You can tell me everything that happens when you come back."  I told her, walking her out of my room, "now go have a fun time with Benjamin and don't mind me at all.  Do you understand?"  

Georgie looked conflicted, but finally gave in.  

"Alright, Iris, but only because your making me go without you."  Georgie sighed, "I won't stay long."  

"Oh, yes you will.  You are going to stay there until Alicia drives you and Selina home, not anytime before."  I commanded her, closing the bedroom door between us.  

I slid against the closed the door and sat on the floor, finally letting all my tears out.  My eyelids sealed shut as I heard the faint click of the lock in the front door.  Alicia must be happy I decided not to go.  Otherwise, she would have given me chores to do.  

Two hours later, my phone rang on my bed.  I slowly opened my eyes and pushed myself up from my slouched position.  I picked up my phone and read the caller ID.  Grace!  A joyful smile spread across my face as I answered the call, putting the phone to my ear.  

"Grace!"  I exclaimed.  

"Iris!  I thought you would be at the dance?"  Grace answered, jumping straight into a conversation.  

"No, I decided to get some rest in."  I answered, adding a fake yawn.  

"But you want to be here, right?"  Grace asked.  

"...Yeah."  I finally admitted.  

"What have you been doing for the past couple of months?"  Grace inquired compassionately.  

"Work, homework and more work."  I answered, sitting down on my bed.  

"Well, your coming to the dance then.  I'll be right over with the perfect dress and boots."  Grace promised.  

I AM SO SORRY ABOUT THIS BEING LATE!  I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN MYSELF.  I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER ANYWAY!  PLASE CONSIDER VOTING IF YOU ENJOYED IT AND LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT WEEK'S DOUBLE POST FOR CANADIAN THANKSGIVING!