In 7 Days [Book 1]

Chapter 48 - Locked Out Of Heaven

Although it was late, the sun was almost set, and our legs were killing us, Ryder and I walked to the park where we had our first date and first kiss. 

"Finn has been pushing us way too hard, he always does," I sighed, taking a seat on the grass and brushing down my legs. 

"I think he just knows we have the potential to be the best. Anyway, I can't hold it against him - he's the reason I joined the New Directions." Ryder wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me into him, then laying us down. 

We both stared up at the sky, at the sunset above our heads - a mix of oranges, purples, and yellows. It was getting late, but I was enjoying this too much to leave. 

"What do you think about before you go to sleep at night?" Ryder asked, sounding slightly dazed.

"I listen to the radio and imagine myself singing those songs on a stage in front of millions of people." I blushed brightly. I imagined my face was the same color as the setting sky. It didn't feel weird admitting that to Ryder - I knew I could trust him. "What about you?"

"I think about you," he said, "and I think about all the things I can do to make you smile."

I looked up at him. He had a dreamy smile on his face, and I couldn't help but let out a tiny giggle. "What?" He turned to me, his nose brushing against mine. 

I told him what I was thinking in a quiet whisper; "I love you so much." I gave him a kiss on the lips, and it lasted quite a while, until we both pulled apart to take a breath.

"The dance is so soon, Mar," Ryder said. "Five days! Are you excited?"

"I am excited! I haven't gotten a dress yet!" I laughed. "I'm going to ask mom to make me one."

"Why don't I buy you a dress?" He suggested.

"Don't be silly." I sat up with a shake of my head. Ryder followed me, and questioned why. "Because dresses like that are way too expensive... and I want it to be a surprise."

"Girls," he sighed, "so fussy."

***

"Mom!" I called as I rushed into the living room before bed that night. I fell next to her on the couch, cradling the book I was reading in my hands. 

"Yes, Mar?" Mom grinned over at me. 

"I kind of need a dress for the dance in a few days... and I know dresses are too expensive to buy, so do you think we could make one?" I smiled as sweetly as I could. 

"Ah, Marls, I can try. I'm not sure I have any good fabrics in my box..." She started to get up off the couch. "I don't have to tell you that my job doesn't pay much at all."

"Oh, I know, I know," I said softly. "I don't care what it's like or what it's made of - I just really want to go..."

"I know, gorgeous. I'll fish through the fabrics box tonight..." I leaped onto her and gave her the biggest hug, my arms wrapped around her shoulders. I thanked her over and over, not even letting go to let her breath. "Marley, please! Go to bed, it's late." She tried to pull me off of her, but still I refused to let go. "Please..."

***

"Did you get Red Planet?" I asked, standing on my toes to see the list in Artie's lap. We were gathered around the piano, pointing out and deciding on which songs we were singing for the Sadie Hawkins dance. 

"Hey, what about Locked Out of Heaven - me and Marley!" Unique called out. We then fist-bumped each other, both laughing. Unique and I both loved that song, and we had been discussing singing it for the dance all day long.