PART 3: AS I DID WITH PART 1 AND PART 2, I AM EDITING TODAY TO WHAT I HAVE IT IN MY WORD DOCUMENT. WHEN I POST IT DOESN'T KEEP PARAGRAPHS SO I AM GOIGN THROUGH AND MAKING IT THAT WAY AND ITALICIZING AND BOLDING THE NOTES/LETTERS IN THE STORY. THEY ARE NOT BOLDED IN THE DOCUMENT, BUT EASIER TO SEE ON HERE. THANKS. HAPPY REVIEWING.
“That sounds good.”
They went downstairs and Grace told her mom where they were headed. Her mom gives Jared a wink and he waves bye.
They eat some deep fried mini tacos and chocolate shakes sitting at the dairy bar.
“Ready for the dance?” Jared asks sipping the last of his shake.
“Yeah, I have to find something to wear,” looking at each other, Jared rolls his eyes.
“Typical woman!”
“What?”
“Worrying about what to wear. Don’t worry; you don’t have to impress me. Wear something comfortable because we might go bowling.”
“Oh my! Bowling?” Jared laughs.
“Yeah! Maybe some bowling.”
“Jared…”
“Yeah?”
“I um…I…I don’t know what I was going to say. Um…I kind of wrote you a note but I want to wait and give it to you after the dance or I don’t know it’s a jumble of different things that I want to say.”
“Whenever you want me to have it is fine. No rush. Hey, you ready to find out who your admirer is?”
“Yeah. It’s weird having an admirer. It’s almost like having a stalker I guess. I don’t know never had a stalker but it’s mysterious.”
“Wish I had one,” someone knocked on the window behind Grace. It was Greg and he was mad as a swatted hornet.
“I think it’s time to go, how about you Grace?”
“GET OUT HERE NOW! I’M GOING TO BEAT YOU TIL YOU’RE BLACK AND BLUE JARED! NOW!” He pointed down at the ground. Grace locked her door.
“I’d say we should go now.”
“Yeah lets go back to my house.”
“He might follow.”
“Um, let’s just go and we’ll think of somewhere.”
Jared backed up the car quick, while Greg still yelled, and then gassed it quickly.
“I get so scared,” Grace whispered as they drove down a back road toward her house.
“Why?” he took a left toward the hill where they watched the sunrise a couple of times.
“I’m scared that he’ll beat you up again or that he’ll hit me. He never has hit me but he never had a reason to be jealous.” Jared parked the car.
“Don’t worry, okay? I’ll always protect you or whoever you date will protect you, okay?”
“I know Jared. I just wanted you to know how I feel.” Grace unbuckled and reached over toward Jared kissing him on the cheek and gave him a hug. This of course excited Jared but he tried to stay collected and kissed her back on her cheek.
She sat back down in the passenger seat and watched the horizon.
“Thanks Grace. I’m glad you are comfortable enough to tell me.”
“What are you wearing to the dance?” Jared laughed.
“Quick change in subject,” they both smiled, “khaki pants and a dressy button shirt I guess. I don’t want to go all out.”
“Hmm, what color?”
“Uh…you asked me too quick. I have a red one?”
“Okay.” I want us to match.
“Oh! Of course! It doesn’t really matter does it? If we match or not?”
“No but I’d like to. We’ll look cuter together if we match. Like we planned it.”
“Yeah,” Jared stared at her with his soft eyes. He was at a loss for words. He wanted them to be together so bad and kept putting it off. “You ready to go home?”
“Whenever Jared. I enjoy spending time with you.”
“Me too. We’ll have almost all day tomorrow together.”
“I know. I’m looking forward to it.”
Jared drove her home. He spent most of the evening thinking about what to get her for the dance. Sure he didn’t have to get her anything but he wanted to. Jared went to the mall and picked her out something nice along with a single red rose.
Grace spent the evening working on her makeup work trying to get rid of her cough so her secret admirer wont catch a cold or cough from her.
Greg spent the evening calling Grace’s cell phone and their home phone trying to talk to her. Finally, she gave up and answered it.
“Yes? What do you want?”
“Why aren’t you answering?”
“I just did. What do you want?”
“Why are you avoiding me?”
“Well for one we broke up and you went berserk over it. You’re insanely jealous and punched my best friend for no reason. Then we go to the dairy bar and you freak out again. We’re over why can’t you get that?”
“I don’t want us to be over. I was wrong. IT was my fault. Take me back Grace.”
“I can’t. I can do better and I will do better. Good bye.” Click.
She closed her cell phone and placed it on her bed. She sat on her bed looking at the phone. Greg called back again. It buzzed and rang almost falling off the bed. She sat Indian style staring at it holding her head up with her hands. After the phone stopped moving, she picked it up and called Jared on his cell phone. She wanted someone to talk to and whine to but didn’t feel like talking to anyone but Jared.
“Hello? Grace?”
“Hey. I was just wondering what you’re doing.”
“Oh nothing really. Driving around right now. What are you doing?”
“I’m about to finish my homework for science. It’s a nightmare.”
“You want some help?”
“Yeah how about Saturday?”
“Homework on a Saturday? You’re nuts!”
“He. He. Yeah, I am. Um…Greg keeps calling me. I told him to leave me alone and he’s wanting me to take him back.”
“Don’t take him back! Grace, you have a great opportunity to do so much better than him. Don’t blow it. Just hold out
for a while, okay?”
“Who Jared? Who’s this secret admirer that is so secretive? Why is he waiting until the dance to reveal him self? Why can’t he do it now? Maybe he doesn’t know where I live. I’m just…I don’t know. Too much on my mind.”
“I’ll come over soon tonight, okay? Long as your parents don’t care since it’s already going on ten. I’ll help you with your science and that will be off your mind and we’ll just talk okay?”
“Okay, I’ll leave the door unlocked. Dad has gone to bed already so just come up to my room. I’ll let mom know.”
“Alright, give me twenty minutes and I’ll be there.”
“Okay. Bye.”
“Bye. See you soon.” Click. Click.
Jared was driving back to his house at the time. He quickly took a shower and put on some clean clothes and put on some cologne. He wrapped her gift and put the flower in a vase with water. He drove over to her house and walked upstairs to her room trying not to wake anyone. Her mom was asleep on the couch with the TV blaring on MTV.
Her door was creaked open and he peeked. No Grace. He looked around the hallway and didn’t see her hiding so he went on in her room and sat on the bed. He saw a note on her desk with his name on it with hearts squiggled all over it. Not knowing if that was the note she meant for him to see now or later, he read it.
Jared, Hey! I’ve got so much going through my mind and it’s for no reason. I feel like I’m falling down an endless well and can’t find a rope to hold onto or anyone to help me. Then, I have a dream that you catch me and you kiss me. Then it’s all okay. What’s it mean? I want to tell you how I feel but I don’t know how you feel about me. I mean, more than a friend. If you do or don’t. I’m afraid to make the first move. Sometimes I get these ‘hints’ that maybe you want to kiss me or make a move but I don’t want to kiss you and end up embarrassed or be rejected if you don’t feel the same way.
What are you doing lately? I miss seeing you but I don’t miss school. Ha! Ha! What’s school like without me there? I keep thinking you’re my secret admirer but it could be someone else. I mean, what are the chances of it being you when we talk everyday now.
Are you going to college? I want to but for some reason I can’t make up my mind where. I want to go where you go. Do I sound like a little lost puppy dog? Please tell me how you feel. I promise not to feel bad if you don’t feel the same way about me. I feel like we belong together and I don’t mean just puppy love.
Jared folded it up and stood up looking around the room. Completely spotless! Who in their right mind has time to keep their room clean as a teenager? Seriously! Jared put the note where he found it. Just in case she didn’t want him to see it yet.
Grace walked in behind him and shut the door gently. He thought he heard something so he looked. “Hey Grace,” he whispered, “Did you tell your mom?”
“Yeah, she knows you’re here. She said it was okay until 11.”
“That’s cool. I respect that…” Grace could hear the hesitance in his voice.
“What? Did you want to say something else?”
“Me? Oh! Nothing. I just have a lot on my mind.” Jared had her gift in his back pocket for her to wear to the dance but wasn’t sure weather to wait or not. He decided in that moment to wait until he picks her up for the date.
“Okay, it seemed like you had more you wanted to say.”
They worked on her science homework and they finished a little before eleven. He said good night and went home. She waved good night to him after he started up the Camry. He waved back.
Jared couldn’t sleep that night. Neither could Grace. They both thought of each other while she also thought of her secret admirer, whoever he was and what her response would be if it weren’t Jared who revealed himself. She sat back up and wrote her secret admirer a last letter.
Dear Secret Admirer, I’m writing this letter as I can’t sleep and have Jared on my mind. I keep wondering who you are; the mystery of it all is so sexy. I keep thinking you’re Jared. Maybe you’re not. If you’re not, you may not even get this letter. I can’t sleep. I’m anxious to find out who you are. Either way, I’m in love with someone. If you turn out to not be Jared, I’m sorry but I’m in love with him. If you are Jared, then hooray! I hope you feel the same way. I think you do. I’ll find out at the dance.
Grace lay in the bed staring at the light that shined in from her window onto the ceiling from the streetlight. “Jared, I hope you are my secret admirer. I can’t imagine being with anyone else.” She closed her eyes and fell asleep.
It seemed like she had slept for 5 minutes when she heard a car horn. She forgot to set the alarm. What a way to start Friday! She jumped up and looked out the window. Sure enough she recognized the car horn as belonging to Jared. He came in downstairs as she started to get ready for school. It was 7:45. We might have enough time to make it to school. It would be close.
“Grace? You awake?” Jared knocked on her bedroom door. She panicked. She had left her school clothes hanging in her bathroom to put on after her morning shower.
“Um, yeah I’m awake.” She peeked out the door wearing her silky gown. Jared couldn’t help but look her over in her quite revealing ensemble. She blushed as she slipped through him and the door, smiling, and ran into the bathroom.
“Sorry, I didn’t know you weren’t dressed.” Jared stood outside the bathroom slightly embarrassed himself.
“No problem. I’m going to take a quick shower ok?”
“Go ahead. I don’t think we can make it to school on time anyway. No rush.”
“You’re quiet,” Jared commented before they got out of the car.
“Sorry, still have a lot on my mind. Ready for tonight.”
“You want to find out who he is don’t you?”
“Hang on. I don’t think I can hear you while the shower runs. Give me five quick minutes.”
“Okay,” Jared sat in the hallway waiting on her to finish. The shower ran and he felt the warm mist of the water come through under the door. Soon the water turned off.
“Jared? What were you saying?”
“I said you want to find out who your secret admirer is don’t you?”
“Well, yes, but I’m more excited to spend the time with you. I feel safe with you.”
Jared smiled as she came out of the bathroom. He sprung up quickly.
“Well…” he pulled out the gift from his back pocket and handed it to her. Grace looked it over. “I was going to wait until tonight but I’m tired of waiting Grace. I’m tired of Greg bothering you. It’s going to stop and I’ll make sure of it. I thought this would be nice for you. I hope it goes with your dress.”
Grace opened it up and smiled, “I love it! Can you help me put it on?” Jared pulled the silver heart necklace out of her hands and unhooked it. He stood close as he could in front of her, their bodies almost touching, and reached around her neck gently to hook the necklace. He traced it back around with his hands, and then put his hands on her shoulders.
“Jared, I…” Jared shushed her and kissed her neck and then her cheek. Chills went rolling up her back and down her arms. She didn’t want him to stop kissing her. Maybe he’s making his move? What am I supposed to do?
“Grace?” Grace quickly pulled away and stood looking at Jared. He quickly pulled his arms back at the same time and put them in his pockets.
“Yes mom?”
“Did Jared come up?”
“Yeah I overslept. He just got here.”
“Oh ok.”
Jared and Grace looked at each other, grinning. Grace was flushed as red as a cherry. Her mom never went upstairs, just asked. Jared knew she must have trusted him and he didn’t want to do anything to ruin that trust. Her mom stayed downstairs.
Grace grabber he books and they headed to school. The day seemed to fly by – until lunch. Greg watched Jared’s’ every move and Jared took note of it.
Jared knew Greg was jealous and wanted Grace back but tried to ignore Greg’s stares. As Jared walked out of the lunch line with his tray – boom! Greg punched him in the eye. Grace was behind him in line and tried to separate them. The principal was watching the cafeteria but was a moment too late…Greg accidentally punched Grace in the eye meaning to hit Jared.
“Oh my God that hurt! You stupid son-of-a,” Grace stopped when a lunch lady came up and started talking.
“Oh my goodness sweetheart! Are you okay?” Grace looked up. She squatted down as her head went dizzy. Grace recognized the lunch lady. It was her Aunt Carol.
“I’m fine Carol. I am just dizzy. Everything is spinning,” she grabbed her head with both her hands. Most of the students went back to eating lunch. The entertainment didn’t last long for them.
“Do you want to see the nurse?”
“I want to go to the office wherever he took the guys.”
“Okay lets go.” Another cook filled in for her at the register while she walked Grace to the office in her dizzy state. They all sat on a bench except Greg. He had his arms folded sitting inside the principal’s office with the principal scolding him. Grace sat next to Jared on the bench, each of them holding one of their eyes.
“I’ll get the nurse to come to you two if I see her okay?”
“Okay, thanks Aunt Carol!” Grace thanked her. Carol left for the nurse’s office.
“Are you okay sweet…uh…Grace?”
“Besides my headache, I think I’ll survive, you?”
“Not bad. Just the normal eye sting feeling hasn’t gone away yet.”
“This will be my first black eye!”
“Oh you might be swollen for a few days,” Jared added.
“You will be too,” Grace giggled.
“Thanks, and yeah you’re right. It's probably not as bad as yours. I’m beginning to get used to this.”
The principal came out with Greg. Greg did not even glance at either of them. He didn’t mean to hit Grace but they were over. Grace continued to look at the carpet and Jared’s shoes holding her swollen eye as they left around the corner.
“You know we should look pretty good tonight with each of us having a black eye!” Jared couldn’t help but laugh a little bit imagining the sight.
“Yeah that will be a sight. We’ll have to get a picture for sure,” Grace lifted her head up. Jared was looking at her.
“Oh my, yeah what a sight. Your whole cheek and eye are swollen red and blue Grace.”
The nurse walked around the corner. “Hello I’m Ms. Jenkins, you two doing okay?” She looked more at Grace concerned since she looked more fragile.
“I’m okay, getting used to his punches,” Jared rubbed his forehead with his fingers than sat up.
“I am feeling a little better. I’m not so dizzy now.” The nurse handed her a cold pack. She put it on her face and leaded back against the wall.
“If you two need anything tell him to send you on over to my office, okay?”
“Yes ma’am,” they replied as she left back toward her office.
After a few more minutes the principal returned. “Come on in, both of you,” he said firmly but not angry. They all discussed what happened. The principal did not mention what he did to Greg.
“I think you two should go home to rest.”
“We can’t!” Grace raised her voice a little.
“You’ll be excused for the rest of the day without any problem.”
“The dance tonight, we have to be here all day to be able to go, I have to go…”
“Don’t worry about it Grace. You’ll still get to go. You two did not punch back so you’ll just go home for the day excused.”
“Okay,” Grace looked at Jared and he smiled looking at her.
One of the student office aides went around and collected homework for the both of them. Grace and Jared rested on the bench outside of his office until the girl brought the work. They already had their backpacks from lunch.
“Can you drive with a black eye?” asked the secretary.
“It wouldn’t be the first time.” Jared answered.
They both checked out with their homework and Jared opened the door for Grace. She still held the cold pack on her face. He began driving to her house to drop her off.
“Are you sure you still want to go to the dance? We could go somewhere else if you want to Grace?”
“I will feel better by then but if you’d rather do something else,” she didn’t finish.
“It’s up to you Grace. We’ll go if you want to go to the dance. You want to get something to eat for lunch? I’m starving!”
“Sure! How about dairy bar?”
“Of course. I love eating there. It’s not very healthy but will hold us over until supper.”
“Where are we going to eat for supper?”
“It’s a surprise,” Jared grinned watching the road.
They ate their usual at the dairy bar. Jared drove her home after they ate to rest.
“I’ll pick you up at four. We want to beat the crowd for supper.”
“Okay. I’ll try to be ready by four.”
Grace unbuckled and opened the door. “Bye Grace. See you later,” Jared said before she shut the car door. Grace waved and said bye.
Grace went in and in a matter of seconds her mom inspected her eye. “It was an accident mom. Jared was in front of me and moved after he was hit the first time and Greg hit me by accident.”
“No more Greg, right?”
“Right. I see more of Jared in my future though,” Grace smiled.
“He’s a good boy…err…he’s a good gentleman Grace.”
“I know. We’re still going to the dance. Did you see his eye? He has a black eye too.”
“I’m sure you two will look good together.”
“Yeah, I hope he likes me more than a friend. I don’t know how to ask him and find out.”
“If he likes you, just give it time honey.”
“I just hope he doesn’t like someone else. I know we’re going to the dance together but friends do that all the time.”
“Don’t worry honey. If it’s meant to be things will work out eventually. What did they do to Greg this time?”
“I don’t know. The principal talked to him first and then escorted him out of his office since we were sitting there. He didn’t say anything to us about him.”
“Well I’m sure the punishment will fit the crime. He’s been in trouble so many times who knows honey.”
“Mom will you wake me up at 2:30 so I can get ready? Jared is going to pick me up at 4 and I don’t want him to wait on me but I need to shower and fix my hair and –“
“No problem sweetie. Just get some rest. Where’d you get that beautiful necklace?”
“Jared bought it for me to wear for the dance. It’s pretty isn’t it?”
“Yes it sure is. That’s not a cheap one either! I saw that in display at the mall in Kay Jewelers.”
“Wow! Okay I’ll get some rest now if I can.”
Grace had a 2-hour nap that felt like she slept for 2 minutes.
“It’s 3 o’clock sweetie!”
“Okay mom,” she sounded still asleep. She fumbled out of her bed and began getting ready.
Meanwhile, at Jared’s house he was ready to leave his house at 3. He kept debating weather to show up before 4 or wait until 4. It didn’t take long and he was bored of pacing so he drove over to see Grace 30 minutes early.
“Hello Jared!” Grace’s mom opened the door to greet Jared. Upstairs there were loud noises. “Everything okay up there?”
“Yeah mom I’m fine! I’m just trying to hurry and get ready. I dropped the curling iron.” They hear a big thud again, “OW! That hurt. Um, I’m fine just dropped the curling iron on my little toe. I’m fine!”
“I think she’s a little nervous, don’t you?” She spoke softly to Jared.
“I think so too,” Jared added, “I must say I am a little bit too.”
“Aw that’s so sweet. I’m sure you two will have a fun evening.”
“I think so too. I think I’m going to take her bowling but I don’t want her to rip her dress or anything.”
“It shouldn’t bother her. She’s not wearing sequins it’s more like a summer dress style.”
“Okay, great.”
They sat in the living room talking for the next twenty minutes. Grace walked down the stairwell and Jared stood up. He heard her high heels clicking on the steps. Jared couldn’t help but look at her up and down. She was beautiful in his eyes. Her hair was mostly pinned up with large curls and she wore a dark red dress floor length. It was sleeveless but she had a white see through shawl wrapped around her shoulders.
“Wow!” he whispered. Jared walked toward the bottom of the steps looking up at her. “You look…gorgeous!” Grace looked up and blushed. She didn’t see Jared until now.
“Thank you Jared. You’re looking really good yourself!” Jared pulled out a red rose from behind his back. Grace smelled it and smiled.
“I love roses! How’d you know?” Jared glanced at her mom and she winked back at him. “Let me put it in some water and I’ll be ready!” Grace was both excited and nervous.
Before heading out, pictures were taken. Jared held the door open for Grace and she sat inside. She held onto her red handbag. Jared hurried around the car and started the engine.
“I’m really nervous Jared,” she spoke almost choking.
“Why?”
“I don’t know. I’m just really excited I guess. I don’t hardly go anywhere unless it’s with mom and dad. It’s just so formal. The last time I dressed up like this was for a funeral but that was a black dress and –“
“-Yeah! It’s okay. No reason to be nervous around me. I’m excited too. I enjoy spending time with you outside of school.” Jared tried to calm her down by interrupting her nervous and consistent blabbering.
“I know I talk a lot. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry tonight. No reason to be.”
“Where we going first?”
“I figured maybe some bowling? They have other games too if you want to do something else. Then somewhere special to eat.”
“Ooh what are we going to eat? I mean…where?”
“You’ll just have to wait and find out.”
The next 4 hours went by quick. They played a few games of air hockey, two games of bowling, and a racing game that took tokens to play. Once they arrived to Mulini Cosini’s Restaurant, Jared continued to be the gentleman he had been all evening. He opened her door and took her hand to help her out of the car. He had their names reserved for a table, and they went right in. The restaurant was a darker setting, candles sitting on round covered tables with green table clothes. The floor looked like wood flooring tiles and the walls were a creamy off white. Along the walls were pictures of Italian cooks and Italian food, pictures of food they sold. The waitresses were very elegant and formally dressed. In the
background you can hear classical music playing from the speakers.
When Grace and Jared were younger they played with other neighbor kids during the summer breaks and always had fun. They talked about their parents and realized how much their parents used to meet and go do things together before they were born.
“I’ve never been to this restaurant. It’s very pretty.” Grace commented.
“It is nice. I’ve been here a couple of times with my Aunt and Uncle.” Grace continued to enjoy the romantic setting as she looked around the restaurant.
“Grace, I have a question.” Jared quietly scooted his chair next to hers.
“Hmm?”
“You remember when I brought you soup when you were sick and you said it was so good you could kiss me?”
“Yeah!”
“Well can I take you up on - ” Grace didn’t let him finish before she pressed her lips up to his and they kissed. She stopped and looked at his response. Jared looked her back in the eyes and then kissed her again. Grace sat back in her seat and watched the customers in the restaurant.
“Thanks. You’re a good kisser by the way. Your secret admirer will like it.” Jared smiled.
“Thank you and you’re welcome but I don’t think I’m a good kisser,” she paused, “Jared?”
“Yeah?”
“I…I don’t know…just so much on my mind, you know? I don’t know what I wanted to say.”
“It’s okay Grace. Just relax. I want us to have a great evening.”
“Thanks Jared. Me too.”
As they continued to talk, Jared glanced around the room and saw Greg. Greg did not notice them but he sat next to the front door. He was sitting with Graces’ best friend Tekia. Jared looked back at Grace who was rambling about school grades so far.
“Grace. Grace.” He looked at her.
“What?”
“Glance near the front door. Look who’s here.” Grace took two looks to accept the fact her best friend was with her ex. Grace dropped her mouth open when she discovered who was here.
“She’s too good for him! He’s such a loser!”
“Can you text her?”
“Yeah! I’ll do that but I wont tell her we’re here she might tell him.”
Grace sent a text to Tekia.
Hey T. What’s going on? Going 2 dance 2nite? (MESSAGES LIKE THIS ON PHONE IN THE STORY I HAVE CENTERED IT ON PAGE ONLY)
They watched her to see if she’d respond. Greg talked to her and she was listening to him. They weren’t close enough to hear what they were discussing. Tekia picked up her cell and read the text while Greg continued to talk. She responded twice.
Talkin 2 ur ex so annoying. Crzy bout u. we r @ the Italian place. No dance. Save me wherever u r!
“She isn’t on a date Jared. She wants me to save her. I can’t do it because then he’ll follow us the rest of the evening. You can’t either because of Greg. He’d assume I’m with you too.”
“Unless…”
“Yeah?”
“I saw someone I recognized on the way in. If I can get her to pretend we’re on a date, he won’t follow me. He’ll know you’re not with me. He can’t get into the dance anyway.”
“Yeah, that could work. I need to sneak out first. I’ll tell her I have a plan and to follow you.”
“Yeah, I’ll let the waiter know what’s going on. You sneak out and text her then I’ll talk to Michelle. She’s sitting in the smoking section.”
“Okay.”
“Would you like any dessert tonight?” The waiter laid the check on the table next to Jared.
“No thank you. I need to talk to your boss a minute. It’s nothing wrong.”
“Yes sir I will send him right over, thank you.” Jared handed him cash.
“Thanks and keep the change.”
“Thank you sir. You two have a wonderful evening.”
Grace smiled and followed him past Greg’s table and snuck out the front door without detection. Grace sent a reply to Tekia.
Jared will save u. follow him out. Don’t let idiot see u leave or he’ll follow me. Will explain soon. We r here 2. don’t tell Greg.
Tekia checked her text and didn’t show any hints of plans. She didn’t look around the room and continued to talk with Greg.
Jared went and talked to his ex-girlfriend Michelle who was on a date. He explained the situation after he talked to the manager. The manager said he’d stand at the table when he started to head there to avoid Greg from wanting to start a fight.
Grace waited patiently outside. She stood near the police man who was patrolling outside just incase Greg came outside before the others.
Michelle and Jared held hands as they pretended to leave the restaurant together. Michelle and her date were finished and the date would head out after he pays for their meal. Jared glanced at Tekia who saw him. He stopped. The manager was at a table beside them talking to other customers, facing Greg’s table.
“Tekia! Hey, haven’t seen you for a while.” Jared started interrupting her talk to Greg. Greg said nothing. He looked at Tekia then at Jared.
“What you going to steal my date too? You already stole my ex-girlfriend!”
“I’m on a date with Michelle. She and I used to date and now we’re dating again. What do you mean I stole your ex? I told you Grace and I are just good friends. You are still jealous? Anyway, I’ll talk to you later Tekia!” Tekia could see the plan. She was to go like she needed to ask him something else or go to the bathroom.
Michelle and Jared headed to the front door. Jared glanced back at Tekia. “Greg, will you excuse me a minute? I forgot to ask him something.”
“Fine. I’ll wait.”
Tekia stood up and carried her purse next to her. Greg did not look back to watch. He watched the other customers in the restaurant eat. She headed quickly out the front door. Michelle talked with them outside until her date came out.
“Thank you Michelle. I owe you.” Jared said, “see you later.”
“No problem. Talk to you later.” Michelle finished.
Tekia hugged Grace. “How’d you sneak out? I thought I recognized the dress. You sent me a text picture of it!”
“Yeah, glad I didn’t show it to Greg. He’s clueless so he might not have noticed anyway. Let’s get out of here before he suspects something.” Grace stated.
“Yes, let’s go,” Jared added. “Tekia, are you going to the dance or you want us to take you home? That’s our next destination is the dance.”
“Oh take me home if you don’t mind. I’m not dressed for the dance.” Tekia and Grace sat in the back to chitchat on the way to Tekia’s house.
Jared drove quietly and already knew where Tekia lived so he didn’t need to ask for directions. The girls whispered. They whispered quite loudly that even over the radio playing country music, he could hear every word.
“Has he asked you out?”
“We’re on a date now, what do you mean?”
“I mean to be his girlfriend silly!”
“No you think he will?”
“If not he’s a loser.” She put her thumb and index finger on her forehead in the shape of an L.
“Well he might like someone else. We’re on a date but we’re just friends.”
“Do you want him to ask you out?”
“Yes of course. We get along so well and so much to talk about.”
“Cool. Text me later and let me know.”
“Sure.”
They pulled into Tekia’s driveway.
“Thank you for the ride Jared! Grace, text me ASAP!” Tekia pointed her finger at Grace as she stood up out of the car.
“I will don’t wait up!” Grace moved to the front seat to sit with Jared.
“Ready?” Jared asked.
“Yep! Let’s go!”
After a few silent minutes of driving - other than listening to the country music - Jared parked next to the school doors in the end parking spot where they’ll enter for the dance. He opened Grace’s door and helped her out. Walking inside, Jared looked around to see who else came whom he knew. The dance was well lit and the dance theme looked retro. Grace looked around to see what boys showed up and to see if any watched her walk with Jared. She wanted to know if her secret admirer was watching for her. She didn’t notice any eyes.
Jared paid for two tickets and went inside, following the other teenagers who just entered ahead of them.
In the cafeteria, where most of the dancing took place, there were lunch tables everywhere with rainbow colored table cloths, strobe lights, black lights, and of course teenagers dancing and chatting in groups. The Macarena was playing loudly and most peers were dancing in the center of the room. Jared held Grace’s hand guiding her through the cafeteria. They managed to find an open table and sat for a few minutes. A couple of Jared’s friends came over and sat with them. Joey was a real country boy and the other, Donald, hated farms. They were very good friends considering how different they are. The boys talked to each other about classes they hate this year and Jared noticed Grace seemed bored. She scanned the room every few minutes for possible admirer suspects, but she seemed disappointed. Luckily, for Jared, a slow song began to play.
“Let’s slow down for a little bit for the lovers in here and we’ll play some more fast songs in a minute for you wild dancers!” The disc jockey announced. The first slow song the DJ played is “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion. Joey and Donald talked. Grace looking around the room suddenly had a hand in front of her wanting to dance. It was Jared.
“Would you like to dance?” Jared asked. Grace smiling stood up and took his hand. They went out to the dance floor. Nervously, Grace put her hands on his shoulders and he slipped his hands on her sides toward her back. “Having fun?”
“Yeah. Those two are a little boring after a while, to listen to them talk,” Jared laughed.
“Yeah, they are boring but at the same time entertaining,” Jared answered.
Jared looked around to see who was monitoring where they stood, both teachers and students dancing. No one was dancing too close to listen. He didn’t want to embarrass her.
“Grace?”
“Yeah?”
“I have tried to keep this secret as long as I could without ruining it. But…”
“But what?”
“I…I’m your secret admirer. I tried my hardest not to let you figure it out. I think you suspected me somewhat didn’t you?” Grace smiled ear to ear.
“Yes but I didn’t know for sure.” With little hesitation, Grace put her hands on his cheeks and kissed Jared very intimately. He held her closer and the slow dancing stopped as they stood kissing. Jared heard some whistling behind him. It was Donald.
“Go Jared!” Most whistling continued.
“Oh Jared,” Grace continued, “I’m so glad it’s you.” They kissed some more as the song came to an end. Sitting back down, Donald and Joey made some more whistling sounds and watched them. Jared sat closer to Grace after they sat down.
“Grace?” She looked at Jared, “will you be my girlfriend?”
“Yes Jared! Of course I will!” Grace answered very excited. More kissing occurred.
"Happy birthday Grace," Jared whisepred. She smiled as Jared held her in his arms.
The DJ played more fast songs throughout the evening. Jared and Grace danced to all the slow ones and a few of the country songs that played. Half way through the dance Donald and Joey left them to talk and didn’t over stay their welcome. Grace made sure to text Tekia so she wouldn’t wait up all night in suspense.
We r a couple! Omg so happy. C u at school mon
they stayed until 11 o’clock talking about this and that, mostly their parents. Now they are more interested in learning about things other than school and sports. The hours flew by and Jared had to drive Grace home. Jared walked her to the door and her mom opened it for her. Her mom knew by the smile on her face that they were a couple. The blushed face was a dead giveaway.
“Jared, will you come over Sunday afternoon for supper? I’m not sure what I will fix. Any favorites?”
“Sure, I’ll come over! I love tacos and lasagna but I’m not picky. Whatever you feel like fixing.”
“Okay, we’ll see you about two?”
“Sounds great!”
“Okay, you all say good night. Grace, we have some shopping to do tomorrow and I want to leave fairly early.”
“I know,” Grace watched her mom go into the other room and she kissed Jared again. They kissed a few times before saying goodnight.
The rest of the weekend fly by and soon it was time to find out about Romeo and Juliet. Jared picked Grace up for school Monday morning. Greg was back in school but even after he saw them together, he didn’t say anything. He was fooled thinking Jared was dating Michelle. Michelle wasn’t a student there. Jared walked her to all the classes and in drama they now sat next to each other. Tekia gave up her seat and switched with Jared. She was happy to see Grace with a decent boyfriend. One she knew would take care of her in a good way and respect her.
“Okay,” the teacher began, “to keep you all from worrying all period. Here are the pickings:” He walked around the room as he announced. Last but not least he announced the parts for Romeo and Juliet. “Romeo is Jared Moore and Juliet is Grace Morgan. Congratulations to all who made a main part and I know you will work very hard to put on an excellent play!” He continued to pace the room as he talked about when the play would be performed, and all those intricate details.
Grace glanced outside, past Jared gazing back at her, and saw rain begin to pour. The sun was still shining without visible clouds. The rain began roaring out of nowhere. “Well actors,” continued Mr.Mitchell, “I thought we’d practice outside but lets just head to the stage again. Maybe it will be nice tomorrow.”
“I think it’s nice out, just wet.” Jared commented receiving several laughs. Mr. Mitchell laughed as well.
“You have a sense of humor,” he looked around and outside at the rain, “alright! Let’s go. Everyone else whose name I didn’t mention, pick someone to understudy and learn their part as well incase something happens last minute. He passed out a sheet with dates on it to each student. They were all practice dates after school, full dressed rehearsals, and production dates on weekends.
Grace put her paper in her notebook. “I forgot to grab a play book,” she hesitated wanting to go back to class to get one so she’d say her lines right.
“Grace, don’t worry. Just pretend like you really are Juliet, and I’m you’re Romeo. Pretend it’s real. When we really perform on stage and we forget a line, we can’t look it up in the book. We’ll know for sure by the time we need to know. I’ll make sure we practice it.”
Mr. Mitchell would pick a single scene each day of class to practice. After school they’d practice a third of the entire play to give everyone some stage time.
Time flew by with Grace and Jared spending every possible moment together. They did homework together, ate at each other’s houses, and most of their classes at school. There were no arguments, fights, or disagreements. It was bliss.
Several months had gone by and it was time for the drama play. It was early April. Everyone had practiced his or her part to the max. Now it was time to perform without a script for anyone. As the play began, Grace was nervous. Even with practicing on stage, it was different. Now there were parents and adults from the community who came to see the play. Hundreds of eyes will be watching at the same time. Grace peeked from the side of the stage at the audience. It was dark with all lights on stage. Sweat began to roll down her face. Mr. Mitchell watched from the back. He had his wife recording the play from the audience.
“Grace,” Mr. Mitchell said, “You’ll do fine. Just think as if you’re Juliet, because you are Juliet. Jared is Romeo, you just have stage names.”
“I know Mr. Mitchell, its just so many eyes will be watching.” Jared handed her a wet washcloth to cool off.
“Thanks Jared,” she padded her forehead. Tekia wasn’t on stage at the time and came storming over with powder and blush, the works. Tekia patted her face and tried to cover up the sweaty look Grace had. Grace began to relax as the play went on. The more times she was on stage, the easier it was to pretend there was no audience. She pretended like the stage was her world and nothing was outside of it watching or judging.
It was nearing the end of the play. Grace was on stage with Jared for the final scene. Grace choked on her words once but didn’t let it get to her. Jared had a small surprised look on his face while they acted, but tried to continue as well. Jared was lying on the bench pretending to be dead. It was the final moment in the play. The kiss. The famous kiss where Juliet kisses him before she kills herself. They kiss.
In her mind, fireworks were going off even though it wasn’t their first kiss. He couldn’t kiss back since he was a dead Romeo. She finally pretended to stab herself and fell over. The curtains closed. She knew there was more than just a kiss. She was engrossed in the characters. Mr. Mitchell was right. She was Juliet and Jared was Romeo.
Once the cast bowed and thanked the audience, it quickly cleared out. Most of the parents were gone, except for a few talking to Mr. Mitchell and his wife with the camcorder. The cast was undressing, putting their regular clothes back on.
Jared and Grace were in a corner separate from the other peers. “Jared?”
“Yeah?” he buttoned his pants and put on his t-shirt then his button shirt. Grace buttoned his shirt for him.
“I feel like…”
“What is it? Is something wrong?”
“No. You know, Mr. Mitchell is right. Except for the characters dying at the end. We really are Romeo and Juliet. I believe so anyway.”
“Me too Grace. I am really, and utterly, in love with you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I have already talked to your mom, dad, and my dad. I know we still have college to go as well. He bent down on one knee like he was going to put his shoes on. He pulls out something from his pocket. Grace doesn’t understand what he’s doing because there is no box for the ring. He pulls it out inside his fist.
“Did you get me something?” Jared was trying to be serious but couldn’t help but laugh. He opened up his fist and handed her the ring.
“Grace, will you marry me someday?” Grace turned as white as a sheet of paper. She dropped her mouth open covering it up with a hand. She smiled and started jumping. Jared slipped the ring on her finger.
“Jared, of course! Of course Jared! YES!” She jumped for joy. He stood up and kissed her. As they kissed, they both heard a loud “AWW” sound. They looked smiling as they looked. Standing there was Mr. Mitchell, their parents, and Tekia. Jared had given them a heads up. He previously asked her dad for permission to propose.
Although they were only dating a few months, they knew each other since grade school and their parents were already good friends. They had no intension of being in a rush to get married. They were truly in love.
They were truly Romeo and Juliet in real life.
