Page 13 of On Broken Wings

“What’s up, Stone?” Nate slipped into his seat in his relaxed way, and turned toward me.

I rolled my eyes at his greeting. “You know you can call me Jen?”

“I know.” He chuckled as he leaned closer. “I like Stone, I’m saving Jen for a special time.” His brows bounced as mischief spread across his face.

“Nate.” I sighed. “We talked about this. I’m not ready for that.”

“I know.” He gave a quick, tight smile. “You will be soon. Trust me.” He flipped open his calculus notebook. “You get a dress yet?”

“My mom’s taking me this weekend.” I grinned. One thing that excited me about homecoming was getting a fancy dress. Darrin’s lack of interest in that part bummed me out last year. The fact that Nate actually seemed to be looking forward to the night made this year’s preparations so much more fun.

“Get something that shows off your legs.” Nate’s eyes scanned down my denim clad legs.

“How about I surprise you?” I giggled.

“I like the sound of that. I have a few surprises planned too.” He smirked. “It’ll be a night you won’t forget.”

“Sounds like fun,” I mused. I didn’t know how right he was at the moment.

“It will be.” Right at that moment Mrs. Sanderson came in and started class, causing me to abandon our banter and focus on calculus.

oooooooo

“You look beautiful, honey.” Mom was snapping pictures as I swayed from side to side in the family room. I’d chosen a light pink strapless dress. The top was encrusted with tiny crystals, and from the waist down it flowed in layers of chiffon around my legs. The color was perfect for my complexion. I knew the heels I was wearing would be killing me before the dance even started, but I wanted something to make me look taller. My five-foot four frame looked dwarfed next to Nate. He was well over six feet.

“Thanks.” I smiled softly as I reached for my jacket.

“I don’t understand why he isn’t picking you up though.” Her face twisted as I grabbed my purse and keys.

“Nate’s on the team, Mom. He had to be there early for the game. I wasn’t needed until half time. We’re meeting up after for the dance. This is just easier.” I shrugged. I understood, but my mom was having a hard time with it. “I’ll be home before midnight.” I smiled.

“There’s no rush, honey. Have fun.” Mom waved as I made my way to the door.

“Thanks.” I stepped out into the evening air, determined to have a good time. I’d found out earlier this week that Darrin was taking Michelle to the dance. I knew they’d been getting closer, but I didn’t think it was that serious. She’d made a comment in history class the other day that she was dress shopping, and Darrin was taking her to the dance. It stung to hear it, but I kept telling myself that it didn’t matter. I had Nate, and he wanted to go with me.

As I made my way to the high school, I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. Nate’s been pressuring me for the last two weeks to let him get a hotel room for after the dance. I’ve told him over and over that I’m not ready for that. He says he understands, but I can see the frustration on his face every time I say no. I’ve only been going out with him for a few months. Part of me thinks it’s unreasonable for him to be asking me already, but another part me is intrigued. I’ve always told myself I’d wait, but what am I waiting for? Nate would know what he’s doing, and he seems to really like me.

It didn’t take long to arrive at the football field. As I climbed from the car, I shook the thoughts of Nate and sex from my head. He was twisting me up, and tonight was supposed to be fun. There was already a small line forming near one of the end zones for the homecoming court representatives. I left my jacket in the car, and rushed to go claim my place in line. The one thing that I had on Michelle was this. Darrin wasn’t on the team, so Michelle didn’t get to be a part of the ceremony. She and Darrin would have to watch from the stands. I didn’t think I stood a chance at winning. I’m not the most popular girl in our class, and this is exactly that… a popularity contest.

oooooooo

“You look beautiful.” Nate leaned into my side as we walked toward the door to the gym.

“Thanks.” I giggled nervously.

“You got robbed tonight. Stephanie shouldn’t have won. You were a way better choice.” He threw his arm around my shoulders and pulled me into his side.

“I don’t know about that.” I rolled my eyes. He was trying to be sweet, but I wasn’t buying that I should have won.

“Well, I think you look great.” He leaned closer and lowered his voice, “Did you think about what I asked you yesterday?” My feet jerked, causing me to stumble. “Hey, no one knows what we’re talking about.” He moved closer and kissed my jawline. “I just want to show you how good we could be.” I laughed lightly, trying to push the nerves away, and then swallowed when he flashed a plastic key card in front of me.

“Put that away!” I hissed.

“Fine.” He sighed as he straightened up, and shoved the card back in his pocket.

When we reached the door, it was as if the conversation had never happened. Nate’s earlier frustration with me melted away, and he opened the door like a gentleman. When we stepped into the gym, Nate turned up his usual swagger to off the charts. He led me through the crowd, and over to where his friends were hanging out with their dates. I recognized a few of them, but we weren’t really friends.

“S’up?” Drew, one of the other seniors lifted his chin in greeting.

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