Solo (10 page)

"Are you planning on going to the prom?"

My heart stopped. I did a double take; it was Lucas. "Well, I'm a sophomore, so no. I don't plan on going to the prom."

He looked surprised. "I didn't realize you were a sophomore."

"Yep."

"So, what's so interesting?" He stepped closer, looking at the board.

"Nothing, really. I'm just killing time. I figured I'd see what's going on around here."

"Oh, okay," Lucas grinned.

"So, you're not in study hall anymore?" I asked, still staring at bulletin board.

"I'm in study hall. I've just been helping Coach with assigning baseball uniforms and getting some extra practice in. Don't worry. I'll be back in the library next week."

I quickly turned my head toward him. "I wasn't worried!" Lucas had a smirk on his face when he turned and walked away. I couldn't even get out what I was trying to say.
He's impossible.

The warning bell rang and I headed to Spanish class, still frustrated with Lucas. Casey sat next to me.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing. I'm just thinking."

"Okay. Hey, I was planning to go shopping in Eugene tomorrow. Do you want to go?"

"Well, it depends. Who else is going?"

"Right now, it's only me. I figured I would ask you first. If you couldn't go, I was going to ask Sasha and Emily." Casey paused. "I understand you and Sasha don't get along, and I wouldn't put either of you in an uncomfortable situation."

"Well, I would love to go. I just have to double check with my mom."

"Great. If you can go, I'll pick you up in the morning. So, has anyone asked you to prom?"

"Wow! Where did that come from?"

She laughed. "I just thought you might be going to prom."

"What makes you think that?"

"Jack said some of the guys on the baseball team are interested in you."

"I'd be surprise if I got asked. Besides, I'm not into dating right now."

"Well, I know you're interested in a
certain
person, and he's on the baseball team. Maybe he's one of them."

I blushed. "I don't think he likes me like that. I'm pretty sure he has a thing for the captain of the cheer squad. I see them together all the time."

Casey busted out laughing. "Are you talking about
Rachel
from gym class?"

"Yeah, what's so funny?"

Casey was still laughing. "That's Lucas' cousin. They hang out all the time."

I was confused. I couldn't understand why Lucas hadn't told me when we were at the bowling alley. "Well, that's nice to know."

"It would be perfect if you had a date for prom. If he doesn't ask, maybe someone else will." Casey looked optimistic.

"That's all right, I really don't know if I'd go, even if someone asked."

The rest of the day became a blur. I kept thinking about what Casey had told me in class. I analyzed Rachel during gym class. I should have put two and two together.

During study hall, I laid my head on the table, closed my eyes, and listened to music. I cursed the rain. If it hadn't rained, I would have been outside for lunch and Lucas never would have approached me. Now, he was all I could think about. I had worked so hard to keep him out of my thoughts. I wasn't happy about how excited I got thinking about him returning to study hall next week.

When the bell rang, the rain was pouring buckets, so I didn't rush to my car. I went to my locker and slipped into my hoodie. I didn't bother to cover my hair. Walking to the edge of the walkway, I leaned against a post, staring at the rain. I thought about running to my car like the rest of my classmates, but decided it would be smarter and wait a few minutes. I fiddled with my iPod buttons.

A voice next to me said, "Boy, it's raining cats and dogs." Lucas stood close by and my heart started racing.

I rolled my eyes and tried to look disinterested. "Oh, it's not that bad."

He said, "So, do you have anything fun planned for this weekend?"

"Yeah." I didn't elaborate.

"You're not much on small talk are you?" He flashed his irresistible grin.

"Sorry, I have a lot on my mind today. Besides, the last time I tried to small talk with you, you walked away."

He chuckled.

"I'm glad you find that amusing." I put my iPod in my pocket and stepped into the heavy rain. "See you next week." I threw up a half wave and walked to my car.

"Wait, what are you doing tonight?"

Crap, the stupid flutters were inching their way back into my stomach. "I'm busy!" I yelled, not turning around.

"Well, I'll be at the bowling alley with my friends around eight. Feel free to join us if your plans change." He had followed right behind me. "I know you're not looking to date, but friends can hang out.
Right?"

"I'll see." I opened my car door. "If I don't show up, don't take it personal."

Lucas turned toward his truck.

Drenched, I said, "Lucas, one more question," He turned back around. "Hypothetically, say my plans change. Can I bring someone?"

"Well, since we're talking hypothetically, I don't see a problem with it."

"Okay, that's if my plans change."

Lucas gave me that devastating grin. "See you tonight, Eliana."

When I walked into the kitchen, I grabbed a bottle of water and plopped at the table with my mom and grandmother.

"How was your day?" my grandmother asked.

I looked at Mom and back at Grandmother. "Other than the rain, I had a great day. How was your day?" I wondered why my grandmother was starting a conversation.

She took a sip of tea. "It was productive. Your mother and I went through boxes in the attic. We're taking clothes and furniture to the Salvation Army next week. Do you have anything you want to add?"

"I'll go through my things on Sunday."

"That would be nice."

"No problem." I looked at Mom. "By the way, Casey invited me to go shopping tomorrow in Eugene and I was asked to go bowling tonight with some friends. Is it okay if I do both?"

"Sure, that's fine. Why don't you see if Casey wants to stay the night?"

"Good idea." I went upstairs to call Casey.

While I waited for her to answer, I shuffled through my closet looking for something to wear to the bowling alley.

"Hello?" Casey said.

"Hey, it's Eliana."

"Oh hey, did you ask your mom about tomorrow?"

"Yeah, it's not a problem. What are you doing tonight?"

"Nothing…yet. What do you have in mind?"

"Do you want to go bowling? Lucas asked me to hang out with him and his friends, but I don't want to go alone."

"I don't know. I haven't hung out with Lucas in a long time. I'm not sure how he'd feel about me showing up?"

"Casey, you didn't do anything to him. I'm sure he'd be fine with it. If not, I'll leave with you, and we can do something else." I pleaded with her, "Casey I'd do it for you."

"All right," she reluctantly agreed.

"Great." I tried not to seem too excited. "Also, if you want, you can spend the night and we can leave from here in the morning. I don't mind driving."

"Okay."

"How about I pick you up around eight so we can be fashionably late? Or I could pick you up around seven and we could grab a bite to eat first?"

"Seven sounds good. Call me when you're on your way."

"Perfect, I'll see you in a few hours." I hung up and looked back in my closet.
Now what am I going to wear?

Since the bowling alley was having
Rockin' Bowl,
I decided to wear a white tank top layered under my favorite blue fitted tee, and my low rise relaxed fit jeans. I wanted to look cute, but not like I'd tried too hard. I refreshed my makeup and twisted my frizzy mop on top of my head.

I looked in the mirror.
This is as good as it's gonna get.

When I glanced at my clock, I was surprised to see it was already six-thirty. I grabbed my navy blue hoodie off the chair and hurried down the stairs.

Mom seemed happy Casey was staying over and I was hanging out with friends. I kissed her and opened the front door.

"Oh, don't wait up." I turned and smiled.

"Nice try. I know bowling is over at midnight and you'll probably get something to eat afterward. If you're not home by two, I'm coming to look for you—in my nightgown."

"Ugh, there's no need for such vulgar threats. Beside, I'm going to Eugene tomorrow. I'll be back before two. See you in the morning." I rushed out the door.

"Good night, I love you," Mom yelled.

"Love you, too," I hollered.

I called Casey from the main road to let her know I was on my way. I was so excited about hanging out with Lucas I started getting the flutters again. I turned on my radio to calm my nerves.

Casey was waiting on her porch when I pulled into the driveway. "I don't know if I should be excited or nervous about hanging out with Lucas and his friends again."

"I feel excited and nervous too, but
obviously
for a different reason."

"I wonder what that could be," Casey winked. "So, where do you want to go for dinner?"

"Well, my mom took me to a Mexican restaurant the last time we went bowling. It's right across the street from the alley. I recommend it."

"Yeah, I like that restaurant. They have the best quesadillas and I love their fresh salsa."

"I guess it's settled then." I turned up the radio and Casey flipped through my CD collection. "Wow, you like just about everything."

"Yeah, I have a CD for every mood." I tried to explain without giving too much information. "What kind of music do you listen too?"

"I like a little of everything, too. But I can do without heavy metal. You have a lot of classical in here."

"Yeah, I listen to classical music when I'm depressed. It helps me cry."

Casey looked confused.

"It's not that classical is depressing. It's actually beautiful and has a lot of emotion in it." She still looked confused. "Here, I'll show you what I'm talking about." I pointed to a CD. "Put that one in and select track six."

She put the CD in the player and pressed the button.

"Now, sit back and listen." I pulled into a parking space at the restaurant.

The ballad began slowly with only a piano. Next, violin strings entered. The tempo picked up with percussion instruments. I leaned back and closed my eyes. I peeked at Casey. "See what I mean. There's so much emotion in classical music."

She blinked rapidly. "Wow, you really know your music, don't you?"

"I just love listening to all kinds. Come on, let's eat."

"Yeah, I'm all for that," She swiped a hand across her eyes.

I ordered a bean and cheese enchilada again, and Casey selected a chicken quesadilla. We took our time eating. I wanted to get to the bowling alley around nine so Lucas would sweat a little. I looked at my phone; it was eight forty-five. "We should finish up."

"I'm ready."

I drove across the street so we wouldn't have to walk back to the restaurant at midnight. My flutters returned when I parked next to Lucas' truck.

"Okay, if it gets awkward, we can leave. Just give me a sign." I reassured Casey.

"All right, same for you."

We entered the dark bowling alley with music booming. Casey glanced around looking for Lucas and his friends. "That's weird. I don't see him."

I circled around. "Well, his friends are over there. He might be in the restroom."

A few minutes later Casey noticed him sitting with his friends. "There he is."

I was extremely nervous as we wandered toward his lane. It was awkward until he finally looked up to see us standing at the top of the steps.

"Hey, you made it." He jumped up from his seat with a big smile. "Hi Casey, It's been a long time. How have you been?" He leaned over and gave her a hug.

I don't know who was more shocked; Lucas, because I wasn't with a guy, or Casey, for his reaction.

"I see your other plans fell though." He winked at me.

I couldn't help but lie. "Yeah, I figured I could do it on Sunday. Besides I wanted to hang out with Casey tonight and we couldn't find anything better to do." I didn't want to boost his ego too much.

Lucas smiled. "Come on down, I want to introduce you to my friends."

"Hey guys, this is Eliana, and you all know Casey." Lucas pointed out his friends and his cousin. "This is Travis, Andy, and Rob. These lovely ladies are Carla, Leslie, Brittany, and my cousin, Rachel."

Casey and I nodded acknowledgement. "Hello, it's nice to meet you," I said.

Rachel stood and shook my hand. "Lucas has told me a lot about you. It's nice to finally meet you, too."

 I glanced at Lucas, and then back at Rachel. "I didn't realize you were cousins."