Pretty Dreamer Read online

  “I brought some possibilities.” Before she can finish, I grab her and hug her so tight that she can’t breathe.

  “Hey don’t squish the goods!”

  “Come in now!” I yank her inside and we race up the stairs. When I open the bag there is one stylish piece after the other.

  “Oh my God, Eva. You are a life saver.”

  “I know, I know.” I sit down before I select one.

  “Guess what?”

  “What?” Eva says.

  “Devin gave me his number. He wants to ride together.” She covers her mouth.

  “NO!”

  “YES!” I scream.

  “What did you say?”

  “I am about to call now.” I run over to my phone, which is stationed on my desk, and dials. It buzzes twice.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi. Devin?”

  “Yes Sienna,”

  “Hi. I am just giving you a call like you asked.”

  “Well…” He returns.

  “Yes?” I anxiously await his question. The thought of going to this party with him is a dream that I cannot fathom.

  “I was wondering if I could pick you up and we go together.” I drop the phone, grab the pillow, and scream into it. I pick the phone up and press my ear to it.

  “I would love to go with you, Devin.”

  “Great Sienna. I will be there around 7:30. Is that alright?” He sighs with relief.

  “Uh, yes,” I immediately give him my address.

  “Before I hang up,” He adds, “I am glad we are going together. I have wanted to ask you out for a while.” I smile so wide that my cheeks hurt.

  “See you in a minute.” He hangs up. I am so happy! This day could not get any better.

  After minutes of screaming, Eva leaves to get dressed. I rush around the room. The dress I selected from Eva’s elegant items is black satin. It is strapless and hugs my waist, the silver belt almost cuts off my circulation. The bottom stops short of my knee. The way it balloons reminds me of a pleated pumpkin. I take one more look at my hair. The spirals that Eva so graciously styled, cascades to one side which exposes my neck. I was able to find a gorgeous rhinestone choker in my mom’s bag of clown accessories. I gently slide my feet into the black booties Eva brought just in case I liked something. When I stand I rock back and forth to gain my balance. I never, I mean ever, wear heels. I walk over to the full length mirror in the corner of my room. I stare at myself in astonishment. I actually look good, better than I have looked in a long time. Suddenly I hear the doorbell.

  “Oh my God!! He’s here!” I run down the stairs almost stumbling when I get to the last two. I steady myself flatten my dress and approach the door. I take a deep breath and swing the door open.

  “Oh wow! Sienna, you look very beautiful.” He says raking me over with his eyes.

  “Thank you,” I reply. I can feel the heat forming in my cheeks. I know my milky skin is a bright shade of red. He holds out his hand.

  “One second.” I hold up a single finger, run back upstairs grab my silver hand bag and check my makeup. When I run back down he is standing in the living room.

  “I’m ready.” We walk out of the door hand and hand.

  When he pulls into the drive way, a multitude of cars blocks the entrance. He parks, runs around the car, and open my door. I step out of his green convertible all smiles. The way he holds my hand is making me want to faint. We enter the back yard and my jaw hits the floor. It is decorated beautifully. The pink and white color scheme is so pretty. There are lights that zig zags and crosses the gates. I have never been to a birthday party of this magnitude before. He places his arm around my waist and I walk beside him. His touch is causing my knees to buckle, so I focus on keeping my balance. Everyone at the party stops and stares as we pass.

  “Thank you for coming Sienna.” Payton says as she hugs me close.

  “Thank you.” She is dressed to kill. The tight pink dress she is wearing hugs her body. Avery is wearing the exact same one in white. Their matching blonde locks bounce and swing as they giddily greet every guest. I spot Scott at the food table. Of course he is eating.

  “Wow! Sienna you look great!” He blurts with his mouth full of appetizers.

  “Whoa Headly! Get your own date.” He holds his hands up in surrender.

  “Just admiring the scenery Devin, calm down.” They laugh then slap hands. Eva suddenly approaches shaking her hands.

  “Ooo la la. Sienna. You look caliente!”

  “Ooh Eva. Ms. Garcia would be so proud to hear you using Spanish words.” We stand there and chat for a while. Payton grabs the microphone on a stage in the center of the enormous back yard.

  “Okay everyone listen up. My and Avery Dads’ decided that since we are so special, they would hire the most popular band to play on our special day. So I am honored and thankful to my Daddy, to introduce to you the platinum recording artists’ One Way!!” The five members of the hottest boy group right now run out one by one onto the stage. The party erupts into a roar. They start to perform and Devin gives me that look. He holds out his hand and we sashay to the dance floor. He twirls and swings me around. I feel like Cinderella. As we move to the music, I look over and Scott is dancing with Amber Copeland, the redhead senior bombshell. He looks up and catches my eye. He winks and blows a kiss in my direction. I am stunned. Was that for me? Can’t be. He lies his head back onto her shoulder, and then twirls her in the opposite direction of us. I can’t lie. I am too intrigued.

  “Are you enjoying yourself, Sienna?” Devin whispers into my ear.

  “This is the best night of my life.”

  He smiles. “Good.”

  We do not leave the dance floor until the band stops. Finally one of the guys grabs the mic.

  “Hi. I’m Thane and I want to say happy birthday to Payton and Avery!” everyone screams. They pretend to blush and blow false pageant kisses to the crowd.

  “This last song called “Something” is dedicated to all the couples tonight!” he says as he begins to strum his guitar. Devin pulls me close and starts to move. I feel a tap on my back.

  “May I please cut in?” I turn and Scott is standing there looking more than gorgeous. He runs his hands through his black medium length hair. He is wearing a black suit jacket and black denim jeans. I stop when I get to his clean black converse. I look up to his chest and his shirt has one button loosened from the top. I look to Devin and he shrugs. Scott grabs my hand and drags me close. When he places his hand on my back I feel a magnetic spark.

  “I just had to dance with the most beautiful girl here tonight.” My eyes widen. I know I look crazy.

  “Thanks Scott. But I’m sure that the short sparkly number that Amber is wearing looks better.” I stutter.

  He nods and leans into my shoulder. His lips lightly graze my skin. Why am I feeling this way? Scott is my best friend.

  “I am so jealous that you are here with Devin. You should be my date.” I’m stunned yet again. I lean into his shoulder and hide my eyes.

  “I like you so much Sienna. You are the most genuine girl I know. You have natural beauty. And dolled up…” He kisses his fingers. I smile.

  “Stop playing with me Scotty.” He leans back to look at me.

  “I’m not playing. I think I need to let you know before Devin snatches you away.” I straighten my back. My expression is serious.

  “Stop Scott. Seriously.”

  “I am not playing.” He stops dancing and grabs my chin. Before I can speak again he kisses my lips. So soft and very tender. I gasp and look around. No one is watching.

  “Oh my God Scott!” He does not flinch.

  “I want you to be with me.” I cover my mouth. I break from his grip and run in the opposite direction. My eyes fill with tears. I have liked Scott since I met him. But I have hidden my feelings in order to protect our friendship. And, he just springs this on me!

  “It’s not fair!” I blurt.

  “What’s not fair Sienna?�
�� Eva is standing behind me.

  “Nothing.” I lie. She grabs my arm. Then why are you crying?”

  “I’m not.” I wipe my eyes. She starts to ask again but Devin interrupts.

  “May I please have my date back?”

  “Of course.” Eva reluctantly replies.

  “What’s wrong?” He asks when he catches a glimpse of my glossy eyes.

  “Oh nothing. Just about ready to leave.”

  “Okay we can go somewhere else.”

  “That will be great.” I reply. We make our way out of the backyard and down the driveway. He grips my hand and leads the way.

  “Sienna! Sienna!” I roll my eyes.

  “Oh God please not now.” I turn to greet Scott.

  “Are you just going to ignore what I said?”

  “No. Just not tonight.” He grabs my hand. Devin steps up to him.

  “Scott, man, what are you doing?”

  “Butt out Devin!”

  “I will see you tomorrow Scott.” I state. He doesn’t return. He just stomps back to the party.

  “What was that about?”

  “Let’s go Devin, please.” He opens the passenger side door and I step in. He drives away without saying a word. After he notices my dismay he decides against taking the party anywhere else.

  When he gets to my house he parks in my driveway. I fiddle with my beautifully polished hands.

  “I really enjoyed myself this evening Sienna.” Devin finally breaks the silence.

  “Me too. Thank you so much for everything.” I turn to exit the car and he grabs my arm.

  “I like you Sienna. I really would like you to be my girlfriend. Tell me that you feel the same way.” I gasp. That’s two for two. First Scott now, Devin. This is not happening.

  “Well?” He raises his eyebrows.

  “I…” he leans over and kisses me. I am so shocked. I don’t stop him. We make out for a while.

  “Is that a yes?” he says pulling away.

  “I don’t know?” I am completely stunned by the evening events. “I mean I had a great time. But, this is so much to comprehend.” I say still fumbling with my fingers.

  He sighs. “What is the problem then?”

  “I will call you tomorrow. Okay?”

  “Okay.” His disappointment is evident. I open the door and step out. Walking up to my porch, I release my hair from the clips. He pulls from the driveway and I watch as his car rounds the corner.

  I open the door and stumble inside. I kick off the high heel booties and drag myself to my room. I slam the door behind me and flop across my bed. My phone rings.

  “Oh no who could this be?”

  “Hey hottie, you were the talk of the party. Maybe you should get cute more often.”

  “I don’t know Eva.”

  “Alright spill. Give me every single detail right now!”

  “Not tonight Eva. But I will say. I have been kissed for the first time twice tonight.”

  “Huh?”

  “I will explain tomorrow. I am too tired and confused.”

  “Okay you bore! But I want it all first thing in the morning.”

  “First thing.” I doze off not even changing my clothes.

  When I awake, the sun is beaming. I squint to try and see.

  “Wow! I slept all night.” I stand and I am in my pajamas.

  “When did I put these on?” I run to the bathroom and I smell breakfast.

  “Maybe she is serious? Breakfast every day, nice.” I brush my teeth and hurry down stairs. Toast again? Mom.” She frowns.

  “What do you mean Sienna?”

  “Never mind. It’s better than nothing. I sit at the table and start to eat. Hurry! You are going to be late.” I stop and look at her.

  “Late for what?”

  “School.” I shake my head. She must have had too much fun last night.

  “I hope you get that invite that you want.”

  “Mom today is Saturday. Yesterday was the party.” She walks over to me and lie her hand onto my forehead.

  “Baby girl. Today is Friday.” I stand and run to the television. The news man confirms. I am bewildered and disheveled.

  “Last night, what did we do?”

  “Well, we watched some television with Scott and Eva then went to bed.” I run up the stairs and dial Eva.

  “Hey Sienna. Still hoping for an invite to the party tonight?” I drop the phone on the floor and grab my face.

  “What in the world just happened?”

  CHAPTER 3

  I search my bedroom for signs of my insanity. I know I went to school yesterday and it was Friday. I stand there in a panic. I hear Eva yelling through the phone. I slowly pick it up.

  “Hey what’s the problem Sienna?”

  “I’m sorry. I dropped the phone.”

  “Scott is still hoping that he can get you in.”

  “Don’t worry about it I have completely given up. I’ll see you in school.”

  “Alright?” I hang up the phone and go over to my dresser. The sweat shirt I thought I wore, is folded and completely clean.

  “Was I dreaming? Can’t be, it felt so real.” I pick up the sweatshirt and throw it across my bed. I slide into my jeans and opt out of wearing the sweater. I wiggle into my ‘Ryder’s t-shirt, look in the mirror, and decide to tackle my hair. I begin the attack, and suddenly I remember Scott’s touch when he mussed my hair in the dream. I pull a scrunchie over the ponytail I am holding in place. I tug at it to make sure it’s tight. I slip my feet into my socks, struggle to get them into my shoes, grab my books and hurry down the stairs.

  “Sienna, you have to…”

  “Don’t tell me, I am picking up the goblin after school?”

  “Yes and you know…”

  “That’s why you and dad helped me buy the car. Got it!”

  My mom stands there in total shock. She just doesn’t know we are in the same place. I grab my keys and head to my faithful thunderbird. I sit there for a moment and listen to engine roar. I decide not to speed out of the driveway like I did amidst my slumber. The backlash just wouldn’t be worth only my smile. I head towards the school. As I drive to school I hit every light and witness every scene that occurred in my dream. It is really freaking me out, but I cruise the cruise of daily doom as if there is nothing new. When I pull into the lot I cannot believe my eyes, exactly the same.

  I am extremely quiet as the events play out to the letter. When I get to gym class I get the invite. But I turn it down. I am afraid to go through that again. What if Devin is trying to play me? I could not handle it. I think the whole thing is a warning designed to stop potential ruin. I may be considered more of a loser than I already am.

  I slowly walk to the locker room at the end of class and Devin stops me.

  “Sienna!” He yells.

  I turn to face him desperately searching for someone to save me. My eyes wildly explore the halls.

  “Umm, yea what’s up?”

  “I told you I would get you an invite. Why did you turn it down?”

  “Payton and Avery is not my crowd. I just think I will stay in and watch some movies.”

  “Aren’t Scott and Eva going?”

  “Of course.”

  “I was just hoping we could go together?” I roll my eyes knowing that was coming.

  “I don’t think we have much in common. I would not be much fun.”

  He frowns. I assume I am totally pissing him off. But I am not falling for whatever he is trying to pull.

  “I think you would. You are not like the other girls here.”

  “Why don’t you ask Eva? She needs a date.” I say as I turn to walk away.

  “I don’t want to go with Eva. If I just wanted any date I could ask any girl in this school.”

  “Go and get your sister, your Dad will kill you if you forget her.”

  His eyes widen. “How did you…” I turn away and continue to the locker room. I quickly dress and go to my car. I get in and start the i
gnition. I slide the clutch and I hear a knock at my window. I look up and Scott is smiling.

  “I heard you turned down an invitation to biggest party ever!” I roll my window down and smirk.

  “Yes I did. I don’t know why I wanted to go so bad anyway.”

  He sighs. “Are you kidding Sienna?”

  “No Scott, I am not. I am in no position to expect that they would want a shabby person like me at their pink and white glamor ball.”

  Scott’s smile disappears. “Man, I really hate when you do that Sienna.” He pulls the handle and opens my door.

  “Do what Scott?”

  “I give you a compliment, anyone gives you a compliment, and you don’t accept it. That is annoying!”

  “I don’t care. I stay in my lane. I know my place!”

  “And what lane is that, Sienna?”

  “The lane where I spend Friday night at home alone eating hotdogs in front of my floor model TV! Can you relate? No you can’t. No one at this damned school can!”

  “That is why I hang out with you Sienna. You don’t try to fit in with these clones. You are your own person.” He sighs.

  I stare at his beautiful face for a second. I really have always secretly wanted Scott. He and Eva sitting on my couch each weekend for that month drove me insane. When they broke up I was so happy. And when we remained friends I couldn’t ask for anything else. I grab my door and pull it closed.

  “Have fun with Amber, Scott.”

  “I haven’t asked her yet.”

  “Oh well I… good bye. I have to pick up Jarvis.”

  I slam on the pedal and speed from the parking lot. I pick up Jarvis and head home. I spot Jacqueline pulling from the driveway. I park and walk up towards the porch.

  “I will be back later baby girl! No invite huh?” I dismiss her with a wave.

  “Bye Mom! I am going to watch some television.”

  “Okay honey. See you later!” She says as she pulls out of the driveway.

  I step inside and slam the door. I look around. We live pretty well. I wouldn’t say we have as much money as Eva and the Fremont gang, but I guess it’s enough. My dad got this house for us. He makes sure we are taken care of, but Natalie gets most of everything. I plop onto the couch and click the remote. I surf the channels and rest on a sitcom. I think about my dream and how vivid it was.