Bernice ran down the street and turned the corner to find herself face to face with the gorgeous cedar home. Sometimes she still couldn't believe that she lived here. But even more amazing was that Justin had built it. The house was soooo different from the last house she lived in; her grandmother's old white house that always smelled like a strange combination of lemon drops and chocolate chip cookies.
When Justin proposed to her mom and promised to take care of her for the rest of their lives, Travis and Bernice packed up their things and soon moved into their new home. It was a big adjustment, having a stepfather. Justin was nice and all, but he wasn't her daddy. She doubted she'd ever think of him that way.
"Hey, Bernice Bernice Bernice." Justin said with a smile as she arrived at the front porch.
"Hey Justin."
"Kinda late for you to be gettin' home, isn't it?"
"Well... I had something I needed to do after school. Mom's not mad, is she?"
"Naw, she'll be fine. She was just a little worried when she called earlier. You know how she is when it comes to you and your brother."
Bernice suddenly felt very guilty that she hadn't called. She always told her mother everything that was going on in her life, but she couldn't tell her this. Her mom would never understand.
"Well, I'm gonna go start on my homework." Bernice said.
Justin smiled. "That's my girl. You know, if you keep on makin' straight A's, every college in Texas will be bustin' down the doors, tryin' to get you to come to their school."
Bernice smiled. "Thanks, but I doubt it."
She ran into the house and up the staircase; her heart beating faster with every step. And suddenly she was at her computer, typing the much anticipated email;
Hey Daddy,
Guess what? I'm a Senior now! I never thought I'd be able to say that, and it still feels like a dream! Today I found out that a special dance is going to be held at Smithville High. It's like a prom, but it's for fathers and daughters only. I know we have barely seen each other since Mom and I moved to Smithville, but it would mean so much to me if you would be my "date". The theme is Moonlight and Lavender, so you can wear any kind of blue or purple you want. The dance is in three weeks, Daddy, so we need to start planning now. I'm gonna go to Rachel's and pick out the prettiest dress you've ever seen. It'll be even prettier than Mom's Queen of the Corn dress!
Love, Bernice.