Guess who's ba-ack?...

God, I SO wanted to go back on what I said in Chapter 2 and have Kara exist again. It would fit in so well with the story! But if I did that, Josh wouldn't be able to... well, you'll see. ;)

"Why are we doing this again?" Lily asked Josh, her eyebrow raised.

Josh turned to her and smiled. "Because it's fun! I can point out like, every one."

Lily rolled her eyes and looked back up at the dark glittering vault of stars, searching for any familiar shape in the twinkling lights. She had never really been into the whole constellation thing, and she was a bit surprised that Josh was.

Josh nudged her and pointed up at the sky. "See, there's the Big Dipper! That's an easy one to spot, though."

She followed his finger and soon saw the image of a spoon-like shape, resembling a squarish pan. Lily nodded. "I see it." She had to admit, she was kind of enjoying this. It was a peaceful night and the whole sky seemed to be like a 'Where's Waldo?' book. "What else?"

Josh rubbed his chin. "Well, there's Andromeda," he pointed out.

She looked out, but she knew it was pointless since she didn't know its shape. "Which one?"

"Here, it goes like this..." Josh took her hand and traced the outline in the air. A tingle raced down Lily's spine.

"Oh!" she exclaimed. "It's a girl!"

"Yeah. In Greek mythology she was a princess. Chained to a rock by her own parents, just waiting for a sea monster to eat her," Josh explained.

"Why?"

He shrugged. "I don't know, maybe she got too many F's on her report card or something. Anyway, this guy, Perseus-" he pointed at the sky, traacing the outline- "was just walking by and saw her. She was the most beautiful princess he'd ever seen. Andromeda told him to leave, because the sea monster was coming. He didn't though. He was already in love with her. So when the monster came, Perseus stabbed it in the mouth with his sword."

"Ouch." Lily winced.

"And then, all of Andromeda's suitors, who were too cowardly to save her, came running back to her, claiming her as their bride," Josh continued. But Perseus knew she was the one. He petrified them with the head of Medusa."

"Wow."

There was a very pregnant pause.

"You know, you remind me of him. Perseus," Lily said.

"Me?" Josh turned to look at her.

"You and Perseus... you do anything for love. You said Perseus petrified the suitors because he wanted Andromeda. Remember Amber?"

Josh flushed. "Yes." Amber was a girl who he'd once liked in middle school, way back in 2149.

"You obsessed over her, and day after day I'd have to hear you rant on and on about her. You had English class with her for two years and she never gave you a second thought. But you still didn't stop. You put flowers in her locker, send her love notes, asked her to the dance..." Lily shook her head. "You were one crazy little tinkler back then."

"Yeah," Josh agreed. Although he was cool and calm on the outside, on the inside his mind and heart were racing.

Go on, ask her to the ball! his heart urged.

Nah, I shouldn't... wouldn't that be a bit too forward? his brain replied.

Oh, bullshit! Hurry up and get it over with. It's the perfect time! At night, the stars are shining, and you're talking about how you'd do anything for love. Go on, get her before someone else does!

Oh, but... what if she says no?

But what if she says yes?

"Well, I'd better get going," Lily said, snapping Josh back to reality. "My mom will kill me if I broke curfew."

Lily was about a yard away when Josh finally acted.

"Wait, Lily!" he called, running after her."I was wondering if- if-"

"If?..."

"Wangoballwime?" Why did he have to go red now, why?

"Um, what?" Lily asked. "Sorry, didn't catch that."

"I was wondering if you- if you wanted to go to the Christmas ball with me," Josh repeated, starting to sweat.

Lily stared.

And stared.

And stared some more.

Finally she said, "Seven-thirty. Don't be late." Then she turned her back on him and continued walking to her house.

Josh let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. A goofy smile worked its way to his mouth. "Yes!"

Josh practically skipped inside his house. He skated past his parents in the living room to the kitchen and helped himself to some water, smiling into his glass.

"What're you so happy about?" Jim asked.

"Oh, nothing," Josh smiled, going to his room.

Jim grinned at his wife. "He must have just asked out Lily."

There you have it. It sounded so much better in my head, though.

Reviews are love! XX.

Mrs. Liboiron out.