My mind came back to reality; I smiled recalling a wonderful dream. It took a moment until I snapped out of my thoughts. I opened my eyes blearily and yawned.

What happened? I thought. At first I thought I was sleepwalking to the basement and onto the couch again, but I realized my head is on a leg and an empty plate on top of my stomach. I sat up, took the plate, put it aside and sat up.

I looked to my left and noticed a sleeping Putzie sitting up with his head tilted back. Oh geez. Putzie is still in my basement. That really must mean this wasn't a dream at all. It's all real!

I smiled at him as he said something in his sleep. I swear he was saying my name and moaning at the same time. He's dreaming about me... Awwww, how sweet!

But then I heard footsteps upstairs. I looked up at the ceiling. Shoot. My parents are home! And Putzie is still here! I immediately touched his shoulder to wake him. He finally opened his eyes and groans.

"Wha-" I shushed and quietly hissed covering his mouth with my hand. "Putzie. We fell asleep! My parents are home!"

Fully awake, Putzie immediately looked at his watch. "Oh damn! It's two in the morning! Way past curfew!"

"Stay here," I whispered firmly. "Don't move! Don't say anything! I'll be right back." I ran upstairs and opened the door to see my mom in the kitchen poring some water in a cup. Then she turned to find me. Shoot.

"Jan? I thought you were in bed. And why aren't you in pajamas?"

I looked down to see I have my clothes on and bows still in my hair. Think Jan think. Think of a lie.

I immediately lied. "I just came home and crashed on the couch downstairs."

"And what happened to the pie?" My mom asked looking for it in the fridge.

"I ate it." I said. Only half truth, half lie.

"Now honey. What did I tell you about raiding the fridge? I thought you were going on a diet," she lightly scolded.

"I was," I explained. "It's just a really hard challenge. I hate limits on eating food mom. I really do."

Mom puts her hand on my shoulder. "I know baby. I know." She kisses my head. "I know you hate it. But you'll get used to it in a while."

I nodded giving a small smile.

"Well, I'm gonna go to bed," she said turning off the kitchen light and the hallway light. "So should you." I nodded again and then I almost forgot to tell her about the date for the dance off. I turned to my mom and said slowly, "mom? Putzie asked me to be his date at the dance off!"

"Really? Oh baby, I'm so happy for you!" She hugged me and gave me a kiss. "I think maybe later we can go dress shopping."

"Ok. Night mom."

"Goodnight sweetie." She went upstairs to her bedroom and heard the door click shut.

I waited a moment until it was all quiet, and then I opened the basement door whispering, "Coast is clear!"

Putzie came up. "That was a close call."

"Yeah," I sighed of relief. We stood for a moment.

I apologized, "I'm sorry I kept you here for so long."

Putzie smiles, "It's ok. It's my fault. It's actually worth it being here. We had a good time! Right?"

I smiled happily as we both went to the door and then I sighed wearily, "Yeah. I think I should-."

"Yeah. I gotta get home before my parents kill me." He was about to leave and then turned and said, "I think I love you Jan."

I chuckled, "I think I love you too!"

He bids me goodnight and then left. As he leaves, he jumps and clicks his heels.

I sighed lovingly and then went inside. I put on my pajamas, brushed my teeth and got into bed. But I laid there thinking. I swear that was the best night of my life! All those things happening, I never felt so happy in my years since having a meatball fight with my brother. I still hope he can come back soon before I graduate. It wasn't like me to do this, but I prayed for him to come home.

I soon drifted off to sleep hoping to dream the whole day all over again.