Okay, you can do this, Marley. It's just one little question, Marley Rose thought to herself. The Sadie Hawkins dance was a week away and she was determined to ask Jake Puckerman to go with her. He will say yes, she encouraged herself.

"Wow, desperate much?" A voice asked from the bathroom stall.

Crap, Marley cursed under her breath. She didn't realize she was actually speaking out loud.

Kitty Wilde, Marley's mortal enemy, emerged from the bathroom stall. "You know you should really check to see if people are in the bathroom before you give yourself a pathetic little pep talk," Kitty smirked.

"I, uh, didn't realize I was speaking out loud," Marley said.

"So who are you talking about?" Kitty demanded. "Who are you so sure will say yes?"

"Um, I was thinking of asking Jake to the Sadie Hawkins dance," Marley spoke softly.

"And you actually think he's going to say yes?" Kitty burst out laughing.

"Um, maybe."

"Oh sweety," Kitty said. "I'm already going with him."

"You-you already asked him?"

"No, but if I ask him and you ask him, who do you honestly think he'll pick?" Kitty winked.

"Right, well, um, I'm going to go." Marley quickly hurried out of the girls bathroom, trying as hard as she could to make sure no one saw her crying.

"I just don't get it, Mom. Why would Kitty go after Jake when she knows I like him? Why does she always have to ruin everything for me?" Marley vented to the only person who would understand.

"Sweetheart, the only reason this Kitty girl is going after him is because she's jealous," Ms. Rose smiled.

"Kitty? Jealous of me? Please." Marley snorted.

"Why don't you ask him still," Ms. Rose suggested. "The worst he could do is say no."

"That's what I'm scared about," Marley sighed.

"Look, Jake is a sweet boy. He won't break your heart."

"You think?"

"I know. Mothers always know best, remember?"

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Marley laughed. She got up and gave her mother a hug. "Thanks, mom. You're the best."

"I love you, Marles. Now go out there and have fun!"

"Thanks." Marley gave her mom a kiss on the cheek and ran out the door.

The next day, Marley saw Jake by his locker alone. She took a couple deep breaths and crossed her fingers for good luck.

"Jake! Hi!" She walked up to him.

"Hey, Marley." He grinned.

"So, um, there's something I want to ask you," Marley said nervously.

"Yeah?" Jake raised his eyebrow and smiled, like he knew exactly what she was going to say.

"So, um, do you want to go to the, uh, Sadie Hawkins dance with me?" Marley closed her eyes, waiting for an answer.

"Kitty actually kinda already asked me," he replied.

"Oh. That's great." Marley tried to hide the disappointment in her voice, but was epically failing. Not knowing what to say next, she turned around and started walking away.

"I said no," Jake spoke up. Marley froze in her place and waited for him to continue.

"I told her I was waiting for someone else to ask me."

"Who?" Marley asked, slowly walking back to Jake.

"Who do you think?" Jake giggled.

"Oh," Marley laughed nervously. "So is that a yes?"

"Of course."

"Great. That's awesome!" Marley stated babbling. "I'll, um, I'll see you there then. I mean, I'll see you before then, you know since we still have 2 days before the dance, but-"

"I'll talk to you later," Jake laughed. She was so adorable, he thought.

"Right. Okay, bye." Marley waved and rushed to class.

"Bye." Jake grinned. This was going to be the best dance ever.

Okay, just stay calm, Jake thought to himself, remembering his brother's words of wisdom. He had just gotten to the dance and was hanging out with Ryder, waiting for Marley to show.

"Dude, are you nervous?" Ryder asked.

"Yeah, a little. I really like Marley. I don't want to make a fool of myself or anything."

"You'll be fine, man. Don't worry." Ryder patted Jake reassuringly on the shoulder.

"Before Jake could respond, Marley walked through the doors, looking like the most beautiful girl in the world. She was wearing a light blue dress with thin spaghetti staps that really brought out her amazing blue eyes. She looked around the auditorium, spotted Jake, and made her way towards him.

"Jake, you look amazing," she gasped.

"You-you do too," Jake stuttered.

Marley giggled nervously. "So, do you want to dance?"

"I'd love to." He took her hand as they made their way through the sea of teenagers.

They found an empty space, and Jake stepped closer to Marley. Cautiously, he put his hands on her waist. Not able to help herself, she giggled again and put arms around Jake's neck.

"Are you sure this dress looks okay? I wasn't sure what color it should be, or what style-"

"Marley, you look beautiful. The dress looks perfect."

Marley looked down at her shoes, blushing. No one has ever called her beautiful before. Well, except her mom, but that didn't count.

Out of the corner of his eye, Jake saw Kitty charging towards him. If looks could kill, Jake would be dead by now. He had never seen her look so mad.

"You are making a huge mistake, Jake Puckerman. You should be here with me!" She screamed, not even caring that everyone was staring at her.

"I don't like you, Kitty. Simple as that. Maybe you should leave before you embarrass yourself even more," Jake said.

"Ugh!" Kitty screamed. "This is your fault!" She pointed at Marley and ran out the door.

"Wow, I didn't realize how crazy she is," Marley said.

"Yeah, I know. At least she's gone now." He put his hands back on her waist and they started swaying back and forth.

"This is nice," Marley said. "I'm glad I'm here with you."

"Yeah, me too. I really like you, Marley.

"I like you too," she said softly. Not able to control herself, she leaned in and kissed Jake soundly on the lips. Jake opened his eyes in shock, but then slowly closed them and kissed her back. He loved every second of the kiss. Marley's lips were so soft, and they tasted like candy.

After a minute, Marley pulled away, much too soon for Jake's liking. She giggled again.

"Hey." Jake lifted Marley's chin up so she was looking into his eyes. "There's no need to be nervous." He smiled.

"Yeah, you're right." Marley nodded. "I'm just...really glad I'm here with you."

"Me too." Jake grinned. He would never ever regret not going to the dance with Kitty.