19. Suspicious Note
My popularity had grown tremendously at school. I was known as the unsuspected hero that
made the shot to win our first game. Marcus and I continued to stay after practice, even
though I already had the drills and plays mastered. We would usually just shoot or play one on
one. After a few games, Coach Taylor eventually adjusted the starting lineup to include me in
it. Marcus got to keep his point guard position, so it made being a starter even better for me.
Jeremy was knocked out of the starting lineup in order to put me in it. This made his distaste
for me even greater. The guys on the team that had sided with Jeremy, seemed to like me
now. If he wasn't so sour, it would be almost like our fight never happened.
It's the week of our first dance and it's ladies' choice. I don't expect anyone to ask me, but I shudder
at the thought that someone will. I don't do dancing, so I'm not sure what I would even say to turn
someone down. I've never actually had to reject someone before. I can only think of one person that
I would say yes to going to a dance, without any hesitation, Leah.
I dragged into school after my homework session with Candace. She didn't say much today and she
seemed a little off. I just figure it's because it is a gloomy Monday. Hayley cheerfully greeted me at
my locker. "What are your plans for this week?" She asked with an ear to ear smile. Oh no, surely she
is not about to ask me to the dance. I have no idea how to respond.
"We have a basketball game tomorrow night and one on Thursday. Besides that, I'll be at practice and
doing homework and studying."
"We both know that you're not going to do your homework or study."
"You never know. I might've decided to hunker down overnight. Be a model student."
"That's real funny... I'm glad that you're not busy this evening, because you're coming with me and
some friends to La Push beach."
"I don't really..."
"No excuses, you're coming." She interrupted. I attempted to give her a scowling look, but she just
skipped away to class.
When I opened my locker there was a folded up piece of paper inside. I looked around suspiciously,
but no one around seemed to be guilty. Maybe someone got the wrong locker. I opened the note
and it was addressed to me.
Dear Wilder,
I know that dancing is probably not your thing, but I would just really like some company there. I've
already gotten a dress and I don't want to go alone. You were the first person that came to mind for
me to ask. I've been afraid to ask, because I thought that it might make things weird. After putting a
lot of thought into it, I think that we'll have a good time and we can just go as friends. I really enjoy
your company, and I was wondering if you would go to the dance with me. No pressure if you don't
want to, but just remember that you owe me for keeping your grades afloat.
Your friend,
Candace
P.S. If you don't want to go, then please just throw this away and pretend it never happened.
I stuffed the note in my pocket and made my way to history class while I pondered my decision. I
really didn't want to go the dance, but I also didn't want to disappoint Candace. Surely she could
find someone else to go with if I said no. Any guy she'd ask would probably say yes. Why did she
pick me?
I continued to ponder what I would say to Candace. I figured I had until math class to give her an
answer. I figured that if I didn't mention it then, she would take it as a no. I pulled the sheet out and
reread it one last time to make sure that I didn't miss anything. Candace was fidgeting her pencil
and looking at her math book when I walked in the room. The tardy bell rang shortly after I walked
in. I was thankful that we spent most of the class taking notes. This gave me a little more time to
decide. I approached Candace at the end of class. I was still unsure of my decision. I could see the
nervousness in her brown eyes as she gave me a pleading look. That sealed my decision.
"Hey Candace... about your note...I would like to go to the dance with you. I think it'll be fun. Plus, you're
right, I do owe you." I stated trying to give her a convincing smile.
"Thank you so much. I really hate it being girls' choice. I was nervous about asking, but I'm glad it's
worked out now." She said as her expression turned to relief.
"Well, I guess I'll see you later then." I eased out awkwardly.
"See ya." She giggled as she hopped into the hallway.
I guess that settles it. I've got a date to the dance. Too bad I have no clue what to wear.