We drove to the hotel in semi-silence. The dance had ended and we said our goodbyes to
everyone. Now I felt like the second part of my Cinderella phase was beginning.
Gerald was whispering things to me that made my blood boil but I couldn't stop worrying
about Helga and Arnold. They both sat across from us, not touching, looking out the
windows. The opposite of the dance. They both looked nervous.
Nudging Gerald, I motioned toward the two. Frowning, he leaned over, slapping Arnold
on the leg.
"Hey, don't fall asleep now." he teased. "The fun's just starting."
Arnold smiled slightly, turning his attention to Helga, who had woken from her reverie.
"So, what's first?" I asked. "The dessert bar or the pool?"
Helga shrugged. "Pool first?" she suggested. "I'm still stuffed from dinner.

The limo stopped in front of the hotel and the four of us got out.
Helga and I lingered behind as Arnold and Gerald got the keys to the rooms.
Helga grabbed my arm, causing me to turn my attention from the pleasant view of my
boyfriend's backside.
"Thank you Phoebe." she said. "You will never know how much I appreciate this."
"I frowned at her. "What is it, Helga?"
She glanced over at our dates, then back to me. "It's nothing."
I looked over, watching the two boys walk back towards us.
"Ready to go, ladies?" Gerald asked, holding out his arm to me. I took it, briefly noting
that Arnold had taken Helga's hand.
We walked to the elevators and got in.
I leaned against the wall waiting for the elevators to reach our floor and wondering what
our room would look like.