Chapter Three: Ballet is for Boys Too
~Amy~
September 21, 2001
You know, I never really know how to start these journal entries. I mean, what am I supposed to say? "Dear Diary" sounds way to lame and always makes me think of that stupid Britney Spears song ... besides you're not a diary, you're a journal, so it wouldn't work anyway. I've got an idea ... how bout we (or I, or whatever) make up some sort of code that I always use when I start one of these. I know, I'll name you Patrick. Well, Patrick, I probably shouldn't tell you this, but you're named after a starfish. Sorry, but someone left SpongeBob SpuarePants on in the next room*!* Don't worry though, I always thought Patrick was the best character.
Well anyway, today was interesting. You know how I told you about that super annoying - counts for 25% of your first quarter grade - English project? Well it's due this Monday and there was no way we were going to finish it in class, so I suggested that everyone come over to my house today to work on it. Well everyone showed up, including Ephram Brown. Remember how I told you that I invited him to be in our group? It's weird, I mean, I originally just invited him because he was new and lonely and I felt bad for him. But now ... well I don't know. I mean, after all the things Colin and Bright said about him ... I was expecting something awful . . . but Ephram is well . . . nice, and sweet. And cute. Whoa, I did not just say that. Disregard that last statement. But as I was saying, Ephram seems like someone I would like to be friends with, and he really helped me out today . . .
*****
Amy nervously fiddled with the hem on her sweater. She was sitting on the floor in her living room with notes and books all around her. Her friends would be there any minute, and she had to figure out a way to get rid of Bright. She knew Bright would most likely stay as far away from the living room as possible . . . until he found out that Ephram was there. Then he would most likely call Colin, cause a huge ruckus, and nothing would get done.
"Bright!" she yelled.
"I'm busy!" came the reply.
Amy didn't really feel like getting up, but this was a problem she needed to solve fast. It was already 10 till 9:00. She ran up the stairs and found Bright in his room.
"What are you doing?" she asked, fighting back giggles.
"I, uh . . . football . . . coach said that I needed to be more flexible . . ." Bright trailed off, obviously embarrassed.
"So, you decided to borrow one of my old ballet recital tapes and pick up a few moves?" Amy was laughing now. The sight of her brother doing awkward plies to Swan Lake was just too much.
"Hey, practically all the professional football players take ballet to help them become more flexible," Bright shot defensively.
"No, I think it's great," Amy giggled, "Maybe you could come with me to ballet next week. Leah would love it, she's had a crush on you for a while."
"Oh God no!" Bright said quickly, "I mean, while I think it's perfectly okay for a guy to do ballet, I just wouldn't want to impose on your class."
Amy smirked.
"You're, uh, not going to tell anyone are you?" Bright was looking nervous now.
"Why would it matter who I told, if it's so perfectly alright for guys to do ballet?"
"It is! It's just . . . please, Amy?"
Amy was about to agree when she had an idea. "I'm not so sure. I mean, I know Colin would love to hear about this, and I've really been trying to get him to take me to see the ballet in Denver forever. This might just be the inspiration I need to help convince him."
"Amy, please, don't tell Colin."
Amy smiled devilishly, "Okay, I won't tell him . . . IF you promise to stay out of the house today."
"Why?" Bright asked suspiciously.
"Hey, I get to make the terms of this deal. You either agree, or Colin's going to be getting a little phone call . . ."
"That's blackmail!"
"It's fun, isn't it?"
"Fine, I'll leave," Bright stood up to go, "And next time I'll make sure to lock my door . . . Jeez!"
Amy smiled, proud or herself. Getting rid or her brother hadn't been so difficult after all.
*****
"Why do I have to be Piggy?" Maria complained.
"Because, Ephram makes a better Simon, and all the other parts were taken. Besides, you'll look cute with glasses," Amy said with a smile.
"And not only that," Paige threw in, "There's the fact that we're practically done with the skit so there's no changing it now anyway."
"I know, I know, it's just that I'm going to feel so stupid doing this part in front of our whole English class. I really hate skits . . ."
"No you don't!" Amy said laughing, "For heavens sakes Maria, you had the lead in last years play! You're just worried because Justin Brickly is in our English class!!"
"And why would I care if Justin is in that class?" Maria asked, her cheeks turning pink.
"Because you liiiiike him!" Amy, Paige, and Jena all shouted at the same time.
"I do not!"
"Whoa now! There is a boy in this room who is feeling more uncomfortably by the minute!" Ephram cut in, a joking smirk on his face.
"Oh Ephram! I forgot about you!" Amy said, grinning at him.
"I'm hurt."
"No! I didn't mean it like that! I just meant that I forgot . . . well I don't know what I meant . . ." Amy trailed off blushing. She wasn't quite sure why she had had the urge to defend herself like that.
"Hey, it's okay. I was just kidding," Ephram said, slightly confused.
"Right."
The other girls looked curiously between Ephram and Amy, and Amy felt her cheeks grow hotter. She wondered how the situation could have gotten so awkward so fast.
"Well, umm anyway, The skits practically done, so all that's left to do now is written part on all the symbolism and junk," Amy said, trying to break the silence.
"Umm, Amy, it's getting kind of late. I sort of promised Eric that we could hang out this afternoon," Paige said uncomfortably.
"Yeah, and I was going to go shopping with my sister . . ." Maria trailed off.
"My Mom wanted me to clean my room." This comment came from Jena.
Amy looked disbelievingly at her friends. "Guys, this project is due Monday! When do you propose we finish it?"
The three girls shrugged, looking down at their feet.
"Ugh, never mind. I'll just do it myself. Have fun doing whatever it is you'll all be doing," Amy muttered.
"Thanks Amy, you're the best!" Paige gathered her things, gave Amy a hug and rushed out the door. The other girls were quick to follow.
"Well this is just great," Amy said to herself, staring at the stack on notes.
"Umm, Amy, did you forget about me again?" Ephram asked, startling Amy.
"Ephram! Oh, no . . . I just, well aren't you going to make up some excuse as to why you can't help me too?" she asked, suddenly hoping that he would stay.
"Actually, I don't really have much going on this afternoon. I'll stay and help if you want me too."
"I, uh, that would be great."
*****
"Well, I guess that pretty much wraps things up," Amy said, hitting the PRINT button on the computer in her room. The report was all finished, and Amy was pleased with the final product. Ephram had turned out to be quite a help. He actually had a lot of interesting ideas about all the symbolism and themes in a book that Amy had originally decided was stupid.
She turned in her chair and found Ephram studying all the pictures on her shelves.
"So, you take ballet?"
"What? Oh, yes. I've been taking ever since I was really little."
"You must be pretty good."
"Oh, not really," Amy said, blushing.
Ephram smiled at her, making her blush increase. Amy wondered what on earth had come over her. If she didn't know better, she'd think she was attracted to Ephram. But that was silly, because she was completely in love with Colin . . .
"So, have you ever been to the ballet in Denver? I hear they're pretty good."
"No," Amy said frowning, "I've always wanted to go, though. I've been trying to get Colin to take me, but you know, he's not really the ballet kinda guy."
Now Ephram was suddenly frowning. Amy silently cursed herself for bringing up Colin. She knew Ephram must hate him, as mean as he had been.
"So do you take lessons?" Amy asked, quickly trying to change the subject.
Ephram started laughing, and Amy groaned. She could not believe she had asked such a stupid question. Then suddenly she remembered Bright and his ballet from that morning. The next thing she knew, she was laughing too. The two continued to laugh until they were both about to cry.
Amy wiped the tears out her eyes, "I'm sorry," she giggled, "I don't know why I found that so funny. What I meant to ask you was do you play any sports, or something like that. I know you don't take ballet. It was just a badly phrased question."
Ephram smiled, "Actually, you're question wasn't completely too far off. I do take piano lessons, or did. I haven't really found a new teacher since I moved here from New York. I pretty much know how to play now anyway, though."
"That's awesome," Amy said, liking the idea of a guy playing the piano, "You'll have to play for me sometime."
"Sure."
A sudden silence filled the air. Amy knew Ephram should probably go home, now that all the work was done. She didn't quite want him to leave, though, and that confused her.
"So, uh, I guess I should probably go then," Ephram said, interrupting Amy's thoughts.
"Oh, yeah . . . I guess I'll walk you out," Amy said, feeling strangely disappointed.
The two made their way down the steps and to the front door.
"Thanks for staying and helping today, It meant a lot," Amy said, handing Ephram his coat. When she did, her knuckles lightly brushed his, sending a jolt down her back and causing her heart to start pounding. What the hell is wrong with me?, she thought.
"Oh, it was no problem. Technically it was just as much my project as it was yours."
"Yeah, I guess you're right."
"So I'll see-ya at school then"
"Bye Ephram."
"Bye Amy."
Well there ya go : ) Hope it didn't stink to much, lol! Anyway, this will most likely be the last update before Christmas, so I just want to wish everyone a Happy Holidays!! Lol and if you don't mind . . . reviews are much appreciated~! :)