*All disclaimers apply*
Delia Brown spun around as her dress twirled around her. Her father, who's appearance had aged just slighty over the past seven years, stood holding close Delia's stepmother, Nina, who had married her father just three years ago. They laughed as she stumbled a little bit. Although she had matured and acted more like a girl than she did as a child, she still hadn't lost all of her tomboy qualities, and wasn't one for big heels.
She was now sixteen years old, and it was evening of her junior prom, but she wouldn't be in attendance. Instead, she would be attending a dinner being held at Colorado State University in honor of one of their star athletes. His image flashed across her mind and she smiled bigger. Seven years ago, this wouldn't have seemed possible.
"Andy, she's glowing," she heard Nina whisper. She glanced at her father for his reaction, but all he did was smile at her. "Delia, Sam, time to pose for pictures."
Sam, who was now 12, grimaced. "Do I have to?"
Delia threw her arm over her step brother's shoulders, "Yes. Because I said so."
After a couple flashes, Sam ran back up and the stairs just as Ephram made his way down. He smiled at his baby sister. She looked beautiful. He walked over and pulled her into a hug. "You know I still don't approve," he whispered in her ear.
"Ephram, shut up."
Ephram, now 22, had been living and attending school in New York since high school graduation, but was back in town for the next week. Although he claimed it was for many reasons, she knew it was just so he could spend a week reminding her how much he didn't approve of her plans for tonight. She loved him, he was her hero, but he couldn't protect her forever.
The two posed for a couple pictures, before there was a knock at the door. Ephram opened the door and reluctantly let their guest inside. He walked over to Delia, handing her a red rose and planting a kiss on her cheek. "Your carriage awaits, my lady," he said as he held out his arm.
Delia smiled as she grabbed onto her arm. As the two walked towards the door, she didn't even notice Ephram's threatening look on her date, her father's call of "Have her home as early as possible" and Nina's cry of "Wait, I didn't get any pictures." She was too lost in this surreal moment.
Tonight she, Delia Brown, would be the date of the dinner's guest of honor -- Bright Abbott.
