"My mom said that I can sleep over on Friday," Claudia told Virginia in
homeroom on Friday. She kept thinking about what would happen and smiled
every time. Finally she was going to go out with a guy. Especially a guy
that had the guts to ask her before it was too late.
During the whole day, all that Alex and Claudia could do was smile at each other. At lunch, the both of them kept telling one another how they couldn't wait until that night. "I can't wait," Claudia told Alex. "The same here," he replied. "Well, what movie are we going to see," asked Claudia eagerly. "Anything that you want to see," Alex said.. "I was thinking a movie that we won't want to see." All Alex could do was smile the few minutes that Claudia looked confused. Then she finally got it. "That's fine with me," she said, blushing.
On the bus Claudia told Virginia what the convocation that she had with her date during lunch. "I can't believe that he said that," Virginia cried. "Tonight I hope that is going to happen to me. I found a date. I asked David Garsh. I've had a crush on him since yesterday when he picked up my books for me when I dropped them in the hall. He is really cute and sweet. Maybe something will happen down the long road. "I'm happy for you. It's great of you that you had the guts to ask him. I wish I was as brave as you," Claudia replied.
When the both of them were dropped off, Claudia's sleeping bag was on the doorstep. On top was a note. It read: Claudia, Virginia's mom wasn't home so I left your sleeping bag on the porch for you. It has all the things that you need. If it doesn't, give me a call and I will drop it off. Hope you have a good time. Call me before you go to bed. In other words, call me at 9. Love you, Mom. Claudia folded up the note, and placed it in her bag. The two of them went straight for Virginia's room. They gathered everything that they would need for that night.
Up until 5:30 they watched TV, played games, talked, and fooled around. When it reached that time they suddenly became serious. Both of them got dressed and did their makeup and then their hair. By the time they were done, they had 20 minutes to spare.
Before they got into the car, they checked off all the things that were on the list. "Outfits," said Virginia. "Check," finished Claudia. They checked it off on their list. "Hair," said Claudia this time. "Check," finished Virginia. "And perfect if I must add." "Purses," asked Virginia. "Check," finished Claudia. "Lip gloss," said Claudia. "Check," Virginia replied. "Well, I think that we have all we need for a fab night," Virginia announced excitedly. Claudia agreed.
Virginia, Claudia, and Virginia's mother hopped into the car. For 20 minutes they drove in the car with smiles on their faces and listening to music on the way to the movies. When they got there, David and Alex were in front of the building waiting for them. "Be here in two hours ok mom," Virginia asked her mom. "Ok, I'll see you girls then. Have a good time," she told them and drove off.
Virginia and Claudia walked over to their dates. "Hey," the two boys said to the girls. "Hey," the girls said, and couldn't help smiling. "So what movie are we going to see," asked David, and he looked at everyone. "I don't know. Ask Claudia," Alex replied. "The decision is up to her." He looked at her and smiled. Claudia smiled back. She looked at the board that had all the movies that were showing. She scanned the board. There were many movies that she wanted to see, and many movies that they could do things in, and not care if they missed anything. "Umm," Claudia said. " How about," she said slowly. "A Night in the Haunted Mansion," she finished. Everyone looked confused. She noticed this. "We are afraid of scary movies," and gestured to Virginia and herself, "and we need someone to protect us," and she smiled. Now everyone was on the same page and understood clearly.
The four of them reached the counter and asked for four tickets for, A Night in the Haunted Mansion. The guy at the register gave them their tickets and went to get some refreshments. When Claudia was getting out her money to pay for her food, Alex stepped in. "I'll pay for it," he said happily.
As they finished paying, they walked toward theater 5. The theater was half packed and took a seat in the top back. The seating was David, Virginia, Claudia, and Alex.
During the previews they ate most of their food. When the movie was about to start, Claudia noticed Alex's are slowly over her shoulders. She smiled to herself. She still couldn't believe that this was happening to her.
Claudia and Alex watched at least 30 minutes of the movie before something great happened to her. She turned her head toward Alex. For a couple of seconds the two of them just stared at each other. Then, slowly, both of their heads came closer and closer together, and then Claudia's lips pressed against Alex's lips. She closed her eyes while she had her very first kiss. It was perfect in her mind. The kiss lasted for a few seconds. It was soft, nice, and was just the beginning. For the rest of the movie that is what all they could do.
The theater became full of lights, and it surprised Claudia and Alex. They forgot all about the movie. The four of them stood up, put their jackets on, picked up their trash, and then Claudia looked to her far left and couldn't believe her eyes. To her horror, she was looking at a familiar face that looked thunders trucked. It was Josh's. All she could do was stare. He looked angry, shocked, and sad.
After what felt like eternity, everyone walked out of the theater. Josh was still in Claudia's field of view talking to his friends, but his bac was turned. She felt so guilty.
The two of the couples walked hand in hand out of the movies. When they reached outside, the two boys kissed their dates. "I had such a good time with you," said Alex, holding both of Claudia's hands in his. He was looking into her eyes. She looked into his and smiled. "I did too," she said. "It was so much fun. I wish the night didn't have to end," and she looked sad. Alex had the same facial expression on too. :I don't either," he said. "But we can get together over the weekend, and have another great time." A horn honked and they looked up. "That's my older brother. Again, I had a great time with you. I am so glad I met you." He kissed her patiently. "I'll call you tomorrow." They kissed again. "Ok," Claudia said. "Bye." "Bye," he said and he jumped into the red Eclipse, and waved to her. She waved back and felt like she was going to faint. She turned and faced Virginia. David left too and she was smiling. They jumped up and down and giggled.
As they were waiting for Virginia's mom, Claudia saw Josh again waiting for a ride. His friends were gone and he was the only one left. Claudia jabbed Virginia's arm and nodded over in the direction of Josh.
Both of them walked over to him. He was talking on his cell phone. "The movie has been over for a while now, when are you coming to pick me up," he asked the person that was on the other line. "Everyone left and I'm the only one here," he said. "Ok." He hung up. "Hey Josh," Claudia greeted him. He looked up. "Hey," he said, sounding as if he was trying to sound happy. "I saw you with Alex. Are you two going out now," he asked. The moment was awkward.
Claudia managed to say, yeah, we are." She couldn't even look at him. Even though they never went out, it felt like talking to her ex-boyfriend.
"Cool," he said, acting fascinated toward his shoes.
When several minutes of time went by, Virginia's mom drove up. "Sorry girls that I'm late," she said. "The traffic is terrible." "It's ok," both of them said together. Claudia looked at Josh. He kept looking at his watch and looking at the parking lot eagerly. "Josh," Claudia yelled. "Yeah," he asked. Claudia got out of the car and walked up to him. "Do you need a ride," she asked him. "Well my dad is suppose to be here be now, but he is probably on his way," he said, and looked at his watch again. "Are you sure? Virginia's mom really wouldn't mind dropping you off at your house," she told him. :"It wouldn't be a problem," Virginia's mom said. Josh looked at her to Claudia. Claudia had a pleading look on her face. "Let me call my dad first," he said, finally giving in. He dialed the number on her phone and reached his dad. He told him that he had a ride and he didn't need to come. Afterwards, he jumped into the backseat with Claudia while Virginia was riding in the front with her mom.
They were in front of his house in 25 minutes. She pulled into his drive way and he opened his door. "Thanks a lot Mrs. Ranch," he said. He looked at Claudia and said," bye Claudia." "Bye Josh," she said, and he got out and closed the door. Mrs. Ranch waited until he got inside before she pulled out of his driveway.
"He was watching you the whole time," asked Virginia in amazement. Claudia and her were sitting on her bed in their pajamas eating popcorn. Claudia was telling her about Jason. "I think so," said Claudia. She ate a couple of pieces of popcorn. "When the movie was over, I was getting my jacket on, and I looked over and saw him in his seat looking at us with this look of sadness on his face." Claudia sighed. She took a handful of popcorn and took a swallow of her soda. The atmosphere fell silent. "I don't know what to say," Virginia broke the silence. "It's stupid that he was mad or sad or, whatever he was feeling. You weren't going to wait forever for him to get off his lazy butt and ask you out." "I don't know either," said Claudia. She fell on her back on the bed. "C'mon Claude, we can't dwell on this tonight. You are going out with Alex right," she asked. "Yes," Claudia said. "And you have fun with him right," she asked the next question. "Yes," Claudia said again. "And you are getting over Jason right," Virginia said. "Yes," Claudia said confidently. "And you want to have fun the rest of the night right," she asked. "Yes," Claudia said dignity, and arose from the bed. "Then we have to get Jason out of our thoughts and not worry about him ok," she asked while getting off the bed and walking towards her. "Yes," Claudia said. "Ok then. Well what should we do first," asked Virginia mischievously.
That night the two best friends had a fun night. First they told each other how their night was. During the story there were giggles, and "really's?, and "Oh my god's", and "wow's." Afterwards, they played games, watched movies, listened to music, talked, ate, and played video games. Finally, at four in the morning they went to sleep.
At twelve they woke up. Both of them got changed, brushed their teeth, Claudia got her things ready, and they went into the kitchen for breakfast. When they reached the kitchen, they found Mrs. Ranch already awake. "Good-morning girls," she said happily, sipping a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper. "Good-morning," Claudia and Virginia said in unison "Did you girls have a good time last night," she asked. ""Yes," they both said. Looked at one another and giggled. "Good," she said. "Would you like some breakfast. I have some bagels, some cereal, or some toast." She got up and walked to the refrigerator. "I'll have some cereal mom," said Virginia, taking a seat at the counter. "And I'll have a bagel please," said Claudia and sat next to Virginia. "Ok. Would you like something to drink? Some orange juice or some milk," she asked taking out both. "I'll have some orange juice please," replied Claudia. "Me too mommy," said Virginia. Mrs. Ranch took two glasses from the cabinet and filled them with orange juice. Virginia got up, took a box of Pops from the top of the refrigerator, and grabbed a bowl from the cabinet. She helped her mom out by fixing her own bowl of cereal. Mrs. Ranch made Claudia's bagel.
Claudia called up her mom after breakfast. In 15 minutes she was there. Claudia grabbed her stuff and thanked Virginia and her mom for everything. They got into the car and drove home. "So did you have a good time," asked Claudia's mom while driving. "Yeah, I did," she said. "Good. So what movie did you see," she asked. Claudia hesitated for a minute. Then she told her. "We saw A Night in the Haunted Mansion," she told her. She looked at her mom. Claudia's mother's face looked confused. "Really" she said. "I thought you hated scary movies." "I do," she said. "But," and Claudia fell silent for a few seconds. "But it was really a date last night, and you know," she told her mom closing her eyes tight waiting for her mothers reply. "Oh, wow," she said. "That's great," she said happily. Claudia opened her eyes looking surprised. "You are ok with that? I'm sorry I didn't tell you last night. I thought you wouldn't let me go," she told her mom. "It's ok. I'm very happy for you. It's great you are dating someone. But, next time tell me these kinds of things. I'm not going to be mad. I want to know these things," her mom said and pulled into their driveway. When she parked the car, she took the key out of the ignition and turned to look at her daughter with a smile on her face. "I'm not one of those mothers that thinks their daughters can't date until they are like, 16. I want you to have fun, because dating is fun. Just promise me next time when you are going out ok," she asked Claudia. "Ok I promise," she told her and gave her a hug. They got out. Mrs. Vecsey took Claudia's sleeping bag out of the car and brought it inside. "So who is he," she asked when they got into the living room and sat down on the couch. She patted on the cushion of the couch next to her, indicating for Claudia to sit down.
During the whole day, all that Alex and Claudia could do was smile at each other. At lunch, the both of them kept telling one another how they couldn't wait until that night. "I can't wait," Claudia told Alex. "The same here," he replied. "Well, what movie are we going to see," asked Claudia eagerly. "Anything that you want to see," Alex said.. "I was thinking a movie that we won't want to see." All Alex could do was smile the few minutes that Claudia looked confused. Then she finally got it. "That's fine with me," she said, blushing.
On the bus Claudia told Virginia what the convocation that she had with her date during lunch. "I can't believe that he said that," Virginia cried. "Tonight I hope that is going to happen to me. I found a date. I asked David Garsh. I've had a crush on him since yesterday when he picked up my books for me when I dropped them in the hall. He is really cute and sweet. Maybe something will happen down the long road. "I'm happy for you. It's great of you that you had the guts to ask him. I wish I was as brave as you," Claudia replied.
When the both of them were dropped off, Claudia's sleeping bag was on the doorstep. On top was a note. It read: Claudia, Virginia's mom wasn't home so I left your sleeping bag on the porch for you. It has all the things that you need. If it doesn't, give me a call and I will drop it off. Hope you have a good time. Call me before you go to bed. In other words, call me at 9. Love you, Mom. Claudia folded up the note, and placed it in her bag. The two of them went straight for Virginia's room. They gathered everything that they would need for that night.
Up until 5:30 they watched TV, played games, talked, and fooled around. When it reached that time they suddenly became serious. Both of them got dressed and did their makeup and then their hair. By the time they were done, they had 20 minutes to spare.
Before they got into the car, they checked off all the things that were on the list. "Outfits," said Virginia. "Check," finished Claudia. They checked it off on their list. "Hair," said Claudia this time. "Check," finished Virginia. "And perfect if I must add." "Purses," asked Virginia. "Check," finished Claudia. "Lip gloss," said Claudia. "Check," Virginia replied. "Well, I think that we have all we need for a fab night," Virginia announced excitedly. Claudia agreed.
Virginia, Claudia, and Virginia's mother hopped into the car. For 20 minutes they drove in the car with smiles on their faces and listening to music on the way to the movies. When they got there, David and Alex were in front of the building waiting for them. "Be here in two hours ok mom," Virginia asked her mom. "Ok, I'll see you girls then. Have a good time," she told them and drove off.
Virginia and Claudia walked over to their dates. "Hey," the two boys said to the girls. "Hey," the girls said, and couldn't help smiling. "So what movie are we going to see," asked David, and he looked at everyone. "I don't know. Ask Claudia," Alex replied. "The decision is up to her." He looked at her and smiled. Claudia smiled back. She looked at the board that had all the movies that were showing. She scanned the board. There were many movies that she wanted to see, and many movies that they could do things in, and not care if they missed anything. "Umm," Claudia said. " How about," she said slowly. "A Night in the Haunted Mansion," she finished. Everyone looked confused. She noticed this. "We are afraid of scary movies," and gestured to Virginia and herself, "and we need someone to protect us," and she smiled. Now everyone was on the same page and understood clearly.
The four of them reached the counter and asked for four tickets for, A Night in the Haunted Mansion. The guy at the register gave them their tickets and went to get some refreshments. When Claudia was getting out her money to pay for her food, Alex stepped in. "I'll pay for it," he said happily.
As they finished paying, they walked toward theater 5. The theater was half packed and took a seat in the top back. The seating was David, Virginia, Claudia, and Alex.
During the previews they ate most of their food. When the movie was about to start, Claudia noticed Alex's are slowly over her shoulders. She smiled to herself. She still couldn't believe that this was happening to her.
Claudia and Alex watched at least 30 minutes of the movie before something great happened to her. She turned her head toward Alex. For a couple of seconds the two of them just stared at each other. Then, slowly, both of their heads came closer and closer together, and then Claudia's lips pressed against Alex's lips. She closed her eyes while she had her very first kiss. It was perfect in her mind. The kiss lasted for a few seconds. It was soft, nice, and was just the beginning. For the rest of the movie that is what all they could do.
The theater became full of lights, and it surprised Claudia and Alex. They forgot all about the movie. The four of them stood up, put their jackets on, picked up their trash, and then Claudia looked to her far left and couldn't believe her eyes. To her horror, she was looking at a familiar face that looked thunders trucked. It was Josh's. All she could do was stare. He looked angry, shocked, and sad.
After what felt like eternity, everyone walked out of the theater. Josh was still in Claudia's field of view talking to his friends, but his bac was turned. She felt so guilty.
The two of the couples walked hand in hand out of the movies. When they reached outside, the two boys kissed their dates. "I had such a good time with you," said Alex, holding both of Claudia's hands in his. He was looking into her eyes. She looked into his and smiled. "I did too," she said. "It was so much fun. I wish the night didn't have to end," and she looked sad. Alex had the same facial expression on too. :I don't either," he said. "But we can get together over the weekend, and have another great time." A horn honked and they looked up. "That's my older brother. Again, I had a great time with you. I am so glad I met you." He kissed her patiently. "I'll call you tomorrow." They kissed again. "Ok," Claudia said. "Bye." "Bye," he said and he jumped into the red Eclipse, and waved to her. She waved back and felt like she was going to faint. She turned and faced Virginia. David left too and she was smiling. They jumped up and down and giggled.
As they were waiting for Virginia's mom, Claudia saw Josh again waiting for a ride. His friends were gone and he was the only one left. Claudia jabbed Virginia's arm and nodded over in the direction of Josh.
Both of them walked over to him. He was talking on his cell phone. "The movie has been over for a while now, when are you coming to pick me up," he asked the person that was on the other line. "Everyone left and I'm the only one here," he said. "Ok." He hung up. "Hey Josh," Claudia greeted him. He looked up. "Hey," he said, sounding as if he was trying to sound happy. "I saw you with Alex. Are you two going out now," he asked. The moment was awkward.
Claudia managed to say, yeah, we are." She couldn't even look at him. Even though they never went out, it felt like talking to her ex-boyfriend.
"Cool," he said, acting fascinated toward his shoes.
When several minutes of time went by, Virginia's mom drove up. "Sorry girls that I'm late," she said. "The traffic is terrible." "It's ok," both of them said together. Claudia looked at Josh. He kept looking at his watch and looking at the parking lot eagerly. "Josh," Claudia yelled. "Yeah," he asked. Claudia got out of the car and walked up to him. "Do you need a ride," she asked him. "Well my dad is suppose to be here be now, but he is probably on his way," he said, and looked at his watch again. "Are you sure? Virginia's mom really wouldn't mind dropping you off at your house," she told him. :"It wouldn't be a problem," Virginia's mom said. Josh looked at her to Claudia. Claudia had a pleading look on her face. "Let me call my dad first," he said, finally giving in. He dialed the number on her phone and reached his dad. He told him that he had a ride and he didn't need to come. Afterwards, he jumped into the backseat with Claudia while Virginia was riding in the front with her mom.
They were in front of his house in 25 minutes. She pulled into his drive way and he opened his door. "Thanks a lot Mrs. Ranch," he said. He looked at Claudia and said," bye Claudia." "Bye Josh," she said, and he got out and closed the door. Mrs. Ranch waited until he got inside before she pulled out of his driveway.
"He was watching you the whole time," asked Virginia in amazement. Claudia and her were sitting on her bed in their pajamas eating popcorn. Claudia was telling her about Jason. "I think so," said Claudia. She ate a couple of pieces of popcorn. "When the movie was over, I was getting my jacket on, and I looked over and saw him in his seat looking at us with this look of sadness on his face." Claudia sighed. She took a handful of popcorn and took a swallow of her soda. The atmosphere fell silent. "I don't know what to say," Virginia broke the silence. "It's stupid that he was mad or sad or, whatever he was feeling. You weren't going to wait forever for him to get off his lazy butt and ask you out." "I don't know either," said Claudia. She fell on her back on the bed. "C'mon Claude, we can't dwell on this tonight. You are going out with Alex right," she asked. "Yes," Claudia said. "And you have fun with him right," she asked the next question. "Yes," Claudia said again. "And you are getting over Jason right," Virginia said. "Yes," Claudia said confidently. "And you want to have fun the rest of the night right," she asked. "Yes," Claudia said dignity, and arose from the bed. "Then we have to get Jason out of our thoughts and not worry about him ok," she asked while getting off the bed and walking towards her. "Yes," Claudia said. "Ok then. Well what should we do first," asked Virginia mischievously.
That night the two best friends had a fun night. First they told each other how their night was. During the story there were giggles, and "really's?, and "Oh my god's", and "wow's." Afterwards, they played games, watched movies, listened to music, talked, ate, and played video games. Finally, at four in the morning they went to sleep.
At twelve they woke up. Both of them got changed, brushed their teeth, Claudia got her things ready, and they went into the kitchen for breakfast. When they reached the kitchen, they found Mrs. Ranch already awake. "Good-morning girls," she said happily, sipping a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper. "Good-morning," Claudia and Virginia said in unison "Did you girls have a good time last night," she asked. ""Yes," they both said. Looked at one another and giggled. "Good," she said. "Would you like some breakfast. I have some bagels, some cereal, or some toast." She got up and walked to the refrigerator. "I'll have some cereal mom," said Virginia, taking a seat at the counter. "And I'll have a bagel please," said Claudia and sat next to Virginia. "Ok. Would you like something to drink? Some orange juice or some milk," she asked taking out both. "I'll have some orange juice please," replied Claudia. "Me too mommy," said Virginia. Mrs. Ranch took two glasses from the cabinet and filled them with orange juice. Virginia got up, took a box of Pops from the top of the refrigerator, and grabbed a bowl from the cabinet. She helped her mom out by fixing her own bowl of cereal. Mrs. Ranch made Claudia's bagel.
Claudia called up her mom after breakfast. In 15 minutes she was there. Claudia grabbed her stuff and thanked Virginia and her mom for everything. They got into the car and drove home. "So did you have a good time," asked Claudia's mom while driving. "Yeah, I did," she said. "Good. So what movie did you see," she asked. Claudia hesitated for a minute. Then she told her. "We saw A Night in the Haunted Mansion," she told her. She looked at her mom. Claudia's mother's face looked confused. "Really" she said. "I thought you hated scary movies." "I do," she said. "But," and Claudia fell silent for a few seconds. "But it was really a date last night, and you know," she told her mom closing her eyes tight waiting for her mothers reply. "Oh, wow," she said. "That's great," she said happily. Claudia opened her eyes looking surprised. "You are ok with that? I'm sorry I didn't tell you last night. I thought you wouldn't let me go," she told her mom. "It's ok. I'm very happy for you. It's great you are dating someone. But, next time tell me these kinds of things. I'm not going to be mad. I want to know these things," her mom said and pulled into their driveway. When she parked the car, she took the key out of the ignition and turned to look at her daughter with a smile on her face. "I'm not one of those mothers that thinks their daughters can't date until they are like, 16. I want you to have fun, because dating is fun. Just promise me next time when you are going out ok," she asked Claudia. "Ok I promise," she told her and gave her a hug. They got out. Mrs. Vecsey took Claudia's sleeping bag out of the car and brought it inside. "So who is he," she asked when they got into the living room and sat down on the couch. She patted on the cushion of the couch next to her, indicating for Claudia to sit down.