(Sorry for the delay; things are busy with school starting and such. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about Jarrod... (Well, Kate too, I guess ;) ) I'm still looking for an editor, by the way, please e-mail me if you're interested Thanks for all the great feedback everyone!)

Jarrod

I knock on Kate's door about a half hour after we hang up. Kate opens it... not in her dress.

"What? No dress?" I joke-pout as she backs away so I can enter.

"Think of it as a surprise," she grins and shuts the door behind me.

"Kate, I hate to burst your proverbial bubble, but I've seen you in the dress. It looks great, don't get me wrong, but it's not much of a surprise, I'm afraid."

"You'll see," she grins.

"Jarrod? Is that you?" Jillian calls from the top of the stairs.

"Yep, it's me, Jillian," I call back.

"Perfect. I have your outfit right here," she says, coming down the stairs. Once she reaches us, she hands me a bundle of cloth. "Here you go. You can change in Kate's room if you like."

"Thanks," I reply, taking the clothing. "I'll be right back," I add as I start up the stairs.

I open the door to Kate's room, turn on the light and set my outfit on the bed. I take a quick look around, standing where the ceiling is its highest. I'm tempted to check out some of the knick-knacks Kate has on her dressers, but I figure there'll be time for that another day, and undress. I put the old, heavy clothing on, remembering the last time I wore them. I fold the clothes I was wearing and put them on her bed, then head back down the stairs.

I can hear Kate and Jillian talking as I near the kitchen. I walk into the kitchen and simply stand near the doorway, not wanting to interrupt. After a few seconds there, I learn that they're arguing over hair styles for the fancy dress party. Jillian apparently thinks Kate should have intricate braids, saying they would go with her dress. Kate can't decide what she wants.

"I think you should leave it down. You've got really nice hair," I say during a lull in their conversation so as not to interrupt. Kate's head swings toward the doorway, where I'm standing, and then she smiles.

"Thank you, Jarrod. I think that's what I'll do," she declares. I walk over and take a seat next to her at the table.

"Okay then, that's decided. Now, Jarrod, what shall we do with your hair?" Jillian asks, and we all laugh.