The usual disclaimer applies. The characters, plot and most of the dialogue belong to those who brought us A Cinderella Story. Austin's thoughts are mine.
This will be in Austin's POV. I will try to denote conversations, texting, online or in person with italics. That little review button done at the bottom is crying to be pressed! Please, review!
As I go about my day, I'm still thinking about Princetongirl. To my luck she is online during my lunch/ free period. When I ask her how her day is going she says Raging Stepmom, work and cool kids who can't get over themselves. Ever feel like you don't belong? If only she knew how different I feel from every one I call my friends. I wonder who the cool kids are who bothered her, I wonder if we have already met and I didn't even know it. The thought of that sends a chill down my spine. But in reply to her question I say Absolutely, I can be surrounded by a sea of people and still feel all alone. Then I think of you. Then the bell rings and I have to go no matter how loathe I am to cut off a conversation with Princetongirl. Later, after school, as we talk she asks Hey Nomad, do you think we've ever met before? The very question that has plagued my mind since I realized how much I liked Princetongirl but I say I don't know. Our school has over 3500 kids. Her reply is classically Princetongirl with well that narrows it down! And me being slightly insecure about how we met, I have to say well at least I can eliminate the guys. You're not a guy right? Because if you are I'll kick your butt. Hey you never know who is actually on the other side of the keyboard. Her reply is as reassuring I am not a guy. The conversation ends there for a while before she asks Hey have you told your dad about Princeton yet? I feel like a coward but I say If only I could. I haven't even told him I wanna be a writer. She tries to be encouraging with My dad always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. To which I reply without thinking by saying Not mine. He has another plan for my life. As soon as I send it I regret it. My father may not know me as much as he thinks he does but he does care and he is still here. When Princetongirl and I first started talking she let somethings slip and before she knew it I had learned that her father had died when she was young. I now feel like an ass for complaining about the father I have. When Princetongirl writes back I am tentative opening it hoping she isn't hewing me out for being ungrateful but instead I see It's 2 a.m. we have been at this for 5 hours. This doesn't really surprise me but I say Well I think we broke our record. She promptly replies with We should turn in. Sweet Dreams. I quickly type Wait. I can't sleep without knowing there's hope. Half the night I waste in sighs. In a wakeful doze I sorrow… for the hands, the eyes…the lips… for the meeting of tomorrow. The poet in me can't resist throwing in that last verse as a segue into my next message. Before I can type out my request she sends me Quoting Tennyson. Impressive. I have to smile because who else other than her would recognize the verse. As I gather my courage I know what I have to do but I have to do it right so I don't scare her away. Please meet me at the homecoming dance. I'll be waiting for you at 11:00 in the middle of the dance floor. With that I sign off and sigh as I get ready to go to bed and face another day of pretending. I just hope that she comes and I can start to shed my façade in favor of the real me. The person I am when I'm talking to her.