December.
The bell rang loudly, letting a flood of students hurrying out the main doors of McKinley high. Everyone was looking forward to the two weeks Christmas break, and the entire student West parking-lot became an icy madhouse. Wendy walked out, her messenger bag slung over one shoulder, dressed in her red parka. She walked with Carrie, both laughing over the senior winter band performance had been. Wendy had study hall that period and had gone into the auditorium with Carrie, giggling in the darkness as Kevin, and several other guys from the hockey and football team all came on stage wearing ugly Christmas sweaters and did the can-can as Mr. Andrews the band teacher completely lost it trying to shoo them off stage. It seemed as if a whole series of senior pranks were happening this year, and Kevin was one of the masterminds behind it. School so far had actually been pretty good. Being a senior seemed so unreal to Wendy who had always looked at those upper class-men as being so much older and mature beings. Her whole life she had worked to become one, and now that it was a reality it seemed so unreal. Her schedule wasn't bad, and besides her gym class, and two lunch periods, she didn't have any classes with Ian. Still, they saw each other each morning by her locker in which she let him keep his heavy english text book since his class was just two doors over. They usually got a chance to see each other at the end of the day if Wendy wasn't staying after for either the prom committee, or the yearbook club. Both hadn't really talked about it, but around Thanksgiving when both were sprawled out across Wendy's bed looking at different college websites on Ian's laptop, the topic was brought up about where both would apply to.
Wendy had several ideas, one of the state university but in actual truth she always wanted to really get out of this area. She wanted to apply someplace else, maybe the West Coast. She was interested in a science major, and Ian and her had talked about it for a few hours about how he thought maybe he would go for a business degree to start off. Lucky for him, he didn't have to think about scholarships since his father was paying for his schooling. They looked at a few different ones before finally Ian paused and glanced at her. He asked if this was weird. He didn't want her to think he was following her or something. Instantly Wendy smiled, reaching over and running her hand through his hair. She explained maybe they could look at some schools on the West coast together this spring? Smiling, Ian sighed before staring at the laptop.
"It's nice..." He trailed off before Wendy looked at him.
"What?"
Ian turned looking at her.
"It's nice to actually feel wanted."
Smiling, and very touched she kissed his cheek as they put in the search engine of good schools on that side of the country. By the end of the night both had emailed several different schools, giddy with excitement, hoping to get more literature on the programs. The two seemed to be enjoying their year together, but Wendy got a sense that Ian was really looking forward to actually getting this year behind him. Still, she kept picking him up from work, they studied together, and usually spent their Friday night together either at his place or hers. Wendy had to admit Ian was putting forth the effort with hanging out with her friends. Ian knew lot of people, but was a lit of a loner. He even admitted to her one gym class as the two pretended to spot each other doing sit-ups that she was really one of his only friends. Holding his sneakers feet, she instantly felt bad. She knew he wasn't talking with Erin, and that ever since the night she slapped her, he avoided her at all costs. She didn't want to keep being a bother, but she had a feeling Erin was going through some real serious emotional issues, and hated that from the moment the two started talking, his relationship with his step-sister crumbled. Still, Ian insisted that Erin was being the stubborn one.
That she was the one who needed to apologize. That there was no excuse for how she was acting, and that Wendy was too important to him to put up with this shit. Still, Wendy knew she wouldn't feel completely right until she tried her best to fix things. Still, as much as people gave them glances in the halls, she loved dating Ian. He was weird, but in a good way. He made her laugh, was smart, and never treated her badly. Wendy admitted to Carrie one night after they double dated at the movies while both were in the restroom that she really could see a future with Ian. Carrie smiled looking at herself in the mirror as she checked her eye makeup.
"You would be smart to stay with him, he's loaded."
Laughing, Wendy shook her head.
"It's not that. It's...well he's my first real boyfriend and...he's just..."
"Amazing in bed?"
Laughing, Wendy threw her eyeliner stick at her. Now as she walked out of school for Christmas break, she noticed Jason leaning against Kevin's truck, talking with a circle of guys. Ever since the night of Kevin's birthday he had kept his distance. She had tried so hard to not make things awkward, seeing that they saw each other constantly. One thing she really had to hand to Ian was the fact he wasn't a jealous boyfriend. That he didn't flip out when she told him about the kiss, or treat Jason any differently even though the two barley crossed paths. She felt sorry, but couldn't careless if this broke up the social circle. Ian was her boyfriend, and just because he wasn't like her other friends, didn't make him any less of a person. Spotting Ian's van parked next to her car, she knew she wanted to confirm plans with him for tonight.
"Hey Carrie, I gotta go. Still on for shopping tomorrow? I gotta figure out what to get Julie."
"Yeah sure. Call me!"
Smiling, she walked towards the end of the parking-lot, not noticing that Jason was watching her from a distance, a sad look in his eyes as Carrie walked over to Kevin. Walking, Wendy suddenly felt her boots slip on the black sheet of ice, nearly skidding, she felt a familiar arm grasp out and wrap around her waist, steadying her. Gasping, she turned and saw Ian standing there, wearing a black jacket, littered with different band buttons. Smiling, he stared down at her.
"Careful now." Laughing, Wendy kissed the side of his mouth.
"I was looking for you."
"Yeah sorry, hallways are a mess. How was the show?"
Wendy laughed as Ian helped her slowly to her car.
"A complete mess. Kevin and some of the guys showed up on stage and started dancing. It was so funny..."
Ian smiled before they reached her car.
"Still on for tonight?"
"Yeah, swing by around eight."
"Got ya. Careful driving, the roads are so shitty."
The two stared at each other, her blue eyes locking with her big brown ones before he smirked. Wendy stared at him before it started lightly snowing outside, the sky overcast and gray.
"What?"
Ian smirked.
"Nothing Christensen, nothing."
Wendy made a face.
"You're being stupid."
She fished into her bag to grab her keys before Ian stared at her and smirked. On the other side of the parking-lot, Carrie and Kevin watched Ian and Wendy stand together by her car before she got in. Forehead to forehead, unaware that they were being watched, lost in their own little world. Smiling, Carrie stared before Kevin opened unlocked his truck. They were all grabbing pizza, and Jason was coming with them.
"Aw, aren't they adorable?"
Kevin rolled his eyes before getting into his truck. Jason meanwhile watched, sighing and climbed in behind Carrie.
That night...
Wendy laughed sitting indian style on her living room floor. The glow of the tree lighting up her face as she watched her boyfriend. She was looking at Ian as he unwrapped his Christmas presents from her. For the holidays his father had insisted the family went on a sky trip up North. Ian thought it was funny since he had never actually been on a ski trip, or snowboard, or snowshoe. Rolling his eyes, he hated the idea of going, but his father had put his foot down even though Ian guessed he would leave to work, and his step-mother would get drunk at the lodge. Wendy hated the idea of him being gone most of the break, but thought maybe it might be nice if Erin and Ian got a chance to maybe be alone and talk. Ian didn't have high hopes, but figured it might give her a chance to apologize and be the Erin he knew. Not this "crazy bitch" as he kept referring her as. Tonight they decided to celebrate. Her parents were gone for the night, celebrating the holiday up at her aunt's, and Julie was at Perry's house. For tonight, the house was hers.
It made her feel very adult, and liked the idea that if she wasn't going to see Ian for ten plus days, at least she could be with him tonight, and she had a pretty good idea her upstairs shower would be calling them soon.
"These are great!"
Ian said smiling looking at the three vintage records she had ordered online for him. He turned them over, looking at them amazed.
"You sure you don't have these?"
"No, these are amazing. Thank you..."
Leaning forward, he cupped her face, deeply kissing her, sucking on her bottom lip slightly. Smiling through the kiss, they stared at each other before Ian smirked.
"Guess you want your gift?"
Wendy batted her eyelashes laughing.
"I guess..."
Ian laughed carefully putting down his records before reaching behind him, handing her a box wrapped in red paper. Wendy laughed shaking it against her ear.
"Don't tell me...high heels?"
Ian looked at her.
"High heels? I'm all ready short Wendy, come on now."
Cracking up, Wendy tore open the wrapping paper quickly, giddy with excitement before she opened the box. It was a shoe box, but filled with tissue paper. Raising an eyebrow, she dig in, before finding an even smaller box. Puzzled, she stared at it before opening it. Inside were a pair of small ruby and diamond earrings. Frozen, she sat there completely stunned.
"Oh my God..."
"I'm not sure if we're at the jewelry stage yet but...I saw them and I instantly knew you had to have them."
"Ian...I can't, these must have cost..."
"Don't worry about that. Remember I'm a McKinley...besides they just cost a few Build-It paychecks."
Instantly Wendy made a face as he grinned again. Looking down, in complete disbelief, her eyes started to fill with tears. Instantly Ian sighed.
"Don't Wendy..."
"Wendy laughed shaking her head.
"I'm sorry it's just..."
She took a deep breath before smiling. They stayed that way in silence for a while before finally Wendy lifted her eyes.
"I want to wear these...just these tonight."
Ian smiled again.
"Sounds like a plan Christensen."
They smiled, before Ian leaned over, kissing her.
Five months later. Wendy's acceptance letter to the University of San Diego hung on the fridge. Both Ian and Wendy had gotten in, and were beyond thrilled. Her parents had been thrilled, but Julie said the only reason she was excited to go was because Ian applied to the same exact school. Wendy meanwhile couldn't be bothered. This past April Ian and her went for spring break to visit. Both spent four days exploring the campus, and were more than a little scared. still, it was beautiful out there and Wendy knew this was exactly what she needed. She found it funny, she needed to leave McKinley, but was taking McKinley with her. Both were crazy excited, and planned on flying out to move into their assigned dorms mid August. Until then, they were enjoying themselves. Senior year had been busy, but exciting. Its seemed as if the rest of her life and future was waiting, and she couldn't be happier to do this with Ian by her side. Today her parents were with Julie downtown. Her dad had offered to take them out to lunch. Wendy couldn't since she had gone with Carrie for a prom dress fitting. She wasn't sure if Ian was into going, but he had gone last year, and knew how important it was to her. Wendy had picked out a beautiful blue dress, and was running around like crazy trying to figure out the last second details since prom was in another week. Carrie had wanted them to split a limo, but Wendy opted against it.
She knew Jason would be there, he was taking a girl out named Lucy from their class. Erin and Ian still weren't talking. She ended up having a stomach bug for the ski trip this past winter and didn't go. Ian explained he could keep this up as long as she wanted. She was going to a local community college, and was still staying away from him. Today Wendy came home to an empty house and was in the middle of making herself lunch when she heard a bang on the back screen door. Jumping slightly, in the middle of pouring herself a glass of juice, she turned and was stunned to see Erin standing there. She was in jeans, and a black long sleeve shirt. Her eyeliner on heavy, her red bangs in her face. Wendy stared at her for a second, sighing before walking forward. She opened the door. Both stared at each other.
"Hey..."
"Hi..."
They stared in silence for a second before Erin sighed.
"Listen, this has gone on long enough. I need to get everything out in the open. I don't like you."
Wendy laughed.
"Thanks Erin..."
"Let me finish please. You've met my family. My mother is a drunk who couldn't give two shits about me. My dad's dead, and my step-father acts like I don't exist. I might be gay...I'm not sure. I really don't know who I am. I have issues, tons of them. I love Ian...as a brother, and I never wanted him to get hurt. We were always the outcasts, the different ones. He was my best friend and I saw you coming and I saw how much he cares for you and I got scared. I don't know how to deal with this kind of thing...so I lash out and act like a complete idiot. I shouldn't have said the things I did, or hit you. That was wrong and I'm sorry. I know you and Ian are leaving this summer and that this isn't some stupid little fling. It's the real deal...and I'm left here watching you guys go...I just need to say something and I swear if you ever say anything to Ian i'll kill you."
Wendy's eyes widened before Erin sighed.
"I like you...I had a crush on you at the beginning of the year. I never told anyone this. I..."
Erin shook her head. Instantly Wendy stared.
"Erin..."
Erin glared at her.
"Whatever. I'm going to apologize to Ian today and tell him we talked. He can never know...because he's too good. Too good for you and if he knows he'll dump you...that's the kind of guy Ian is. We don't need to be friends, we don't need to talk, and I don't need to like you...we just..."
Erin looked down before sighing, clearly uncomfortable. December.
The bell rang loudly, letting a flood of students hurrying out the main doors of McKinley high. Everyone was looking forward to the two weeks Christmas break, and the entire student West parking-lot became an icy madhouse. Wendy walked out, her messenger bag slung over one shoulder, dressed in her red parka. She walked with Carrie, both laughing over the senior winter band performance had been. Wendy had study hall that period and had gone into the auditorium with Carrie, giggling in the darkness as Kevin, and several other guys from the hockey and football team all came on stage wearing ugly Christmas sweaters and did the can-can as Mr. Andrews the band teacher completely lost it trying to shoo them off stage. It seemed as if a whole series of senior pranks were happening this year, and Kevin was one of the masterminds behind it.
School so far had actually been pretty good. Being a senior seemed so unreal to Wendy who had always looked at those upper class-men as being so much older and mature beings. Her whole life she had worked to become one, and now that it was a reality it seemed so unreal. Her schedule wasn't bad, and besides her gym class, and two lunch periods, she didn't have any classes with Ian. Still, they saw each other each morning by her locker in which she let him keep his heavy english text book since his class was just two doors over. They usually got a chance to see each other at the end of the day if Wendy wasn't staying after for either the prom committee, or the yearbook club. Both hadn't really talked about it, but around Thanksgiving when both were sprawled out across Wendy's bed looking at different college websites on Ian's laptop, the topic was brought up about where both would apply to. Wendy had several ideas, one of the state university but in actual truth she always wanted to really get out of this area. She wanted to apply someplace else, maybe the West Coast. She was interested in a science major, and Ian and her had talked about it for a few hours about how he thought maybe he would go for a business degree to start off. Lucky for him, he didn't have to think about scholarships since his father was paying for his schooling. They looked at a few different ones before finally Ian paused and glanced at her. He asked if this was weird. He didn't want her to think he was following her or something. Instantly Wendy smiled, reaching over and running her hand through his hair. She explained maybe they could look at some schools on the West coast together this spring? Smiling, Ian sighed before staring at the laptop.
"It's nice..."
He trailed off before Wendy looked at him.
"What?"
Ian turned looking at her.
"It's nice to actually feel wanted."
Smiling, and very touched she kissed his cheek as they put in the search engine of good schools on that side of the country. By the end of the night both had emailed several different schools, giddy with excitement, hoping to get more literature on the programs. The two seemed to be enjoying their year together, but Wendy got a sense that Ian was really looking forward to actually getting this year behind him. Still, she kept picking him up from work, they studied together, and usually spent their Friday night together either at his place or hers. Wendy had to admit Ian was putting forth the effort with hanging out with her friends. Ian knew lot of people, but was a lit of a loner. He even admitted to her one gym class as the two pretended to spot each other doing sit-ups that she was really one of his only friends. Holding his sneakers feet, she instantly felt bad. She knew he wasn't talking with Erin, and that ever since the night she slapped her, he avoided her at all costs. She didn't want to keep being a bother, but she had a feeling Erin was going through some real serious emotional issues, and hated that from the moment the two started talking, his relationship with his step-sister crumbled. Still, Ian insisted that Erin was being the stubborn one. That she was the one who needed to apologize. That there was no excuse for how she was acting, and that Wendy was too important to him to put up with this shit. Still, Wendy knew she wouldn't feel completely right until she tried her best to fix things.
Still, as much as people gave them glances in the halls, she loved dating Ian. He was weird, but in a good way. He made her laugh, was smart, and never treated her badly. Wendy admitted to Carrie one night after they double dated at the movies while both were in the restroom that she really could see a future with Ian. Carrie smiled looking at herself in the mirror as she checked her eye makeup.
"You would be smart to stay with him, he's loaded."
Laughing, Wendy shook her head.
"It's not that. It's...well he's my first real boyfriend and...he's just..."
"Amazing in bed?"
Laughing, Wendy threw her eyeliner stick at her.
Now as she walked out of school for Christmas break, she noticed Jason leaning against Kevin's truck, talking with a circle of guys. Ever since the night of Kevin's birthday he had kept his distance. She had tried so hard to not make things awkward, seeing that they saw each other constantly. One thing she really had to hand to Ian was the fact he wasn't a jealous boyfriend. That he didn't flip out when she told him about the kiss, or treat Jason any differently even though the two barley crossed paths.
She felt sorry, but couldn't careless if this broke up the social circle. Ian was her boyfriend, and just because he wasn't like her other friends, didn't make him any less of a person. Spotting Ian's van parked next to her car, she knew she wanted to confirm plans with him for tonight.
"Hey Carrie, I gotta go. Still on for shopping tomorrow. I gotta figure out what to get Julie."
"Yeah sure. Call me!"
Smiling, she walked towards the end of the parking-lot, not noticing that Jason was watching her from a distance, a sad look in his eyes as Carrie walked over to Kevin. Walking, Wendy suddenly felt her boots slip on the black sheet of ice, nearly skidding, she felt a familiar arm grasp out and wrap around her waist, steadying her. Gasping, she turned and saw Ian standing there, wearing a black jacket, littered with different band buttons. Smiling, he stared down at her.
"Careful now."
Laughing, Wendy kissed the side of his mouth.
"I was looking for you."
"Yeah sorry, hallways are a mess. How was the show?"
Wendy laughed as Ian helped her slowly to her car.
"A complete mess. Kevin and some of the guys showed up on stage and started dancing. It was so funny..."
Ian smiled before they reached her car.
"Still on for tonight?"
"Yeah, swing by around eight."
"Got ya. Careful driving, the roads are so shitty."
The two stared at each other, her blue eyes locking with her big brown ones before he smirked. Wendy stared at him before it started lightly snowing outside, the sky overcast and gray.
"What?"
Ian smirked.
"Nothing Christensen, nothing."
Wendy made a face.
"You're being stupid."
She fished into her bag to grab her keys before Ian stared at her and smirked. On the other side of the parking-lot, Carrie and Kevin watched Ian and Wendy stand together by her car before she got in. Forehead to forehead, unaware that they were being watched, lost in their own little world. Smiling, Carrie stared before Kevin opened unlocked his truck. They were all grabbing pizza, and Jason was coming with them.
"Aw, aren't they adorable?"
Kevin rolled his eyes before getting into his truck. Jason meanwhile watched, sighing and climbed in behind Carrie.
That night...
Wendy laughed sitting indian style on her living room floor. The glow of the tree lighting up her face as she watched her boyfriend. She was looking at Ian as he unwrapped his Christmas presents from her. For the holidays his father had insisted the family went on a sky trip up North. Ian thought it was funny since he had never actually been on a ski trip, or snowboard, or snowshoe. Rolling his eyes, he hated the idea of going, but his father had put his foot down even though Ian guessed he would leave to work, and his step-mother would get drunk at the lodge. Wendy hated the idea of him being gone most of the break, but thought maybe it might be nice if Erin and Ian got a chance to maybe be alone and talk. Ian didn't have high hopes, but figured it might give her a chance to apologize and be the Erin he knew. Not this "crazy bitch" as he kept referring her as. Tonight they decided to celebrate. Her parents were gone for the night, celebrating the holiday up at her aunt's, and Julie was at Perry's house. For tonight, the house was hers. It made her feel very adult, and liked the idea that if she wasn't going to see Ian for ten plus days, at least she could be with him tonight, and she had a pretty good idea her upstairs shower would be calling them soon.
"These are great!"
Ian said smiling looking at the three vintage records she had ordered online for him. He turned them over, looking at them amazed.
"You sure you don't have these?"
"No, these are amazing. Thank you..."
Leaning forward, he cupped her face, deeply kissing her, sucking on her bottom lip slightly. Smiling through the kiss, they stared at each other before Ian smirked.
"Guess you want your gift?"
Wendy batted her eyelashes laughing.
"I guess..."
Ian laughed carefully putting down his records before reaching behind him, handing her a box wrapped in red paper. Wendy laughed shaking it against her ear.
"Don't tell me...high heels?"
Ian looked at her.
"High heels? I'm all ready short Wendy, come on now."
Cracking up, Wendy tore open the wrapping paper quickly, giddy with excitement before she opened the box. It was a shoe box, but filled with tissue paper. Raising an eyebrow, she dig in, before finding an even smaller box. Puzzled, she stared at it before opening it. Inside were a pair of small ruby and diamond earrings. Frozen, she sat there completely stunned.
"Oh my God..."
"I'm not sure if we're at the jewelry stage yet but...I saw them and I instantly knew you had to have them."
"Ian...I can't, these must have cost..."
"Don't worry about that. Remember I'm a McKinley...besides they just cost a few Build-It paychecks."
Instantly Wendy made a face as he grinned again. Looking down, in complete disbelief, her eyes started to fill with tears. Instantly Ian sighed.
"Don't Wendy..."
"Wendy laughed shaking her head.
"I'm sorry it's just..."
She took a deep breath before smiling. They stayed that way in silence for a while before finally Wendy lifted her eyes.
"I want to wear these...just these tonight."
Ian smiled again.
"Sounds like a plan Christensen."
They smiled, before Ian leaned over, kissing her.
Five months later.
Wendy's acceptance letter to the University of San Diego hung on the fridge. Both Ian and Wendy had gotten in, and were beyond thrilled. Her parents had been thrilled, but Julie said the only reason she was excited to go was because Ian applied to the same exact school. Wendy meanwhile couldn't be bothered. This past April Ian and her went for spring break to visit. Both spent four days exploring the campus, and were more than a little scared. still, it was beautiful out there and Wendy knew this was exactly what she needed. She found it funny, she needed to leave McKinley, but was taking McKinley with her. Both were crazy excited, and planned on flying out to move into their assigned dorms mid August. Until then, they were enjoying themselves. Senior year had been busy, but exciting. Its seemed as if the rest of her life and future was waiting, and she couldn't be happier to do this with Ian by her side.
Today her parents were with Julie downtown. Her dad had offered to take them out to lunch. Wendy couldn't since she had gone with Carrie for a prom dress fitting. She wasn't sure if Ian was into going, but he had gone last year, and knew how important it was to her. Wendy had picked out a beautiful blue dress, and was running around like crazy trying to figure out the last second details since prom was in another week. Carrie had wanted them to split a limo, but Wendy opted against it. She knew Jason would be there, he was taking a girl out named Lucy from their class. Erin and Ian still weren't talking. She ended up having a stomach bug for the ski trip this past winter and didn't go. Ian explained he could keep this up as long as she wanted. She was going to a local community college, and was still staying away from him.
Today Wendy came home to an empty house and was in the middle of making herself lunch when she heard a bang on the back screen door. Jumping slightly, in the middle of pouring herself a glass of juice, she turned and was stunned to see Erin standing there. She was in jeans, and a black long sleeve shirt. Her eyeliner on heavy, her red bangs in her face. Wendy stared at her for a second, sighing before walking forward. She opened the door.
Both stared at each other.
"Hey..."
"Hi..."
They stared in silence for a second before Erin sighed.
"Listen, this has gone on long enough. I need to get everything out in the open. I don't like you."
Wendy laughed.
"Thanks Erin..."
"Let me finish please. You've met my family. My mother is a drunk who couldn't give two shits about me. My dad's dead, and my step-father acts like I don't exist. I might be gay...I'm not sure. I really don't know who I am. I have issues, tons of them. I love Ian...as a brother, and I never wanted him to get hurt. We were always the outcasts, the different ones. He was my best friend and I saw you coming and I saw how much he cares for you and I got scared. I don't know how to deal with this kind of thing...so I lash out and act like a complete idiot. I shouldn't have said the things I did, or hit you. That was wrong and I'm sorry. I know you and Ian are leaving this summer and that this isn't some stupid little fling. It's the real deal...and I'm left here watching you guys go...I just need to say something and I swear if you ever say anything to Ian i'll kill you."
Wendy's eyes widened before Erin sighed.
"I like you...I had a crush on you at the beginning of the year. I never told anyone this. I..."
Erin shook her head. Instantly Wendy stared.
"Erin..."
Erin glared at her.
"Whatever. I'm going to apologize to Ian today and tell him we talked. He can never know...because he's too good. Too good for you and if he knows he'll dump you...that's the kind of guy Ian is. We don't need to be friends, we don't need to talk, and I don't need to like you...we just..."
Erin looked down before sighing, clearly uncomfortable.
"Okay?"
Wendy too stunned to talk nodded.
"Okay."
Ian glanced up at her for just a second before nodding.
"Okay...just promise me one thing. Don't hurt him...don't you dare."
Wendy nodded before Erin sighed, turned without another word and left. Wendy stood in the doorway for what seemed like forever before slowly turning and shutting the door.
That night, Wendy picked Ian up from work since his van was in the shop. Once she pulled her car up and she saw Ian hurry out, holding his rolled up apron, he climbed in, leaned in and kissed her.
"Hey babe."
"Hi..."
She smiled as she started driving out of the lot. Ian smirked.
"Did you see...Erin today?"
Wendy looked over.
"Um, yeah...she swung by real quick. Why?"
"She's picking up shifts again and caught me real quick on my way out. She apologized?"
"Yeah...I think she's just going through a lot of stuff right now."
"Yeah..."
"Listen, how about tomorrow you take her to that show in the city?"
"Yeah?"
"Yeah, I have no idea who those people are and anyways I have a ton of stuff to do before prom. Take her, it's been a while and you guys deserve a night out tonight and have some fun."
"You're okay with that?"
Wendy turned and smiled, she was wearing her ruby earrings today.
"Of course I am."
Ian smirked before reaching over and squeezing her thigh. The two glanced at each other before smiling as Wendy continued to drive.
Prom was a success. Wendy and Ian enjoyed themselves, and actually sat at the same table as Carrie, Kevin, Jason, and Lucy. Wendy caught Jason's eyes a few times, but she decided to focus on the night instead of the problems. Erin, Jason, two people this year admitted they had feelings for her, and in the end all that mattered was that Ian was at her side. Looking handsome in his jacket, and blue matching tie, his hair was spiked up as he danced with her on the dance floor, both laughing over the fact she had to wear flats tonight instead of heels. Both locked eyes, smiling, thinking they had all the time in the world.
They couldn't have been more wrong.
One month later.
Tonight was going to be senior night. Two weeks from then, graduation.
Ian was going to be picking Wendy up around eight. Everyone was going to Playland the local amusement park outside of the city. Erin was even going with a few friends from art class. Ian had offered to take her, but she forced a smile, and said she would meet up with them later. Things hadn't exactly been in the same since everything happened, but she was putting forth an effort, and they were starting to hang out again.
Wendy wasn't sure if she was going to make it. She thought she had a stomach bug, but had just called an hour ago saying she had drank some ginger ale and ate some crackers and her stomach was feeling better, thinking it was just some 48 hour bug. Ian had laughed on the phone telling her that the perfect cure for an upset stomach is going on as many rides as possible, mostly the ones that spun around. Wendy groaned over the phone making him laugh before telling him when to pick her up. After hanging up Ian knew he needed to shower.
It had been years since he had been to Playland. Senior night seemed dumb, but if Wendy was into it, he was into it. Plus, as he opened up his dresser, he took out the tiny black velvet box and smiled. Opening it, he stared at the diamond ring. He was planning on proposing as cheesy as it was tonight at the park.
Grinning, he shoved the box into his jacket pocket, never feeling more nervous before in his entire life.