The Learning Curve: Chapter 63
Alice Brandon's House
"You're so getting laid tonight," Alice said casually. My eyes snapped up to meet hers in the mirror. She'd already done her hair and make-up and was now working on mine. Our dresses hung in clear plastic on the bathroom door, Alice's hot pink next to my dark blue.
"Edward hasn't said anything..." I mumbled, not wanting to show how much I wanted her prediction to be true.
"Jasper and I did it after prom last year," she pointed out needlessly. I'd already heard way more than I cared for concerning that night.
"Yeah, but Jasper's parents were out of town." Still, my heart beat harder with anticipation. He might have gotten us a hotel room - not in Forks, obviously, but maybe in Port Angeles...
"I don't know how Edward would be able to resist once he sees you tonight," Alice grinned. "This is some of my best work."
I smiled. "You did do a really good job," I admitted, surveying my glowing face and soft curls. I looked like a magazine cover model.
"Seriously. He'll flip."
We'd arranged for Edward and Jasper to pick us up at Alice's house. Rose and Emmett were doing their own pre-dance thing, but they were going to meet us there. I'd even told Charlie I'd be staying over at Alice's, just in case.
When the first car pulled into the drive, I nearly ran to the door, but Alice made me wait. It turned out to be Jasper. I sat off to the side while Jasper complimented Alice and presented her with a corsage, but I was burning with impatience the entire time.
By the time Edward pulled up in his replacement vehicle, a gently used Toyota, I was a jittery mess. I let Alice open the door and waited for his eyes to find me. When they did, he froze, and I froze, watching his eyes travel from my styled head to my toes in a pair of kitten heels. A slow smile spread across his face, and my knees turned to mush.
"Bella," he murmured, coming to me, "you look..."
But I didn't need him to find the words. He'd already told me enough.
A/N: Lots of you shared stories about your high school formals in your reviews. For my part, I generally wound up in a polyester blend, and the only date I ever had to any of them was a guy friend - but I had the best time when I went to Homecoming by myself - no boys, no friends - and danced all night.
I don't know if I'll have time to update tomorrow. I'll definitely be back on Monday, though.
For all of you who celebrate, I wish you a very merry Christmas, and for those of you who don't, I hope you have an especially great Sunday.