Asking Aiden – Part II

“You don’t understand, Mom.” Emma pounded the sofa cushion as tears trickled from her eyes. “Grace tricked me. I’m sure she and the other girls got a big laugh.”

Mom sat beside her and wrapped her arm around her shoulders. “I’m so sorry. Girls can be mean.”

Emma sniffed. “They’re not going to get the last laugh. I’m not going to that stupid party.”

“You have to go. It’s not fair to make Aiden miss it.”

Emma stood and pounced across the floor, her sneakers squeaking on the freshly polished wood. “That’s not my problem. I can’t show up with Aiden Turner. I’ll become an outcast.”

Mom laughed and tossed her auburn curls over her shoulder. “I think you’re being overly dramatic.”

What was wrong with adults? Did they forget everything about high school life the moment they graduated?

That would be nice and definitely something to look forward to.

Mom stood and walked toward her. “They have used Aiden in a practical joke and it’s not his fault. I don’t think you want to hurt him.”

She groaned. Why was Mom always right?

Saturday came in a rush and Emma forced herself to dress for the party even though she wanted to crawl in bed pull up the covers and never leave her room again. Mom insisted she wear a beautiful red dress and pile her curls on top of her head. Dad declared that she would be the prettiest girl at the party.

“I’d have to be the only girl for that to be true,” she mumbled.

Aiden arrived promptly at seven. He shook hands with Dad and gave her a corsage. “He’s sweet,” Mom whispered as she ran to get her camera.

Emma’s palms sweated and her stomach flopped while her mother took pictures of her standing beside Aiden.  He was a couple inches shorter, but he smiled and puffed out his chest.

“You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen,” he whispered.

“Thanks.” The praise would excite her if only it came from the right Aiden.

She sighed and grabbed her shawl off the couch. The doorbell rang. She glanced at her parents. “Are you expecting company?’

Mom shook her head and Emma headed to the front door, Aiden trailing behind her. No doubt he’d be following her like a puppy all night. She wanted to cry but flung open the door instead.

Emma’s heart slammed against her ribs. If she hadn’t been clutching the door, she would have fainted. Aiden (the Aiden) stood on her front step looking like he just stepped out of a teen magazine.  

“Looks like this is the place.” He grinned. “I wasn’t sure I had the right address.”

Emma’s face burned. “Uh, uh, why are you here?”

Aiden laughed. “To take you to the dance, of course.”

What’s going to happen next? Look for Asking Aiden – Part III on Friday and Happy Valentines, y’all!.

Also, if you missed Part I follow the link  https://storytellersquad.com/2019/02/11/asking-aiden-part-i/