"I think I got it this time, Shelly," I replied. I turned the dial to the last number of the combination and closed my eyes. I pulled down hard and the lock fought back. "I give up," I resigned.
Shelly pushed me out of the way. "Okay give me your combo."
"Twenty-four, three, thirty-six."
Shelly masterfully spun the dial around and the lock magically opened. "There ya go," she said.
"Thanks, I don't think I could've carried these around for the rest of the day." My arms were about to fall off. I lifted the giant books and heaved them into my locker. I closed the door and snapped the combo lock shut. I knew I'd have the same problem with it tomorrow.
"So what are you doing tonight?" Shelly asked.
"Nothing really. I have a Medieval History paper due tomorrow. I also have to study for Mr. Schafer's test tomorrow."
Shelly and I began walking down the school hallways. Kids flooded out of classrooms and towards their lockers.
"Well, did you hear Tim is having a big party at his house tonight. I was thinking of going."
"I can't, Shelly. I have too much work to do."
"You always do." Shelly began. "When was the last time you ever came out to a party." I tried to think back but then Shelly interrupted, "You can't think of a time because you've never gone to one before."
"I'm so swamped with homework all the time. I don't know how you can juggle everything."
"Brooklyn, I know you." Shelly put her hand on my shoulder and looked me in the eyes. "You don't need to study for the Math test tomorrow because you're going to get an A. The Medieval History paper will only take you thirty minutes to finish. I think the real reason you don't go out to parties is because you're scared."
"I might be shy but I'm definitely not scared."
"I have some news that might persuade you to come," she said. "I heard that James is going to the party tonight."
"James Hatford?" I gulped. An image of James appeared in my head. He was wearing his letterman jacket he got when he made the varsity basketball team. His long hair was slicked back and his smile was dangerous. I had a crush on him since elementary school but I never built up the courage to actually talk to him.
"This could be your chance to finally do something about it," she said.
"Yeah I don't know. I'll have to think about it."
Shelly suddenly pushed me up against the lockers and I crashed against them with a loud bang. Kids turned their heads to look at the commotion. Shelly put her face only inches away from mine.
"I'm sick and tired of this, Brooklyn. I don't want to see you stuck in your bedroom for the rest of your life. You need to get over your fear of talking to guys. You're coming with me tonight and I won't take no for an answer."
"But my parents won't let me."
"Stop with the excuses. I know how easy it is to sneak out your window. I'll be outside your house at a quarter to nine."
Shelly left me against the lockers. She was right. I was coming up with excuses because I'm afraid of talking to guys.
I walked home from school trying to decide if I should really go or not. Just the fantasy of talking with James was giving me butterflies in my stomach. Fear of rejection started to bubble in my throat. It would be so much easier to just stay home. But maybe it was finally time to conquer my fears.
I went inside my house and my step stepdad, Connor, and my mom were sitting on the couch watching TV. "Hi honey," my mom said.
"Hey guys." I started up the stairs when Connor stopped me.
"How was school?" he asked.
"It was fine," I replied, continuing to walk upstairs. "I have a lot of homework to do tonight so try not to bother me."
"Good luck and just ask if you need any help," Connor said.
"I sure will."
The plan was set. My parents knew not to interrupt me. I could be gone the entire night and they would have no clue. All I had to do was keep my bedroom light on so they would think that I was hard at work.
I closed my bedroom door and went straight to the closet. I had no idea what to wear. I didn't didn't have very many clothes that I could wear out. Most of my wardrobe consisted of jeans and t-shirts. I needed something that would really surprise James. Something that he would finally take notice of.
I found a plaid skirt at the bottom of the closet that used to be apart of a school uniform. It was at least a couple years old so I wasn't sure it even fit anymore. I undressed in front of the mirror and pulled the skirt up to my waist, zipping up the back.