“Boring as usual,” Megan said. “She had us write poems and then present them to the class.”
Megan had been my best friend ever since we were kids. She was the “popular” one, being the head cheerleader and class president. For some reason she always stuck by me even though I made it difficult for her.
We left school and walked home like we did every day. Trees blew sideways and leaves soared through the air on the perfect Fall day. We strolled along the sidewalk, telling each other about our school days.
“So, I'm throwing a party tonight with some friends. I know it's not your thing but do you want to come?” Megan asked.
I always hated telling her no. She tried so hard to fit me in with her group of friends but it never took.
“I think I'll just stay home tonight. My mom and step stepdad will be happier that way. Plus, I'm halfway through this romance novel and it getting really good.”
“You still read that junk!” Megan exclaimed.
“No you don't understand, this one's different, it's a fantasy book. The damsel is taken by a dragon and the prince comes to her rescue, slaying the dragon and falling in love with her. The problem is, the damsel isn't of royal birth so they have to be secretive.”
Megan stared at me with one eyebrow arched. “Sophia, I think you really need to come out tonight. You'll have fun, I swear.”
“Thanks, but I'll talk to you tomorrow. Have fun at your party.” I waved to her as I walked up the driveway to my house.
“Have fun with your prince,” Megan said.
I walked through the door to find my mom and Liam, my step stepdad, sitting on the couch and watching TV. My mom only met Liam a few years ago and they got married right away. He wasn't my mom's usual type. He was big and strong but not the smartest guy.
“How was your day, honey?” my mom asked, never losing focus on the television.
“Oh you know, fun like always,” I said, running up the stairs and straight to my room. I closed the door behind me and let out a long sigh. The school week was over and I could finally relax over the weekend.
I jumped on my bed and grabbed the fantasy romance novel from the nightstand. The spine was creased and the corners bent. I took out my bookmark that stated in big letters: Reading is FUN! A smile crept across my face as I began where I left off.
The prince had saved the damsel from the terrible dragon and taken her back to his castle. They were alone in his private chambers and the tension was thick. My heart pounded as I grasped onto every word. They were just about to kiss when the King interrupts them. The prince tries to explain but the King takes the girl away and throws her in jail.
I set the book down, breathing hard and trying to calm down. It's just a story, I told myself. In the end, they'll be together like they always do. I glanced out the window as dark clouds rolled in and rain began to patter against the glass.
It was going to be a perfect Friday night.
I sat at my desk and opened my laptop, wanting a break from the intense romance story. I checked my Facebook, looking for any photos that had already popped up from Megan's party. I noticed I had a new message and clicked the envelope icon.
Liam: Hi Sophia, you don't know me but I'm friends with Megan and I think you're hot.
My heart skipped a beat. What was this?
I relaxed when I realized it had to be a joke. Megan probably made someone do it at her party to get me to come. It wasn't going to work. I quickly wrote back:
Sophia: Very funny Megan, but I'm still not coming to your party.
I was about to leave the computer when I got a reply back instantly.
Liam: Sorry, I don't know what you're talking about. Megan told me about you a few weeks ago and I finally got the courage to message you after staring at your facebook page for days.
Maybe this wasn't Megan?
I clicked on his profile and saw that he lived two hours away, which meant that he probably wasn't at Megan's party. Liam was the same age as me, young, white, and sexy as hell. I looked through his photos, admiring his dark hair and cute smile. Why was this guy messaging me?
Sophia: How do you know Megan?
Liam: We met at a party a couple years ago and we hang out every once in awhile. I figured she had mentioned me at some point.
Megan probably did mention Liam but I usually tuned her out when she droned on and on about boys.
Sophia: Well you know Megan, she kinda lives in her own little universe.
Liam: LOL
Liam and I talked all night about all sorts of different subjects. I told him how I loved to read and found out that he loves science-fiction books. We talked about movies, video games, and our schools. It felt so natural, like we had known each other for a long time. I went to sleep that night dreaming about what it would be like to be with him.