The next day at school, Jenny was standing by her locker. It was the end of the school day, and she was glad. She had gone shopping the day before to find a dress for the dance. She was still undecided on whether or not she really wanted to go. She couldn’t remember the last time she wore a dress, especially one as revealing as the one Millie and Cree helped her pick out.

She hesitantly opened her locker thinking if she did things slowly it would somehow slow down or even stop time. Finally her locker opened. She gasped as she saw a single red rose with a note attached to it.

Dearest Jenny,

I look forward to seeing you at the dance. Please, accept his rose as it matches your beautiful eyes. I will give you another one at the dance, so please don’t disappoint me by not coming.

The note was not signed and the whole thing left Jenny in shock. She closed her locker just holding on to the rose, taking in its sweet scent. “Hey, Jenny.” She looked up after hearing Millie’s voice. “What’s this?”

“A rose,” Jenny said sarcastically, mocking her friend.

“I see that it’s a rose,” Millie said, snapping a her. “But who gave it to you?”

“Just a secret admirer,” Jenny said with a smile.

Down the hall Cree walked up to Denny who was staring at Jenny. “She’s happy,” Cree said. Denny looked over at her. “Make sure she stays that way.”

She walked away, seeing Reese waiting for her. “Hey, babe, what’s up with you and Denny?”

“Just making sure he behaves himself,” Cree said. “If he does anything…”

“Cree, stop worrying,” Reese said, putting his arm around her. “Jenny’s a big girl. She can handle herself.”

“Okay,” Cree said, putting her head on his shoulder.

Reese walked her back to her dorm. “So what are you wearing tomorrow night?” he asked.

“That’s a secret,” Cree said. “You’ll see tomorrow night. I got some studying to do, so I’ll see you tomorrow night.” She gave him a quick kiss and walked inside.

**************************************

Saturday night before anyone realized it. Half dressed girls were running up and down the halls yelling and chattering nervously. Cree was ready by six, but Millie was frantic in getting her hair and makeup right.