The Invitation

Tanya lay in bed that night unable to sleep. She reviewed the day’s events over and over again in her head. That night would have been a good night to sleep because she had a history test in the morning but she couldn’t put her mind to rest. There was so much to think about, like Spencer. He had looked at her for one brief moment during lunch. It had been heaven when his smile and met hers. He’d only asked for a napkin but she would store those few words away in her memory forever. In that moment her heart had soared to heights she had only dreamed of before. Images of them together holding hands in the hallway brought a smile to her face. She knew she would die if he didn’t like her.
Life was cruel. He was sure to pick Megan over her. It just wasn’t fair. A tear drop slipped down her cheek. She wanted Spencer all to herself. Megan had had many boyfriends before. She didn’t need another one. Tanya on the other hand really needed a boyfriend. Her thirteenth birthday had passed and she still hadn’t had her first kiss yet. Megan probably had had her first kiss when she was still in elementary school. It just wasn’t fair.
Sometime that night, very late, she had fallen asleep. The alarm rang on schedule but it felt much earlier than usual. Tanya rolled over and squinted at the clock. It read 7:00 AM. Finding the snooze button she turned over and fell back asleep. Fifteen minutes she finally drug herself out of bed and into the shower. She rushed through her morning preparations taking extra care with her hair and applying two coats of lip gloss instead of just one. Would she see Spencer today? She wanted to look her best just in case she did.
Before she left the bathroom she studied her reflection in the mirror. She was smaller than most of the girls at school. Her wavy, medium length brown hair lung loosely at her shoulders. Running her fingers through a strand of hair she wondered how she would look if she straightened it. Megan always straightened her hair. Maybe she would be celebrity pretty if she had straighter hair?
“You’re going to be late!’” Tanya’s mother yelled from the kitchen.
Making a mental note to straighten her hair tomorrow she grabbed her backpack and hurried out to the kitchen. Grabbing a piece of toast she jumped into the car with her dad. He joined her moments later carrying his coffee and briefcase. Tanya had never liked coffee. She preferred to drink tea instead. But Megan liked coffee. Did Spencer like coffee too? Maybe she should start drinking coffee too.
At school she met Katie by her locker. “Did you talk to your sister?” She needed to know right away.
Katie yawned. She was not a morning person. Shaking her red hair out of her face she yawned again. “Not yet but I’ll do it today after my soccer game. Are you coming to watch me play?”
“Oh my gosh, Katie I completely forgot. I’ll have to call my mom and ask her but I’ll try to be there okay?” “Do you promise?” Katie eyed her, studying for any signs that would indicate otherwise.
“Of course I promise. You’re my best friend. I love to watch you play.” She gave Katie a quick hug. “I have to go to class so I can study for a minute before class starts. I couldn’t concentrate last night.”
“Oh wonder why?” She teased her. “I’ll see you at lunch.”
Tanya waved and walked to class earlier than usual. As she neared the classroom her pulse sped up. Spencer was across the hall with his friends, leaning against a locker. She froze. Spencer looked up right at the moment and smiled at her. She tried to manage a smile but her face was frozen. He got up and walked towards her.
“You’re one of the girls at lunch right?” He asked trying to remember who she was.
“Yeah, that’s me. Tanya. I mean that’s my name.” She stuttered unable to think straight. He was so perfect. His smile made her want to melt onto the floor.
“Tanya? That’s an uncommon name. I’ll remember it.” He nodded to her. “You want to come hang out with me and some friends after school? We’re going the basketball court to shoot some hoops.” He offered.
Tanya felt a sudden dread and excitement all at the same time. He was inviting her to go hang out with him! But she had promised Katie she’d go to her game. Katie would have many games though. She couldn’t pass up a chance to be with Spencer.
“Yeah I’d love to.” She prayed she didn’t sound too eager.
The bell rang. He started to walk away. “Ill see you at 3 o’clock at the front of the school then.” He smiled and then disappeared into the crowd.
Tanya waved and stared off into space dreamily. The reality hit her. What was she going to tell Katie?