"big night"

FIVE

I went home right after class that day. i wasn't in the mood to stay in school any longer. normally the gang and i would still hang out, or Fretzie and i would watch Bret and James in basketball practice, but coz of what happened between James and me, it would be just too weird. so i got home, took a hot bath, and after supper i went to our terrace. i was thinking about James then. what have i done? i just lost my best friend. the next day, after school, i was busy walking around the house, it was a thursday and somehow i didn't have a clue yet what to do with James. my mom was curious now.

"Ann, honey, why are you strolling around? is there something wrong?" i saw her concerned look and as much as i hate lying to her, i didn't want to worry her either.

"No, i'm okay mom. i just don't know what to do with my free time tonight. got no plans."

"Well, why don't you go upstairs and clean your room?" that was always mom's suggestion. to her, cleaning the house is therapeutic.

"All right, but if anyone calls me, let me know, okay?"

"Sure hon...i always do." i went upstairs then, feeling so down and gloomy. just then, the phone rang.

"Mom, i'll get it." i called as i hurriedly answered the phone.

"Hello?" i hope it's James, calling to make up with me.

"Hi Ann Li, it's Ivan." oh my goodness! it's Ivan, it really is Ivan!

"Oh, how did you know it was me?" i asked calmly.

"Well, how could i ever forget your voice? anyway, i want to, i mean, if it's all right with you, would you go out with me tonight? maybe to a movie or stuff. please say yes. i know you don't know me that well, but i was hoping we could get to know each other better...and this is a start." was i dreaming? i was totally speechless. a date with him? great!

"Ann, i understand if you have other plans..." i immediately interrupted him,

"No, tonight is perfect. a movie sounds like fun."

"Cool, i'll pick you up at 8."

"Do you know where i live?" he replied,

"Yup. found your address here in the directory. actually, i don't live that far from you, just about three blocks away." that was a pleasant surprise.

"Really, i didn't know that. okay, see you then." i said as i got off the phone. a night in the movies with Ivan? how exciting! i feel like flying. i wonder what movie he'll take me. hmmm...i'll find out later. for now, i gotta find something nice to wear! it was almost seven thirty, and i was still deciding what to wear. finally, i settled for my peach floral dress that i bought last month. James told me when i first wore this that i looked pretty. my smile disappeared when i remembered James. usually, we were the ones who always go out, sometimes to double with Bret and Fretzie, and other times just the two of us. we seem to enjoy being with each other, no matter where we go, or how simple the things we do. but when will he reconcile with me? is there a chance to bring back our friendship? it's been four days since we last talked. i really miss him. i wonder though, does James miss me? even just a little bit? then came a knock on my door.

"Ann, your date is waiting downstairs. you ready?" i heard mom calling me.

"Yeah, i'll be right down." i replied as i took my last pose in front of the mirror. well, this is it. wish me luck! i said to my own reflection as i went down the stairs. and when i saw Ivan, he looked more handsome than ever! i never knew he was such a good dresser. we finally got out of the house after he promised my mom he'd bring me home by midnight. at the movie house, there were a lot of familiar faces, i even saw Fretzie and Bret.

"Fretzie, Bret! over here!" i called. when Fretzie saw me, she smiled. and when she saw who i was with, she gave me a malicious smile. somehow, i didn't understand Bret's expression. he looked moody. well, maybe it's one of those days again.

"Oh hi Ann! and hello Ivan! nice to see you again, and this time, with my best friend." Fretzie was teasing us as she introduced Bret to Ivan,

"Babe, this is Ivan, Ann and i met him in one of your games." Bret shook Ivan's hand and gave him a cool greeting. Fretzie seemed embarrassed.

"Well, we gotta go guys, Ann, see you in school." Fretzie said as they headed for the exit. Ivan fell silent and commented after a while,

"Bret seems to dislike me Ann..."

"Of course not, he was just having one of his bad moods." i replied back. but deep inside, i thought what Ivan said was right. Bret obviously didn't like him. i wonder why.