“Oh thank you dear,” she replied calling back. “It’s an old family recipe. Enjoy.”
“Well, I think this school week has been an especially good one,” Malaya pointed out as she finished the last of her cupcake and licked the frosting remaining on her fingertips. The week had gone well for all of them. The previous weekend had been a nightmare, but the past six days had been a dream. Lily’s was the most relaxing week she had had in a long time. The past month had been nerve wracking for all of them. They had been on edge for so long, but now that they didn’t have to worry about some strange man coming after Lily, they could all relax and let down their guard. Landon’s week was great because he was finally free from his “friends” and he knew Lily was safe. Malaya’s week had been especially nice because of a note she had found in her locker.
“So what did it say again?” Lily was curious about this secret admirer Malaya had been telling her about.
“Ever since the day I saw you give your presentation in World Literature, I have been unable to think of anyone but you,” Malaya quoted the note. She had read it so many times she had memorized it. “You were mesmerizing. Your beauty is far beyond anything I could ever hope to imagine. I know that you don’t know who I am, but it would be an honor to escort you to the winter wonderland dance. If you are interested at all, please write back by this Monday. You can leave the message with Sue Woodward in the admissions office. She will know where to find me. Your secret admirer.” Malaya nearly swooned as she finished the last words.
“What a sap,” Landon laughed. “He must have had a girl write that for him.”
“Landon,” Lily said whapping him on the shoulder. “It’s not sappy. It’s called being romantic.”
“Well, all I know is that letter is far too poetic for an average guy to write,” he said throwing up his hands. “Most guys would have written something simple and to the point like, ‘Malaya, do you like me? Circle yes or no’. This guy is a softie whoever he is.”
“That’s not necessarily a bad thing,” Lily offered seeing the troubled look on Malaya’s face. “I bet he would come up with some amazingly romantic date ideas.”
“And maybe bring me roses,” Malaya sighed as she rested her chin in her hands. Lily nodded in agreement.
“And write you poetry,” Lily added shooting a glance at Landon.
“Don’t look at me,” he said defensively. “I hardly know which side of a pen is ‘up’.”
“I don’t even know who he is. How does he expect me to be his date without even knowing who he is?” Both Lily and Landon shrugged their shoulders.
“Why don’t you ask him on a pre-dance date,” Landon offered. “Tell him you’re interested in him and would like to get to know him better before the dance. I don’t see how any guy would have a problem with that.”
“Oh,” Malaya said excitedly. Her face suddenly sported a wide smile. “That’s perfect Landon. Thanks.”
“Anytime,” Landon responded casually. “What are friends for?”
“Let’s get the movie started,” Lily said heading to the living room. She plopped onto the couch, shoved her crutches to the side, and snuggled close to Landon as soon as he had turned on the movie and sat in the space beside her. They were watching an old black and white Dracula movie that Malaya had picked up at the library. Although most people wouldn’t find older movies very scary, Lily found that the black and white ones sometimes frightened her most. It seemed there was more left to the imagination than films made more recently. Although Lily would probably be scared silly by this old movie, because she had a very good imagination, she was ready to face Count Dracula and his creepy night world. With Malaya as her screaming buddy and Landon ready to hold her hand whenever she needed it, she had everything she could want for the perfect scary movie night. It was so nice for everything to feel normal again.
***
“Lily, Lily,” Malaya squealed running down the school hallway. She waved a piece of paper in her hand as she artfully dodged anyone who crossed her path. “Look, it’s from him,” she said bouncing the last few steps towards Lily gleefully.