Page 46 of Isabella and the Slipper

What a lame thing to tell someone facing something so serious, but she didn’t know what else to say. She waited for a minute or two, but no further texts came through. She washed her face and readied for bed. A few moments after she slipped under the covers, another message came through.

I’m at the hospital. She doesn’t look good. Mom won’t stop crying.

Her heart ached for him. She wished she could hold his hand and reassure him that all would be okay.

I’m there with you in spirit.

I know. Thank you, Five.

She bit her bottom lip and debated what she should say to him. Maybe changing the subject would be okay. She didn’t want to make light of his situation, but she thought it would be good to get his mind off his sister.

Can I ask you something, Chase?

Of course.

It’s kind of stupid.

I need a little stupid right now. Ask me.

Her fingers trembled as she touched the screen.Would you go to the fall formal with me?

His answer came back immediately.YES!!

Even though you don’t know what I look like?

Dangit, Five, I don’t care what you look like! I don’t care if you’re in a wheelchair. I don’t care about any of it.

She was starting to believe him.

Okay. But you have to promise me something.

Anything.

Promise you won’t take off my masquerade mask.

I just told you, I don’t care what you look like.

Promise or I won’t go.

You’re killing me.

Promise.

Why? Do I know you IRL?

I don’t speak text talk.

IRL = In real life.

Isabella froze. What could she say to that? She didn’t want to lie to him, but she couldn’t say yes. He’d for sure figure out who she was. But if she said no, she’d feel awful. She was stuck. Her fingers hesitated as she tried to decide what to say.

Sorry. I’ll stop asking who you are. I’ll let you wear a mask. You can wear a pumpkin on your head. Just go to the dance with me. Please?

Isabella laughed, and the butterflies came back into her stomach.

Okay. It’s a date.

Hot dang, a real date with Five. My dreams have come true.

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