Page 29 of Part of Forever
Tucker asked Amber to prom when I told him I wasn’t interested in going.
Why why why why why?
July 4
Dear Journal,
AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay. Okay, before I freak out, let meback up a little bit.
I haven’t written in this journal in a few months. Our spring concert was AMAZING and I’ve just been dancing or working at the studio most of the summer. And going to Disneyland every now and then with Grace when she goes (okay, not every time she goes, because she’s been going almost every day lately).
Today marks the end of summer for me. On Monday, I’ll fly with Mom and Dad to Paris for my six-week intensive. I am SOOOO excited!
I wasn’t thinking about that at all today. Today deserved my full attention. Grace, who loves this day and our traditions almost as much as I do, wore a red jumpsuit with a blue belt, and all white accessories.
Today is the Fourth of July. My all-time favorite holiday. It’s not even my favorite because it’s Independence Day (because let’s be real here… sometimes this country isn’t worth celebrating.) It’s my favorite because we’ve been doing the same things with my family every single year since I was born and that’s what makes it special. I LOVE traditions.
The lame parade that we watch every year. The hours of food and picnicking at Grace’s house. How we almost always end up soaking wet in our clothes because we jump in the ocean when we get too hot, and we never bring swimsuits.
And of course, ending the night on the pier or the beach, watching the fireworks.
This year was no different.
I got up early to get ready. Nathan helped me braid red ribbon into my hair and I wore my new blue and white dress that Mom got me a few weeks ago with my red shoes. What? I like being festive even when I don’t really feel festive.
The parade went off as usual. There was a kid next to us that was so sad every time a float went by. I think she didn’t understand that we don’t get to be in the parade, just watch.
My parents prepped their portion of the picnic (watermelon and a pasta salad) before we headed over to Grace’s for the bbq.
Tucker just smiled and shook his head when he saw us, but he did wear a red shirt (I think Grace made him).
As always, Erin threw the best party. There was so much food to eat and all the little kids were playing and running around. Pretty much everyone on the street stopped by at some point. Even Tucker’s mom was in town visiting. She’s really nice.
Yesterday, I told Grace that I have feelings for Tucker. She did her usual squeal when I told her, but I told her that I was just getting it out of my system, that I really need to focus on ballet until January, and after that I can do a little less, but I really need to train for my audition.
She said I was being dumb, because it was ‘obvious how he feels’ but I just told her not to say anything. He dated Amber off and on all last school year, so I don’t know how ‘obvious’ it really is about how he feels about me. He hasn’t told me that he likes me since that first time.
She didn’t tell him, but she kept making these faces at me that I KNOW he could see… like kissy faces and wiggling (waggling?) her eyebrows whenever I was by Tucker. Which was a lot since we’re friends… thankfully, he didn’t ask about her weird looks or even mention it; probably because he’s used to all of her weird antics.
The afternoon is all kind of a blur to me, even though it was just a few hours ago. We ended up in the ocean at some point, just like always. Nathan was telling dumb dad jokes while we sat on the beach in the sun, but we were all dying of laughter because even though they were dumb, they were still funny.
Then it was time for the firework show. We headed to the beach, just off the pier, with blankets in hand just like we always do.
I ended up sitting right next to Tucker on the small blanket that Grace had grabbed for the four of us. Him, me, Nathan, and Grace. Nathan and Grace were in their own little world, talking about college, Disney, and who knows what else.
Tucker bumped his leg with mine (!!!!) and he said “Cozy, eh?” Iknow I blushed, but thankfully it was dark, so I don’t think he noticed.
“Very,” I said.
THEN he said,“But, it gives me an excuse to touch you.” And he just left his leg by mine the rest of the night.
When the firework show started, his fingers brushed mine (!!!!) and I started to wonder what it’d really be like to hold his hand.
THEN. THEN. Oh my gosh THEN he whispered, “I’ve got a secret.” So I turned to look at him. His face was blue and red, reflecting the light of the fireworks. He was looking at me like he never had before.
AND THEN HE KISSED ME!!!
