Page 2 of Amethyst

Now, as I sit in the back, with only the head of my chauffeur visible in the front seat as we drive to Jenna’s home, I wish I’d done more. The white leather seats and fully stocked—with soft drinks, of course—don’t seem like enough. The classic black tuxedo I rented doesn’t seem like enough.

In my lap sits a white rose corsage, perfectly curated by the florist—at least that’s what the saleswoman said—to accent Jenna’s light violet dress, and it doesn’t seem like enough. I should have ordered lilies or orchids. Roses aren’t unique. Jenna deserves unique.

Jenna wears a lot of blues and violets. Those colors accent her unique eyes, which usually look blue—a light blue flecked with gold—but in the right light, they take on a violet hue. A violet hue that’s uniquely her and works with her long, dark hair.

Jenna and I both went through an ugly-duckling phase during puberty. I was a gawky nerd who wore glasses, she was skinny with stringy hair and bucked teeth.

Braces took care of Jenna’s teeth, and her hair thickened with time and became silky and shiny.

As for me? I got contact lenses and began to work out. During gym class freshman year, I found out I was pretty good at soccer, so I went out for the team, earning myself a varsity letter and a division-one scholarship to Ohio State University three years later.

But I’m going to give it up.

For Jenna Holland.

Unbeknownst to my parents, I applied in secret and was accepted to Dartmouth—Jenna’s choice. Tonight, I’ll tell her I’ve chosen Dartmouth as well.

Of course I have no scholarship offer from Dartmouth, but I’m giving up my free ride—and my chance to continue playing soccer—for Jenna.

If she feels the same way I do.

Tonight I’ll find out.

The limo arrives at Jenna’s house, which is only two blocks away from mine. We went to school together all these years, staying best friends the entire time, even during theI hate boysandI hate girlsyears, and then again during the hormonal and soul-crushing years of middle school and early high school.

She dated a football jock during most of high school, but they recently broken up because she found out he’d been cheating on her with a cheerleader, who was now pregnant.

I want to mend her broken heart…if she’ll let me.

I dated a few girls here and there, but never had a serious girlfriend in high school. I never could get interested in one, and finally a few weeks ago it dawned on me why.

The woman of my dreams has been right in front of me for the last fifteen years.

Jenna Mary Holland.

“Here it is,” I say to the driver as he pulls in front of the house.

Of course he knows that. He’s a professional driver. He knows where he’s going.

My heart beats quickly and my nerves skitter under my skin.

“Here goes nothing,” I say under my breath.

The chauffeur exits the car and opens the door for me, which I’m not expecting. I mumble a quick thank you and walk up the pathway to Jenna’s two-story house.

The walk seems to take longer than usual. Strange. Everything’s the same. The red brick two story stands large and looming, though. I’ve only walked up this pathway about a million times in my life. But this time is different. This time could change the entire dynamic of Jenna’s and my friendship.

My steps don’t seem to be moving me closer until the front door nearly smacks me in the face.

I knock on the door.

No response.

I ring the doorbell this time, and then I knock louder.

A moment later, the door opens, and a woman I don’t recognize stands there. I wait for her to speak, but instead…there’s only an awkward pause.

Finally, I speak. “Oh…hello. I’m here to pick up Jenna for the prom. I’m Max.”

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