2

"Everything considered, what do you say, Eliza? Will you go to the Snow Ball with me?"

Dallas spoke with such ease, it could have looked like he were planning to ask me for months. Confidence was in the atmosphere around him. A smirk danced on his lips, his eyes glinting with mischief and intrigue.

I didn't know he knew my name.

I stood there with a straight face-not that great quantities of emotions showed on my expression otherwise.

I wanted to scream "what the hell?"

But I stood there, eyes narrowed suspiciously on Dallas.

He raised his eyebrows, awaiting an answer.

The hallway was silent, with so many people crowded around and watching in anticipation.

Oh, the Golden Dallas Rolland asking this girl to the ball? Hell must be freezing over.

I sure as hell couldn't wrack my mind for any explanation as to why he was asking me.

There was no way this was-come on. This has to be a joke. This is one big practical joke. It has to be.

Why would I ever, in the right mind, say yes?

I wouldn't.

Although...

I don't know if he's messing with me. I could play along, see where this goes out of pure curiosity. This whole ordeal was making my day turn out to be much more eventful and entertaining.

Additionally, if I happen to consider all the factors, it would be very nice to shove in River's face that I can indeed get someone like her high and mighty Dallas Rolland-without even trying.

I suppose it wouldn't be terrible to show River, her minions, and my friends that I can go to a stupid ball with a stupid boy.

To prove myself, sounds like a sweet victory.

"Yes."

I spoke flatly, my eyes still narrowed on Dallas.

Gasps went through the crowd but the loudest one belonged to River who stood behind me.

"Yes?" Despite his smirk, Dallas marginally narrowed his eyes-like he was trying to decipher whether I was being serious or not.

I shrugged. "Sure. I'll go to the ball with you."

I walked past Dallas, leaving many people astonishingly confused.

-

"Hey there, Eliza."

At the end of the school day, Dallas appeared. He leaned against the locker next to mine. He watched me carefully with his signature smirk still lying on his face.

I glanced at him, flatly. I then turned back to shoving my books into my backpack. Dallas watched me as I packed my bag and shut my locker. He continued watching as I swung my bag over my shoulder and started walking down the hallway.

"Hi." I spoke dully. I knew he would follow me.

"Delayed response?" From the corner of my eye, I saw him quirk an eyebrow.

"I didn't want to say the wrong thing."

I almost laughed at my insincere response.

"And all you came up with was a simple hi?" He laughed lightly.

"It seemed fitting." I shrugged.

"You are-" he paused for a moment, licking his lips. "Fascinating." He held the door open for me to exit the school. I looked at him for a split second before walking through, Dallas following behind.

I didn't say anything. He followed me to where my car was parked when he swerved in front of me, blocking my path so I could not enter my car.

"Do you mind?"

He only grinned, tilting his head. "What are your plans-this Friday?"

I blew air in my cheeks. "I don't know. Maybe find a cure to cancer-save some drowning fish if I have time. I'll find something."

Dallas's eyes were dancing with amusement. "A comedian in my midst. I will take that as a negative, you don't have plans."

I rolled my eyes, sighing. I could continue with the sarcasm but the sooner this conversation ended, the sooner I could get home. "Why are you asking?"

He stood up straighter, peering down at me. "I would like you to come grab smoothies with me-after school."

I narrowed my eyes. "What if I don't like smoothies?"

"Then-coffee."

"If I don't like coffee?" I stared at him blankly.

"Then-" he blew air out in his cheeks. "We can get lemonade."

"If it's too sour for my liking?"

"Then, burgers." He raised his eyebrows.

"If I'm not hungry?" I tilted my head to the side, feigning a look of innocence. I wonder how long he'll put up with me.

"Then-we can read a book." His nose scrunched lightly. "If not that either, we can sit. Just sit." He shot me a cheeky grin.

I paused for a moment. "Why did you resort to reading-of all things?"

Dallas shrugged. "Reading brings knowledge. What do you say?"

"Say-about what?" I asked innocently, bringing myself amusement and hopefully him some annoyance.

Dallas looked at me flatly. "About Friday."

"What's on Friday?" I continued.

"Eliza." He spoke firmly, looking at me seriously.

"Dallas," I responded, in the same firm tone. I could do this all day.

Dallas inhaled deeply, his head shaking lightly. "What do you say about this Friday? Coming out with me-on Friday." He spoke slowly, looking me straight in the eye as if a stare-down would intimidate me enough to stop teasing.

I tilted my head. "Why would I join you?"

Dallas grinned again. "Because you agreed to go to the ball with me-and because I would like you to join me."

I paused for a moment. "If I say yes will you move out of my way."

Dallas smirked, stepping out of my way. "I will see you later, Eliza."

With a wink, he walked away.