“I can’t believe it,” I say, mesmerized by my new do. I look like I should be the model on a box of some natural hair product. “My hair looks so…nice. Thank you.” I give my cousin a big hug.
“See, your real hair isn’t bad after all.” Sally smiles, then suddenly gets an idea. “Ooooh, wait!” she exclaims. “I think I know what you should wear!” She digs deep into the back of her walk-in closet. I hear a long zip, like she’s unwrapping something. Please let it be something that doesn’t have glitter, rhinestones, ruffles, or feathers. She emerges from the closet door lined with lights and holds up a beautiful blue summer dress. It’s something you’d see in a fashion magazine. Wow! “I’ve been waiting to grow into this, but I think it might fit you better, since you are taller and, well, have more lady parts than me.” Is she referring to my boobies? I don’t think I’ve ever worn a long summer dress before, but I might be able to rock this one.
—
Later we arrive at the party—well, the “dance.” Uncle Larry tells us to be ready to go no later than ten o’clock. “Same spot. No later than ten,” he repeats. We agree and head in to find Tina and Melissa.
The gym is beautiful now, with decorations, party favors, and silver balloons everywhere. The music is loud, and we spot Tina on the dance floor doing what she obviously loves. Melissa trots over to us in a dress that’s fit for a bridesmaid.
“You guys look great! Love the hair, Kayla!” Melissa says; she looks like she wants to touch it but quickly changes her mind. “My mother made me wear my sister’s old bridesmaid dress. Sucks, but, hey, thanks to double Dutch the stupid dress fits!”
“You’re looking great,” Sally says, “but that dress?”
I elbow Sally. “Melissa, you look beautiful!” I cover.
“Thanks! Well, I’m going to go dance. My guy is waiting.” Melissa does a few pop-locks, then laughs and moonwalks away like a schoolgirl to the same boy who doused her with confetti in arts and crafts. Go, Melissa! I discreetly look around for Charlie but don’t see him. Maybe he’s too cool for camp dances. I bet he’s not going to show up. Suddenly I feel disappointed that I got all dressed up and took my braids out for what might be nothing.
—
As if things couldn’t get uglier, the Bouncing Belles head toward us like they have something to say. After I wave off the cloud of suffocating perfume, I cross my arms, preparing for war.
“Second place. Not bad,” Ivy says.
“Yes, and it’s not over,” I say. “If we don’t take you in New York, my girls from Brooklyn will.”
“Yeah, we’re scared,” Brie remarks sarcastically.
“Why don’t you guys give it a rest?” Sally asks. “It’s getting old. Can’t we at least enjoy ourselves without you trying to ruin everything?”
“Whatever. Permission granted,” Ivy disses. “Let’s go, girls. Party over here just took a dive.”
I’m glad they leave, because I am really getting tired of their mess too. But one thing is for sure: Sally’s confidence to speak up for herself is amazing now. I guess we both learned a little something from each other. She’s tougher, and I’m standing here embracing my inner Beyoncé and JLo in a dress I thought I’d never wear, and I love it! And best of all, I feel pretty, even if a boy doesn’t tell me to my face.
“Let’s go dance!” I say to Sally as I yank her toward Tina and Melissa on the dance floor.
We dance to one song after another till we’re practically sweaty. Suddenly I see Tina pointing her index finger like a blinking light. I think she’s telling me to turn around, and I do. It’s Charlie! My heart skips a beat.
“Can I have this dance?” he asks. He’s so gentlemanly, and he’s dressed like a gentleman, not like the bad boys on the corner asking me if they can do things that I know I am way too young to even think about. But not Charlie.
“Sure.” I bashfully giggle.
—
After a few songs, Charlie takes my hand and leads me outside. Fresh air, thank goodness. We walk around near the garden pond that I’ve passed by a hundred times, but tonight it feels fairy-tale romantic. Even the bugs seem to have disappeared.
“So how long will you be in Charlotte?” Charlie asks, still holding my hand.
“Until the end of the summer,” I say, almost disappointed. “I guess that’s another two weeks.”
“Where are you from?” he asks. And then, “Don’t tell me. New York?” Okay, he’s good.
“I live in Brooklyn! How’d you know?” I ask.
“That’s where my mom lives. For now, at least,” Charlie answers. “Sometimes I go there in the summer, but luckily I stayed here this time.” He smiles at me, and I blush at his flirtation. “You remind me of some of my stepbrother’s girlfriends.” Okay, I’m shocked—he goes to Brooklyn for the summer sometimes? What?
“Girls from New York are funny,” Charlie continues. “They act all rough and tough on the outside, but I know it’s just a front.”
“Really?” I ask. Is he judging me? “Why do you say that?”
“Because you’re really just girls on the inside.” Charlie smiles. Just girls? What the heck is that supposed to mean? “I think it’s cool, though. You guys aren’t easily impressed, and it makes guys step up their game. It’s a challenge, and I like that.” Did he just say he likes me without saying it? I just smile, knowing Charlie fully understands me.
“So your parents are divorced?” I ask as politely as possible.
“Yeah,” he says. “Been that way for as long as I can remember. It’s
