by Tiffany Hunter

Created on: September 05, 2009

"Amber!" I hear my mom's voice call while my stomach does a little flip. I take a deep breath and look into the mirror one last time. Pink strapless cocktail dress; check. Gold peep toe heels; check. Clutch; check. Hair, makeup, jewelry; check. Nerves? Nope.

This is it. Not only is it my first homecoming dance, but it is also my first date with Josh. Captain of the football team, smart, cute, amazing Josh. My stomach flip-flops as I head down the stairs for my grand entrance.

Step by step I make my way to the foyer, and I'm relieved when I make it without face planting. I smile and notice how good Josh looks in his suit. My eyes fall onto a little plastic box in his hand.

"This is for you." He clears his throat and opens up the box to reveal a corsage. "My mom said that white would go with whatever color you wore." I stand still, staring at the little orchid. "You don't have to wear it if you don't want," he offers nervously.

"Oh, no. I love it! It's perfect!" I slip it on my wrist, still in awe. My very first flower from a boy. I look back up at his green eyes and smile. "Thank you."

"Okay you two, get together for a picture!" My mom interrupts. Despite my protests, Josh strikes a pose and smiles happily for pictures with me.

"Well, we better get going to the dance!" I grab Josh's hand and lead him out of the house. "Bye Mom!" Why must parents be so embarrassing!

I sit in Josh's car with a stomach full of butterflies. We arrive in silence at the school, and I realize that I've had a stupid grin on my face the entire car ride. My cheeks flush, but I look at Josh, whose grin is as huge as mine. I reach for the door as we park, but Josh shouts, "Wait!" and scurries around the front of the car awkwardly. He fumbles but manages to open the door, looking proud of his gentlemanly gesture.

Josh holds my hand and my butterflies flutter as we walk through the school. The music in the gymnasium echoes through the hallways, and we open the gym doors to a display of streamers, balloons and even bubbles. It looks like a scene out of a movie.

Josh and I dance the night away, talking and laughing about everything and anything with ease. After just one night, I feel that I have a new best friend. The dance floor empties as our friends begin to leave the dance. Josh is still holding me, staring into my eyes.

"Thank you for coming with me tonight," he says.

"No, thank you for asking me. This is the best dance I've ever been to."

"Isn't this the only dance you've ever been to?" Josh looks confused.

"Yes," I laugh. "But I'm pretty sure it couldn't get any more amazing than this."

" I could think of one way it could be better."

"Oh yeah?" I ask, slightly hurt.

"If maybe, you thought it would be okay... if I kissed you?" Josh's green eyes stare deep into mine, looking fragile, almost like they could shatter. I nod and he leans down, his lips gently touching mine. The butterflies in my stomach flutter wildly as sparks fly in front of my closed eyes. I feel like I'm shaking, but not from nerves, from pure endearment.

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