An Invitation

Knock knock knock!

Don't you just hate those mornings, when you're all lazy and tired and being you on the bed, and someone unannounced and unwanted wakes you up with a bang? Only it's not the kind of bang I'm down for, more like when someone's doing construction work outside your damn window. I guess I'm exaggerating there, but it's hard to downplay things when you're **** out of your bedroom in a weekend that should belong to you.

Small advice fellas, never wake up a woman on her free day. Wait for her to get up, you mess with that hibernation and you get the bear.

"What!?"

"Can I come in?"

I know that voice, that's Bennet. Fancy pants southern guy, broad shoulders, real neat with a nice badge to show off to the ladies. He sneaks in a look whenever I pass by thinking I don't notice, I always notice.

"Gimme a sec."

I fumble out of the sheets and feel the cold, hard wooden floor once I get on my feet. Browsing quickly in my closet to see whats available, I slip on a quick top and some jorts before making my way to the door. Careful where you step, floor is a mess of dirty laundry and school papers and snack wrappers. Eh, guess I've poor aim when it comes to throwing out the trash. Not like I've anyone to impress or anything, so it doesn't bother me.

Opening the door enough for her to lean on the doorframe, I crossed my arms and greeted Bennet. "What's up!"

"Hey, morning. You lookin' swell today, what's kickin'?"

"Nothing much, just was laying in bed. Whatcha got there?" I asked, he was nervously tapping something with his hands behind him all formal like.

"Oh, dis? Is 'n envelope, I came 'ere to see if you had plans or were free for today." He explained, showing me the envelope in his hand.

Reaching for it, I unfolded it and scanned through it really quick. He just stood there patiently waiting, I could tell he was looking through my room and probably judging me in his head. I'm not in the best mood so he best not be feeling brave today.

"This is an invitation."

"Yes ma'am."

I held it up pointing at the print. "For you."

"Yes ma'am, says there I c'n bring me a plus one, and you'd make a young man happy if you 'ere to accept it."

"Me?" I was puzzled, he seemed to be looking forward doing something with his friends earlier this week, what changed? "I thought you were going to a party with your friends? Seemed to be all you guys were crowing about."

"Well this 'ere is that party, but I can only take one with me and so 'ere I am."

"You aren't taking Joshua or Gilbert with you?"

"Them boys?" He chuckled. "Why, they as dumb as a sack a potatoes and useless as a screen door on a submarine. No miss, matter a-fact I was hopin' I could 'ave ye come along with see I hear you was havin' a bad time wit' Steve n' I can't bare seeing a woman upset, no sir. So, I would be happy happy happy if I can have you to join wit' me, Helen." He smiled, holding out his arm as if this were a ball and he were charming me for a dance.

He's a charmer, certainly, and if he was of my taste I'd probably sample him myself. Gotta give him credit, he had me going there until he said that name... damn it. So what is this then, just another ploy for him to grab at my heart? Is he expecting me to be looking for a rebound and he'd be more than happy to present his shoulder for me to cry on and a dick to ride?

God damn it, I'm being an asshole but why did he have to mention Steve!?

Calm down Helen, calm down. Just take a deep breath, you're in control here. Easy does it.

"Oof." I sighed, brushing my hair back. "I mean, it is sudden I'll say that much. When is it, like right now or later?"

"Oh, tonight miss, at my family's."

"Your family's?"

He must have heard my confusion through my voice. "Oh it ain't just you n' me, is a ball. A debutante ball, for my sistah. Pop's wanted a crowd, he all smiles n' sunshine n' all. So, is that a yes then?" He grinned, fingers crossed behind his back.

I yawned but nodded my head, sure why not I guess? Could be fun, I don't know.

"Yea, I'll go. What time then, where do I go?"

"Oh don't you worry, I be more n' happy to pick you up!" He beamed, spinning around and skipping down the hall. I was close to shutting the door when he paused and shouted back. "Oh right! Is gun' be at 1900 hours, so be ready. Is gun' be fun!"

I nodded before closing the door and leaning onto it, sliding down till my ass hit the floor. Oof, party at seven then, it'll be a blast! Hmph. Well, still leaves me with a lot of hours till then. Maybe I should call it off just in case? I shrugged.

"Fuck it, what's the worse that can happen."