Rain 01 When It Rains Read Free

been the same between us lately, I can’t imagine not having him in my life. He means everything to me, even if I can’t say it. He’s the one person in the world I trust not to hurt me.
    He was my dream for so many years.
    We played together every day after school throughout elementary. He was just my friend then, of course, because I was going through the whole boys are gross stage, but something changed in middle school. I started to notice things like his beautiful blue eyes, his strong jaw . . . I would sit in class and stare at the back of his head, fantasizing about running my fingers through his shaggy brown hair.
    I was going to marry Beau Bennett someday but nothing ever happened between us. I was too scared to make the first move, and he was too busy chasing the pretty girls at school. I used to hope that maybe someday he’d see me like I saw him, but when he finally did, it was too late.
    I’m not the same girl anymore. I’ll never be her again.
    We’ve had our share of good and bad moments. In fact, the last time Beau and I went anywhere together was our senior prom. Just thinking about it makes me nervous about what today will bring.
     
    Tonight is my Senior Prom. I didn’t want to go, but Beau practically begged me to, saying it was something I’d always regret if I didn’t. I wanted to tell him there were lots of things I’d regret, but not going to Senior Prom wouldn’t be one of them.
    In the end, though, Beau’s persistence paid off and I agreed to go with him because I know if I don’t go, he won’t go. I spent some of the money I’ve earned at the diner on a new dress because I want to look good for Beau. I don’t want him to regret choosing me as his date.
    When Beau knocks on my door, I’m nervous but a little excited. For one night, I’m going to pretend to be just a normal, happy teenage girl. I take one last look at my long auburn hair in the hallway mirror and smooth down my knee length sapphire blue dress before opening the door. Beau stares down at me with his lips parted, and for a brief moment I wonder if this is really a good idea.
    But then he smiles, and all doubt leaves me.
    “Are you ready to go?” he asks, holding his hand out to me. He looks amazing in his black suit with a blue tie to match my dress. “Oh wait, I almost forgot.” He holds up a small box and opens it to reveal a small corsage made from white lilies, my favorite flower. He carefully slides it over my hand, making sure the flowers are aligned perfectly on my wrist.
    “Thank you,” I say, slipping my hand in his.
    The night is going better than I expected. We spend most of our time on the dance floor, and when we take a break, Beau never leaves my side. A few people stare at me; I assume they’re surprised to see me here, but I don’t let it get to me. I used to be just another student, but now I feel like I’m constantly on the outside looking in. Tonight, a little piece of me feels as if I’m a part of the world again.
    “Do you want to go to the after party?” Beau asks as the lights come on and the principal announces that the last song is playing.
    I shake my head. I’ve already stepped way outside my comfort zone for the night, and I don’t want to face all my old friends. I always feel like people are judging me and I hate it.
    “Do you want to go hang out by the lake?” he asks, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.
    Do I? This is the happiest I’ve been in almost two years, and I know it won’t continue forever. Once I have time to think again, the momentary escape with Beau will be over. Reality always has a way of sucking me in again.
    I nod as we get into his truck and roll down the windows. We ride in silence while the wind whips through my hair and country music plays softly on the radio. I wish all moments in life could be like this one. I feel free, safe, and more than anything, I feel a part of the old me creeping into the present.
    We pull up by the beach and Beau grabs