A low growl rumbled from the distance. I sat, pressing my face against the cold glass of my window, gazing out into the darkening sky as the black clouds rolled in. The skies opened up and slowly, fat drops of water came pouring down. I sat and stared as the clouds splashed onto my window pane, wishing longingly to have been allowed out.

I heard the footsteps coming up the steps. Quickly, I moved to my study table and submersed myself in algebra. The numbers and characters in front of me seemed like a jumbled mess. I heard the door open an inch; mum was checking on me again. Forcing myself to focus, I diverted my attention back to the task at hand. The more I looked, the less sense the figures seemed to make. Then, I heard the door close and the footsteps go back down the stairs.

I breathed out a sigh of relief. From across the room, I looked out the window. I had a wonderful view. From my room, I could more or less see the entire village in one glance; well, it did help that dad is the village head. As my eyes scanned the houses, I saw the lights of Stacy Maloney’s house and sighed again.

My phone rang. Quickly, I scrambled to answer it. “Joanie, are you coming or not?!” screeched Tessa. No reply.

“Oh, no. No, no, no, no! You are not gonna tell me that you’re not allowed out again?” I heard her sigh exasperatedly.

“Well, it’s not as if I’m enjoying this anymore than you are.” I snapped. Instantly, I felt sorry. I could feel Tessa’s apprehension. Inwardly, I sighed.

It wasn’t Tessa’s fault that I couldn’t go. It was all dad’s fault; his fault for being the village head; his fault for being so darn pig-headed. Why can’t he simply accept that I’m not a kid anymore? Come on, I’m already fifteen! It’s not as if I’m planning to drink or take drugs. Why can’t he just let me go, just this once? I’ll prove to him that I can take care of myself.

“Hang on Tess, I’ll be there.”
“But what about-” Tessa started.
“Screw him.” I’ve had enough.

Quickly, I changed into my favourite sexy black handkerchief halter and my short black denim skirt. I sneaked out of my room quietly and went downstairs. Then, I saw mum and dad on the couch watching telly. No, I can’t go out that way. I’ll have to climb down. Running back up to my room, I pulled on a black leather jacket, grabbed my purse and opened my window.

Fortunately, my window was right next to the garden; which meant I could climb in and out of my room easily using the high garden fence. I looked out my window and saw Tessa and her older boyfriend, Ethan, at the wheel of Ethan’s green truck. As I eased myself out the window, I saw Tess’s jaw drop. Quickly, I climbed down, feeling very much like Cinderella, minus the pumpkin carriage and the glass slippers, and oh, the fairy godmother.

I landed with a thump. Fearing that mum and dad might have heard me, I ran as fast as I could and jumped into the back of Ethan’s truck. “So, watcha waiting for?” I said, grinning madly. Tessa looked at me, incredulous. She shook her head and turned back to the road as Ethan pulled away from the curb.

During the drive, Tessa and I rattled on non-stop on all the cute boys who were going to be at the party, pointedly ignoring Ethan’s attempts to remind Tessa that he was her boyfriend.

“Ohmigod!” Tessa squealed, causing Ethan to jump. I, for one, was completely used to Tessa’s sudden outbursts. I stifled a giggle and felt my heart go out to Ethan for having to stand her almost 24/7. “I just remembered that Aaron was going to be there!” I felt myself flush.

I’ve had a crush on Aaron since forever. I mean, how could anyone not fancy him? He’s cute, funny, smart and of course, a jock. The only unfortunate bit was having an annoying gaggle of guy friends, preventing me, the village chief’s daughter, from going anywhere near him without causing a ripple throughout the entire village. Luckily, Tessa wasn’t looking. We had arrived in Stacy’s driveway and she had turned to check herself in the mirror.

From the front, Ethan threw me a small towel. “Here, dry yourself before we go in; you look like a complete idiot.” Geez thanks. I quickly dried my hair and thanked God for great hair genes. I checked myself in the mirror and grinned at myself. My hair was a mess; wild and flyaway – great. I quickly reapplied my makeup and climbed out of the truck.

As we entered the house, I saw Aaron up on a makeshift stage with his band, DaBombs. His eyes glanced over the where we stood and for a fleeting moment, we caught each other’s eye. I flushed again. Next thing I know, Tessa ushered me excitedly into the house. I took off my jacket and hung it on the coat rack. I could feel all the guys in the room turn and stare at me. Then, the song ended and everyone applauded as DaBombs made their way down the stage.

As the next band – Cloud Nine – started playing, I heard a low voice behind me, “Hello.” Ohmigod, I recognised that voice. I turned around and felt my stomach lurch. The lopsided smile and gleaming black eyes under his gorgeous dark blonde hair; suddenly I felt slightly nausea. “Hello.” He repeated, looking slightly concerned. Ohmigod, I’m such a idiot. Say hello back!

“Oh, umm, hello.” He looked at me curiously, amused. I stared at him, admiring his striking features. His mouth was moving. I wonder what he’s saying. Crap, I didn’t hear a single word he said. “Umm, what did you say again?” I. Am. Such. An. Idiot. I cursed myself. “I guessed as much.” He laughed; he had such a wonderful laugh, contagious. Suddenly, my shoulders started shaking. I bent forward trying to hide my laughter.

The ice was broken. Aaron and I spent the rest of the night talking to each other. It was close to midnight when he pulled me to his car. We got in, suddenly, his mouth was on mine. At first, I was slightly taken aback; then, I warmed up and kissed him back. Soon, we were snogging our heads off.

It felt like hours. When we finally surfaced, it was already past midnight. “I’ll drive you home.” He whispered seductively into my ear. I giggled then nodded. As I turned in my seat, I saw an impending figure standing out the hood of the car. Squinting slightly, I realised who it was. Ohmigod, I am dead meat.

Standing right in front of us, blocking our way, was Edward Jackson; the village chief; my dad. Aaron’s eyes widened. I heard him curse. Tentatively, I got out of the car. Glancing around, I noticed that almost everyone else had gone home and that dad’s car was sitting in Stacy’s driveway, with mum in it. I hung my head and walked over to the car, careful to avoid dad’s glare.

Once at home, I rushed up to my room and cried. From my room I could hear my parents arguing. Later that night, mum came into my room. I pretended to be asleep as mum sat on the edge of my bed. “Come here darling,” mum gathered me into her arms.

Now, now, I’ve managed to convince your dad. He promises not to treat you like a baby anymore,” I looked up, sceptical. “on the condition that you never ever, ever, do that again. You scared the hell out of both of us, had us all worried.” I smiled weakly, “Thank you, mum. I love you, and I’m sorry I sneaked out like that, but I was pissed.” I paused.

My thoughts were running wild through my mind. What about Aaron? Mum seemed to be reading my mind. “And we’ll make allowances for you and that...”

“Aaron.” I supplied.

“Yes, Aaron. He’s cute.” I blushed and nodded happily. As mum got up and went to the door, I said, “Thanks mum.”

guess where i got the idea from? XXX

EIGHTY THREE DAYS TO MY BIRTHDAY
SIXTY DAYS TO PRESENTS
ONE DAY TO SANDY'S BIRTHDAY