Gabe’s heart was pounding.

It was Tuesday evening. School had been out for some time now, and Gabe had stayed late waiting for Jess to get out of cheer practice. He was carrying the sign he and Darica had finished over the weekend, and all he had left to do was actually ask Jess to the prom. Simple enough, he thought. Then why was he so scared?

Gabe pulled out his phone and checked the time. Jess’s cheer practice just ended. She should be along any minute.

“I’ll wait and hold the sign so I’ll be ready the minute she comes,” Gabe thought, sitting down on a nearby park bench. Then he suddenly had the feeling that he forgot something. What could it be? He thought for a moment, and then smacked his forehead.

The cookies!! He had left them at home! “Oh well,” Gabe thought, “Can’t do anything about it now.”

As he waited, his mind drifted away and he felt anxious. He had never liked a girl this much. What if he messed up the promposal or she said no and then they stopped being friends?

He was so immersed in his thoughts that he didn’t even notice Jess walking up.

“Gabe? What are you doing here? School ended ages ago!”

Gabe snapped back to reality when Jess softly placed a hand on his shoulder. “Oh, hi Jess! I was just, uh.. waiting for you!” He swallowed hard.

Jess laughed. She could tell he was nervous. “So.. what’s up?”

Gabe quickly got to his feet. “I ha-have a question for you…”

“Sure, what is it?” Jess asked, biting her lip. She was trying to keep from smiling.

Gabe whipped out the sign and held it up. “Jess.. uh.. I know I’m not Peter Kavinsky.. but will you go to prom with me?” He winced hearing the words coming out of his own mouth. Why did he sound so high-pitched?

If Jess noticed, she didn’t show it. She just laughed and dove at Gabe for a hug. “YES OF COURSE!! Oh my gosh, I thought you’d never ask. I would love to.”

Gabe dropped the sign and blinked. “Wait.. you will?” Relieved, he took a deep breath and let it out. “Awesome!!” He hugged Jess back.

“Gabe, I’m so excited!! It’s gonna be so much fun!” Jess exclaimed. “I already have some ideas for my dress. I’m thinking green. Or maybe blue! What do you think?”

“I think either would be nice!” Gabe said. “Hey, Darica and I made you some cookies, which I forgot to bring, but they’re at my house. Wanna meet there and hang out?”

“I’d love to,” Jess said. She readjusted the tote bag on her shoulder and held out her hand to Gabe. “Let’s go!”