My eyes were drawn to the window like a housefly to fire. I was never much into English. Something about being taught how to speak high de tidy, when I only knew the country life didn't seem right.

The promise of spring at least piqued my interest. Changes happen to us all; not even the stars are unchangeable. Adulthood was so far away, yet this summer would be my last before my senior year.

When I wasn’t dreaming of summer, I was dreaming of Charlie. Charlie’s eyes were dark blue like sapphires, and his black, curly hair would dance in front of his eyes. He didn’t have much, but he had a car that drove and a smile that could take me away.

Prom was not far away. In the country, our formal dance was nothing grand, But I was excited. I had a date with the most beautiful man, and I had the most beautiful dress.

Momma let me buy a store-bought blue dress with pleats that hung above the knees. The square neckline reminded me of what the movie stars wore. I bought a pair of pink Mary Janes with a star buckle.

I’d never been a star, but I have dreams. I am going to be a professional lady. I signed up for several Medtech academies. Papa says if I get in, he will pay my way. My mama was a nurse, but I never could tolerate school the way she did. But in a lot of ways, I could never be my mama.

The school bell woke me up from my daydreaming. That bell had an eerie sound that echoed in my ears. Replacing the speakers would not fix it- Our school’s secretary voice cracked like peanut shells.

I rushed with my classmates out the door.

”Hey, Mandy!” I heard Charlie's voice. I accidentally ran into Charlie's arms as he

stepped around the corner. I could feel myself melt in his warm arms. Something about his hands on the arch of my back made my body feel on fire.

“Charlie, you surprised me,” I chuckled. His unruly hair tickled my nose. He tucked in a gray-blue oversized button-up shirt into his worn-out jeans.

“It surely can’t be that surprising, sugar...” Charlie flirted at me. Charlie’s eyes were hard to avoid. It was like my soul wanted to touch his.

“I guess,” I replied. I could feel the blood rush to my skin. Then the soft brush of his rough hands against my cheek made my heart heavy. I spent too long in his arms, so I backed away.

Charlie smiled and said, “My Aunt needs help installing an old army hanger she bought from surplus. I know it’s not much a date, but she needs all the help she can get”

“Of course, I’ll need to go home and change into scrubs,” I said. I’d do anything to spend time with Charlie. My parents would only let me go to his Aunt's house if my brother tagged along, but that was no problem.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw David, another junior in my school. He played in the football team and was generally was at odds with Charlie. I assumed it was because Charlie played baseball or maybe David could play ball. David was a heavy drinker and partied as often as he could. He shaved his hair in a peculiar crew cut, and his clothes hugged his skin. I could always feel his stare as we walked by. Mamma always said the moment you start thinking you can know what's in someone's head, your nuts

Our run-down school had peeling paint and worn out floor tiles. The lockers on both sides of the hallway made the hallway go forever. The students' voices echoed as we walked by. We were in our world as we walked to his car.

The prairie sun has dulled the red car paint to a pale rose, blended with the rust and dirt. I could smell the familiar smell of old hot tires that sat in the back seat.

His car was tricky to start. The whole vehicle growled and shook as we waited for it to turn over. Once the car started, it’s banshee-like scream could be heard blocks away.

Either the car or the washed-out roads shook us as Charlie drove me home. The noise of the car drowned out any conversation, but we could enjoy the freedom and fresh air running through our hair. At midday, the sun warmed our skin. Boys around town would often fix up old cars to save money, but Charlie fixed his car to race.

The farmers were tilling the fields later than expected. Maybe the ground was too wet. I remember thinking, ’At least by mid-summer, these fields would look like waves of green and silver dancing beneath the sun.’

”Ahh. Is that your mom? She's waiving us down.” Charlie said. My mother, as at the mailbox, waving us over. She must have been waiting for us.

”Mandy, Mandy, you got a mail from the University of St. Mary,” my mother said. My mother always had Her hair pinned up and clothes neatly pressed. She looked like the mom on tv advertisement. I never understood how my mother kept it all up.

I was never this perfect. I was lucky if I could get my straw-like hair tied back neatly. I had these bangs that could never grow out but managed to tickle my nose always. I was tall and unusually skinny.

I rushed out of the car and said, ”let me see mom!!” I grabbed the letter and tore it open.

”Mandy, you're going to rip the letter!” momma said.

My lips almost felt as heavy as my chest. ”Mama, Charlie, I'm in! I've been excepted!” Mamma and Charlie congratulated me.

Everything was perfect.