I was red cheeks and shivering. My hand always quakes when I'm stunned with nerves. A part of me was ready to run. But what I really wanted to do was enjoy the night and laugh out loud, I'm in my head talking courageously of course my voice never makes an entrance. Here I am invited to the party, they must like my company but I'm such a stone. I put effort into my hair and my lashes! I even used my expensive parfum. And yes, he is here, and right now he is staring! Why is he still staring? Pause. Is there something behind me that caught his attention. I am tucked into this wall--I am the only thing he sees!

He gives a wave when he notices I'm looking at him. I give a small wave back that hopefully doesn't look to awkward.

Smooth, says a taunting voice that sounds like my sister.

Shut up, I think back as I try to quell the rising panic.

Is he going to talk to me? My heart rate spikes as alarm bells immediately go off in my head. It's fine, totally fine. This is a good thing I try to remind myself. After all this time he was the only one to stick up for me when I needed it. Saying thank you is the least I can do. Besides I've practiced this conversation with myself only more then fifty times since arriving here. What's the worse that can happen?

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. When I open my eyes he's gone.

Oh.

Just when I was maybe working up the courage to talk to him. But that's okay. A part of me is actually relived that I won't have to talk to anyone. But...

It's to bad that I couldn't say thank you.

"Hi," says a voice to my left.

I let out a undignified yelp in surprise as I whip my head towards the voice.

It's him.