For April

It was a breezy Autumn day.

April skipped through the park on her way home from school, the leaves crunching under her feet as the wind whipped at her long, auburn hair. This was her favourite part of the day - passing by all the trees and flowers, the familiar faces sitting on nearby benches, people strolling with their dogs, and small children running around and giggling.

It helped her forget about school. She was an average student - often jealous of the high-achievers - and she liked to pretend, as she skipped through the park, that she was somebody special.

The fact of the matter, however, being that she was not special.

She was not good at sport, she didn't excel in her school work, she wasn't popular - she was also very plain in appearance. Not unattractive, but she certainly didn't have boys falling over themselves to be with her.

April sighed as she pushed open the front gate of her yard. A girl of 17, she was in her final year of school. She had not once been asked to a dance, and as winter approached, and the other students were preparing themselves for the Winter Ball, she had decided that she would not be attending.

But this wasn't the way she wanted it to be.

As she fumbled with her key in the front door, movement in the corner of her eye drew April to look at the neighbour's house. There, standing at the door, with his trendy clothes and perfectly sculpted hair, was Jason. April froze for a second, before dropping her key to the ground. She gasped as she knelt to retrieve it from the nearby bushes, but she managed to hit her head on the door on the way down. Losing her balance, she instead fell, and joined her key in the shrub.

Red-faced, she struggled to stand up, retrieved the key, and hoped that Jason hadn't caught her fall.

She quickly looked over to where he was standing, and he raised his eyebrow, before shooting her a half-cocked smile, and stepping through his front door.

April's face burned as she finally stumbled through the door, and trudged up the stairs to her bedroom. Unfortunately, her bedroom window faced Jason's house (most notably, his bedroom), and as she caught a glimpse of him once again, she quickly pulled the curtains shut, before falling face first onto her bed, and wallowing in self-pity.

April woke up to the sound of her door opening. Groggy and dazed from her nap, she rolled over, and saw Aden, her younger brother, standing in the doorway. Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes, and noticed he was grinning widely, hands behind his back. "What do you want?" she croaked.

He continued to grin has he pulled a book from behind his back, and opened to a page. Her eyes widened as she realised what Aden was holding, but it was too late. He began to read loudly and emphatically...

"DEAR DIARY, TODAY JASON LOOKED RIGHT THROUGH ME-"

"OH MY GOD," April cut in. She grabbed the nearest object, which happened to be her alarm clock, and lobbed it at Aden's head. He dropped the book in shock, and tears welled up as the clock collided with his forehead.

"I'm TELLING!" he cried, as he ran from the room, "DAAAAAAAAAAAAD APRIL THREW HER CLOCK AT MY HEAD!"

April sighed as she retrieved her diary from the floor, and sat back down on her bed. Sometimes, she hated living out such a cliche.

"Dinner's ready!"

Her mother's voice rang through the house, and, after putting her now non-functioning alarm clock back where it belonged and finding a new hiding place for her diary, April made her way downstairs, where she found her family sitting around the dinner table, already digging into the spaghetti on their plates.

Aden poked his tongue out at her, and April realised he had a bandage wrapped around his head - presumably the result of the "injury" she inflicted on him. She just glared.

Her dad chuckled as he noticed the exchange between the two. "Now, April," be began, in a stern voice, "Do I need to remind you that we don't throw clocks in this house?"

April rolled her eyes as he continued.

"We throw books. They're heavier. Cause more damage. More corners."

April's mother nodded, "Exactly. And not at the head. Try to aim for the limbs."

"MUM?!" Aden cried out in opposition, but the rest of the family burst into laughter.

They all soon fell silent, however, as they heard the knock at the door.

"Who is it?" April's mother sang out, but there was no reply, "April, sweety, go see who it is, will you?"

April nodded and walked through the living room to the front door. She looked through the peep hole, but she couldn't see anybody. She sighed. She knew what was coming. There would be a flaming paper bag filled with something unpleasant. Or she'd open the door and get pelted with eggs. She knew how this worked.

Sighing, she turned the handle, and eased the door open.

There was nobody in sight, and no eggs came flying at her face. She sighed of relief and looked at her feet, and noticed a large, brown parcel lying nearby. Curious, she picked it up. It wasn't heavy at all, so she shook it. It didn't make much noise. She sniffed it, just in case.

It smelled like paper.

She turned it over, and realised it had a tag attached to it. Looking closely at the tag, she gasped as she realised what it read.

'for April' .

**

"So... what's in it?"

April's mother eyed the package that had been placed in the middle of the table.

April shrugged, "I have no idea. I'm kind of terrified to open it in case it's a practical joke or something."

Aden gingerly poked it with his finger, "Can I open it?"

April shook her head and picked it back up again, "I'll keep it in my room. Curiosity will get the better of me at some stage. In the meantime, I've got homework to do." She walked back upstairs to her room, set it down on her bed, and sat down at her desk. She opened her maths book, and attempted to work through her calculus homework, but she couldn't concentrate. She was too busy wondering what was inside the package.

She dropped her pencil and pulled her curtains open to stare at the stars for a while. Before long, she found herself standing in the middle of the room, watching the package.

Movement outside the window caught her eye. She turned her head, and saw Jason at his window, holding up his notebook; a hastily scrawled note written on it. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"

Flushing, she picked up the package and showed him. He nodded, and quickly scribbled another note, "WHAT IS IT?"

She shrugged, as he scribbled again, "FIND OUT. SHOW ME."

She smiled, nodded, and began tearing away the paper, gasping as she realised what was inside.

The brown paper lay discarded nearby, as April ran her fingers along the beautiful, pale blue dress that had been wrapped inside.

She got to her feet to hold it in front of her and take a better look. She held it out in front of her, and turned to also show Jason, who gave her a hearty thumbs-up and nodded his approval, before writing her another note, "PUT IT ON".

Shaking her head, she closed her curtains again and ran downstairs to show her parents. Her mother took the dress from her hands, and inspected it, "Oh my," she sighed, "This dress must be very expensive. Who was it from?"

April shrugged, taking the dress back off her mother, who initially wouldn't let go, "Should I try it on?"

Her mother nodded frantically and pushed her towards the stairs, "Yes. And show me!"

April raced back to her room, threw off her clothes, and slid on the dress. It was a perfect fit. She reopened her bedroom door to find her mother waiting impatiently. As her eyes fell on April in the tears, tears welled in her eyes, "Oh honey, you look amazing!"

April giggled and twirled, before heading downstairs to show her father, who echoed her mother's sentiments. Aden was less forthcoming with the compliments, but April suspected he was jealous that he wasn't the centre of attention. He cradled his head and started complaining loudly about "The PAAAAIN", before giving up and returning to his TV show.

"So..." her mother began softly, "Does this mean you're going to that dance after all?"

April pondered for a moment, "Even though I have a dress, I don't have a date."

Her father sniggered, "You don't need a date! Girl power and whatnot."

April rolled her eyes, but her mother had a bright smile on her face, "Oh honey, maybe a boy gave you that dress?"

April shook her head, "Doubtful. It's okay. I'll save it for a wedding or something."

Her mother sighed, and allowed her to leave. April walked back up the stairs, and went to unzip herself, before she remembered Jason. She slid her curtains open, but he was nowhere to be seen. Her heart sank, and she closed the curtains again, before removing the dress, showering, and crawling under the blankets. Her maths homework could wait until tomorrow.

**

Springing out of bed the next morning, April ate breakfast, gathered her things, and began her walk to school. As per usual, she walked through the park, and the chill in the air meant she soon had to pull on her coat. Lost in her thoughts, she almost didn’t hear Jason calling her name as he came running up behind her.

“APRIL!”

His voice finally broke through her thoughts, and she turned to see him approaching. She flushed as he stopped and smiled at her, “Good morning!” he winked at her, and she went a deeper shade of red.

To save herself the embarrassment, she returned his greeting hastily, and turned to continue the walk. He strolled alongside her, staying silent for the most part, until they were approaching their school.

“So, uhh..” he fumbled for the words, “Nice dress, huh?”

She continued going redder and redder. Why was he talking to her? She nodded, “Yeah, perfect fit, too.”

“Oh, so you tried it on? You didn’t seem to want to when I asked.”

“I was forced to by my parents,” she muttered, “They seem to think I’m going to the dance now.”

Jason stopped walking, “You mean you aren’t?”

She shook her head forcefully, “Nobody to go with. Besides, I’ve got homework to catch up on.”

“Not even if I asked you?”

“I..” she looked at him for a moment, before breaking into a sprint. What had just happened? Head swimming, she ran to class, and spent the rest of the day making her best effort to avoid Jason – even going so far as to stay back in the library for an hour catching up on her homework to avoid crossing paths with him on the way home.

Also taking the long way home, April fell through the front door much later than usual. Both of her parents beat her home, and she was met with an inquisitive eyebrow from each member of her family before she huffed, “I think I hate boys.” and stomped off to her room. Finding her curtains still wide open, she made a move to close them, but it was too late.

Jason walked into his room at the same time, saw her, and held up his hands to stop her. She watched him as he scribbled a note, “CAN WE TALK?”

She was impressed by his persistence, grabbed a notebook, and responded, “YOU HAVE FIVE WORDS.”

He nodded, “I THINK YOU ARE AWESOME.”

She flushed, and opened her window, motioning for him to do the same. He quickly obliged.

“What is it that you want?” she called across to him.

“The dance,” he called back, “I want you to come with me.”

“Why?”

“I’ve given you my reason.”

“… Okay. I’ll go.”

Jason broke out in a big grin, and his blue eyes and perfect teeth made April melt. She smiled back, closed the window, and pulled the curtains. Her stomach dropped as she realised the dance was the next night. She had a dress, but nothing else. No shoes to go with it.

She sighed, deciding she’d ask for mother for help following dinner.

“APRIL! DINNER’S READY!”

**

Dinner was once again interrupted by a knock on the door. Her family all looking at her expectantly, April rolled her eyes, “I highly doubt it’s another present for me.”

Regardless, she made her way to the door, and, once again spying nobody in the peephole, she cracked the door and peered out. There was a brown parcel sitting against the door. She picked it up, gingerly shook it, and took it back to the kitchen.

Aden pouted when he saw the parcel in April’s hands, “No fair! MUUUUM WHY DOES APRIL GET PRESENTS?” She shushed him, before motioning for April to open it. She did so, and inside the parcel rested a pair of amazing black stilettos. She dropped her head onto the table, “I don’t understand.”

“Oh WOW!” her mother gasped, picking up the shoes, “I was looking at these the other day and-”

Her husband shot her a dirty look.

“- well I had no intention to buy them. But yes, these are pricey! You don’t have a sugar daddy you aren’t telling us about, do you?”

April scoffed, “Please. Do I strike you as the type of girl with daddy issues?”

Her mother shrugged, “You can never be too sure of these things. But these will go perfectly with your dress! It’s a shame you aren’t going to that dance.”

April looked at her, and her mother’s eyes widened, “You are going, aren’t you! Do you have a date?”

April’s red face gave her answer away. Her mother clapped excitedly, “Oh, sweety, that’s fantastic! Tell me everything!”

She nodded, but suggested they discuss it elsewhere, motioning towards her brother and father. They both objected, but her mother agreed, and they went for a drive to get ice cream, and bond over gossip about the boy next door.

“Sweety, I want you to be careful, okay? Just remember, this is only one dance. You never know what will happen.”

April assured her mother she had nothing to worry about, “It’s okay, I’m not about to fall in love with the boy and have my heart broken if he wants nothing to do with me afterwards. I know how the world works.”

Her mother hugged her, “That’s a very bleak outlook, but I’ll be here for you if anything like that should happen.” April laughed, “I know, but rest assured I’m smarter than that.”

“Now,” her mother began, “How are we doing your hair and makeup?”

They sat and talked for the rest of the night, before her mother realised the time and spirited her home to bed, “Get your beauty sleep, young lady! You’re going to look stunning.”

The following morning, she walked with Jason to school. Managing to hold a decent conversation, she found herself glad that she had agreed to go to the dance with him. They shared a lot of interests, and the walk was over far too soon.

“It’s okay,” he mused, “We can walk home together?”

She nodded, “We’re getting let out early today so we can prepare for the dance, anyway. I’ll see you then.”

The day flew by, and before she knew it, they were on the way back home again, discussing the finer details of the night, and April’s mysterious dress and shoes.

“So, still no idea who gave them to you?” Jason asked, as they neared their respective homes. April shook her head, “Not a clue. But I hope I find out some day. I’d really like to thank them.”

Jason smiled at her, before they parted ways, and began the process of getting ready.

April’s mother had opted to take the day off work so she would be home to help April get ready, and it wasn’t long before she was having her way with April’s hair and face. Minutes turned into hours, before finally, “There we go! All done! Go see how you look, honey!”

April got to her feet, legs numb from sitting for so long. She made her way to the bathroom and inspected the damage. Her jaw dropped as she admired her mother’s handiwork. She looked stunning, and she couldn’t wait to put on her dress and shoes to see the finished product.

She kissed her mother on the cheek, and bounded up the stairs to throw on her clothes. She quickly pulled the curtains shut, slipped on the dress and her heels, and inspected herself in the mirror. She was pleased, and as she descended the stairs again, Jason was standing to greet her.

Her mother gasped and began frantically taking photos, “Aww you look so cute together!”

Embarrassed, April posed with Jason for a few photos, before she suggested making their retreat. Jason nodded, and together they walked through the park towards their school, arm in arm. April’s stomach fluttered every time she thought of how handsome Jason looked in his tuxedo, and she was very much looking forward to arriving at the school and being the envy of every girl in attendance.

They finally made it to the dance, and April was suddenly the centre of attention. Telling her she looked fantastic, asking where she’d gotten the dress, the shoes, who did her hair, makeup… She was overwhelmed, but she couldn’t wipe the smile off her face. Jason retrieved a drink for her, and after saving her from the horde of girls, took her by the hand, and they sat and talked while they drank.

Several songs went by before one they both recognised began to play. They looked at one another, and Jason got up to lead April to the dance floor. They danced and sang along loudly, before the music slowed, and they moved closer to each other.

April was happy in Jason’s arms on the dance floor, and they stared into one another’s eyes and smiled.

“Can I tell you a secret?” Jason whispered.

April nodded, heart racing.

“I really like you,” he blurted out, “I think you’re amazing.”

April blushed, “I think I like you too,” she said to him, and he went the same colour as April. She giggled, but his face turned stern, “There’s something else.”

The smile dropped from April’s face, “You can tell me.”

“I know who gave you that dress.”

April’s heart began pounding again, “Who was it? I have to thank them.”

Jason paused, before leaning in to whisper in her ear, “It was me.”

April went tingly. It was a feeling she had never felt before. She was so thankful. She needed to express it. As she processed what had just happened, she fumbled for what she could say, “I… I…”

Jason pressed his finger to her lips to stop her, “I’ve been saving up for it for months. I wanted to give it to you personally but I was too nervous. It cost me a lot, but I’m so glad I bought it. You look incredible.”

He smiled at her, and April was overwhelmed. She had no words. Instead, she took Jason’s face in her hands and looked deep into his eyes, before kissing him with all the passion she could muster. Jason didn’t resist, and kissed her back.

She had gone numb, and all she could see were stars. She closed her eyes. There was nobody else in the room, just April and Jason, locked in one another’s embrace. The music faded away, the ground fell from beneath her feet, and they felt as if they were floating. She could feel her heart swelling with a strange, new sensation. “Is this love?”

As her eyes fluttered open, everything was dark. She looked around. She was in her room, lying on her bed. There was no dance, no dress, no Jason. She sat upright, and noticed her alarm clock was fully functional. Her heart dropped. It had all been a dream. The mysterious parcels, going to the dance, the amazing kiss, all of it.

“Dinner’s ready!”

April sighed and trudged downstairs, and joined her family for dinner, feeling incredibly low. The dream had been so vivid, and now it was nothing but a memory.

She had no appetite. Instead of eating, she just played with the spaghetti on her plate, when suddenly, there was a knock at the door. She sighed again, stood up, and walked to the door, which she flung open.

There was nobody there. Just a lone brown parcel, with a tag attached that read “for April”.