Free Being Grey (Beings Trilogy) by Gina Keliher Page B

relax.   We end up planning the party and discussing boys in to the early hours.

Chapter Seventeen
     
     
     
     
    ”You look like a fairy!”
    “That’s not good is it? What should I wear? What do you have that will fit me?”
    Poppy came home with me this morning so she could help me choose my outfit for my date. I still have an hour before Jason comes over but I’m unprepared and time is running out quickly. Half of my wardrobe is on my bed where I’ve tried and rejected it.
    Poppy is sat amongst the discarded clothes, wearing half of them. She looks like a bag lady. She has pink and white knee length socks on that I know I don’t own so she's obviously brought her own accessories.
      “It’s a good fairy. Kind of a hippy fairy. The skirts great but that white blouse does make the whole outfit look too goody goody. Try this blue one on. It will bring out the blue in the skirt and won’t make you look quite so, Casper .” Poppy waves a shirt in the air.
    “ Casper the hippy fairy. That was not the look I was going for Poppy. Throw it over.” I yank the white blouse off and the blue one on and do a twirl.
    “Where are those three quarter length Calvin’s?” Poppy frowns.
     
    Twenty minutes later we find them in Poppy’s wardrobe and, with a fabulous navy top of mine, also found in Poppy’s room, I finally feel comfortable and I think I look pretty good.
    “Espadrilles, sandals or your flat Mary Jane’s?” Poppy asks to complete the ensemble.
    “MJ’s.” We both say in unison.
    “Be careful.” Poppy stresses.
    It takes me a little by surprise. Yes we’re young but I don’t think of myself as a child anymore. “If I can take care of damned Beings , I can certainly take care of Jason Long Legs.” I say flippantly.
    Poppy isn’t laughing. “Just try not to get too emotionally involved. I know you like him Alice and I’m sure it will all turn out fine, but….”
    “But don’t fall madly in love and don’t go over to the dark side.” I’m trying to do a Darth Vader voice but I sound more like Yoda.
    “And don’t try and do impersonations unless you really want to scare him away.” She isn’t laughing but the exasperated Poppy is better than the serious Poppy.
     
    I’m dressed appropriately I think. Jason has shorts and a t-shirt on. And he’s wearing a grin.
    “So where are we going?” I ask.
    “Can’t tell you, but it’s going to be a little over an hour’s drive. Is that ok with you?”
    “Perfect. I have something I wanted to ask you anyway. What will you be doing on the fifth?”
    “Of June?”
    “No November, yes June. It’s Poppy’s birthday. Her eighteenth.”
    “Ah. The infamous manor house party I’m guessing.”
    He doesn’t sound very enthusiastic. I can’t just jump in with bring your mates as I don’t really know them. I don’t really know Jason that well….
    “Is that a yes or a no? Because I think I just asked you out and you didn’t answer.” That came out a little snippy.
    “I’ve enjoyed meeting up with you again Alice , but I’m not sure I’m ready for a Preppy Poppy Party. It’s a different crowd than I’m used to. All that upper class snobbery.”
    “Poppy is so not a snob. And Lady Howard is one of the most down to earth people I’ve ever met.” I sound as if I’m a whiny little brat now.
    “Listen to you Alice, ‘Lady Howard.’ I didn’t mind it when I was younger but it’s just not my scene now. I am flattered that you asked though.”
    This is not how I expected this conversation to go at all. Now what do I do?
    “I just thought you’d want to be my date. No problem if you don’t.” My arms are folded, I know I’m pouting and I’m wondering whether to just ask him to turn around and drop me home.
    “ Alice , you just said it’s Poppy’s eighteenth. You’ll be hanging out with her and having fun. Why do you even need a date?” Have you ever heard a parent say no to an eight year old? Where every reason why not is