Chapter 44

When I got to school the next day, I was overjoyed to find Amy waiting in our usual spot. She waved and gave me a sheepish grin as I hurried to her side.

“I’m really sorry about yesterday, Daisy,” Amy said. “It wasn’t right for me to get mad at you.”

Amy bit her lip. “I guess I was just kind of hurt and feeling left out of your life more than I was mad.”

“It’s okay,” I said. “I’m sorry too, and guess what ….”

“No, listen.” Amy took my hand. “I want you to know I’m happy about how things have turned out. You deserve much better than the life you had with your adoptive parents.”

I threw my arms around her and gave her a big hug. I should have known she wouldn’t stay mad at me.

Plus, I totally understood that she was more hurt than angry. If Amy’s dad was having a big party for Amy’s eighteenth birthday, and I wasn’t invited, I would have felt the same way.

“Oh, Amy, thank you. You don’t know how much better I feel,” I told her. “I was afraid I had lost you.”

“Nope.” Amy grinned. “You’re stuck with me.”

“I’m so glad.” I began digging through my purse. “I have something for you.”

My fingers found the thick, creamy envelope, and I presented it to my friend like a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat. “This is for you.”

But Amy wouldn’t take the envelope. She put up her hands and backed away a few steps. “No. Nuh-uh,” she said.

“Amy, it’s your invitation to the ball.”

“I know,” Amy said. “But I don’t want it.”

“Why not?”

“Because I can’t go,” she replied.

“Why can’t you go?” I didn’t understand. She wanted to go yesterday. Why did she change her mind overnight?

“Daisy, I love you for this,” Amy said and shook her head. “We will always be best friends, but this ball is important, and I don’t wanna ruin it for you.”

She stepped closer. “It’s meant to introduce you to your fellow Alphas. I never should have planned on going.”

“I don’t care about being presented to the Alphas,” I declared. “I want you to spend my birthday with me.”

“You have this great life ahead of you, one that you never even dreamed of before,” she said. “I won’t hold you back.”

I put a hand on her shoulder. “You’re not holding me back. You give me the courage to move forward.”

“I’m sorry, Daisy.” She shook her head. “I love you for inviting me, but I won’t be there. But don’t worry; you’ll be fine.”

She flashed me another smile. “William will be there, right?”

“It still won’t be as much fun without you,” I said. “I wish you would change your mind. Just think about it. Okay?”

Amy shrugged as the bell rang, and we had to go inside to our homerooms.

I tried to get Amy to take the invitation twice more that day. But both times, she said no.

It made me sad to think of her not being at the ball. She was like my sister.

It made me feel more guilty than yesterday when she seemed mad at me. I couldn’t help but wonder if there was another reason why she wouldn’t go.

After the last bell, we met at our lockers like we always do, and walked out of the school together.

“I have got a run, Daisy,” Amy told me. “The dishwasher called off sick, so I’m gonna cover for him at the restaurant.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said as I spotted Victor sitting in the Lamborghini.

I walked over to the car and climbed in after Victor opened my door.

“Why are you so glum?” Victor asked. “You remind me of my cousin when his puppy ran away.”

“Amy wouldn’t even look at her invitation to the ball,” I replied. “She says she won’t go.”

“Why not?”

“She thinks our friendship will hold me back from the life I’m supposed to have.”

I thought for a moment. There had to be more to her decision. We both have always been intimidated by Alphas. Could Amy be more nervous than I am about the ball?

Amy said she wanted to do the right thing for me. How was not having my best friend by my side at one of the most important moments of my life the right thing?

“She must love you,” Victor said. “It’s very considerate of her.”

I groaned. “It won’t be the same without her.” I tried to wipe away a tear without him seeing it. “I want her to come to the ball so badly.”

When we got to the mansion, Victor helped me out of the car, and we headed for the ballroom.

“Let’s try a rumba,” Victor said. “You said it’s kind of fun, and you need a little fun right now.”

Victor and I danced for over an hour. It helped lift my mood. Yet, I wasn’t looking forward to the ball as much as I had been.

We stopped for a water break, and I looked around, thinking about how Amy and I planned on swirling around this dance floor in our partner's arms, and I felt sad again.

The dress I was going to give her to wear to the ball hung in my closet. I should still give it to her. She may be able to wear it someday.

And I was going to treat us both to our very first manicures, pedicures, and facials. It would’ve been so much fun.

I sighed. None of that would happen now.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Victor asked and sat down next to me. “You look so sad.”

I shook my head no. I had to try to get over it. The ball was important to Alex, and I didn’t want to disappoint him.

“Come on, it might make you feel better,” he said.

How could I explain it to Victor? It was way out of his lane. He admitted that he had never cared about anybody else, and he had no idea what it was like to be among the working class.

“Did you know that most of Amy’s life is work? She’s spending this evening washing dishes and bussing tables at the restaurant.”

Victor’s expression was hard to read. But from past experiences with him, I’d guess he didn’t care about a young girl slaving away in a dish room.

People often look down on others who do this kind of work. But I knew from experience that being the dishwasher in a restaurant is hard, backbreaking work.

It’s hot and steamy, and the racks of dishes, glassware, and pots and pans grew heavier as the night went on.

I wished I could go there and help my friend, but I knew that wouldn’t be allowed.

“It seems so unfair. My whole life is like a fairytale now,” I explained to Victor.

“I’m practicing ballroom dancing for a party, and poor Amy is working hard in the dish room tonight. I really wanted to give her one terrific night that she would never forget.”

Victor got to his feet. “Let’s make it happen. I know how we can convince Amy to accept your invitation to the ball.”

“You’re going to help me talk Amy into coming to the ball?” I couldn’t believe my ears. “What’s your plan?”

“Go to your room and change into something nice,” Victor said. “Nothing too expensive, but not your jeans. I’ll explain the rest in the car.”