While I still don't know what a glowing flower is meant to look like, I laugh as she shuts the door. I slip my dress off the hanger and start to shrug off my clothes. Slithering my way into the dress, I pull it over my chest and zip the back as far as I can. "Case, I need you to zip up the rest of my dress, please," I call out to her. The bathroom door opens and she steps out. Her dress is a deep violet color, the top a halter-style cut while the bottom spreads out in tulle. There are sequins and beads covering the top. When she twirls around, I see the back opens into a keyhole shape. "What do you think?" she asks me, putting her hand on her hip to pose. "That color looks fantastic on you," I smile. She twirls again. "I feel exactly like a glowing flower." "Okay, glowing flower, can you help with my dress, please?" I say, turning so she can finish zipping it up for me. Once my dress is zipped we step into our heels, hers nude and mine black. I admire the dress in Casey's full-length mirror. Confident Lacey is coming out and it feels so good. "It's been a while since I've felt this good," I admit. My dress fits well, my makeup is great, and I feel cute. I feel beautiful. "Your date won't even recognize you." Casey teases. Well there's one clue. "So it's someone I know?" I have a feeling our dates will be two of the guys, but which two I'm not sure. There's a part of me that wants my date to be Dylan, just because I know him a little better, but I know it's not likely. He called the dance lame and wasn't interested in going. "I wouldn't make you go with a stranger, Lace," she says as she swipes on some lipstick. "I'm not going with a stranger either." The doorbell rings and Casey hastily puts her lipstick away. "C'mon. I don't want them to be too long with my parents." She practically runs out of her room, almost falling in the process. Mrs. Taylor, Casey's mom, is sitting upright on the couch. Casey is graced with her mom's beautiful features. She's a former pageant queen, something she would talk to my mom about constantly. Mr. Taylor, who can be strict and straight-forward, has already walked to the front door, which is out of view from where we're standing. "Well, you girls look beautiful," Mrs. Taylor tells us as she stands up. "Stunning, the both of you." She puts her arm around Casey and kisses the top of her head. "Thanks, mom," Casey says smiling while hugging her back. I thank Mrs. Taylor and try not to feel envious of Casey. Her mom is around to see these moments in her life, and both of my parents aren't. It's unfair, but I know it's not Casey's fault. It just sucks because I know sometimes Casey takes her parents for granted. Pushing those thoughts out of my mind, I focus on the rapid beating of my heart. I'm anxious to see who walks into the living room. I can hear Mr. Taylor's voice along with two others. Mr. Taylor walks into the living room with Anthony and Carlos trailing behind him. Carlos seems cool and collected, while Anthony has his hands clasped together. "Which one belongs to you, Casey?" Mr. Taylor asks Casey. She points to Carlos and approaches him. "This one right here." They smile at each other and I wonder when this friendship happened. Carlos flashes his brilliant smile and offers a hand to Mrs. Taylor. "It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Taylor. I'm Carlos." His attire includes a white button-up shirt with black pants. His hair is somewhat combed, more than usual. She takes his hand and smiles. "It's so good to meet you, Carlos." Anthony, who's wearing a dark gray button-up with black pants, bows his head at me. "Lacey." I can't stop a laugh from coming out. "So proper, Anthony. Save it for prom." "Will do," he winks before turning his attention to Mrs. Taylor and introduces himself. Anthony's mannerisms are similar to Dylan's and it becomes easier to see the other similarities between them. If Dylan didn't introduce Anthony as his cousin to me, I would've thought they were brothers. They're more in sync than Dylan and Derrick. "Maybe we should all sit down and chat for a bit," Mr. Taylor eyes the boys, especially Carlos. "Lacey, I know you're dad would want me to straighten out the boys in your life." Not knowing how to respond I say, "Um, thanks Mr. Taylor." Casey visibly rolls her eyes. "There's no time for that, dad. We have to go." As strict as her dad can be, she often ignores him. He'll give her a curfew of eight o'clock, but she'll stride in one minute past just to tick him off. Mrs. Taylor puts a hand over his chest. "We can't keep them too long, hun. We're cramping their style." "That's exactly right," Casey says. "Wait! Let me at least get a picture before you go. Lacey, your aunt wanted me to take plenty of pictures of you," Mrs. Taylor says, grabbing her phone. I give Casey an apologetic look and she sighs. "Okay." The guys are silly with the photos. They pose more together than they do with me and Casey, and even manage to get a laugh out of Mr. Taylor. Casey clutches Carlos' arm and starts to pull him towards the front door. "We have to get going now." "Remember, Case, midnight is the curfew," Mrs. Taylor calls out to us. "I know!" she says, opening the front door and ushering the rest of us out. Carlos, Anthony, and I say our quick goodbyes before we step outside. "I'm driving," Anthony holds up his keys. "Let's get this party started." I'm heading to the backseat when Carlos cut in front of me. "Sit in the front with your date, Lace. C'mon," he says teasingly. In the same tone Casey says, "Yeah, Lace, what's wrong with you?" She smiles at me before opening the door and slipping inside. Anthony opens the passenger side door for me. "After you," he says.