Ryann's eyes narrowed, his expression skeptical. "You can't just invite yourself to prom with us," he said, crossing his arms.
Rachael shrugged, her smile unwavering. "Why not? You don't have a date, and I hate my school. It's the perfect solution."
Ana finally found her voice, her words tumbling out in a rush. "But Rachael, we don't even know you! How can we just take you to prom?"
Rachael's smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. "You met me earlier today, didn't you? And I'm not asking you to marry me, just take me to prom. It'll be fun, I promise."
Ryann snorted, his expression unimpressed. "Fun? You almost got yourself killed by jumping in front of our car. That's not exactly my idea of fun."
Rachael's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh, that? I just wanted to make a dramatic entrance."
Ana's eyes darted between Ryann and Rachael, her mind racing. Part of her was hesitant, but another part was curious. Who was this mysterious girl who seemed to appear out of nowhere?
"Look, Rachael," Ana said finally, "we need to talk about this. Can you give us a minute?"
Rachael nodded, her smile still plastered on her face. "Take all the time you need. I'll just stand here and look fabulous."
Ana rolled her eyes, but Ryann just shook his head. "This is insane," he muttered, turning to Ana. "We can't seriously be considering taking her to prom."
Ana's expression was thoughtful. "I don't know, Ryann. There's something about her..."
Ana was slightly happy that Rachel wanted to go to prom with Ryann and her because she felt bad that Ryann would have to go alone. But at the same time, she was wary of Rachel's sudden appearance and bold request.
She didn't want to show her true feelings, though, because she was still irritated with Rachel for just showing up out of nowhere and inviting herself to prom. It was all so sudden and unexpected, and Ana wasn't sure she trusted Rachel's motives.
"Come on, Ryann, let's just let her come," Ana said, her eyes sparkling with persuasion.
Ryann raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Are you kidding me? We barely know her."
"I know, but look at her," Ana said, nodding towards Rachael. "She's looking so pretty. It would be rude to leave her behind."
Ryann glanced at Rachael, who was watching them with interest. She did look stunning in her dark gown.
"Fine," Ryann said finally, his voice resigned. "But if she causes any trouble, I'm blaming you."
Ana grinned, triumphant. "Don't worry, I'll take full responsibility."
Rachael, who had been watching the exchange with interest, smiled sweetly. "Thanks, guys. I promise I'll be on my best behavior."
Ryann raised an eyebrow. "See that you are."
Ana playfully rolled her eyes. "Don't be such a grump, Ryann. It'll be fun, I promise."
*****
"Whoa, Rachael, you're looking so cool!" Ana exclaimed, staring at Rachael in awe as they cruised through the streets in the sleek Lamborghini.
Rachael smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Thanks, Ana. I try to dress up every now and then."
Ryann chuckled, glancing at Rachael with newfound appreciation. "You're definitely a different person from the girl we saw jogging earlier today."
Rachael laughed, her shoulders shaking. "I get that a lot. People usually see me in my jogging gear and think I'm just a tomboy."
Ana's eyes widened. "But now, you're looking all glamorous!"
Rachael grinned mischievously. "I like to surprise people. Keeps them on their toes."
Ryann raised an eyebrow. "I'll say. I didn't recognize you at first."
Rachael shrugged. "That's what happens when you trade in your sneakers for high heels."
The three of them laughed, the tension in the car dissipating as they chatted and joked around.
As they approached the school, Ana turned to Rachael with a curious expression. "So, Rachael, what made you decide to come to prom with us?"
Rachael smiled mischievously. "So, I have to admit, I didn't exactly plan on going to prom this year."
Ana raised an eyebrow. "Really? Why not?"
Rachael shrugged. "I don't know, I just didn't feel like it, I guess. But then my mom went and got me this amazing prom dress anyway."
Ryann chuckled. "And you didn't want it to go to waste?"
Rachael laughed. "Exactly! I mean, I couldn't just leave it hanging in my closet, could I? So, when I met you guys, I figured, why not? It's the perfect opportunity to wear the dress."
Ana grinned. "And we're glad you did. You look stunning."
We are glad!!? Or you are glad Ana. Stop using the word we, David said playing with her hair
Rachael smiled, her eyes sparkling with pleasure. "Thanks, guys. I'm glad I could find a use for the dress...and that I got to meet you both."
Ryann raised an eyebrow. "You're not exactly the prom type, are you?"
Rachael shrugged. "I'm full of surprises."
Ana grinned. "I think we're starting to realize that."
Rachael smiled, her eyes scanning Ana and Ryann's outfits. "You both are not looking bad yourself," she complimented.
Ana blushed, her cheeks flushing with pleasure. "Thanks, Rachael. You're making us feel like royalty."
Ryann chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I think we clean up pretty well," he said, grinning at Ana.
Rachael laughed, her shoulders shaking. "I think you both do more than just clean up well," she said, her voice teasing.
The three of them laughed, the atmosphere in the car light and playful as they approached the school.