The Glittery Announcement

Mia clutched her phone, staring at the sparkly prom announcement on Frolic Academy's bulletin board. Her heart hammered against her ribs. The bright purple and gold poster promised "A Night of Magic" with dancing and fancy dresses.

"I'll never get asked," she whispered to herself, watching the popular kids cluster around the poster like bees around honey.

Her best friend Sophie bounced over, pigtails swinging. "Mia! Did you see? Prom is next Friday! I'm so excited I could explode like a confetti cannon!"

"Easy for you to say," Mia muttered, tugging at her bright yellow shirt. "You're not invisible like me."

Just then, Jake Martinez walked past their lockers. His dark hair was perfectly messy, and his smile could light up the whole hallway. He was the captain of the soccer team and practically royalty at Frolic Academy.

Mia's cheeks turned pink as she pretended to organize her books.

"Hi Mia," Jake said, stopping right next to her locker.

The Question

Mia's heart nearly exploded out of her chest. Jake Martinez was talking to her. Actually talking to her.

"Oh, um, hi Jake," she squeaked, dropping her math book. It landed with a loud thud that echoed down the hallway.

Jake bent down and picked it up for her. "So, about prom," he said, his famous smile making her knees wobble. "I was wondering if you'd like to go with me?"

The words hit Mia like a meteor. The popular kids nearby stopped talking and stared. Sophie's mouth fell open so wide a bird could have flown in.

"Me?" Mia whispered. "You want to go with me?"

"Yeah, you," Jake laughed. "What do you say?"

Before Mia could think, she nodded so fast her curls bounced. "Yes! I mean, yes, I'd love to!"

Jake's grin got even bigger. "Great! I'll pick you up at seven on Friday."

As he walked away, the hallway burst into whispers. Everyone was staring at Mia like she'd just grown a second head. Some girls looked shocked, others jealous.

Sophie grabbed Mia's arm. "This is incredible! We need to find you the perfect dress!"