La'Toya When we get back to school Mrs. Wally was already laying the work on us thick. I know English IV is important, but she needs to chill out.

"It's great to have you back La'Toya. We have a community service project.... Orlando?"

"Coach let me out so I could hear more about the project."

"Have a seat. There's an open spot next to La'Toya. Now about the community service project. Everyone in English IV has to complete one in order to pass. It has to be something with a purpose and you must provide photography. I want at least 8 to 10 pictures. I want you all to be unique with your projects and think outside the box. Anyone can build a house, but what will set yours apart? After you do the project you'll present it in front of the class. During your presentation you will explain what you did and how will you apply it to your life after high school. Having a mentor would help guide you, but it's not required. It's due after Thanksgiving Break. Any questions?"

I got the just of the whole idea. I don't like procrastinating so I'm going to go ahead and start on mine. I pull out a piece of my wide rule paper and start brainstorming ideas. I feel eyes staring at me and I look beside me. Orlando is look at me while he's biting his lip.

"Can I help you sir?"

"I'm sir now?"

"What do ya need?"

"Nothing I'm just admiring the view."

Nobody could make my cheeks burn the way Orlando did. I looked away and covered my face.

"Nah don't cover your face. You have the most beautiful smile I've ever laid my eyes on. I already know you blushing."

"Lando stooop. I'm tryna do this project."

By the time I had my idea for my community service project the bell rung. I was the only one who wasn't packed up. I scramble to place everything in my backpack neatly, but eventually I said forget it. I shoved everything in there and left the classroom. Orlando grabbed my hand and we walked to the parking lot.

"So did Coach really let you out?"

"Yeah he did after I told him I'd make up the laps I missed for today."

"You really show dedication to football huh? Most guys just get in it just for the scholarships. Between you and me it shows on the field."

"Well how many times I gotta tell you I'm not one of them guys you use to fool with? When I decide I wanna do something I put my all plus more into it. The scholarship is just a bonus."

"Sooo homecoming is around the corner. How you think you are gonna do for the game?"

"We have a good team this year. So I think we might go undefeated this year if everyone works hard and stick with it."

When I mentioned homecoming I really wasn't really too much wanting it to be focused on the game. I do care about football because Orlando is playing in it. I know I didn't say it, but I wanted him to say something about the dance. The things that are unsaid are the things that should be said. I get to my car and go to my house. I start on my project and time passes.

The past couple of months I have locked down on my homework and project. I've written a script against bullying and I have been rehearsing with my actors. They have their lines down pack and I think it's gonna be a great show. I plan on doing the play at the center and I'll ask for donations to donate to the anti bullying campaign. My big production is tonight and I'm nervous.

Orlando Tonight is the night La'Toya is gonna put on her play. I don't know what she's worried about it's gonna be a hit especially since I'm in it. I put on my outfit and smile at my reflection. It's showtime. I watch as the La'Toya goes in the middle of the stage and talks to the crowd.

"Thank you all for coming tonight. I'm La'Toya Robinson the writer, director and an actress of this play. It was such an honor and pleasure to work with these actors. They have so many different personalities. We are taking donations for the anti bullying campaign. Now without further ado I now will present to you this play."

She rushes back stage and the stage manager is already starting to set up the first scene. She looks at Jaida and Jaida gives her a thumbs up. It was an indicator that the sound board was ready. She smiles and gives all of us a pep talk. She says a quick prayer and we get in our places.

Jaida Throughout the whole play I just can't help, but to admire my best friend. She's a natural when it comes down to this type of stuff. I know I don't have to worry about her because she got this. Tomorrow night it's gonna be my turn with the attention. I snap a few pics of her being involved with the play. So far everything is smooth. Everyone is going on their cues. The cameraman in the audience is capturing every moment of this. When the play ends all you can hear is clapping and whistles coming from the audience. I grab the mic and say

"Introducing the cast of this production. Your writer, director, and actress La'Toya Robinson!!!!!"

She does her lil jig to the music and takes a bow. She then stands to her correct spot as I introduce everyone else. I get introduced last because I'm the best. Together the cast and the stage hands bow together.

La'Toya I spot part of the Legacy squad in the audience. I lock eyes with Orlando's mom and she nods with approval. We start cleaning up the stage, loading up the truck, and celebrating the play we put on. I order us pizza and thanked them. This play turned out better than I thought it would. My teacher called a news reporter to view my production. I smile because Jaida's turn is coming up tomorrow night.

Jaida After we left the center my butterflies in my stomach are going wild. I have a sleepless night filled with tossing and turning. When the alarm goes off I turn it off and just lay in my bed. When I glance at the clock I see that it's 8:39 a.m. I can now check in without getting a tardy. I made up in my mind that I ain't going to school. I'm just gonna chill and set up for my fashion show for tonight. I roll out of my bed and I grab a bite to eat. Okay maybe more than a bite, but who's here to judge? I get ready and I head down to the place I booked for my fashion show. I start decorating and setting up. My phone goes off and I already know it's La'Toya.

Toya🤞💖😆: Wya?!!!

Me: Setting up for tonight

Toya🤞💖😆: You so fake for not coming

Me: You gon see me tonight

Toya💖💖😆: Ig..

Me: Wym you guess? Your one of my models

Toya🤞💖😆: You mean you're

Me:😑

Toya🤞💖😆: You need autocorrect in ya life

Me: Off topic

Toya🤞💖😆: I'm gonna see you boss

Me: Good now get back to your school work

Toya🤞💖😆: Okay mother.

Well after I stopped texting La'Toya I finished decorating and setting up. I did a fantastic job if I say so myself. La'Toya and the other models came here after school.

"Okay people! We have just enough time to squeeze in one rehearsal. So don't mess up or you might get booted out of the show. Let's move it."

I watch the show and we have a few minor, easy fixes.

"Shelby make sure you slow down in your heels. You almost fell and my project has to be perfect. Willow make sure you turn right instead of left. That will do it people get into your places. The crowd is starting to come in."

The place started to fill up and I start to get anxious.

"Psst. Jaida."

"La'Toya you're suppose to be in your place."

"I just wanted you to know you got this."

She always know what to say when I'm doubting myself. I get on stage and speak into the microphone.

"Welcome to the Dolls in the Mirror. My name is Jaida Green I'm your host and creator of this project. This project is based on the self esteem of people of many skin tones, different sizes, and different shapes. I told them they all are perfect in their own ways. It's not about what's on the outside, but what's within. Okay let's start the show."

Ryan When I got word that Jaida was doing her project I just had to show up. Even though she may not know it I support her to the fullest extent. I take a seat in the middle back corner. I watch as the models walk up and down the runway. I see La'Toya walk and of course she had to do something to set her apart from the rest of them. I lean back and slouch in my seat. When everyone is in front of the stage I sneak backstage. I leave Jaida a bouquet of flowers and a bag of her favorite candy.

La'Toya Two projects down one more to go. I pass a table with the most beautiful bouquet of flowers on it. In the middle of it is Jaida's name written in cursive.

"Jaida you got some nice flowers. Where mine at?"

"Flowers?"

"Honey don't act like you ain't buy these."

"I didn't. Did you?"

"Congratulations girl. It was a success and I took as many pictures as I could before I went on."

"Thanks."

"That was so dry, but okay. I guess I'll see you tomorrow at Lando's project."

"Yeah. Sure."

Jaida When I get home I do a full examination of the bouquet. I flipped the card with my name on it in all directions. I didn't see a name anywhere. I know that La'Toya didn't buy it so I have a feeling that I know who did. I look under the bouquet and my hunch was confirmed. Ryan sent it and my first impulse was to throw it into the trash. Something is holding me back from doing that. I just set it on the table and go into my room. Tomorrow is gonna be a long day. I might as well get all the sleep I can.

Orlando When my alarm blares I'm up and ready for today. I know imma blow my project outta the water. I have the waiver forms on deck and all that. They have been signed and dated. The insurance is in place too just in case. School and practice flies by. I go onto the field and set up. La'Toya and Jaida help me set up when they leave their fourth block. My players and friends start coming onto the field.

"Y'all ready? We finna start."

"Yeah me and Jaida ready. We'll be over here."

"Welcome to my Training Camp. I'm Orlando Washington and I'll be your trainer. Today we're gonna work on your running, stamina, footwork, weights, endurance, and encouragement. Let's begin."

La'Toya Orlando started me and Jaida out on the track doing five laps. I'm not complaining because all we're gonna do is jog it. He blew the whistle and we started our laps.

"So Toya you got your dress yet?"

"Yea."

"What's wrong?"

"He hasn't asked me yet."

"Oh well we can go together if you want."

"That sounds like a plan."

"If it'll make you feel any better we can go to the homecoming game together. First we'll have to take a shower after this because I doubt Orlando will go easy on us. Then we can go shopping for our Homecoming Football Game outfits!!!!!"

"That's if we can survive this."

"Jaida and La'Toya pick up the pace. You can do it. Don't give up!"

By the time we got finished with the training I couldn't feel my legs. Jaida was cramping up and Orlando said it was because she didn't drink enough water. He had no mercy on us.

Friday after school Jaida came over and we started preparing for the game. We dance while doing our make up and putting on our clothes. By the time we get finished it's almost time to go.

"Ion know about you, but I'm finna get a snack."

"You and me both."

After our quick snack we head to the football stadium. Before every game Orlando finds me in the stands and we do our handshake. Then he gets a quick kiss and goes back to the field. I'm guessing he's running a little late.

"Toya you want something from concessions?"

"No not right now."

"I'll be back."

I watch the scoreboard and we have a solid three minutes before the game starts. When the clock struck one minute Orlando runs towards me and gives me a quick kiss. Before I know it he's gone. Jaida comes back with the nachos, a hotdog, and a drink.

"You want some?"

"Nah I'm good."

I watch the game and focus on the players. I yell when we get a touchdown or when we sack the other team's quarterback. I yell when Orlando runs and gets a touchdown. By the time the first quarter is finished I need a drink. I go down to the concessions and get my usual Dr. Pepper. I didn't wanna make two trips down here so I go ahead and get nachos with jalapeños. I had to satisfy my sweet tooth so I bought a Snickers and Kit Kat. I walk back up and watch the second quarter.

Halftime is the best time to watch. The school spirit groups always got something going on. This time I see an empty field. Normally dance line or the cheerleaders would be on the field by now. 10 football players, 14 cheerleaders, and 11 dance line members go onto the field.

"This is new this year. Jaida what do you think?"

"I think it's gonna be amazing."

The cheerleaders start clapping. Everyone on the field chants, "Audience! Audience! Yeah you! Watch us we have something new!" The cheerleaders do flips and stunts while the dance line members do their signature high kicks as the music plays. Everything was going smoothly. When the dance line members went down for their spilt they held signs with a single letter. It read "Will you go to."

The cheerleaders do the pyramid and then they kneel down. Their signs go up and it reads "homecoming with."

"Jaida somebody is getting asked to homecoming. Must be nice."

"Just watch."

I roll my eyes and keep watching. The football boys formed a huddle and they were rocking back and forth. When they moved the huddle they added more letters to the line. It reads "me La."

"Hmm the girl has the same letter first two letters as me too."

"They're not finished yet. Now read it."

"Will you go to homecoming with me La'Toya? That's my name!!!!"

I look down and to my surprise I see Orlando down there standing in front of the signs. He motions for me to come down there and I stand in front of him.

"Before I hear your answer I'm gonna sing to you."

While he was singing tears rolled down my eyes and I kept my eyes on him. Every lyric every note I felt it. When he was finished he got on one knee.

"Will you go to homecoming with me?"

"Yes!!!!!"

I hugged him and he hugged me back. The audience clapped and cheered. I finally got asked!!!! He whispers in my ear, "What color are we wearing?"

"Red."

We do the handshake and I go back into the stands. I watch the remainder of the game and we won. Best homecoming game of all time!

"Jaida you knew about this didn't you?"

"Maybe I did. Maybe I didn't."

Jaida Today is the day. It's already Saturday and I have to get ready and so does La'Toya we gotta hair appointment at 7:00 a.m. and it's already 6:00a.m. I roll over and shake La'Toya.

"Wake up. We got that hair appointment."

She gets up groggily and goes to the bathroom. She takes about 25 minutes in total then I go in and do what I gotta do. When I walk out we ready to roll out.

"I'm driving or you driving?"

"You can roll with me J."

She passes me a honey bun and she munches on hers.

"Okay you know what's on the agenda. First hair. Second is nails. Third is eating. Fourth is getting dressed. Fifth is makeup. Sixth is getting pictures taken. Seventh is going to the dance. Eighth is going out to eat"

"Alright first stop here we go."

Orlando Girls take all day just to get ready for one dance. I already know it's gonna be the same thing for prom. I might as well get ready for it. All imma do is pick up my tuxedo and hang with RJ until it's time to pick up the girls. We haven't heard from Ryan, Rylee, or Kayla in months. That doesn't mean we shouldn't be on our a-game. We pick the girls up in the limo we bought. When we go somewhere we have to go in style. I hired a chauffeur just for tonight. Jaida ain't gonna be by herself she has RJ. When we walk in all eyes were on La'Toya's dress. I saw the guys' jaw drop and the girls' eyes roll. They hating on her already I hold onto her a little tighter. I escort her to the dance floor and we dance until she takes her heels off.

"Looks like you're best friend is having a good time with my cousin."

"I guess she is."

"Code Blue!!!"

"Orlando that's a bomb threat."