Deep, intense slumber procured me, and I slept until mid morning. Upon opening my eyes, I questioned whether my vision had been a dream. Looking around for the angel, I found she wasn’t there. Obsessively, I replayed each revelation like a still frame in my mind. I wondered, why the angel thought it was so crucial to show me Damien had a thing for Lila.

     Stranger yet, was her opinion “Jax would never sacrifice social status for love.” I imagined she was trying to teach me the importance of an image to girls like Lila and Jax. It made me laugh to think Damien liked Lila. It was almost beyond belief; the thought of him crushing on someone, so self-absorbed was inconceivable.

     However, the idea that I may actually be Jax was even more mind-blowing. Then there was that kiss. I’d never experienced anything like that before. Just the thought of Damien’s lips pressed to mine stirred emotions in me. Unexpectedly, the phone rang pulling me from my thoughts.

     “Lizzie, Phone,” Mom yelled, as I ran downstairs.

     “Got it,” I called, grabbing the phone in the hall.

     “Practice is in twenty- minutes. Are you ready to go?”

      Oddly, the voice wasn’t female.

     “We both have practice this morning remember?” He said.

     “Oh, right.”

     “Be out front in five and I’ll drive ya.”

     I said, okay, and then hung up the phone. “Crap!” I yelled, tearing up the stairs on the double. I had forgotten coach added an extra practice. She wanted to go over the drill a few times to make sure we had gotten the routine down perfect! Nick seemed to be interested in sharing more than the field it appeared he wanted to share a ride, as well. The game was at four. It was the first time I’d be performing with the team . . . That is to say, as Lizzie.

     Swiftly, I pulled on my cheerleader skirt. I drew my hair into a pony and tied a pretty polka-dot bow into my hair. I studied my reflection dusting on some blush and a hint of lip gloss. I snatched my team Jacket and flew back down the stairs. Nick’s car pulled into the drive, and I could hear the tires crunch against the snow. I yelled, goodbye and headed out the door. The crisp morning air bit my face as I ran to Nick’s car, but the Firebird was warm and cozy inside. I slid onto the seat, closing the door.

     “You seemed surprised I called?”

      I sat silent looking at Nick.

     “I told you I would drive you,” he said.

     “That was before the party.”

     “So . . .”

     “I just thought maybe you weren’t speaking to me.”

     Nick laughed.

     “Why’s that funny?” I asked. 

     “What gave you the impression we weren’t speaking?”

     I didn’t answer.

     “I admit that party got a little strange, but it won’t be our last.”

     My stomach fluttered, and my face felt warm.

     “I like you," he said.

      I lifted my eyes to meet his gaze.

     “I don’t care what people say. . .” he mumbled.

     “Why? What are they saying?”

     Stroking my hair, he leaned in brushing his lips against mine. My mind raced nervously, but, not from the thrill of our first kiss, my anxiousness came from its familiarity. I anticipated each move Nick made. Kissing him seemed to be something I was acquainted with. As he passionately pursued my lips, my mind was elsewhere. At that moment, it actually hit me! Perhaps the troublesome angel was right. Maybe I wasn’t delusional. This ordinary but striking occurrence had brought me to a leap of understanding. I was Jax.