“Would you like to be my date for the ROTC dance?” asked Rick. I couldn't believe he was asking me. My two best friends had gotten dates weeks ago, so I had given up hope of anyone from ROTC asking me. Rick was the cutest guy in the club! He wanted to go with me? “Are you serious?” “It' s semiformal, so you'll need a dress, but my parents will pay for the tickets and the limo,” he responded. How could I ask for more – a chariot taking Prince Charming and me to the ball? My mouth worded, “Yes,” as my heart leapt with joy. I had never been to a semiformal dance before, and now was my chance. This would be the best night of my life!
The moment got home, I told my mom about Rick's asking. Immediately, she took me shopping to find the perfect dress. We went to the hairdresser's to make an appointment for Friday before the dance to have my hair and nails done. I wanted Rick's eyes to literally pop out of his head when he saw me. I wanted him to take one look at me and fall in love. Could it happen ? Would it? Could I be transformed into a beautiful princess? Before I knew it, days had passed. I couldn't sleep at all. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach, and my head was throbbing. Friday morning I woke up and the whole world seemed to spin. I tried to lift my head off the pillow but I couldn' t move.
“Honey, you're going to be late for school... are you okay?” My mom came into the bedroom. Her hand flew to my forehead. “Oh no! You' ve got a fever.” I didn't feel hot; I felt cold, so very cold. My mother helped me dress, and she drove me to my doctor. I had been there only a few minutes before my doctor called an ambulance. I couldn't understand all that my doctor was telling me. All I could hear was a muffled “One-hundred-four-degree fever.”
The hospital's bright lighting was blinding as a nurse with long, dark hair stuck two IVs in my arm. I didn't remember seeing her come into my room, only the blanket being thrown on top of me. “Cold, very cold,” I said, “The blanket is filled with ice.” She explained, “You have a bad infection. Your doctor ordered fluids and antibiotics for you. Just rest.” I closed my eyes.