The Boyfriend List

Skyla Rain never wanted much from life. She had her looks, but never really cared. Beautiful golden blonde hair gently waving to the middle of her back. She had Sky blue eyes which is why her mother named her so. She had been so beautiful since she was eleven. She was sixteen now, and she had only wanted one thing each year. When she was one, she wanted cupcakes. When she was two she wanted to see the Easter bunny. When she was three she wanted a puppy.

When she was four she wanted a baby brother or sister. When she was five she wanted her mom to come back from Heaven and the Angels to be with them. When she was six she wanted her big brother to forget about collage and stay home with her. When she was seven she wanted her dad to not have to leave and be with her mom after that car accident. When she was eight she wanted a new bike. When she was nine she wanted horse riding lessons. When she was ten she wanted her own computer for her bedroom.

When she eleven she wanted to help name her future niece. When she was twelve, she wanted to be the flower girl at her brothers wedding. When she was thirteen she wanted her big brother to let her go to a slumber party without parental super vision. When she was fourteen she wanted to go on a date without a chaperon. When she was fifteen she wanted her own used car. When she was sixteen she wanted to complete The List with her boyfriend Zack. She decided that when she really started to like someone, she would do the list with them. The list was a small special page in her doodling book that had a list of eight things she wanted to do with her boyfriend.

But when she went to Zack's house, he saw her kissing her worst enemy, Brenda Tyler! She was a dancer on the Corny Collins show. Skyla and Brenda had been rivals since preschool. Skyla painted a bird house with her brother, so Brenda painted an her house with her mother. Which was something Skyla had lost a few months ago. Skyla got an B+ in Latin, so Brenda got an A- in Spanish. Skyla got the part Brenda tried out for in the school play.

So Brenda joined the Corny Collins show because she knew it Skyla's favourite program, just to spite her. Skyla became a great singer. So Brenda, once again just to spite her, became, in Sky's opinion, a really rotten dancer. Even after she got pregnant she tries to ruin Sky's life, the thought that it might be Zack's child devastated her. Skyla sniffed as she walked through the park. She slumped onto a park bench, sniffling. She reached into her jean jacket pocket, pulling out The List, staring down at the paper angrily. How could he do that to her?

He told her he loved her. But he got her worst enemy pregnant! That thought sickened her, he always liked 'older girls' he just turned sixteen, and Brenda was about to turn eighteen. Disgusting. She let a few teardrops slip down her cheeks. "Hey, Sky" she heard a male voice say. She looked up to see Link Larkin. Her good friend from elementary school.

They didn't talk so much anymore, but she always had a bit of a crush on him. How could she not? He was hot. Deep, beautiful, expressive blue eyes. Raven black hair, even with all that hair gel was glossy and perfect. Really full red lips. She tried to smile at him, but it felt forced and fake even to her. Link frowned "Sky? What's the matter?" he asked her, coming to sit next to her.

She let out a whimper, shaking her head. Link smiled gently "S'kay Little Darlin', you can tell me" he said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I s-saw. Brenda and Zack k-issing, I think h-he got her p-regnant" she sobbed. Link's expression abruptly turned furious, then sympathetic. He wrapped his arms around her, hugging her comfortingly. "I'm so sorry" now she frowned. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised, Brenda is much prettier then me after all" she added onto the end when she saw his confused look. It was true, much to her chagrin, Brenda was gorgeous, short dark brown wavy hair, deep dark chocolate coloured eyes, perfect peaches and cream complexion.

Link looked mad again "She. Is. Not. that girl has never caused anything but trouble. It's been much nicer since she left" Link said seriously "plus, I happen to think you yourself are quite beautiful" Skyla blushed, scuffing her sneakers. "you don't mean that" she mumbled under her breath. Still embarrassed by the cheesy compliment. Link's hand pulled her chin up, forcing her to look into his eyes. "yes I do Skyla, you are beautiful inside and out. Brenda may be attractive" Sky flinched "but she's rotten inside, your golden heart is something she'll never be able to come close to duplicating" he whispered brushing some of her blond hair out of her face.

She hugged him, "thanks Link, I'm glad were friends" she murmured. Leaning forward to peck him on the cheek before getting up and walking off, not before crumpling up the paper in her hand and chucking at the nearest garbage can. Not noticing it bounce off. Link was blushing, he always liked Skyla, even before he and Amber started dating. Link sat there for a little while longer. Before standing up, he heard something crunch under his boot. He leaned down an picked up the blue and white paper. He un crumbled it, recognizing the blue sky paper with white clouds, Skyla rolled her eyes when Link bought her the note pad that this paper came from, but he'd found it hilarious.

He read the list, surprised by what was written there, feeling angry again when he noticed the tear drops on the paper.

The Boyfriend List

Things To Do With Him

1. Share an Ice cream sundae with him.

2. Take a walk in the moonlight with him.

3. Sit on the beach and watch the dolphins next to him.

4. Meet his family.

5. Watch the Sunrise with him.

6. Dance together at my seventeenth birthday.

7. Sit on the cliffs and have him kiss me under the stars.

8. Tell him that I love him.

Link stared at the paper in his hand, he suddenly thought it was the perfect way to do something he always wanted to do. But it was going to take some work, and a lot of time.

April 20

Link smiled as he pulled out Skyla's chair for her at Kelly's Ice Cream Creation. She smiled over at him as he sat down across from her. When the waitress came over on roller skates to take their order. Link put his hand up to stop Skyla when she opened her mouth to order, he whispered something to the waitress and pointed at a picture on the menu.

When the sundae got here, Skyla was surprised it was a double chocolate with cream. She was glad that Link seemed to know her favourite ice cream. But a sudden thought came to Skyla. Seeing her thoughtful look, Link asked "you don't mind sharing with me, do you?" he asked, and flashed his movie star grin when she shook her head.

May 9

Link smiled as he Sky leaving the library at 7 Pm. He followed her for a few minutes, then suddenly wrapped him arms around her waist and hugged her from behind, lifting her off the ground. Skyla screamed when two arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her into the air. When she shoved the arms away and spun around she glared as Link burst out laughing.

She slapped him arm and started to storm off, but Link grabbed her hand "oh C'mon, that was funny" her glare deepened "not funny you jerk" she hissed, slapping his hand away. Then eventually he calmed her down "just promise not to do that again, you almost gave me a heart attack"

"Alright I promise, and I didn't mean to scare you either" he said, flashing her a grin. "Link, what are you even doing out this late at night anyway?" he laughed, shaking his head "I could ask you the same thing Skyla" he chuckled. She scowled at him "I am going for a walk. Your turn" she said firmly.

Link grabbed her wrist "I'm going for a walk at night with my best friend" he said. But frowned, the words didn't sound right, because she was so much more then that. She smiled and nodded, the beach was so beautiful at night, the moon and stars seem to cause the slow waves to glow. He and Skyla walked together hand in hand, no awkwardness, it all just felt…right.

May 29

It was a beautiful, warm day in Baltimore. Skyla squealed as her brother tackled her to the lawn, pinning her to the ground as his wife announced that he won there wrestling competition, Skyla's five year old niece Lila Rain jumped on top of her daddy and Cousin. Laughing as she said she won. Skyla jumped up, when her brother finally got off of her, pointing an accusing finger at the little girl, she cried out "Lilana Kathryn Rain, you are a big fat cheater!" she laughed as Lila tossed a pool noodle at her.

Skyla stopped laughing when she saw Link coming toward her, she waved at him. Then burst out laughing when he came up to her, wearing a suit jacket, dress pants and shirt. He frowned at her. "What's so funny?" she let out a snort "Link LOOK at yourself. Is there a wedding or something?" she asked between laughs.

Link didn't find this funny, he looked down at his outfit, which barely looked different then all his other clothes. "What are you talking about? This is how I always dress" he said, confused. Skyla bit down on her lower lip, trying not to laugh, while Link marvelled at how adorable she looked. "That is exactly my point Link. You can't wear a suit in the middle of spring, one of these days your going to give yourself heat stroke" she was giggling again.

Link laughed a little bit "I think I'll take the chances, I have a reputation to protect even when I'm not on Corny's" he smiled. But Skyla frowned at him "that's not a good thing, come with me, Link" she said, taking his hand and dragging him inside. Link raised an eye brow, but followed her upstairs. He swallowed a little bit when he found him self in her bedroom. Everything smelled exactly like her favourite strawberry shampoo.

She smiled "just one moment" she said before dashing into her closet. Link ducked at the random clothing and plush toys that came flying through the wooden doors. "Ah-ha!" she cried. Skyla popped out of the closet, a hand full of clothing in her arms. "here Link, you can wear these, so you don't end up dead because of over heating" she grinned at him.

Shoving the pile into his hands, Link clumsily tried to hold onto the large pile. "Sky, I'm fine. Really. You don't have to-" Skyla cut him off, placing one hand over his mouth. Link thought her hand was incredibly soft. "oh no you don't, I'm not going to let my best friend drop, just because your so intent on being proud, stubborn and sometimes…incredibly dense" she insisted, shoving him towards her personal bathroom.

"Sky, I can't possible take your brothers clothing" he said it as if she were committing some horrible crime. Skyla giggled "Link, if your were watching you would've realized that these clothes came from my closet, meaning that they belong to me" Link raised an eye brow as he examined the black soccer shirt and boys shorts.

Skyla just shrugged "my tom boy phase" she said, pushing him into the bathroom and closing the door shut. She held onto the knob so it could not open "and don't bother coming out until your wearing non summer health hazardous clothing" she heard him snort. But he got changed anyway. When he came out, Link was pouting. "what's wrong?" Skyla asked, examining him in a way that made Link squirm under her gaze.

Link let out a stutter, looking appalled that she didn't see why he was so upset. "Skyla, I look like an Idiot!" he said. She burst into a fresh round of giggles, Link frowned "what's so funny this time?" Sky bit on her lip again, she seem to do that a lot "Link Larkin you do not look like an idiot. You look like, like a…..a" "like a what?" he asked, crossing his arms.

"Like a normal teenager for once" she said simply. He smiled slightly, then remembered why he came all the way over to her house in the first place. "Hey, Skyla. Let's go to the beach" he said. Her smile dropped, her expression turning completely baffled. "Link" she said slowly, like he was crazy "you hate the beach" she said,

He smiled a little "sue me, I want to go see some dolphins, is that illegal?" Sky shook her head "Link, you hate dolphins as much as you hate the water" he shrugged, grabbing her hand and dragging her downstairs. Skyla's brother stood there, coffee in his hand, he looked at the pair highly amused as they argues about dolphins.

"We're going to the beach" Sky called as Link dragged her out the door. Lila smiled and waved as the two of them walked down the road "bye-bye uncle Link and Aunt Skyla" she called from behind him. Link and Skyla both blushed, but neither were quite sure why.

Link and Skyla and Link and Skyla

"there so beautiful, aren't they the most amazing thing you've ever seen?" Skyla said, gazing at the mammals twisting through the air and waves. Link fought back a grimace, he personal still didn't see the appeal of the smelly creatures who like the splash and squeal at you. But he smiled at her the best that he could.

"sure are, Darlin," but then murmured to low for her to hear "but not nearly as beautiful or amazing as you" he lightly wrapped his arm around her waist, Sky didn't seem to notice, but she was good at hiding her feelings. She smiled up at him "you say something?" she asked. He just shook his head as they continued to watch the dolphins flip and fly.

June 19

Skyla was ecstatic. School was going to be over in just a few days. She and the rest of her class was going on a camping trip down by the lake, she thought it would be buckets of fun. Link however, was not as enthusiastic. "Skyla, camping is stupid" he insisted as she packed her suitcase.

"it is not!" she cheered at him "it's fun there is so much to do at camp" she said happily. "oh really?" Link crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow "please enlighten me" Link said, expecting Sky to drop it. She didn't.

Skyla nodded excitedly. "there's hiking, canoeing, scavenger hunts, nature walks, animal watching, seeing the stars, filming, taking nature photographs, going swimming, arts and crafts, fitness training, watching the sunrise and then sunset" she babbled on getting more hyper with each word.

Link perked up, then changed his expression back to calm and cool. "Sunsets huh? Y'know what? I think I'll come" he said casually. Then he was tackled. "Really? You'll go?" she hugged him tightly. "this is going to be so Fan-Tas-Tic!" she squealed.

At Camp

"Link, look, it's coming. it's coming!" Skyla was bouncing with excitement. Link leaned forward to watch the sun rise with Sky. The sun very slowly, made it's way out from behind the water and trees. "amazing" Skyla breathes. Link could only nod in response. Being a child star, you never really got to grow up with this type of thing.

Link never actually wanted to admit this, but he'd never watched the sunrise before. It was beautiful, like pink, purple, orange, red and blue together. With all of the appealing colours and the shimmering clouds, he thought it looked like a cotton candy. He's never seen something like this, it was…staggering.

Skyla let out a breath "These sights, there so beautiful and simple at the same time. They are the things that we take the most for granted, and it's only natural that we do. But in the end….." Skyla's voice wavered for a moment "it's the things that we take for granted that are really the most precious, I'm glad to be one of the people who can still see things that way"

Skyla turned to look at him, once the sun was halfway in the sky. "I'd like to think that deep down, everyone knows that what we ignore is the most special. My brother says I got that from mom, the ability to see the good side of everything" Skyla whispered, her eyes glowing, yet she looked like she was about to cry.

"Zack told me once, that my eyes shone like the moon, and my hair like the sun" Link saw her face tighten, she started to cry, he bit his lip, wrapping both of his arms around her "Skyla, he was so stupid for doing that to you" Link told her softly, "but you know what?" he asked her, she looked up at him with watery eyes "he was right, if only about you, that was the only thing he was ever right about"

Sky smiled, Link let out a relieved laugh, he didn't have much experience dealing with overly emotional girls, but he'd like to think that when it came to Skyla, he could do just about anything for her.

July 8

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY SKYLA!" Everyone shouted, Skyla laughed as Lila shoved her piece of cake into her own face "Lilana Rain don't you know the birthday girl gets the first piece of there cake?" Lila's mom chastised, waving the wooden ice cream spoom around.

Sky shook her head, still laughing "I don't mind, you two are the ones who have to try to get her to sleep tonight" she laughed as her brother groaned. As Lila continued lick ice cream and cake off of her hands and face. Skyla opened her presents from her brother, sister in-law, aunt Honoria, and cousin Lila. Later on that night, a few friends from school came to the party.

And Link couldn't help but see how beautiful Skyla looked, even more then she usually did. If that was even possible. She had her blond hair straightened, and was wearing a while flower clip. Her golden hair fell down to her middle back.

Her sky blue eyes shone with happiness, she wore a long powdered blue dress that was sleeveless with silver materiel for the crisscross straps on her back, since Skyla was tall enough already, she wore, simple silver-blue flats.

Link and Skyla were talking quietly when 'Today Was A Fairytale' by Taylor Swift came on. Skyla smiled as Link held out his hand for her. When everyone saw Skyla coming, they all cleared the way slightly so the two of them were in the middle of the yard, everything was so beautiful.

Today was a fairytale, you were the prince I used to be a damsel in distress You took me by the hand, and you picked me up at six

Today was a fairytale, today was a fairytale

Today was a fairytale, I wore a dress You wore a dark gray t-shirt You told me I was pretty when I looked like a mess

Today was a fairytale

Time slows down whenever you're around But can you feel this magic in the air? It must have been the way you kissed me Fell in love when I saw you standing there

It must have been the way Today was a fairytaleIt must have been the wayToday was a fairytale

Link and Skyla swayed gently to the music, his hands on her waist, her arms around his neck. Now was the time, Link thought. "Sky" Link whispered softly, she looked up, Link told her to close her eyes, she did so quietly. "okay, you can open them now" he said. Skyla's blue eyes fluttered open, she gasped and looked down at the item in the palm of her hand.

It was perfect, there was a little round thing on her hand, it was green and blue, and reminded her of emeralds and sapphires, a golden chain winded through it. "what" she asked staring at the beautiful rock like object. "What is it Link?" she was still staring in awe. Link turned the object around to show her a small jagged rod sticking into a small key hole.

He turned it slowly, then top of the music box opened up, it showed to white birds, turning slowly on the bottom, a sweet melody played out of it. Inside the cover, was a picture of Link and Sky together on her eighth birthday.

Link was surprised when she started to cry. Then he began to panic "what's wrong Sky?" she shook her head as tears slipped down her moonlit face "its' perfect, Link" she whispered. Link smiled at her lovingly, lifting the musical box by the chain and lowering it to the base of Skyla throat, closing it carefully.

Skyla laid her head onto Link's shoulder as they swayed together, Skyla wasn't a little girl anymore, she was seventeen now, an almost adult. Even if Skyla wasn't a genius. She was no dummy. She knew this thing with Link, her best friend, was no longer some cute little crush. It was always so much more then that.

July 28

Skyla smiled as a shooting star was thrown across the black sky. Link smiled when he saw the music box laid on her neck. Skyla turned to stare at him, this is it, he thought. He leaned forward, Skyla's lips met his him half way. It was nothing like he thought it would be, it was so much…better. Her lips were warm and soft, he could taste the sugar from her tea. His finger found there way to the back of her hair.

Skyla had never felt like this before, she could feel the electricity between the two of them, the moment there lips met. She wrapped her arm around his neck, pulling him impossibly closer, she had waited so long to kiss him, and now that it has finally happened, she never wanted it to end.

But sadly, they were human, they needed air to breath. They parted, Link had his gaze plastered to the ground, he looked flustered, embarrassed, and flushed all at once, Skyla didn't look much better. He looked like he was waiting for her to yell at him, stupid Amber, thought Sky.

"Link" Skyla whispered. "Link look at me" she commanded when he just closed his eyes. "Thank you" Link's eyes snapped open. "For what?" he asked dryly. "for doing the list with me" Link's mouth dropped open. Skyla giggled "you think I didn't figure it out?" he shook his head, feeling really pathetic "I realized what was going on when we watched the dolphins together, you hate them.

That's when I remembered how awful my aim was, and that, that sheet of paper probably never made it to the trash" she leaned forward and pecked him on the mouth. "I know why you did it, I feel the same way, but if you remember, we still have one thing left to do" Link smiled and tucked some hair behind her ear, feeling so relieved.

"I love you Skyla" he whispered, and there lips crashed together again, It was less gentle this time. "I Love you too Link"