As the days passed, Ross and Emma spoke to each other every day. They had started to get in to a routine: chat about 8:00 Emma's time each day, 5:00 Ross' time. It was before Ross had dinner with his family and after Emma had completed her homework. Sometimes Ross called first and sometimes Emma called first. They had used FaceTime to talk with each other ever since Emma called Ross in a panic about that magazine posting their picture. Emma felt at ease when she saw Ross. Ross felt happiness, excitement, and, though he had not admitted it to Emma- love.

Emma could not keep her mind from wandering towards "the future." Every time she hung up the phone with Ross, she'd lay on her bed and close her eyes. Her cheeks would be warm, there would be butterflies in her stomach, and she might giggle thinking about something funny Ross had said. Her mind would think about how this thing was becoming regular- part of her day-to-day life. She had no clue when she left Los Angeles that, weeks later, she would be calling Ross every day at the same time. She had no clue that this guy, who she had now only really known for about 4 weeks, would be someone she felt like she had known her whole life. Maybe that was an exaggeration- she learned something new about Ross each time they chatted. She wanted to keep learning more. Emma wanted this thing to last.

Ross could have moved on. He could have decided they were better off just friends, and there were other girls in Los Angeles. And yet, this relationship showed no signs of stopping. Ross had the same look on his face every time Emma saw him on her phone screen. He tried to play it cool, but Emma saw something there each time they spoke. No one had ever looked at Emma the way Ross would look at her. She had a feeling he wanted this thing to last, too.

School got so much better for Emma after her first day back. Girls stopped ambushing her after a few days. No more pictures were posted of Emma and Ross in the magazines, seeing as Emma and Ross had not been together again and there were no signs that the relationship was still going on. The magazines did not write about Ross and Emma, either. Emma never did ask Ross if any magazine reporters interviewed him regarding their relationship, but Emma guessed Ross stuck to his "good friends" comment and that's why no one was writing about them. Emma's friendship with Jen was good—they were both excited for the school dance. Lately, they mostly talked about hair and nail tutorials on YouTube which would be fitting for a school dance. Jen had seen Emma's dress. Not only did she think it was gorgeous, but Jen had great hair and nail ideas to go with Emma's dress.

As far as Jackson, he spent the next couple of days kissing Victoria outside the door of the classroom where he and Emma had class together. The teacher made a point to always be inside of the classroom before class started after that whole scene took place. Each time Emma saw Jackson kiss Victoria, she cared less. It was pathetic that Jackson tried to rub his relationship with Victoria in Emma's face when she returned from Los Angeles. Emma had Ross now. Jackson was insignificant. He could continue to do whatever he wanted. Ross was in Emma's corner. So was Jen. And Daniel, the boy who asked Emma if she was okay after her first class with Jackson, smiled at Emma every time they saw each other in math class following that day. Emma was starting to gain another friend from this whole experience.

Finally, Emma just felt good. Not only did she have a trusting relationship with Ross and friends on her side, but she had parents who loved her and supported her. True, Emma's parents were skeptical at first about Ross, but then they realized if Emma could still keep up her grades, have good friends, and talk to Ross every day, then this relationship could be a good thing for Emma. She was caught up on her school work since being out of school and was starting to think about where to go to college. Emma had been exercising and eating healthy. Her skin looked good and she almost had a glow about her. And all of this started with Ross.

The day of the school dance had finally arrived. Saturday, April 23. Emma woke up to her alarm, at first confused why it was going off on a Saturday. She smiled when she remembered the alarm signaled Jen would be coming over soon. They would spend most of the day hanging out before the dance.

Emma walked downstairs for breakfast. She thought about her chat with Ross last night. She was so excited about the dance and told him all of her plans. She listened to Ross talk about their taping of the final episode of the season of Austin and Ally, and how he hoped there would be another season. Because Austin and Ally was concluding, Ross would soon have more time. R5 had begun plans for a tour across the United States. As Ross talked about all of these exciting things happening, she could tell he was proud of his accomplishments and he was passionate about acting as well as performing with R5. Before Emma hung up, Ross told her he knew a tour would be time-consuming. His schedule would be even busier than when he was acting in Austin and Ally and having band rehearsals each day. Emma told Ross she knew how important the tour was to him and the band, and she would pick up the phone whenever he could call her. Their routine might change, but their relationship would not.

"Look who's up early today." Emma's mom commented when her daughter entered the kitchen. Emma smiled and poured herself a cup of coffee. "Jen will be here soon. We're going to hang out and get ready for the dance, probably until it's time to go to the dance." Emma explained. "Hmm." Was all Emma's mom said. That was odd. Her mom usually had a lot to say. Emma's dad told her about a story she missed on the News moments before. The three watched the News together and Emma ate some cereal before Jen arrived. Her dress was in one hand, a duffel bag of make-up, hair accessories, and nail polish in the other hand. Emma cheered and hugged her friend when she arrived—the fun was about to begin. When the two were about to go to Emma's room, Emma's mom stopped them. "Ladies, sit down for a minute." She said. Emma could tell something was up.

"Emma," she started. "Your dad and I have seen how hard you have been working to get caught up with school. And we know how excited you two have been about this dance. So, if you're interested…" she paused. Emma leaned in closer. "I set up a hair appointment for both of you. A salon downtown." Emma got the biggest grin on her face. "Mom! Are you sure? That was probably expensive." Emma's dad waved his hands, signaling 'stop right there.' "Your mother and I have enough money saved for this. Plus, these dances are special. You only get a couple in all of high school. You both deserve it." Emma turned to Jen. She looked ecstatic. Who cared what their previous hair ideas were, they were now going to get up-dos from professionals.

A couple of hours later, the two girls were entering a salon in downtown Indianapolis. By the end of the experience, the girls felt pampered and gorgeous. They looked at each other with giant smiles on their faces. This would be an incredible night. The next couple of hours after that were spent preparing for the dance. The two painted each other's nails. Jen applied her make-up, then offered to do Emma's make-up. While too much make-up was out of Emma's comfort zone, she allowed Jen to do more than usual. Jen was gifted when it came to applying make-up. "Emma," Jen told her friend after finishing applying the make-up. "With your hair and your dress… I am going to take pictures for Ross! He will lose it!" Emma smiled at your reflection. This was really the best she had ever felt about how she looked.

"I wish he was here." This look was great. The dress was awesome. Emma had been looking forward to this dance for so long. She just wished Ross could be there. "Emma, you know he's going to call you afterwards. He'll be thinking about you all night, probably worrying about the boys at the dance hitting on you." Jen told her friend. "You know, you two call each other every day. I've never had a boyfriend that I text every day, let alone call them." Emma turned to her friend. There was something she had been thinking about… the future.

"Jen, I want to be Ross' girlfriend. I told him before I did not believe in long-distance relationships, but now… we're just friends and we call each other every day. He is so committed to me, and I want to be committed to him. I don't want anyone else."

The two jumped for joy at Emma's statement. It was the response she needed from her friend: Jen wanted her friend to be happy, and Emma was just that—happy. Emma decided when she called Ross after the dance, she would talk to him about this.

The dance would be starting soon. Emma now wore her dress Rydel had purchased for her. It was a short sparkly silver dress with black layers of fabric peeking out of the bottom. Emma wore black heels with it and had a black clutch. She walked downstairs to where her parents were waiting. "My baby!" Emma's mom hugged her daughter. Emma giggled at her mom's thrill when seeing Emma all dressed up. "Wow…" Emma's dad said with a smile on his face. "You look beautiful, Emma." Emma smiled. "Thanks, dad." Her dad took a moment, then stated "Now if those boys at your school even start to give you any trouble tonight, you tell them Ross will come and hunt them down." Emma covered her cheeks, blushing in embarrassment. "When that does not work, tell them your dad will hunt them down, too. They don't want that." Emma gave her dad a hug, giggling at his threat but knowing he supported her always. Ross would, too, if he was here.

Jen made her entrance down the stairs. She wore a sparkly blue dress and matching heels. With her hair and make-up done like they were, she looked like a movie start. The girls posed together for a few pictures taken on Emma's phone then Jen's phone. A couple of pictures were taken of just Emma. Before getting in her car to drive to school, Emma sent a picture to Rydel, who bought the dress for her. "You helped make me feel this beautiful! You're the best!" Emma then sent a picture to Ross. She was not sure what message to send with it, so she just sent the picture. Ross did not respond, which was not unusual—it just meant he must be busy.

The school gymnasium was packed with students. The lights were dim with some lights shining on a DJ and a band on a stage in the gymnasium. Emma had heard the band was made up of a few students from our school, wanting to perform and get their talent noticed by their peers. The prom decorations in the gymnasium made the area feel glamorous. Emma and Jen walked into the gymnasium, immediately found a spot for their belongings, and hit the dancefloor. The two weren't the only friends at the prom: while the majority of students brought a date, there were groups of friends throughout the gym. Several girls who Emma and Jen were friends with joined them at some point for a quick dance or two. Emma was having a great time with her friends, knowing Ross would want her to enjoy herself. Emma was so relaxed and enjoying herself, that you can imagine just how surprised she was when she heard the music stop and then a very familiar voice on the microphone. A voice that sounded so familiar because she actually had been talking to the person last night.

"Hey, guys. My name is Ross. I don't go to school here but I'm here tonight to surprise a very special girl. Emma, this is for you."

"What?" Emma first looked at Jen, who was looking at the stage where the band had been playing. Emma looked at the stage as well. He was here! Ross was on the stage. Emma's heart raced. She turned back to Jen, who had a big smile on her face. "You should get a better view." Jen told her friend. Emma was still frozen, in complete disbelief, when Ross started singing.

"Today is a winding road that's taking me to places that I didn't want to go
Whoa
Today in the blink of an eye I'm holding on to something and I do not know why
I tried

I tried to read between the lines
I tried to look in your eyes
I want a simple explanation
For what I'm feeling inside
I gotta find a way out
Maybe there's a way out"

Ross had sang some of this song, originally by Boys Like Girls, to Emma over FaceTime a few weeks ago. This was really happening. Emma moved to the stage as Ross sang:

"Your voice was the soundtrack of my summer
Do you know you're unlike any other?
You'll always be my thunder, and I said
Your eyes are the brightest of all the colors
I don't wanna ever love another
You'll always be my thunder
So bring on the rain
And bring on the thunder"

Emma could see Ross more clearly now. Only a few of her peers were between her and Ross. Once a couple of students around her realized Emma, the girl the song was dedicated to, was near them, they stepped aside with glee. Emma was soon just a few feet from the stage.

"Today is a winding road
Tell me where to start and tell me something I don't know
Whoa
Today I'm on my own
I can't move a muscle and I can't pick up the phone
I don't know

And now I'm itching for the tall grass
And longing for the breeze
I need to step outside
Just to see if I can breathe
I gotta find a way out
Maybe theres a way out

Your voice was the soundtrack of my summer
Do you know you're unlike any other?
You'll always be my thunder, and I said
Your eyes are the brightest of all the colors
I don't wanna ever love another
You'll always be my thunder
So bring on the rain

Yeah I'm walking on a tightrope
I'm wrapped up in vines
I think we'll make it out
But you just gotta give me time
Strike me down with lightning
Let me feel you in my veins
I wanna let you know how much I feel your pain"

Ross was strumming a guitar as he sang by himself. Then he saw her. He paused, then played a few chords as he looked at Emma. Ross had a big smile on his face. Emma laughed. She was absolutely joyful. Her best friend was here. The greatest guy she had ever known was singing to her. Ross started singing again:

"Today is a winding road that's taking me to places that I didn't want to go
Whoa

Your voice was the soundtrack of my summer
Do you know you're unlike any other?
You'll always be my thunder, and I said
Your eyes are the brightest of all the colors
I don't wanna ever love another
You'll always be my thunder

And I said
Your voice was the soundtrack of my summer
Do you know you're unlike any other?
You'll always be my thunder
So bring on the rain
Oh baby bring on the pain
And listen to the thunder"

Students around Emma had been slow-dancing to the song or watching the performance. Students clapped and even cheered. Ross did not even take a second to bow or thank the audience. He was focused on one thing. Ross headed for the stairs on the stage and Emma met him there for the best hug of her life. Not like their hugs from weeks before. It was like a hug when you're meant to be with that person. "You're here," Emma said, still hugging Ross. She let go so she could see his face. She missed those eyes. Fortunately, they were still the same eyes from before. She missed that hair—it had not changed, either. She felt his cheeks with her fingertips. His skin was soft like it was before. Ross wiped a tear from Emma's cheek—of course, she had started to cry! "I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere." Ross told her. This was Emma's chance.

"Good, because I'm not going anywhere either. Ross," Emma started, her fingertips lowering to Ross's shoulders. "I was wrong before. I should not have gone and said those things about a long-distance relationship, when I have not even tried one. I haven't given you—given us—a chance. You're the most amazing man I have ever met… and I can't let you out of my life. I want to be your girlfriend."

Ross looked into Emma's eyes. His hand still lightly held Emma's cheek. He did not plan on letting go. "Emma, I love you. I'll be the best friend and best boyfriend to you. Please be my girlfriend." Emma's eyes got wide as Ross confessed his feelings about her. She had the biggest smile on her face. Okay, remember how the greatest day of Emma's life was when she won that contest? Well this was the NEW greatest day of her life.

"Okay." Emma said. She kissed Ross. How she had missed kissing him! She kissed him again, and several students around them cheered. Turns out the band had started playing some nice slow music and everyone who had not been slow-dancing in the gym just now had been watching Ross and Emma the whole time they had been talking. Ross and Emma looked at each other and laughed. "Should we stop?" Emma asked with a smile. Ross looked at her. "I have not kissed you in almost a month. I think we have some catching up to do." Emma laughed and kissed Ross again. The band then started singing "Make You Feel My Love," a song originally by Adele. The two started slow dancing.

"So, did your plan go like you wanted it to?" Emma asked Ross. Her arms were around his neck as they danced, her face close to his. "Actually," Ross started, "If you needed more convincing that you should be my girlfriend, I wanted to let you know that I have a way for us to see each other again. You can come to an R5 concert while we're on tour. You can even come to a few concerts. I think tour will be over some of your summer vacation, so if your parents are okay with it, you can come with us. My parents are okay with it. And I'd love for you to see R5 perform again. My whole family… they miss you." Emma smiled. "I'd love that. I miss your family, too. Actually, while we're on the topic of seeing each other again, there's something I've been thinking about these last few days…" Emma started. Ross looked at her. "What's the plan?" He asked. Emma smiled. "I was thinking… I could apply to colleges near Los Angeles. You know, maybe not in Los Angeles. I'm not so sure how far I want to be from my parents. But I definitely want to go to college close to Los Angeles." Ross smiled. "Emma… that would be amazing. You're so important to me. If there is any way you can be closer to Los Angeles, to me and my family… I'm all for it." Ross pulled Emma in close. The two kissed again before Emma told Ross he should come meet her best friend, Jen. Emma grabbed Ross's hand and the two walked to find Jen.