Scene: The Dance
Maggy nearly tripped in her high heels when we reached the door. I’ve never met someone so excited to attend a school dance. Although technically, she isn’t supposed to be here, but Jackie pulled a few strings. And Parker drove his young neighbor, who Maggy’s had a crush on forever, so that she could have a date. I think that’s part of the reason why Maggy’s ecstatic. She’s been so excited to dance with Timothy.
“Hurry, Copeland!” She demands, holding the skirt of her yellow gown to her knees. I have half a mind to lecture her on etiquette and reasons why you don’t hike up your prom dress, but I find that my mouth doesn’t work. Mainly because I’m overcome with nerves of my own. Because tonight, Maggy’s not the only one with a date. I’ve been asked out by Parker Bennet.
Normally, doing something with Parker wouldn’t wind up my anxiety. And, normally, whatever we’d be doing we’d be doing as friends. But that’s why tonight is different. There was no mention of friends when he asked me. Not even an unsaid, understood friends.
He asked me out as his girlfriend. As a girlfriend.
That was the reason for my trembling hands as I wound my hair into a braid. That was the reason for the extra touch of lip gloss and mascara adorning my face. That was the reason why I’d spent longer than usual eyeing my reflection wearing the wine red gown in the mirror critically.
I never would’ve imagined myself in this position.
“COPELAND!” Maggy hollers impatiently. I get out of the car and follow close behind her. I can hear the music from outside the clubhouse that my high school rented out for the night. Lights stream from the windows like beacons. Maggy bounces on her toes excitedly as I push open the doors.
A wave of bright stimulations pour over me. So many bodies are crammed into this room, laughing, jumping, and dancing up a storm.
“Cope!” Jackie calls, waving at me through the crowd. She and her boyfriend, Rhys, talk with Timothy and Parker.
Parker.
He looks amazing. His dark hair is slicked with gel that I know will only last about halfway through the first song. After that, his hair will be messy and back to normal. He’s wearing a suit with a tie that is the exact same shade of red as my dress. His eyes snag mine and the corner of his mouth twitches.
“Go have fun,” Jackie says, casting me a knowing glance. She mouths, “Good luck,” when Parker isn’t looking. I nod my thanks, trying to keep my nerves at bay and out of my eyes. Maggy follows Jackie’s lead as she and Rhys disappear. Maggy takes Timothy’s hand. I watch as the two of them walk away, laughing.
“I read an article before I came,” Parker informs me.
“What on?”
“Pick–up lines.”
I wrinkle my nose and try not to groan. “Why would you waste your time like that? Everybody knows that pick–up lines never work.”
Parker cocks an eyebrow. “Oh, really? Are you made of cheese?”
“Uh…no?”
“Because you’re looking gouda tonight.”
I bust out laughing. “That,” I tell him, “was awful.”
“It’s good I brought my library card,” he pulls out his wallet from his coat pocket. “Because I am checking you out.”
“Stop, please,” I laugh. “You’re awful!”
“What do you mean? Do you live in a cornfield? Because I’m stalking you.”
“Now that’s just plain creepy.”
The DJ announces that this will be the last fun, hype song of the evening. Then we will move on to the slower dances. Parker jerks his head to the dance floor. I give a small, almost imperceptible nod and take his arm. When the music starts, Parker and I just casually bop our heads or do a little hip shake every now and then. But then, when the chorus begins, its like the music seeps into our minds and takes control. Full control. Parker grabs my hands and I kick off my high heels. He spins me under his arm and I raise my hands up. During the second chorus, I realize that my prediction on his hair has come true. The pieces stick up, but I doubt my hair is much better. I can feel stray tendrils tumbling down my forehead and some clinging to my neck with sweat.
“Hey!” Parker yells over the music.
“What?” I yell back.
“Are you a WiFi hotspot?”
“Oh, no!”
“Because I’m feeling a connection!” He grins at my look of sheer torture.
The song ends at the DJ begins to play slower music. I’ve forgotten almost everything except for the music, Parker, and myself. He wraps both of his arms around my waist and I inhale, startled.
“If you were a vegetable, you’d be a cute-cumber.”
“Shut up,” I say breathlessly.
“If you were a president, you’d be Babe-raham Lincoln.”
I wince. That one was truly awful. “You need help.”
“I know. My doctor told me I’m short on Vitamin U. I need your help.”
“I walk right into that one,” I say, my hands finding his shoulders. He leans to whisper in my ear.
“We’re not socks, but I think we make quite the pair.”
Our gazes lock and I feel like I’m choking. Slowly, without moving apart, he lowers his head, both of us tilting in opposite directions. Hardly a breath apart. Hardly anything between.
But right before it happens, right before we do what I never thought we would, my world slides out from under me.
PICK UP LINES!!!!!!!!!!!!