by C. A. Kunz
“Matt, why don’t you and Elle dance?” Cat asked.
“No, I don’t want to dance. I just want to sit and watch everyone,” Elle murmured nervously and fidgeting with the hem of her mid-length dusty rose dress. Cat turned to Julie who shook her head, as did Amanda.
“Okay Matt! It’s you and me! Let’s go!” Cat said grabbing his arm and pulling him to the dance floor. Dancing with Cat, Matt kept winking at girls nearby. She hit him several times on the arm, wanting him to pay attention and not step on her toes. A slow song began and he took her into his arms and started to sway back and forth. She smiled, amused. He’s really turning on the moves. I guess he’s trying to impress anyone who might be looking, she thought. His dancing almost made her forget that he was wearing a navy blue suit and a red bow tie. As long as no one looks below his chin he might have a chance, she laughed to herself.
Feeling someone watching them, Cat looked around, her eyes met Ryan’s. He was looking grim, standing alone, a little ways from his group. Her stomach felt like it leapt into her throat. He looks gorgeous! Like a young James Bond, she thought burying her head in Matt’s neck, blocking her view of him.
“Whoa Cat! Not too close! I don’t want these women to think I’m not available.” She started giggling and couldn’t stop. Matt squeezed her arm and whispered, “What’s so funny?”
“Uh…I was just thinking about Amanda and how uncomfortable she looks sitting there. She hates that dress her mom gave her to wear.”
“Yeah she does look a little put out,” he said agreeing with her.
The song ended and Cat excused herself, heading toward the restroom. Her path was suddenly blocked by Isaac, who was smirking at her. “Well Miss Catherine Colvin. What a surprise running into you. Having a bad time I hope,” he sneered.
“Get out of my way, please,” she said firmly, her eyes filled with annoyance.
“Oh so polite, saying please and all. Such wonderful manners. This is a warning! Stay away from my sister! You’re not our kind of people, understand?”
“Is that a threat? You know what Isaac? Screw you!” she growled, a sharp pain radiating through her lower lip.
“What did you say to me?” he asked, his eyes blazing. Around them she noticed people were staring. She saw Ryan, moving toward them, as was Taylor. Not wanting a confrontation, she walked toward her brother, grabbed him by the arm and pulled him into the hallway.
“What was all that about?” Taylor exploded.
“Nothing I couldn’t handle! Isaac’s so full of hot air! I just had to let some out!” She paused for a second, looking him up and down. “Hey! What’s with the tuxedo t-shirt…and chucks, really?” Cat chuckled, changing the subject.
“What? All the guys in the group are wearing them, plus I am saving the real thing for prom…wait a sec, don’t try and change the subject,” he said with a grimace.
“I’m fine Taylor. I’m a big girl now. You don’t have to worry about me all the time, okay? Besides, here comes Trish and she looks worried. Put a smile on your face and go to her,” Taylor huffed in frustration and turned, taking Trish’s arm. Without a backward glance, they returned to the gym. Closing her eyes Cat leaned against the wall, relieved Taylor had listened to her. Hearing footsteps, she opened her eyes and saw a pair of wing-tipped dress shoes standing before her. Desperately hoping it was Matt she raised her head and came face to face with Ryan.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be? I’m not scared of Isaac, not like everyone else. And I wish he’d get that through his thick skull. I’ll be friends with who I like and I don’t need his permission,” she snapped, moving around him. She stormed off toward the restrooms and flung the door open. Leaning her head against the cool tile wall, she wondered where this new Cat had come from. If someone told me a few months ago that I would stand up to the most feared person in school, I would have thought they were crazy. Yet here I am, full of anger, something I’m for sure not used to. Remembering the pain on her bottom lip, she looked in the mirror and noticed a puncture wound pooling up with blood. “What the heck? I must’ve really bitten down hard! Did I chip my tooth, no it looks okay. How did I do so much damage?” she wondered. Wetting a paper towel, she blotted the blood gathering up in the wound.
“Cat what happened? Everyone’s talking about it! Did you stand up to Isaac? What happened?” Her three friends burst through the bathroom door, all talking at once.
“I’m fine. He’s just a jerk! I just had to tell him off. I guess I’m changing. See what public school does to you? Boy, do I feel great! Ready to dance! Come on girls let’s go!” Cat wrenched open the door and headed back toward the gym. The three girls stood stunned, watching as their friend exited the bathroom.
“Where did that come from?” Amanda asked looking at the other two.
Cat made her way to the table. “Cat what happened? Everyone’s saying something about you and Isaac,” Matt whispered loudly.
“Nothing I couldn’t handle,” she replied, relaxing into her chair with a huge smile on her face, like a cat that just swallowed a canary.
“Now that we’re all here,” Cat began as the other three joined them, “I think we should go have our picture taken, you know, as a memento.” She abruptly stood up and made her way to the corner of the gym where the photographer had set up his equipment. Turning, she saw everyone still sitting motionless at the table. What is wrong with them! Get up you guys and come over here! She thought. To her surprise, they all stood up together and made their way to her.
“Now, all of you want to be in the shot, right?” the photographer asked.
“Yes we do, all of us.” Cat gave him a huge smile.
He seemed dazed for a second. “You’re a lucky guy to have such a harem,” the photographer whispered to Matt.
“Sure am,” Matt replied smugly putting his arm around Cat and Amanda.
“We heard that!” Amanda said stomping on Matt’s foot. “Male chauvinist pigs! Harem indeed,” she added.
The photographer turned away, embarrassed that he had been overheard. “Okay now, let’s see how I am going to do this? You, the tallest one,” he said, pointing at Matt, “you stand over there. And you three stand here and you,” pulling Cat’s arm, “you stand there. Yes, that looks great. Now I want big, big smiles and usually I have people say cheeseburger, so let’s all say it altogether.”
“What a dork!” Amanda uttered, rolling her eyes.
“I agree,” Elle giggled.
“You! No eye rolling! Okay, let’s look at the camera. Now I’ll count to three. On three, say cheeseburger…one, two, three!”
“Cheeseburger!” Matt yelled.
“Jerk!” yelled the four girls.
Frowning, the photographer reviewed the image on the camera. “I need to retake that. There seems to be a weird shadow covering your face,” he said pointing to Cat. He moved forward to adjust the screen around them, as well as their position, moving them a little to the right. He went back to his camera and looked at the image again. “Okay everyone, I think we have it now. One, two, three!” The five yelled cheeseburger and then went silent, waiting for his verdict. “Perfect! No shadow! You can move now. I just want a few more poses. I’ll change you around a little for some variety.” The next five minutes seemed like forever as he posed them, looked through the lens, re-posed them and finally took the pictures. “Okay, I think we have enough, the proofs will be sent to the school. So you can choose the ones you want. Thanks for your patience,” he said motioning to the next couple in line.
“Students, may I have your attention please? The music died down and everyone looked at the stage where Principal Landers stood. “Usually we play a mediocre team for our homecoming, ensuring that the odds of winning are in our favor. In fact, I was a little surprised when last week Coach Gray informed me that he had asked Madison to play us. I know they were delighted, as Principal Carnes called me that afternoon and wanted to make a bet on the ga
me.” Laughter filled the gym. “I told him ladies don’t bet and that I wouldn’t want to take his money anyway, since I was sure we’d be victorious.” Cheers rang through the gym once more. “I’ve never been as nervous in my whole life as I put down that phone. But after contemplating for several minutes, I realized we had the best team in the state, if not the country, and I had nothing to worry about. And I was proven right!” The gym erupted in cheers and Principal Landers patiently waited for the din to calm. When it did, she continued. “Now, it’s my privilege to introduce our student body president, Alexandria Jordon. She’ll be announcing the winners for King and Queen of the best homecoming weekend we’ve had in several years. So, without further ado, let’s get to the results! Way to go Panthers!” she shouted, causing the crowd to yell louder.
“Okay, okay, calm down,” Alexandria said after a few minutes of deafening noise. “I am pleased to announce our winners. This year’s Homecoming King…no surprise here…” The crowd groaned as she kept silent. “Taylor Colvin! Taylor Colvin is our new King!” She beamed as the spotlight landed on Taylor. He kissed Trish’s cheek and then made his way to the stage. Fists hit the tables and feet stomped on the gym floor as Taylor hugged Alexandria and accepted his crown and sash.
“Well, I was not prepared for this.”
“Yeah right!” a voice yelled from the back. Cat turned and saw Jonathen grinning at him.
“But I want to thank all of you for voting for me. This is an honor. And so was the privilege of playing in the best game of my life!” The crowd erupted again and Cat’s eyes filled with tears, proud to witness this side of her brother. Sometimes living so close to him I forget that he’s human, she joked with herself.
“Okay, now if you can stay quiet for a sec I’ll announce our new Queen. This year’s Homecoming Queen is…Kirsten Fuller!” The spotlight hit her. She was looking fabulous, as usual, in her designer dress and pumps. She walked to the stage as the crowd cheered and clapped politely.
“Not as enthusiastic as Taylor’s announcement. I certainly didn’t vote for her,” Amanda quipped loudly.
“Amanda, behave!” Cat whispered, grimacing at her.
“Wow! Look at her figure in that dress. I need to start going to the swim meets,” Matt declared staring intently at Kirsten.
“Oh grow up Matt! She’s not in your league, remember? And yes, why haven’t you been at swim meets?” Amanda asked looking pointedly at him.
“You know I’ve been helping my dad at the docks after school. I’m done now, so I can be there to root for Cat.”
“Like that’s why you’ll be going,” Amanda murmured. They watched as Kirsten strolled across the stage, looking like a lioness on the prowl.
“Taylor’s not going to like this,” Cat mumbled under her breath.
“No he won’t,” Elle answered, her eyes on Kirsten as she accepted her crown.
“I’m so shocked, I can’t believe this,” Kirsten gushed.
“Yeah right,” Amanda sneered.
“I guess I’m just following in my grandmother’s and mother’s footsteps. As you know, they were both Homecoming and Prom Queens during their years at Astoria High. I’ll wear this crown in honor to them. I’ll serve my reign as it should be served, for all you little people. I always knew I would be standing here today! My accomplishments thus far have been…”
“Thank you Kirsten! Now students let’s all give these two another round of applause!” Ms. Landers directed, interrupting Kirsten’s speech. The crowd roared again. “Let’s clear the dance floor so the King and Queen can have their crowning dance.”
Taylor led Kirsten down the stairs at the side of the stage, a pained look on his face. Looking over at Trish, Cat saw her walking out of the gym with her friends. The lights dimmed as a romantically slow love song flowed from the speakers surrounding them. Taylor hesitated and then put his arms around Kirsten, swaying to the music. Cat saw Kirsten’s smug smile as she laid her head down on his shoulder. His face was grim as he guided her around the floor. Cat’s heart went out to him.
Turning to face the DJ, Cat wished the music would change to a more upbeat song. She saw him move his hand and the next thing she knew, a fast song erupted from the speakers. Taylor released Kirsten and left the dance floor as the crowd filled the area around them, ready to dance. Cat stood and walked over to him, “I am so proud of you, Taylor!”
“Thanks Cat, did you see where Trish went? I don’t see her at the table.”
“She was finally able to get away from you for a while, so she probably went to the bathroom,” she joked, hating the pained look on his face. “No, look, there she is.” Seeing her, he released a huge sigh of relief.
Trish’s smile lit up her face as she reached him. “Sorry I wasn’t here when you finished. I had to run to the little girl’s room.”
“I’m just glad you’re back.” He bent down giving her a kiss.
Feeling awkward at the duration of the kiss, Cat cleared her throat. “Well, you guys have fun. I’m going back to my seat. By the way Trish, you look gorgeous tonight. Doesn’t she Taylor?”
“Yes she does,” he responded not taking his eyes off her. “Let’s go and step outside. I need some fresh air,” he said pulling her toward the exit.
“See you later Cat! You look wonderful too!” Trish cried out over her shoulder, following Taylor across the floor. Cat turned to spot Kirsten watching Taylor and Trish’s retreat. She almost felt pity for the obvious unhappiness written all over her face. Almost, she said to herself.
“Wow, I thought Trish left and wasn’t coming back. It must’ve hurt her to see Taylor and Kirsten standing on the stage. I don’t blame her for not sticking around to watch HER, make a move on him. I think someone needs to draw a picture and explain it to her. She doesn’t have a chance! Any idiot could see that Taylor is madly in love with Trish. I even bet in a few years they’ll be married and be making beautiful babies together!” Amanda rambled on as Cat watched a despondent Kirsten join her friends.
“May I have this dance?” said a voice close to Cat making her look up. The voice belonged to Ben Littleton, a guy in her Math class, who was looking at Elle.
“I don’t…”
“She would love to,” Amanda piped in poking her under the table. Elle glared at her. She abruptly stood up and walked out onto the dance floor holding Ben’s hand, her face flushed.
“Amanda! How could you? Poor Elle nearly passed out,” Julie chastised.
“Listen you two,” pointing her finger at Cat and Julie. “Elle’s never going to open up if we baby her and don’t give her a little push now and then! Look, see? She’s okay now. She’s smiling.”
“I agree,” Matt stated as everyone except for Amanda turned to look at Elle who was shyly smiling back at Ben.
“Aw! They make such a cute couple,” Cat declared.
“I can’t believe you agreed with me Matt, are you sick or something?” she asked staring at him in amazement.
“Well, every now and then you make a sensible comment. And I’ve decided I’ll let you know when that is. Of course, I won’t be saying it often.” He grinned and then let out a yelp as Amanda kicked his knee under the table. Bending down and rubbing the offended area, he noticed two beautifully shaped legs standing in front of him.
“Would you like to dance, Matt?” He looked up and saw Julie in her yellow frilly dress, reaching out for his hand.
“Yeah, I better. I don’t want my other knee damaged by that hellion!” he quipped while limping with Julie onto the dance floor.
“I’m going to the restroom,” Amanda stated standing up and looking at Cat. Cat nodded, still watching Elle dancing with Ben.
A slow song began and Cat watched as Ben tried to pull Elle closer to him. Pushing Ben away, Elle clenched her knees together and ran toward the restrooms. Oh no! I guess she’s not ready for slow dancing yet, Cat thought.
Several minutes later Amanda made her way back to the table, struggling to situate her
self in her dress. Cat giggled to herself as Amanda tried not to flash anyone nearby. “Don’t you dare laugh Catherine Colvin! I don’t know what my mother was thinking! What mother in her right mind let’s her teenage daughter leave the house wearing this? I pull it down so it doesn’t ride up! Then I pull it up so it doesn’t fall down!” Amanda groaned, clearly frustrated. “And fuchsia! Of all colors it had to be fuchsia! I knew I shouldn’t have trusted her to pick out my dress!” she rambled on.
“Amanda, it looks…nice on you,” she choked out trying not to giggle harder. “It would look better if you weren’t pulling on it all the time. And that shade of pink suits you by the way,” she remarked. “Oh by the way, did you see Elle when you were in the restroom?”
“Yeah, she rushed past me mumbling, I’ve got to pee. I thought she was dancing!”
“Apparently Elle doesn’t do so well with the boys and slow songs,” Cat whispered as she saw a dejected Elle making her way back to the table.
“How embarrassing! I could just die!” Elle moaned, plopping down in her seat. “The one time a boy asks me to dance I totally ruin it. I’m such a failure!”
“Oh Elle stop it! You’re not a failure. I’m sure he’ll understand,” Cat said. “Look, there’s Ben now, I think he’s looking for you.”
Elle perked up and looked out onto the dance floor. They watched as he saw Elle and ducked behind one of the inflatable goal posts. “That’s it, its official! I’m going to die alone…with cats!” she murmured, gently banging her forehead on the table. Cat and Amanda leaned over and patted her on her head trying to console her.
“Would you like to dance?” A familiar voice asked behind Cat. She turned and was met with Ryan’s piercing blue eyes.
“Won’t Isaac get mad at you?” Cat replied smugly.
“Don’t worry, I can handle him. Dance with me, please.” He took her hand and she felt herself stand up. Letting him guide her onto the dance floor, he put her arms around his neck and then slipped his arms around her.
