by Jacky Gray
“Good idea; we could all do that.”
“Just one each, we don’t want to be drawing prizes all night.”
“Ok. See you tomorrow.”
“Luke, are you all right? You seemed a bit low at lunch.”
“Just playacting. Can’t be seen to be too jolly around you lot, can I? It was nice to get a breather from Diana. What a poisonous bint she really is. Which reminds me.”
He told her about the stables incident and she asked about the details, exclaiming when he told her.
“Wow, Becky really did it, good for her. Funny she didn’t say anything.”
“Be careful if you talk to her about it, Diana’s out to get her.”
“Yeah, right. Thanks Luke. I really appreciate everything you’re doing for me, you know.”
“Yeah, well. The more I get to know her, the more I realise she needs a real lesson in humility, and this might just do it. We’ll all be better off, then.”
Because of the open evening, most of the school got a half day on Wednesday and could go home, but the year elevens had to stay behind and set up all the displays for the parents of prospective students. Instead of helping set up the rooms, Diana took the opportunity to flit around trying to sell tickets for her wonderful raffle. She wanted to sell them for a pound each, and Luke couldn’t let her extort that much from people, even if the proceeds were destined for a good cause. He suggested she’d sell more if she kept it down to fifty pence.
“But the first prize is a television.”
Yeah, an old portable thrown out of your bedroom, probably hasn’t even got a Freeview box. He quietened his inner critic. “What about the tickets to the party? How are you going to hand them out to a selected few without offending the rest of the class?”
“I’ll just have to be discreet. There’s only about twenty people I would ask anyway.”
“Why don’t you give me the names and I’ll approach them? No one would suspect, then.”
“Alright, but you have to make sure no one else knows.”
“No problem.”
This gave Luke the chance to suss out who was loyal to Diana and who wasn’t. It worked well, and many people aired their grievances against her.
The open evening was a great success for the cast of Bugsy: the audience of parents made it unnerving, especially as they seemed to be constantly coming and going. Miss Maines ran the audition scene first, which went down well, then got each of the principals to do their solos. Liv got the biggest round of applause, closely followed by David Oughton and Jude. This was in spite of a couple of mistakes on his part; he wasn’t anything like as well-rehearsed as she, and almost collided with her at one point.
True to form, Diana had disappeared, leaving Mr Radford short-staffed and angry. The next day, in geography, he asked where she’d been. She assumed a tragic air and apologised. “I’m afraid my aunt was rushed into hospital and I had to look after my cousins.”
Luke raised an eyebrow, waiting until the teacher’s back was turned before whispering to her. “I thought your cousins were older than you.”
“They are, but she doesn’t know that.”
His eyes widened even further as he snagged at her heartless ability to lie and the shameless way she didn’t think she’d done anything wrong. Not content with monopolising him whenever they had the same subjects, she hung around at the lockers after school. She offered him a lift home, despite the fact it would take her mother miles out of her way, but he wriggled out of it. He soon learnt to avoid the lockers until she left, unwilling to put up with the dirty looks and pointed comments from the others.
He had some respite at lunch with the rehearsals, and at break she was off selling raffle tickets while he passed out her tickets to the people on her list and their tickets to everyone else.
The gang were also busily selling their raffle tickets. At fifty pence a ticket or two pounds for five, they were selling like hot cakes, especially when people found out about the long list of prizes, including a football autographed by the local premier team – courtesy of Rob’s contact. Ray’s dad had provided four Platinum PlayStation games, other prizes included two tickets to the Swan theatre and three months free skating at the ice rink via Jude’s trainer, Bernie. But the number one prize had to be the laptop Liv’s mum had managed to get from work. It was second hand, but it included a good graphics card, a decent sized hard drive and even a webcam.
They had a copy of Diana’s list and made sure not to include these people, this was the tricky bit. As Luke gave them Diana’s invitation, he would judge their response and if any of the people he knew showed any negative signs, he would point out the RSVP and ask if they were likely to be going. If they made any disparaging remarks, he then suggested there might be an alternative party and pointed them at Ray. Anyone he didn’t know would just get the invitation and a hint about the RSVP.
Liv was thrilled. “This is amazing. We’ve got a hundred and seventy pounds even after the food money.”
“And if everyone turns up there’ll be well over a hundred people there.”
The rehearsal finished early because Miss Maines had to go somewhere and they’d stayed behind when everyone else left. Ray kept guard at the door.
Luke relished the chance to chat. “Rob says the room holds a hundred and eighty so we should be ok on the safety side.”
“How’s Diana’s party doing?” Jude couldn’t quite meet his eye; it was as though she couldn’t face what had happened at the ice rink.
He smiled warmly, trying to let her know she was forgiven. “Not so good, there have been about ten replies and only two of them said yes.”
Liv’s eyes widened. “What about her relatives and posh friends?”
“Only a handful of them accepted so far and she’s got less than a fiver on the raffle.”
“Oh dear.” Kat couldn’t help her tender heart.
“I did suggest she might want to ask more people in the class, but she said there were bound to be a few more turning up at the last minute.” Luke shook his head at the girl’s arrogance. “Said she’d think about it over the weekend.”
“She’d better get a move on, there’s only three days after that.” Liv saw the bigger picture, even if it belonged to her sworn enemy.
“Ray already printed another fifty tickets, and I’ll convince her people would be honoured to come to any party she organised, even at such short notice. Then I’ll fake a few RSVPs.”
“Luke Harper, you are getting so devious I’m not sure I’ll believe a word you say ever again.” Kat grinned.
“Cheers.” He grinned back. “I’d better go now before someone catches me fraternising with the enemy.”
19 Foxes, Cats and Super Heroes
Now the end of his ordeal loomed large, Luke could afford to be generous with his favours, building Diana up for an even higher fall. His smiles were warmer and he gave her his full and undivided attention every time she spoke. Instead of flinching when she got near, he even touched her lightly on the arm a couple of times, voluntarily. He stayed with her on Wednesday break, trying to ignore his natural reaction to empathise with her obvious concern.
She clutched his arm, her face stricken. “What if all the no-replies turn up? There won’t be enough room and the food might run out.”
Luke loosened her grip, in the pretence of wanting to hold her hand. “I don’t think that will be a problem.”
“You’re so supportive. What’s your costume, tonight?”
“I want to keep it a secret. I doubt if you’ll recognise me.”
“That’s so romantic. But I’ve already told you, I’ll be Morticia. The long black hair seems to suit me, and I have the figure for it – unlike some.” She glared pointedly over at Liv who glanced up, frowned, then turned back to Kat and Jude.
“You didn’t give her a ticket did you? Or those friends of hers? I couldn’t bear it if they came and ruined the night.”
“You can rest easy. There’s no way they
will be anywhere near the church hall at nine o’clock tonight.”
“It’s the civic hall at eight o’clock.” She clutched at her chest like a silent movie heroine. “What did you put on the tickets?”
“It’s ok, I’m only teasing.”
“You beast, Luke Harper.” She punched his arm. “It’s going to be so good. I’ve never done anything as big as this before. I couldn’t have done it without your help. Thank you Luke.”
Before he could do anything, she reached up and kissed him. Not on the lips as she wanted, he’d turned to present his cheek. Enough was enough!
At twenty past seven, he sat in the rugby club, feeling nerves of his own. What if everyone decided to go to her party after all? He’d given out all fifty tickets to Diana’s “B” list. People the gang were convinced wouldn’t be seen anywhere near her. Most of them took one peek and scrunched the ticket up even before he gave them his standard warning, “If Diana asks if you’re going tonight, say yes.”
By half past, it became obvious too few people would not be a problem for their party. Whether they could all manage to get a drink might be.
The DJ was good and the girls had brought along some of their “Now” CDs so he fulfilled a lot of requests. Kat sparkled as an Austin Powers babe in tight bell-bottomed jeans, a glittery, halter-neck crop-top, outrageous platform shoes and seventies make-up. Liv looked good as a sexy witch in a low-cut, dark dress which showed off her generous curves, with a pointed hat and beauty spots instead of warts. But Jude stole the show, filling the shiny black cat suit to purr-fection as a stunningly striking Catwoman.
He had great fun as a strong, silent Zorro, swashing his buckle every time anyone dared to come near. Ray dressed up his wheelchair with chains and lanterns and did a good impression of Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice. Terry glowed in a luminous skeleton suit, entertaining people with his mimes.
Ray had set himself up on one end of the food table where Rob’s wife, Jan, had concocted a large bowl of fruit punch and a stack of plastic cups to help ease the crowded bar. At thirty pence a cup, it came cheaper than most soft drinks and he’d done a deal that he would dish it out for a cut of the profits.
Luke appreciated Ray’s help because it meant Jude was more available, in theory. In practice, the three girls were permanently on the dance floor and he was far too self-conscious to do anything but the slow ones. He watched as Terry joined them, dancing easily between all three, but quite obviously aiming to get Liv on her own.
At ten thirty, Liv made a little speech thanking Rob and Jan for organising and running the show. When the applause died down, she announced the profits to date were a little over two hundred pounds for the PTA. She then got Jan to draw the winning raffle ticket. John Sullivan won the laptop; he was in another tutor group and hadn’t turned up on the night. After that, they allowed the winners to pick their own prizes. Danielle was overjoyed with the ice-skating prize, Kevin grabbed the PlayStation games and several of the other prizes went to people in other tutor groups, most of whom weren’t there.
All of a sudden, it was twenty to eleven and the DJ started playing slow records. Luke scanned round to find Jude dancing with Neil, who’d come as Austin Powers. Although not exactly smooching, he seemed to be getting closer every move. Liv danced with Terry, and Kat helped Ray count the money up.
He wandered over to them. “How are we doing?”
“All good.” Ray winked. “I think this my secret ingredient was a hit.”
Luke chose not to go there. “Would you mind if I pinched Kat for a dance?”
“Be my guest.” He pointed at his legs. “Just wish I could ask first.”
Kat fitted comfortably into his arms, dancing as though she belonged there. They both knew it was an illusion, resulting from their mutual familiarity. She smiled up at him. “This was the best success. Well done, Luke.”
Luke grinned back. “I wonder how Diana’s party is faring.”
“No doubt we’ll find out tomorrow.”
“I’m so glad it’s all over. I really couldn’t put up with another day of her slobbering all over me.”
Her voice oozed sympathy. “Jude and I were just saying we don’t know how you did it. We owe you. Big time.”
“Consider it payback for my nastiness last year.”
“Paid in full.” She shook her head. “What will you do tomorrow if her party is a resounding success and she makes loads of money?”
“I’ll have no choice but to publish her spiteful comments about everyone in the class.” He grinned. “But I’m better than that. Anyway, just about everyone on her “B” list is here, and quite a few from her “A” list.”
“Which only leaves her relatives and friends outside school.”
“And possibly a couple of gate-crashers.” He winked. “I accidentally gave some spare tickets to an old mate of mine.”
Her eyes met his with a matching twinkle. “Do you think she’ll have sussed you weren’t there, yet?”
“If my plan worked, she’ll have spent half the evening thinking I can’t get enough of her.”
“What?”
“You’ll find out tomorrow.” The new-found actor in him wanted to give a dastardly laugh, but common sense prevailed. “Has anyone recognised me?”
“In that mask? No one said anything to us.”
“Good. That’ll help tomorrow morning. What’s with Neil and Jude?”
“I think he fancies his chances without you on the scene. I’ve had my suspicions for a while, but his tongue was positively hanging out when he saw her tonight.”
“No wonder. Do you think she’d dance with me?”
“Ask her. She’s been looking daggers at me for the last few minutes.”
“Cheers, Kat. You’re a star.” He gave her a quick hug and kissed her cheek, then strode over and tapped Neil on the shoulder. “Excuse me, Mr Powers. I think one of your babes was after you.”
“Luke? Didn’t think you were here tonight.”
“I’m trying to stay incognito. Appreciate if you didn’t blow my cover.”
“Sure, mate. Just wish I’d got all the pretty ones after me the way you do.”
Luke didn’t reply as Jude turned away and walked toward Ray. He grabbed her arm. “Not so fast, Catwoman. You and I have some unfinished business. Or don’t you dance with despicable, vindictive thugs?”
“I don’t see any. All I see is a super hero.”
“I’ll take that as an apology.” He bowed formally, then drew her to him, in a classic ballroom hold. She went with it, following his lead as he attempted a waltz move. “You’re quite the fox in that outfit. Who poured you into it?”
“Even if I didn’t do Spanish, everyone knows El Zorro is the fox.”
“Fox, cat, whatever. Are you going to apologise properly?”
“Sorry. I’m gutted ... ohh!”
Finally, he did what he’d wanted to for the last four years, and kissed her.
The whole tutor group buzzed next morning, but they had no chance to chat during the end-of-half-term assembly. Luke heard a number of comments as they walked back.
“Did you see Terry smooching with Liv?”
“Who was that masked man kissing Jude when the lights went up?”
“Do you know anyone who went to Diana’s party?”
Diana didn’t make it in until half past nine, mumbling an excuse about oversleeping. This started all manner of speculation about whether she’d made it home last night. As soon as Mr Johnston left the room at break, she came over to Luke and thumped something down on the desk in front of him.
“Thank you very much, Luke Harper. Your dodgy friends ruined a perfectly wonderful party last night. And where did you disappear to?”
A tall sixth-former entered the room and strode over. “Hello Morticia, great gig last night. Don’t suppose anyone found my utility belt?”
Luke chucked it and the guy caught it cleanly. “Thanks, mate. I gotta return the costume, today. Ciao baby.”
He stroked Diana’s cheek and left the room.
She recoiled in horror. “But I thought you were Batman. Who was that?”
He declined to answer as the rest of the class gathered round.
Liv’s face gleamed innocence. “So, Diana. How much did this wonderful party make for the PTA firework display?”
“Almost thirty pounds.” She looked around as though expecting people to be impressed. “I’m sure Father will make up the shortcoming.”
“So that’s half a dozen rockets and a couple of packets of sparklers, then. Way to go.” Danielle couldn’t resist having a go.
Kat grinned artlessly. “Is that after paying for the damage to the room?”
“What? How do you know about that?” Diana’s face dropped.
“Paddy knows the barman at the civic hall.” Kat played it with studied nonchalance as only a drama student could. “Apparently there was a fight and some stuff got smashed up.”
“Tut tut, what a rough crowd you do mix with.” Danielle was loving this.
“But they were his,” Diana pointed at Luke, “I mean his,” she pointed at the door where the mystery guy had exited, “friends.”
“Apparently some posh bird was making out with Jimmy Proud on the middle of the dance floor.” Jude barely suppressed the mischief in her voice as she joined in the fun. “You don’t know her do you?”
“You mean you didn’t want us but you invited Jimmy Proud?” Becky voiced the thoughts of several in the room. “We didn’t realise it was that sort of party.” She winked at Janet and the laughter spread round the room.
Everyone in the class seemed to be having a go at Diana, and it all got too much. She stamped her foot and fled, pulling out her mobile as angry tears streamed down her face.
Ray was by the door and related the scene with glee as she ran straight into Fearsome, who confiscated the phone.
At lunch, Luke explained how his friend Paul had agreed to impersonate him in return for six tickets. They were similar height and build and the guy was a reasonable mimic; not that he had to say much.
