by C. A. Kunz
“Yes Cat, it would be our honor to have you grace us with your presence again,” Aylah chimed in, hugging her as well. As they walked toward the door, Cat turned and watched Gretchen, Aylah, and Annie standing side by side waving goodbye.
Back outside, Cat was surprised to see the sun shining, with no sign of the dark clouds. Shielding her eyes, she followed after her teacher toward an open field. Numerous colorful tents and stalls filled the area. Delicious smells filled her nose and wonderful music filled her ears as they joined the crowd entering the festival. There was so much to see. Brightly dressed merchants chatted with visitors while they wrapped up their purchases and moved on to the next one. The stalls were packed full of wares including books, clothes, herbs, and sparkling jewelry. Small tents displayed signs advertising what you could find within: Tea cup readings, mediums, past life regression. There seemed to be something there for everyone. Feeling overwhelmed, Cat took a deep breath. “I know it’s a lot to take in, Cat. But you have to admit, it’s exciting as well,” Miss Amaya stated.
Hours later, as they barreled down the lane heading toward the archway of tall ominous trees, Cat heard Miss Amaya mumble something again and then silence. Suddenly they were back in the forest and engulfed by darkness.
“How the…” Cat began to ask.
“What? Were you going to say something?” Miss Amaya asked, flipping on her car’s headlights.
“Ne-never mind,” she replied. “So, thanks again for taking me today.”
“My pleasure! And if you like, we could go back again soon.”
“I’d love that!” she answered, leaning back in her seat, feeling drowsy.
It seemed like only seconds had passed when Cat felt the car stop, then backfire. She was home. Miss Amaya jumped out of the car and ran around to open the passenger door. “Okay sleepyhead, let’s get you inside,” Miss Amaya led her up the porch stairs. Cat retrieved her key from her pocket and unlocked the front door. Miss Amaya handed her the books she forgot in the backseat as Cat thanked her again.
Giving her a big hug, Miss Amaya said, “Night, Cat. And remember, today was our little secret.”
“My lips are sealed, Miss Amaya.”
Cat watched as the purple bug left her sight. Sighing, she pushed open the door.
7
Homecoming Dance
The gym was decked out in school spirit. Banner-sized paper footballs covered the walls and pom-poms were center pieces on all the tables. An inflatable goal post sat at either end of the gym with the words GO PANTHERS written on the side. Gold and black streamers spanned the length of the room, creating a wavelike pattern overhead.
Matt surveyed the room, looking for potential hotties to attract. He noticed that most people had come with a date, so singles were few and far between. Oh well. This night might not be a total loss. Some fine young lady could have a fight with her date and I could be the one to console her, he thought.
“Matt, why don’t you and Elle go dance?” Cat asked.
“No, I don’t want to dance. I just want to sit and watch everyone,” Elle murmured nervously and fidgeted with the hem of her mid-length dusty rose colored dress. Cat turned to Julie who shook her head, as did Amanda.
“Okay, Matt. It’s you and me. Let’s go!” Cat said as she grabbed his arm and pulled him to the dance floor.
While dancing with Cat, Matt kept winking at girls nearby. She hit him several times on the arm, reminding 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 scanned the room until 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 as she buried her head in Matt’s neck, trying to block her view of him.
“Whoa, Cat! Not too close! I don’t want these women to think I’m unavailable.” 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. She started toward the restroom, but 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. Suddenly a sharp pain radiated 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 then 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 and looked 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’m saving the real thing for prom. Wait a sec, don’t try and dodge the issue,” 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, the pair returned to the gym. Cat leaned against the wall and slid down into a sitting position, relieved Taylor had listened to her. Upon hearing footsteps in front of her, she looked up slightly and saw a pair of wing-tipped dress shoes standing there. 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 open the door. 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’d stand up to the most feared person in school, I would’ve 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 wet a paper towel and then blotted the blood gathering up in the wound.
“Cat, what happened?”
“Everyone’s talking about it!”
“Did you stand up to Isaac?”
Her three friends burst through the bathroom door, all talking at once.
“I’m fine. Isaac’s just a jerk! And I decided to tell him off. I guess I’m changing. See what public school does to you? Boy, do I feel great. I’m 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 tab
le. “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. She turned around and saw everyone still sitting motionless at the table. What is wrong with them? Get up 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 am I 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. Usually I have people say ‘cheeseburger,’ so let’s all say it together.”
“What a dork!” Amanda uttered, rolling her eyes.
“I agree,” Elle giggled.
“You! No eye rolling please. 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 at 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 then finally took the pictures.
“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 and then motioned 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 knew they were delighted the moment Principal Carnes called me that afternoon and wanted to make a bet on the game.” 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’m pleased to announce our winners. This year’s Homecoming King … Well, no surprise here-” The crowd groaned as she kept silent. “It’s 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.
“Alright, 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 looked fabulous, as usual, in her designer dress and pumps. Kirsten 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.
“Wow! Look at her figure in that dress. I need to start going to the swim meets,” Matt declared, ogling at Kirsten.
“Oh grow up, Matt! She’s not in your league, remember? And yes, why haven’t you been at the 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 said with a sneer.
“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 of them. I’ll serve my reign as it should be served, for all you little people. I always knew I’d 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 with a pained look on his face. Cat looked over at Trish, and 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’m so proud of you, Taylor!”
“Thanks Cat, did you see where Trish went? I don’t see her at our 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.” After 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 girls’ room.”
“I’m just glad you’re back.” He bent down and gave 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. Pulling her toward the exit, “Let’s go and step outside, I need some fresh air.”
“See you later, Cat! You look wonderful too!” Trish cried out over her shoulder, following Taylor across the gym.
Cat turned to spot Kirsten watching Taylor and Trish’s retreat. She almost felt pity for the obvious unhappiness written all over Kirsten’s face. Almost, she thought 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 Kirsten. 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 Elle under the table. Elle glared at her. She abruptly stood up and walked out onto the dance floor holding Ben’s hand, her face was flushed.
“Amanda! How could you? Poor Elle nearly passed out,” Julie chastised.
“Listen, you two,” Amanda said, 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.
