The Childe (15 page)

“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 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 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 herself 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.

“I love your dress, by the way,” Ryan whispered in her ear. “Green is definitely your color.” She felt shivers running up and down her spine. The sweet fragrance of his cologne filled her senses. Her mouth felt like it was filled with cotton. She couldn’t breathe and her heart was racing.
Cat get a hold of yourself, it’s just a dance.
Inhaling deeply, Cat looked up at Ryan who was staring at her intently, looking a little dazed.
Could he be feeling the same way?
Ryan moved one hand up and began stroking her hair over her ear. His touch was cold as ice, but she felt like she was burning up. The music slowly faded into the background. As he pulled her closer she could feel his muscles tense through his shirt jacket.

“Your hair’s beautiful, it’s so soft,” he said his mouth near her ear. She blushed as she realized his face was moving toward hers. For a terrifying moment, she knew he was about to kiss her. Turning her head to avoid his lips, she felt them on her hair as he pulled her even closer. Panicked over the feelings rushing through her, Cat heard the song end and mumbled a hurried “thanks for the dance” and rushed off the dance floor, trying to calm her pounding heart. The smell of his cologne clung to her making her blush even more.
Get a grip Cat, he’s just a boy and that is all…a really gorgeous boy…who tried to kiss you.
She squealed to herself, making her way back to the table.

“What was that all about?” demanded Amanda, startling her. Looking up she saw her four friends surrounding her.

“What do you mean?” Cat responded, trying not to make her feelings noticeable.

“That little drama on the dance floor with Ryan,” Amanda replied.

“Oh guys, grow up! It was one dance! I don’t hate him! I just dislike who he hangs out with. Now sit down, everyone’s looking at you!” Cat snapped irritably. They all sat down staring at her with questioning eyes. Trying to act normal, she knew she couldn’t fool them, they knew her too well. Her eyes searched the room for Ryan, but he was nowhere in sight. For the rest of the night Cat watched, waiting to see if he would return, but was disappointed when he didn’t.

I shouldn’t have asked her to dance! But she looked so beautiful, I had to do it!
Ryan thought. When he first laid eyes on her as she entered the gym, his chest constricted painfully. He quickly realized he had been holding his breath watching her walk across the room. When she went with him on the dance floor, his heart began racing as he pulled her close. Thinking back, he groaned with embarrassment as he realized he said his thoughts out loud.
She must really think I’m weird now. The way she couldn’t wait to get off the dance floor, even before we were finished.
He knew he had to leave after her hasty exit. He couldn’t stay and watch her dance with others. Watching her dance with Matt was torture enough, even though he knew they had been friends since they were in diapers. He still couldn’t stop the jealousy rising up in him like a green eyed monster. Without a word to his group, he left the gym by the side door.