Make-ups, Break-ups, and Hook-ups

Tonight was the night of the Homecoming dance. I stood in front of my dresser mirror, my eyes glowing with my excitement to be dressed in a beautiful, long, spaghetti-strapped, midnight-blue dress with an added layer of sheer, black rose designs across the chest. My mom had twirled my long hair up into a french twist...the ends in little ringlets, leaving a few dainty curls to frame my face. This was my senior Homecoming dance . . . Things might be a little crazy with my friends, and Daniel was decidedly not my date, but I was determined to make sure I still had a good time!

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Timothy and I plopped down in a couple chairs at an empty table on the side of the dance floor. We sipped some drinks, and I drew in a few deep breaths to help bring my breathing back to its normal pace. We had just danced to several fast and frenetic songs, mutually knowing it was time for a break when a slow and sappy song began screeching its sickeningly sweet tones for all of the lovey-dovey couples. We sat silently, companionably, watching those who were dancing. My eyes, unsurprisingly, seemed to instantly find Daniel and Karina, and I rolled those eyes as I pried them away: I just seemed entirely unable to ever escape noticing them! I then watched Zacharias dancing with a girl for a long moment while I snorted...my mouth twisted into a sardonic grin and my thoughts displaying mock shock that he ended up with a date after all.

After two of these distressing, mushy love songs, another fun one began to play. Timothy said, "Let's sit this one out too, okay?"

I nodded; that was fine with me. Krissy, Bethany, Jason, and a few of their other friends...all of whom came to the dance together as a group of dateless friends, joined by Chris and Anna...were standing in a circle, jumping, bouncing, shaking, and just wildly dancing to the rocking song. I looked over at Timothy and noticed he was watching our friends as well.

Abruptly, he asked, "Janey, how come you and Krissy aren't speaking?"

I frowned, remembering the silence I'd received from Krissy for the last several days and how unhappy it made me. "I'm not even sure exactly . . ." I started. "She is mad at me for something, but doesn't seem to find it necessary to inform me of what that is."

"I wonder what it could be . . ." he said, his voice trailing off as he continued to stare out at them.

I looked back to the group as well and so saw it when Krissy had turned her head toward our direction. She caught my gaze and glared before turning away again. Next to me, Timothy flinched. I looked at him again and was surprised to see a hard look in his normally joviant facial features.

"Anything wrong?" I asked. He shook his head, still staring ahead. I followed his eyes and noticed he was intently watching Krissy, his brow furrowed, and his mouth...a frown. I realized something.

"Timothy! You like Krissy, don't you?"

Finally, he turned towards me, an eyebrow raised, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed, but looking slightly dejected. "Is it obvious then?"

Feeling suddenly exuberant, I smiled in spite of his overt dolefulness. "Why didn't you ask her to the dance then? She must like you too! I'm sure she does!" Even more excited, I continued, "That's probably why she's mad at me! Why else would she be so mad? This all started that day we told them we were going together . . ."

Timothy interrupted my ramble. "She doesn't like me. She's my ex."

"What?" I was at a loss of words after hearing this startling statement. Why hadn't I known that?

"We dated for almost half of last year. She broke it off." He stole another glance in Krissy's direction. Turning back to me, he repeated, "She broke it off. She doesn't like me anymore. She didn't even tell you, her best friend, about us. She's obviously over it."

I managed to close my mouth, realizing it was hanging open. Why wouldn't she have told me that? To Timothy, I said sympathetically, "But you're not, are you?"

The sadness in his eyes answered my question.

"What happened?" I whispered.

"I don't really want to think about it," he said. "If you two ever start talking again, maybe you can get her to explain it to you . . ." he said bitterly, then added emphatically, "because I am, sure as hell, confused about it! All I know is that she thought we could still be friends. And we are . . . at least, we act like it, but we don't talk like we used to . . . and every time I look at her . . ." He trailed off with a frustrated sigh.

I quickly pulled him into a hug. Our friend Bethany, who had clearly been privy to whatever Krissy's problem was, chose that moment to sit down with us, a glass of punch in hand. She raised her eyebrows, regarding our embrace and said, "You two seem to be having a good time."

Timothy and I said hello, ignoring the slight. He turned his gaze back to the dance floor, leaving me to talk to a Bethany that had been very distant with me lately. It was time to sort out this mess.

"Bethany," I began, "does Krissy like Timothy?"

At my question, Timothy's eyes snapped to Bethany's, clearly eager for her response.

Her eyes widened. "I don't think it's my business to be telling you anything about Krissy."

"Bethany, please, just tell me. I mean, if she's mad at me because we went to the dance together, then I really should explain..."

Timothy interjected, "Please tell us, we...I need to know."

"You two are unbelievable," she said acidly. "Timothy, are you trying to get back at her for breaking up with you?"

"What! No way! How could..."

"You don't date your ex-girlfriend's best friend! Even if you really like her. It's just wrong!" Timothy looked stunned, like he'd never considered that his "date" with me could be perceived that way. Before either of us said anything in response, she turned on me, saying, "Janey, Krissy said she never told you about him, but I think that you haven't been a very good friend to her, seeing as how you've been too guy-obsessed yourself to ever ask her about who she likes."

"What? Woah! This is just crazy!" I exclaimed. I stood up and marched over to where Krissy was dancing. I hooked my arm through hers and started to pull her away from the noisy dance floor, saying "We need to talk!" She stopped short, looking every bit wanting to refuse. I said, "Please, Krissy! Let's talk." She nodded begrudgingly and followed me.

When we were well away from the intruding noise, I said to her, "You haven't spoken to me since the day Timothy and I said we were coming to this dance together. You've been glaring at us. Just tell me what the problem is! Do you still like Timothy? Or are you just upset because he's your ex on a date with your best friend?"

"Yeah, that is messed up, but that's not the entire problem!" she said vehemently. "It's so hard to see him with you! I still . . ." She trailed off, shaking her head.

"Why didn't you just tell me, then?" I asked exasperatedly. "I would never have..."

"Well, first of all," she exclaimed, her eyes burning, "you've been so obsessed with Daniel. Daniel this! Daniel that! You never bothered to ask if there was anyone for me..."

"Wait a minute," I interjected. "I'm sorry, but I didn't know there was anything to tell! If there were, why wouldn't you just tell me!"

"I would have told you! I asked you more than once if you liked Timothy, and you assured me you did not! I would have told you then if you had been honest with me!"

I reached out and patted her arm. "I was honest," I said amiably. "Timothy and I are only here together as friends. We only came together because neither of us can be here with the person we really want!"

Krissy's eyes widened, and her features softened a bit. I leaned over and whispered in her ear, "The person he wanted to be here with is you."

Her even more-widened eyes were lit from within as she looked longingly in Timothy's direction. He was watching us. She looked at me uncertainly.

"Really," I said. "He told me so."

"I should go talk to him," she said dreamily. She began to waft away, but stopped and turned back to me. "I'm sorry, Janey. I suppose you and I should talk about all this?"

"Yes, but it's okay. You need Timothy, and he needs you. You and I can talk more later."

She gave me a quick hug and murmured, "Thanks." Together, we walked back over to where Bethany and Timothy sat.

"Hi, Krissy," Timothy said with a soft, awkward smile. "You look really amazing tonight."

I caught Bethany's eye, and with a nod of my head in the other direction, she stood up and followed me in order to give our two friends the time they needed alone. As I walked away, I heard passionately angered tones...faded and inarticulate, though, as the distance between us increased...and the loud noises of talkative teenagers and pop music flooded into the space. I really hope they can work things out!

Anna and Chris had been watching the events unfold ever since I pulled Krissy away from their dancing troupe. They joined Bethany and me, and we all sat down and talked for awhile. Most of it was about how they thought Timothy and Krissy had been a really good couple, and they hoped they would get back together. I agreed with them on that note, but I stayed mostly quiet. I was feeling a little overwhelmed at being so thickly involved in a bunch of drama and was sitting in contemplation of my part in it. Hopefully, Timothy and Krissy would get back together, and hopefully there would be no more hurt feelings between Krissy and me. It was hard learning how to be friends with people you didn't know. At my old school, everyone had just already known everything about each other . . .

Inevitably, another "couple song" came on. Chris and Anna sauntered away quickly, both eager to lend romantic moments to their new relationship. One of their friends, a guy who I did not know as he was not part of our lunch group nor in any of my classes, asked Bethany to dance, and she readily agreed.

Left alone, I cast my eyes about, suddenly wondering where Jason had been all this time. I didn't see him anywhere, but I did see Krissy and Timothy dancing together! They both wore smiles on their faces, and I felt a warm rush of joy for my friends' reunion.

"Jaaaneeeeey!" a voice called. It wasn't a voice that could have belonged to Jason. No, this voice was noxiously sweet and jeering...a voice that could only belong to the ever-snotty Karina. With a big sigh, I turned away from watching my friends and looked at the blonde who wore a knee-length, red gown and entirely too much makeup.

"Karina," I acknowledged indifferently.

"Where's your date?" she asked superciliously as she maneuvered her head to stare obviously at where Timothy was dancing with Krissy.

"Hmmm, where is yours?" I responded in kind.

"Oh, you mean, my boyfriend, Daniel? He went to get us some drinks. He is always so good to me . . ." Her face split into a wicked grin. "He looks totally hot tonight. Have you noticed?" She smirked. "You must have! He and I will look great together when we are crowned King and Queen."

I rolled my eyes and said, "Whatever!"

"You poor girl," she said mockingly. She shook her head slowly and added, "Dumped by your date for your own best friend? I had thought it before . . . but now I know . . . you are really . . . pathetic." She said the last word nonchalantly as she cocked her head, shrugged her shoulder, and raised her brow as a smirk appeared on her heavily caked-face.

I let out a short laugh in surprise. Really, this girl is out to get me! She just can't stop bragging about her and Daniel ever! I'm sick of it! Maybe I should make her eat her own words? I snorted. Could be fun . . . She is the pathetic one here after all, but I can't get upset . . . If she thinks she can rile me up, then she will forever rub her relationship with Daniel all over me!

"Well, Karina, if you have it so good with Daniel, then why aren't you with him now...enjoying him, instead of spending your time obsessing over me?" I asked with the air of simply posing a question for her consideration. "My love life, or lack of...regardless, neither is of your concern. I could hardly care what you think, even if you are the most popular girl in school." I said this last bit while rolling my eyes.

The room suddenly grew quiet, and I looked around to determine why. The music had ceased playing. Then a voice over a loud speaker declared that it was time to announce this year's Homecoming King and Queen.

"Oh, yay! It's time for your fifteen minutes of fame!" I said, rolling my eyes once again.

She glared at me, saying, "You'll be sorry. You can't contend with me!" I grinned. She flipped her hair and made her way quickly towards the stage.

Sure enough, it was announced that Daniel was King. I wryly thought about just how crazy it was that I had fallen for a guy popular enough to be Homecoming King. At my old school, I had never been in with the popular elite. And although I had been friends with many of the mainstream students, I would never have dared to even dream of dating "the big man on campus." Stupid movie theatre job! If it weren't for that, I'd never even have had the chance to start liking him!

And without surprising anyone, Karina, beaming, stood as the crown was placed on her head, naming her Queen. Those two deserve each other anyway.

Instead of watching the traditional King and Queen dance, I veered away from the crowd and headed out towards the restrooms. I stayed in the ladies' for a little while, being finicky with my hair, smoothing my gown, and checking to make sure my mascara wasn't flaking off...all just to give me something to do.

By the time I made my way back inside the gymnasium, an upbeat song was playing, and I knew their dance must be over.

I was walking through groups of students when I heard the voices of a girl and guy arguing harshly. Several paces away stood Daniel and Karina. He stood tall with his arms crossed and a frown on his face. She stood with a hand on her hip, her back to me so that I could not see the expression on her face. I missed what they had been saying, but then their voices grew louder and carried over.

Daniel said in snappish, rebuffing tones, "Well, I heard it, and that wasn't right!"

Karina responded waspishly, "Why the hell should you care what I say to that insignificant bitch, Janey?" She turned on her heel and stormed off.

With Karina out of the way, there was a clear path between Daniel and myself. Our eyes met. I couldn't tell what he was thinking. When could I ever? I, however, was surprised, confused, and in wonder . . . What had just happened between them? Had he stuck up for me against his own girlfriend? Wow! Just wow!

I regarded Daniel for a long moment, pleading silently for understanding. He held my gaze as silently, I shouted: Say something! Do something! Come talk to me! Daniel, now is the time. Do something, please!

He dropped his gaze then and took a step back, looking as though he were about to turn and walk away.

Damn it! Daniel! Well, serves me right for getting my hopes up again . . . I should know better by now!

Just then, Jason appeared at my side, eyes sparkling and offering me a goregous, red rose. "Hi, Janey! You look beautiful!"

"Jason! Thank you! And thank you for the rose . . . Why?..."

He smiled. "I saw you talking to Krissy, and I saw they made up. I had got this for you, but only meant to give it to you if I could steal you away from Timothy." He winked. We both laughed. He continued, "I had gone to my car to go get it, and when I returned, I was walking around for a little while looking for you."

"Oh, I was in the restroom," I said. I smelled the rose's ambrosial scent and added, "Thank you, Jason! This is so sweet."

"Care to have that dance now?" he asked.

I quickly glanced back over to where Daniel was standing. He still stood there, looking at me. Going to say anything? I asked/hoped with my eyes, but, again, he averted his.

I looked at Jason: tall, sandy-blonde hair smoothed back for the night, looking sharp in a nice, black, button-up dress shirt and trousers, wearing a smile, and clearly unafraid to be upfront with me about liking me. No confusion. Just a nice, handsome guy...romantic, too. Why shouldn't I give him a chance?

"Certainly," I answered with a smile.

His smile brightened, and he grabbed my hand, leading me away towards the dance floor. I swore I could feel Daniel's penetrating eyes on me, just like I did in class that day shortly after the drama we'd had in Theater class...but I didn't care anymore. I liked Jason. I was over Daniel. And that was that.

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Jason and I continued dancing, even when one of those "mushy" and "sappy" songs came on. They didn't seem that way now that I danced to some of them with Jason. They actually seemed sweet, romantic, endearing . . . Just like the kiss he would give me later after I would agree to dating him . . .

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