The Dance Part 1

Even with the music was playing, the students of North Valley High School took a second to watch Sam and Austin walk down the stairs, everyone, but Carter and Ryan wondering who the beautiful girl was. Who is she? What's Austin doing with her? Shelby wondered, feeling a stab of jealousy. That was supposed to be her on Austin's arm. She had planned her entire high school social life around this moment, and now this girl had stolen it from her. Astrid's mouth fell open as they entered the gym. Wow. Sam looks so beautiful. They look so good together. I'm glad he dumped what's her face, she thought. Sam bit her lip nervously, feeling uncomfortable with the stares, but Austin gave her hand a quick reassuring squeeze. Damn! Sam looks hot! Way to go Austin! Ryan thought. Though Carter had already seen Sam earlier, he was still stunned at how gorgeous she looked. Ryan and Carter's eyes were the size of grape fruits as Sam and Austin approached them.

"Sam, you look amazing, tonight," Carter noted.

"Thanks, Carter," Sam replied shyly.

"Wow," Ryan said, giving the girl the once-over. Austin smiled but felt himself becoming a little jealous.

"Hey, that's my girl you're talking about," Austin warned half-seriously. Then, they both laughed.

"Thanks, Ryan. You don't look too bad yourself," she told him with a giggle rapping on his Knight Of The Roundtable costume.

"Yeah, I saw it in the costume shop and knew it was perfect," Ryan commented. Sam smiled. Austin then turned his attention back to Sam.

"Can I get you some punch or anything?"

"No, I think I'll be okay, Austin. Thank you." Ryan grinned, but the smile fell as he realized something.

"Sam, do you mind if I borrow Austin for a second? I have something I need to talk to him about," he stated.

"Sure, behave you two," she responded with a giggle and they walked over to the punch table. I wonder what he needs to tell Austin, she thought. Sam looked over near where the DJ table to see Astrid.

"Carter, are you going to ask Astrid to dance or what?" Carter looked over at her and then back at Sam.

"What? You mean, tonight?"

"Well, that'd probably be ideal seeing as how we are at a dance tonight."

"I-I can't. She's busy handling the music."

"Carter, she's been staring at you all this time whenever you're not looking." Carter rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, right. You're probably making it up."

"I just saw her do it a few minutes ago." Recognizing the certainty in Sam's voice, Carter looked back over at her to see if he could catch her staring at him. Of course, no dice. However, that didn't stop him from trying and Sam couldn't help but laugh as the game of eye-tag continued for the next minutes. Meanwhile, Ryan was talking with Austin as they drank their punch.

"Dude, I'm not sure what Shelby's going to do. I mean, she didn't look happy when you came in." Austin sighed and rolled his eyes.

"To be honest with you, I don't really care what Shelby thinks. As far as I'm concerned, she doesn't exist." They both looked over at Shelby and her friends who were standing at the top of the stairs and continually striking poses in an effort to get people to notice them.

"I understand that, bro. Believe me, I do. However, I think you should keep your distance from her just for, tonight." Austin squinting at Ryan in confusion.

"How do you expect me to do that? This place is packed. No matter where we go, she'll be close by," he pointed out. His friend frowned thoughtfully. He was right. Then, Ryan smiled as his eyes lit up.

"Dude, I got it," he stated, snapping his fingers.

"What is it?" Austin wondered.

"They're setting up a wedding outside and they have lights hanging above the path. Maybe you guys could walk and talk out there…maybe even dance," he replied. Austin scratched his chin, debating whether or not it was a good idea.

"I don't know, man," he hesitated.

"Come on, bro. She'll love it. You told me yourself that you wanted to make this night unforgettable for both you. Now's your chance," he encouraged.

"I know," he said. "But I'd hate to make her walk outside in her heels. I mean, she's already told me how much they're hurting her feet," he continued. Ryan placed his hand on his shoulder cracking a half smile.

"Trust me, once you two see what I'm talking about, she won't even care about her feet," he insisted. Austin looked over at Sam, weighing the options. They could stay inside and hide from Shelby, or go outside and have a romantic walk underneath the lights. After a moment, he made his decision.

"All right, I'll do it," he said. Then, he walked back towards Sam, and grabbed her by the hand. "Would you mind taking a stroll with me outside?" he queried. Sam looked at him in confusion, unsure of what he was up to.

"You know that if we go outside you have no shot at becoming the homecoming prince, right?" she reminded. Austin chuckled.

"I really don't care about becoming homecoming prince," he told her, and they shared a smile.

"All right. I'm ready when you are, Mister," she stated. They walked away from Carter, though Sam took the opportunity to catch Carter's eye and motion for him to go talk to Astrid. Carter just shook his head until the two disappeared into the crowd. Just as they were going out the back door, Mrs. Wells noticed that their matching costumes and let out a small laugh.