Two weeks passed in a breeze, finally getting to see Tyler and the T.A of the Fighting 102 course Ki Swan go at it for the black belt schoolwide. Practice was cancelled so that the school could take part in watching. To go up against Ki Swan was a real fight. She might not look like it, but her eyes said it all. She loved to kick people's asses when she's not developing games.
"Go Tyler!" As other glanced around me incredulously as they went at it on Immortal Fighter II. So far they were neck to neck with one win each, able to fight off one another for the longest.
"Go Ki!" Ted called from the other side as the round ended with Ki sneaking a combo in. Tyler breathed as he stood up for the next match. And he made a comeback. Ki had him for a while in the beginning but he managed to break a 12 hit combo that knocked her out. They were tied for the last round.
I've listened to Tyler reflect on being on the Fighting Varsity and during class. He had it a little tough, complaining that Ki always laid heavier work on his behalf, only probably pushing him to become a black belt like her. He even went on days where he would skip class or practice or you could hear him argue with Ki down the halls, that made them sound like bickering brothers and sisters. Even Riss had to comfort him, which I've yet to ask her personally and now would be a great time.
I clamped a hand on her shoulder as she tensed. She glanced over, sighing after seeing it was me.
"Jeez Preston, can't be doing that." She scowled as she stared at the fighters going at it at the last round. So far, things didn't look good for Tyler.
"So, about you and Tyler? I've heard...bits and pieces." I grinned. Riss blushed as she waved me off.
"What do you mean? Tyler and I are friends..." Riss tried to lied. I clicked my tongue, totally agreeing with her.
"Uh huh. Who are you goin' to the Gala with Riss?" I snickered as she blushed harder.
"None of your business, noob." She snorted, walking off. By her response, I assumed it was Tyler. I shrugged as I watched the last moments of the match as Tyler had got Ki to her last percent of health, but failed as she managed to nick him with a low kick, The match ended, announcing Ki as the winner. The crowd clapped as they shook hands and bowed. Tyler walked over to Riss as I watch her hold his head in her hands and hug it. I smiled at all the...fluff between those two. Then my phone buzzed as I saw Calhoun calling me.
"PRESTON. OFFICE NOW." Calhoun barked, as I made my way to his office shortly.
"Uh, yeah, Calhoun? You called me?" As I stared at him, but glanced at Jenny, who sat cross-legged in the chair.
"Sit." As he pointed towards the other chair by Jenny. I slowly sat down, crossing my own legs as Jen glanced over me.
"Preston, do you know what is this Saturday?" Calhoun asked calmly.
"The Gala." I told him. He nodded.
"Yes. The annual dance we have...kind of like a...how do you call it back at your old school? A homecoming. I mean, we have prom and all that...schmancy stuff. But we like to kick off the beginning of the year and especially before playoffs with a huge celebration. A sorta welcome to the public. Other selected students from schools and more importantly, corporate officials and social networks will be here." Calhoun stated. "This is one of the biggest events of the year."
"I understand sir. I think." I blinked.
"No. You don't know why you and Coach is here." Calhoun snapped at me. I drummed the arm of the chair anxiously.
"Specific officials of infamous gaming companies...specifically for FPS games, are going to be at the Gala. Watching. Talking. And other inspector thingies." Calhoun told me. "Why does it matter between you two?" He started to laugh, a scary laugh that was hardly close to funny. Then he stale-faced me.
"You two will be dates for the Gala." As my head snapped at him.
"What." I snarled. "You can't be serious?"
"No. I refuse Calhoun. Brian is already my date. Why is this like...some arranged hook-up you're scheming?" Jenny protested.
"DOWN! Both of you." Calhoun raised his voice as we grumbled.
"Because. As top notch players, you'll be ambassadors for FPS. And what better way to portray that by making you two...dates? I need to convince these fools that a team works as a team...and by all means that is sacrificing a little happiness for the sake of your school." He stated.
"Bullshit." I scoffed as Calhoun slammed his hands on the desk.
"Do not." Calhoun threaten. "I will strip both of you of your titles. I will end the varsity right here and now. This is no joke. These are donators for the school's needs...a change of lower tuitions and discounts on gear. This is what the future of this school needs. Jenny, how much in-debt was Brian in?"
"Uh...I believe since he is also a janitor...that he has about $22,000 left in his name." Jen checked.
"And you can't graduate without paying those off...right?" I stated.
"Nope." Calhoun stated, popping his mouth. "Now how can we help poor Brian and his debt? By having you two as ambassadors for FPS and as dates for the Gala and giving best goddamn impression like it's your sister's wedding!"
"I'm an only child." I stated blandly.
"Same."
"YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN. I'm talking about my sister...jesus my uncle had to call 911 because my mother told me I had to eat tuna at my sister's wedding and be on my best behavior. But I ended up spending two days recovering from a swollen throat, puffy eyes, and stomach bloating. That isn't the point. Just for a while...or maybe the night...however long they stay. But as long as they're in sight you guys are glued together."
"Brian is going to be upset..." Jen shook her head disapprovingly as she stormed out.
"This is petty Calhoun. And I was inviting my girlfriend all the way from Albion-" I stared straight at him.
"This is for the school. You know how much I'm sacrificing to throw this Gala alone? Suck it up, baby. Now, OUT MY OFFICE." Calhoun roared as I turned on my heels and slammed the door. Leaning on the wall was Coach.
"Hi." I helplessly said as Jenny pouted, tucking in her arms as she wore Brian's varsity jacket. Showed you how much she really liked the guy.
"This...this is our last gala." Jenny started. I flinched. I realized no matter how you look at VGHS, it was still some type of high school. People graduated...had many first and lasts. Jenny probably been to the Gala before but that doesn't matter because it would be like your last homecoming back at home. I felt her pain, really.
"Maybe Ki can find a loophole?" I wryly smiled, "Or we can sneak turns in dancing with our dates?"
"Preston, do you even have a date?" Jenny asked. I stared at her in disbelief.
"I overheard you in the office. Albion is a distance from here...I'm even surprised when I saw her at the arcade. You did tell her in advance?" Jenny asked.
"Of course...just a couple days ago." I said. Jen shook her head in disbelief.
"What?" I growled.
"You should've told her last week. What is she going to wear? How is she getting here?" Jen slammed me with questions. "It's going to look even worse if you're just sipping champagne on the side watching me slow dance with Brian."
"Why would I watch you guys slow days like no gross man." I stuck my tongue out as Jen chuckled.
"She said she was coming...even if it's the last hour of the Gala I'll wait. And when everyone's gone...I'll have my own slow dance with her." I said almost dreamingly. Jen then nudged me.
"Lover boy. I'm starting to get all mushy over you two. So adorable." Jen smushed her cheeks to make a face as I lightly punched her back, telling her to cut it out. Then we stared down the empty hall in silence for an awkward while.
"Things will work out." I told her as we fist pumped. "Even if we have to move our own gala to Brian's janitor closet."
"Gross Preston!" Jen got up in disgust. As I caught on to my mistake.
"Okay-no WAIT JEN I TAKE THAT ALL BACK. UGH." I roared.
The day of the Gala was a day students and staff prepared their outfits, the decorating of the school inside and outside as a formal entrance to the event. Many of them scurried back and forth decorating the halls, helping the lunch people cook an abundance of gourmet food and desserts, and move things around and to other designated areas of the school that wasn't going to be used for the event.
Tyler and I were stuck cleaning our dorms and laying out our attire. Tyler treated the Gala as homecoming so his usual attire would consist of a sweater over a dress shirt and slacks. Which strangely consisted of almost all back except for the shirt itself...which was red.
"Riss?" I snickered as Tyler scowled.
"Yes yes Preston. I'm taking Riss to the Gala and we agreed on Red and black. At least I'm not wearing...those icky blue and yellows you got goin' there!" Tyler pointed out my attire. I would be wearing my suit I had reserved for Albion's homecoming, except I had to swap out my shirt in tie for the VGHS colors...because that's what Calhoun said. So I had picked out a navy blue and a gold tie. I shook my head, not caring anymore that Calhoun was forcing me to go to the Gala with Jenny when we clearly had our own dates.
Wendy understood the situation, but was stilll stubbornly coming to the Gala. Thankfully, she would be allowed to stay overnight thanks to the policy on the form when I signed her up so that meant more time we could spend the next morning. Unfortunately for Brian...he wasn't the taking the news well.
I could hear him arguing with Jenny outside in the halls as I stepped out.
"Hey, what's going on?" I shouted over them as they stopped and looked at me. Jenny folded her arms tightly, not looking at Brian. He was fuming.
"Brian thinks this is my fault." Jenny stated. "Even though we discussed this many times over...it suddenly wants to come back up. And he doesn't believe me that I feel the same way."
"Jenny this is our last Gala...specifically my first with you." Brian told her.
"I know that! That's why I've told you this is Calhoun's fault! He wanted to do this for the sake of the school and your tuition!" Jenny blew up at them as I stood awkwardly to the side. Then she realized what she said. Brian blinked, chuckling somewhat off.
"Wait...what about my tuition?" Brian backtracked. Jenny said anything as I glanced at Brian.
"It's not about that...it's about the fact that Calhoun is delusional and doesn't realize we have our own dates to take on this special day and what it means more than that." I told Brian as he was in disbelief.
"I-and you knew?" Brian said. "Secrets from Brian huh?"
"Don't do this man." I warned him, "This is not what we want."
"You're right...it's what Calhoun wants." Brian nodded with a grimace as he walked away. Jenny watched him with tears in her eyes as he stormed off, knocking down decorations. I looked over and asked.
"Are you okay Jenny?" I checked as she slowly leaned her head against my shoulder as I held her with one arm.
"It'll be okay...he'll come to his senses." As I couldn't help feeling a chill like something else wasn't going to go right this night.