Go on and kiss the girl

Dancing with Pogue was perfect.

Too perfect.

The kind of perfect Kate would soon learn was very short lived at Spenser.

In her own little world, Kate Tunney was blind to the dirty stares of the jealous girls around her. Her deaf ears didn't hear their petty comments about her probably promiscuity. She had no idea that she was about become one of the most despised girls at Spencer Academy, simply for being with Pogue. Naïve to the rumors and insults that would soon be spread behind her back, Kate's blissful ignorance would get a rude awakening.

But that would happen at later time.

.

.

.

And then the last note of the song played, a cord held far too briefly by the guitar player. A slight screech came over the speakers as Provost Higgins' voice snapped Kate back to reality. She blinked back the eye shock as the lights came on overheard, burying her head into Pogue's shoulder to combat the white spots which danced over her irises. She felt Pogue's cheek or possibly chin, pressing against the top of her head and was pleased that no other part of his body moved.

The Provost droned on with Thank You's to the various Fall Fest committees and to the band and the chaperones. He could have talked forever as far as Kate was concerned just so she could savor a few more seconds in Pogue's arms.

"Mr. Parry…"

The tone was familiar and so as soon as she felt Pogue's head moved, she looked in the direction of the voice.

"…formal events at Spencer have a very specific dress code."

Kate's eyes moved from Pogue to their chemistry teacher, who stood right next to them, looking Pogue up and down with pursed lips.

"I don't see a tie. And are you wearing…," he paused, expression aghast. "Jeans?"

"Uhhhhhh," was Pogue's only reply.

"These kinds of dress code infractions are unacceptable," Jackie continued, as he removed a small notepad from the innermost pocket of suit jacket. He flipped it open and with what appeared to be a new engraved pen began to write furiously.

"You're not seriously giving me a detention…," Pogue gasped.

"Detention?" Kate echoed, watching as Jackie ripped the little pink slip from his pad and held it out in front of him, waiting for Pogue to take it.

"Monday, Mr. Parry. And don't be late."

It was only then that Kate felt Pogue let go of her waist as he reached out taking the paper in his hand. As soon as Jackie turned away, Kate was full of apologies – which Pogue shrugged off.

"It's not like you forced me to wear jeans," he said smiling at her.

"I know, but I asked you to dance and he would have never seen you if you hadn't come in here," Kate countered. "I feel bad."

"Well, maybe it is just a little bit your fault."

Kate grinned at his twisted humor.

"In fact," Pogue continued. "You should probably take me out to dinner. You know, to apologize."

"I should take you out," Kate repeated. Pogue flirting with her was absolutely delightful.

"It doesn't have to be fancy," Pogue continued. "I like tacos. And pizza. Preferably New York style."

"Okay," Kate could feel her face light up at the probability of having dinner with the insanely hot biker.

"Oh, and nothing beats a good burger," he smiled at her.

"Duly noted," Kate responded.

"I'm available next Saturday night," Pogue smiled at her.

Kate pretended to consider his offer. "I think I can pencil you in." She was proud of herself for staying cool, playing it off as though her social calendar was bursting.

"So it's a date."

A DATE! Kate's mind screamed. He said it. He actually said it.

Pogue Parry said that they were going on a date. Kate's heart pounded with excitement.

"Don't be late," Kate lightheartedly scolded.

Sha-la-la-la-la-la

If she wasn't the master of restraint, Kate would have been skipping back to her dorm. She knew everyone was staring at her, most likely because Pogue was walking alongside her, an arm still loosely hanging over her shoulders. Even though she was walking through a sea of strangers looking at her with disbelief, she didn't care. This was the BEST moment she'd had since she came to Spencer Academy.

While the night had started rough, it had only managed to get better and better. Finding Pogue outside, then dancing with him and then making plans for a date. A DATE! Not just a 'let's hang out as friends' date but a real date. Kate pictured the two of them at the restaurant. They'd sit at a candle-lit table for two. She'd be wearing the perfect dress – the red one that she'd worn for graduation last year.

Wait.

No. Not the red one. The floral one. The skirt was longer.

Okay, so candle-lit table for two. The floral dress.

Wait. Not the floral dress. She didn't bring it with her. Damn. Maybe her mom could bring it to her? But then she'd have to tell her mom why she needed it. She knew her mom would want to meet him – and it was way too soon for that… Maybe Jessica could bring it?

Relax Kate. Her inner-self took over. You have an entire week to figure it out. Right now Pogue is TOUCHING you. Stop thinking – and ENJOY THE MOMENT!

Her inner-self was absolutely right.

Kate walked a little closer to Pogue and made sure to flash him a small smile.

He smiled back and squeezed her shoulder.

It was perfect.

Don't stop now

In one of the few instances that boys were permitted on the girls' floor after curfew, Kate stood near the door to her room ready to say good night to Pogue.

"Thank you for walking me," Kate began noticing that Pogue's random muteness had resurfaced.

"Welcome," he nodded hands now planted deeply in his pockets as they stood facing each other. "I had fun tonight."

"But you got a detention."

"Well, yeah…," a hand emerged just long enough to rake through his hair before returning to safety of his pocket. "I guess I'll see you there."

Kate noticed his eyebrows wiggled a little when he said that alluding to something she didn't quite understand, but she didn't have a time to dwell on that. Pogue was slowly gaining ground and he reached out for her hand.

They weren't as close as when they were dancing, but when Kate realized they were within 'kissing distance', she involuntarily held her breath. Freezing in place, she waited to see what Pogue intended to do.

He moved her hand against his, lacing his fingers through hers. Kate's eyes lowered to their hands, intertwined once more. She exhaled softly.

Was it going to happen?

Keeping her focus on their hands, she could tell Pogue's face, err, mouth was getting closer. As much as Kate liked him, she wanted the date first. She that little romantic comedy moment. But she didn't exactly know how to say that, especially when his lips were so close.

"Kate."

When Pogue spoke he name in a soft whisper it was heavenly. Unfortunately, his voice was upstaged when she felt that strange buzzing in her head again. The same odd feeling she'd had a few times already.

"…not now…"

Pogue muttered so lightly she was only able to make out those two words. She looked at him only to discover he was blinking rapidly and she could have sworn he had something in his eyes. Little flecks of something yellow - glitter maybe? He pulled away from her, looking a little…well, angry.

"Pogue?" Kate didn't understand the mood swing. Had she done something? It wasn't as though she told him to wait…but she'd been thinking it. It was almost like…

He read her mind.

missed you all

xoxo
Gemma