-Night of the party at Irving Hall--2 weeks later-

(okay okay, I know the whole "anniversary of the strike celebration" has been done, and kudos to whoever thought of it first. I just needed a reason for everyone to get all spiffed up for a night out.)

"Rose, ya almost ready?"
"Oy vey Racetrack--dont rush me! I'll be just a second." Rose called a little irritably from the bathroom.
"Everyone's waitin' downstairs." Racetrack paced nervously. "Come on, already. Matthew's makin' his debut tonight. Are ya interested or what?"
"I just...wanna look perfect." The door opened and creaked softly as Rose revealed herself.
Race smiled when he saw her. "You look great. Better than perfect."

Rose had on [I am really bad at describing clothes. I can see the dress in my mind, but as for writing it...BEAR WITH ME!] a white dress. It was a white chiffon (the floaty stuff) with a round neck and puffy short sleeves. True, it was simple--but no one could have looked better in it than Rose. [Even though it once belonged to Sarah. But she had outgrown it a while ago] Rose's wavy hair was tucked into a loose bun, and soft tendrils framed her face.
"This is going to be the best night of my life." Rose stated.
"Me too." Race answered solemnly. He led her down the stairs to meet the guys--and their dates. (oooh, you readers just might kill me)
***

"Rose, this is Lina, Mush's date. And these lovely ladies are Samantha, Kate, Maria and Tori. You already know Sarah, I take it."

Rose nodded and smiled. Each girl said hi and went back to her respective date.
"Hey Rose." Rose turned to see David come in the door.
"Hi!" He gave her a quick hug, and then--handed her a flower. (hmm...wonder what kind..) A rose, of course.
"David..." Rose glanced down at the flower and then back at her boyfriend "That's so sweet! Thank you." SHe leaned over and kissed him gently.
"Now, I'm gonna put it someplace safe." She turned and quickly ran up the stairs. She put the flower on her pillow.
"Well, we should get going. Everyone else is already there." Rose heard Jack say, and then could hear everyone heading for the door.

When she came back down, Race and Dave were sitting on the counter, waiting for her. Rose walked down the steps with the grace of a Queen. She couldnt help but notice the dazed look on David's face.

"So how do I look?" Rose held out her arms and spun around.
Dave slid off the counter. "Gorgeous."
He linked his arms around her waist and added in a whisper, "Like always."
Rose giggled, but then remembered Racetrack was still in the room.
"Heya Race." Rose turned to him
"Heya what?" He answered with a smirk.
"Where's your date?"
Race looked down, "Well, I just--thought I'd stag it tonight."
"Right." Rose nodded, then held out her hand. "You can stag it with us."
He smiled and took her hand. The three friends left for the party--an adventure about to unfold.

***
"Wow, the place looks great." David referred to Irving Hall. Medda got a lot of publicity from the rally, and was able to buy new lighting, sets, posters, the works. A new giant cut out of Medda in a hot pink and neon green sequined dress showed her happily swinging on her swing.

"Let's go in." Race added.

Rose took a deep breath, and led the way inside.

Once inside, they found Irving Hall quite the way they had left it at the rally (well--before the cops and scabbers and stuff) Loud, crowded, but everyone was enjoying it.

"Oh wow!" Rose grinned as she took in the scene that lay before them. (Use your imagination...basically the rally) Then she remembered the most important reason for being here.
"Where's my brother?" She turned and waited for Racetrack to answer.
He watched her for a second, and knew it was time. "10 minutes Rose. Meet me backstage in ten minutes. Matthew'll be there."
Rose eyes lit up, "Thank you." She whispered, "For everything."
She turned back to David and they went over a table to find Jack and Sarah.
Race turned to go outside, and think for the next ten minutes....