"What the hell do you think you're doing?" The Dean screamed. Hamilton stood in silence, unprepared to deal with his fathers wrath. "Are you....Do you want....They're going...." The Dean stuttered. His mouth was unable to process the thoughts entering his brain quickly enough. "The parents...Hamilton...You can't....This is..."
"Sir...." Hamilton tried to interject...then though better of it. He wasn't sure what he could or should say.
"Hamilton...are you trying to ruin me...ruin this school? If they find about you..."
"Find out about me?" Hamilton looked up.
The Dean lowered his voice as if the dreaded secret could still be kept. "About...this..." He pointed at his sons attire.
Hamilton looked down at the fishnets and corset he'd forgotten he was wearing. "And...you assume I like this?" He answered. "Dad...I am NOT gay!" Hamilton said over the roar of the music.
"But......the boys I heard.....and the letters...the locker....and..." His father looked confused.
"Maybe you need to talk to ME." His father's wilting expression had a brave and sobering effect on Hamilton.
"You mean there isn't a gay couple...here at Rawley?" The Dean asked looking almost relieved.
"I don't know Dad.......maybe there is. I just know that I'm not half of one. But Dad..." His father looked at him. "What if I was?"
"Hello Mrs. Flemming" Jake said startling the Dean's wife who was obviously deep in thought. Mrs. Flemming looked at the Wicked Witch standing in front of her.
"It's Jake...Jake Pratt." Jake said remembering to lower her voice when she spoke.
"Jake...hi...how are you?" Kate said smiling with recognition.
"Fine thanks...you?" Jake asked, even though she was quite sure she knew the answer.
"Well....fine." Kate said, glancing toward the hallway door.
"You know Bella Banks, Mrs. Flemming? " Jake motioned toward the character of Dorothy whom she escorted "manlike" on her arm.
"Of course," She smiled politely. "Hello Bella, lovely to see you. You look adorable." Kate still kept one eye on the doorway as she spoke.
"Thank you, Mrs. Flemming." Bella responded. Will and Scout appeared to complete the circle.
The ukulele chords of Somewhere Over the Rainbow drifted through the speakers...and the soft Hawaiian melody cleared the dance floor for couples only.
"Hey...They're playing our song." Jake said to Bella. "Honey...dance with me?"
"Of course...sweetie." Bella smiled hoping the charade would hold up. The two girls walked to the dance floor hand in hand. Will put his hand to his mouth to clear his throat in a lame attempt to get Scout's attention. Failing miserably, he lifted his elbow and inadvertently knocked it into Scout's. Scout's jaw fell open slightly as he watched the couple on the dance floor. Having no choice...Will went for the sure thing,
"Scout!" he shouted. Scout jumped when he heard his own name. "How 'bout a little more punch.?"
"No thanks, man" his eyes darting back to Dorothy and the Witch.
"Will put his hand on Scout's back and physically turned him around. "How about a cookie then....?" Scout had no choice but to head toward the refreshment table. "Will you stop staring........" Will said keeping his voice low and still be able to be heard above the music.
"What?....Oh....sorry.......couldn't help it. You know I've had dreams about this..."
"More information than I need..." Will answered with a smile.
Bella let her arms surround Jake's neck. "Think they're buying it? Bella asked.
"Well...I think Scout is..." Jake said, "Actually...I think he's drooling...." Bella chuckled. "You're a pretty good dancer Bella."
"Thanks... Grace and I used to practice together when we were little. We used to daydream about the prom...and what we'd be wearing...and who would take us."
"Bet you never imagined this?" Jake smiled broadly at her.
"Hey...I just hope it helps." Bella said.
"Well...thanks." Jake sighed..."I do too." Jake stared off toward the main hallway wondering how things were going with Hamilton and his father.
"I don't know what to say Hamilton." The Dean sat on the floor of the hallway with his back against the painted wall. He no longer cared if his suit jacket was wrinkled. His son sprawled next to him crossing his ankles so as not to "run" his stockings.
" I just feel like you're Dad to every other kid on this campus." Hamilton said honestly.
"I am...in a way. But Hamilton...I'm your Dad first." The Dean heard the words come from his mouth...at the same time thinking of the many times when he knew he wasn't there for Hamilton. "I love you son, really" The Dean said the words but avoided eye contact.
"You hardly know me." Hamilton said as he gazed as his feet.
"I'd like to GET to know you...son. If you'll give me the chance." This time he looked straight at Hamilton's face.
"Sure Dad." Hamilton nodded producing a small smile.
The Dean elevated himself to a standing position and reached to give his son a hand up. "Come on, Dr. Frank N. Furter...let's go join the others."
"What?" Hamilton said stunned. "You know who I am?"
"Not yet...but I hope to. As for the costume...did I ever tell you when I was in College in Boston, I used to line up every Saturday night for the midnight showing at the Exeter Street Theater?" The Dean put his arm around his son's shoulder and the two walked back toward the dance hall. "Now I grant you...I was more the Brad type then...but..."
"Not a big surprise..." Hamilton said laughing.