The gym was crowded with teenagers, many of whom were out on the dance floor. A few kids were attempting to spike the punch over at the refreshment table, and being escorted by security. There was a large group of kids standing against the wall talking, too nervous to actually ask each other to dance. John and Ebony stood with this group.

John looked around the room nervously, then at Ebony. She smiled at him, waiting for him to say something. He took a deep breath. "Would you like to dance?" he asked.

"Of course," Ebony said, taking him by the arm and leading him out onto the dance floor. "I thought you'd never ask."

As the music changed and slowed, John took Ebony's hand in his own. He straightened his back, and looked into Ebony's eyes. He hadn't expected his heart to leap as it did. Ebony smiled her sweet smile, and looked adoringly back at John. Then they began to dance.

John lead them gracefully through the steps. At first he was nervous about getting the dance right, but eventually he was able to relax and just enjoy the moment. Another song started, and they continued to dance. A few minutes seemed like hours, and when the song ended, John broke away from Ebony, somewhat disappointed.

"I think I need something to drink," Ebony said.

"Me too," John said, taking her by the arm and leading the way to the refreshment table.

Suddenly, a hand clapped John on the shoulder. "Scooter!" Chase shouted.

John spun around slowly to see his cousin. "Hey Chase."

"I saw you out there," Chase said. "That was impressive."

John grinned. "I told you I knew how to dance now, Chase."

"Ok, I believe you now."

Jenny approached and stood beside Chase. "Hey John," she said with a smile. She looked at Ebony, "I'm not sure I know you. What'd your name?"

"Ebony Morris, I'm new here," Ebony said, as she shook hands with Jenny.

"Nice to meet you," Jenny replied sincerely. "Do you mind if I have a dance with your date? That is, if he wants to."

John looked nervously from Jenny to Ebony, and then back again. "Uh, I don't think-"

"Of course," Ebony said, interrupting John. "Go ahead John, I'm too tired to dance right now anyway."

John looked at Ebony appreciatively. "Thanks, um, I'll be right back." He lead a smiling Jenny onto the dance floor.

As they danced, John had a hard time concentrating on his former crush. He kept glancing back at the refreshment table where Chase and Ebony were engaged in a friendly chat.

"Hey, John," Jenny said, calling his attention back to her.

His head snapped around to look at her.

Jenny laughed, "You are such a pathetic, typical guy. You look like a love sick puppy, John."

"What? I don't even know Ebony. I just, I...," He stuttered.

Jenny smiled. "Oh but it's so obvious that you're in love," she said.

"Ok, so I like her," John said.

The music was slowing, and Jenny pulled away from John. She stood there for a moment, then on an impulse, kissed his cheek. "Good luck," she whispered. Then she walked back to where Chase was standing, leaving John alone on the dance floor.

John stared after Jenny for a moment, then turned his eyes to Ebony. He took a deep breath to collect himself, then started walking back toward her. He was only a few feet away, when someone suddenly stepped in front of him.

"Hey John," said a female voice. "Nice to see you here."

John looked down at Danielle Miller, who was with a few of her friends. She was wearing a black dress with a low cut neckline. She stared enticingly into his eyes. "Want to dance with me?"

John gulped, and licked his lips nervously. "I'm here with Ebony," he finally managed.

Danielle turned around and glared at Ebony. Ebony quickly said, "I need to use the restroom. I'll be right back." She trotted out of the gym and into the hall.

Danielle watched her as she went, and shook her head. "John, I just don't see why you'd want to settle for someone like her," she said. She turned her gaze back to John. "Instead of choosing me."

John's heartrate was rapidly increasing. He tried to avoid looking right at Danielle, and ended up encountering the anxious looks of all her friends. He looked back at Danielle. "I'm sorry Danielle," was all he could manage.

Danielle smiled, but not the sweet and endearing type of smile that Ebony had. Danielle's was a coy, sly smile, full of mischief. "You don't have to be sorry, John," she said, as she slowly moved in closer to him. "Dance with me." She moved her lips right up to his left ear and whispered, "It'll be fun."

Now John's heart felt like it was going to beat out of his chest. He was beginning to sweat a little, and Danielle's heavy perfume was intoxicating his lungs. He closed his eyes for a moment, attempting to regain some lucidity. Danielle was right up against him. It was so tempting...

"I can't," John said, as he abruptly stepped back and away from Danielle.

She looked at him, her longing quickly turning to rage. "Fine," she said coldly. "If you want to go around with that pathetic girl instead of being with me, then you're not good enough for me anyway. I deserve better." She stomped off angrily, her friends following her, each of them bumping intentionally into John's shoulder.

John let out a deep sigh as he watched them go. That had been interesting. This dance was becoming much more than he'd bargained for.

Soft footsteps approached. "Hi," Ebony said.

John turned back to look at her. "Hi," he replied.

Ebony looked at the departing girls, then back at John. "Well," she said. "Did she decide she didn't want you after all?"

"Something like that," John said.

Ebony beamed as she looked into John's deep brown eyes. "Thank you," she said. "For sticking up for me."

"It was nothing. Besides, what guy in his right mind would want some slut like Danielle Miller when he could have a girl like you." The words were out of his mouth before he realized he was saying them. He immediately blushed, and looked down.

"That's maybe the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me," Ebony said.

John looked back up and managed to meet her gaze. Then he grinned, "Well it's true." There was an awkward pause as they just stared at one another. John finally said, "This place is too crowded, and I'm starving. Are you hungry?"

"Yeah," Ebony replied. "Come to think of it, I'm starving."

"How about we get out of here and go get something to eat," John suggested. "I know a cafe that has great hamburgers and fries."

Ebony laughed. "Think we'd be a little overdressed?" she asked.

John grinned. "Who cares," he said.

"All right," she said. "That sounds wonderful."

So John took her by the arm, and they headed out of the gym together.