"Well, Nadia, do you think it's a good idea?"

"Sure, especially since it's something that means so much to you."

Kendra was in Nadia's bedroom telling her about an idea she had been thinking about for awhile. Ever since her search for her biological parents had turned up zilch, she had wanted to do something that made her feel connected to her Asian heritage. She had seen the Chinese New Year celebration in downtown Toronto and had been fascinated with the traditional Dragon dance.

"I thought it would be perfect for the Holidays-Around-the-World celebration." Kendra said, "I just have to find some willing volunteers to help pull it off."

"You could ask around the school and see. Since Raditch is giving all the students that are participating time off during school to practice, you should have no problem." Nadia assured her.

"Well my real problem is going to be juggling this with my synchro-ice skating. I think I can still pull both of them off."

"We all know you can, Superwoman." Nadia teased her. Kendra responded by flinging one of Nadia's own pillows at her and Nadia returned in kind.

"Anyway," Kendra said as they finished their little pillow fight, "we should probably work on our costumes for tomorrow night. I don't think I'll have a problem getting my hair to look like hers, I'm just not sure if this outfit is right."

Kendra pulled out a smooth, black leather jacket and a pair of tight black jeans from her bag. She also had a white blouse and a pair of spiked leather boots to compliment the outfit. As she laid the ensemble on Nadia's beautiful red and gold bedspread, she also pulled out a picture of Joan Jett she had gotten off of the internet.

"It's like a perfect match, but you're still missing something. I'll be right back." Nadia said as she wheeled out of the bedroom.

Kendra sat on the bed for what seemed like an eternity. Finally Nadia returned with something in her lap.

"What did you go to get?" Kendra questioned.

"This!" Nadia said as she extended her hand. She handed Kendra a pair of leather gloves that belonged to her mother. "These will go perfect with your outfit."

"Did your mom say it was okay for me to borrow these?" Kendra inquired.

"Yeah, I asked her and she said it was no problem. She still has about four other pairs." Nadia said assuring her.

"Great! I think I may even win first place." Kendra exclaimed, "Now let's see if your costume is going to put mine to shame."

"I don't think that I'm going to go." Nadia said suddenly as she looked away from Kendra.

"Why not!" Kendra demanded.

"Let's face it, I'm not going to do much on the dance floor and we both know none of the boys are going to even notice me. I should just quit kidding myself and accept reality." Nadia finally confessed to Kendra.

"What reality? You mean the reality where you sit at home when you should be with your friends having the time of your life; I mean you're the one that put this whole thing together." Kendra said trying to convince her friend.

"You'd have a better time without having me chained to you the whole night." Nadia replied

"I've never said that." Kendra responded quickly.

"Yeah, I know, and you are so wonderful to be such a great friend. But sometimes I feel like a fifth wheel. It's not your fault, it's just the way I feel." Nadia continued.

"Nadia, you're my best friend, period. I don't hang around you because you're the girl in a wheelchair or because I feel sorry for you or for whatever reason you may be thinking. You're one of the few people that let me be myself around them without making me feel like I'm weird. I can tell you whatever's on my mind without hesitation because I know you'll understand. I can tell you whatever stupid thing I've done and not feel embarrassed, like when I let the whole school know how I felt about Toby. I can't imagine having to go through all of that on my own. And I can't imagine being at the best school function any student has ever put together and not seeing my best friend there. Do you understand?"

Nadia understood loud and clear. Kendra could tell by the tears rolling down her friends face. She walked over to Nadia and gave her the tightest hug one friend could give to another.

"Now that I've straightened you out, let's see this red, white, and blue outfit you've been bragging about." Kendra said as she walked over to Nadia's closet.

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The night of the dance was filled with much anticipation. Kendra spent almost two hours getting ready, most of which was spent on her hair and make-up. She had bought some black eyeliner and black lipstick to finish her look.

"Whoa, it's the bride of Frankenstein herself. I think you're a little too late for the punk scene." Spinner said as Kendra came down the stairs.

"Gavin, quit teasing your sister." Mrs. Mason scolded.

"It's alright Mom. Vanilla Ice, I mean Gavin, I mean, what are you calling yourself these days, was just trying to compliment me but I guess simple adjectives are a little too advanced for him right now." Kendra said returning the insult.

"I don't have time for this, I'm gonna be late for Paige's party. I'll be home late Mom." Spinner said as he walked out of the front door.

"I'd better get going too." Kendra announced, "Nadia and me are going to walk to the dance together."

"Just be careful honey, I hope you have a good time." Mrs. Mason replied.

Degrassi seemed almost magical on this night. It was the first juniors' dance that the school had held at night and the students could feel the excitement. They were dressed up as all kinds of celebrities and entertainers from the 1980's. Kendra as Joan Jett and Nadia as Mary Lou Retton were met by Brandy and Jamal.

"So who are you guys supposed to be?" Nadia asked.

"We're Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston, from the '80's." Jamal replied.

And the couple looked the part. Jamal had on a suave, light grey suit. Brandy was wearing a beautiful black dress with pink trimming.

"So has anybody seen Allie?" Brandy asked.

"No, but I think that might be her over there." Kendra said as she pointed.

Allie was wearing a hot pink dress and pumps that matched.

"So Allie, who are you supposed to be?" Kendra asked.

"Sheena Easton." Allie replied, "Can't you tell?"

"I'm not even sure who that is?" Kendra confessed.

"She was a popular singer and actress from back then."

The group chatted and continued to try and guess who everybody was supposed to be for a few more minutes. Then they turned and entered the gymnasium together. As they walked inside, Nadia could see Lee standing with a large group of boys. Lee was wearing a jacket and headband, trying to look like the Karate Kid. She could see one of the boys in the group pointing at her while slapping Lee on the back. In her mind, it confirmed the conclusion she had reached about any possibility of a romance between her and Lee.

The gym was covered in streamers and flashes from the lighting system. Jamal and Brandy immediately found their way to the dance floor. Kendra said she would be right back as she went to talk to some other students for a few minutes. Nadia was left at their table alone and was really beginning to regret coming here. Then she heard a voice from behind her.

"Hey Nadia."

Nadia wheeled around to see none other than Marco standing there. He was wearing a black Kangol hat and a really cool black and tan shirt.

"Hi Marco." Nadia replied.

"So, are you here all by yourself." Marco asked.

"I guess you might as well say that. I came with some friends but they seem to be otherwise occupied." Nadia replied.

"I know that feeling all too well." Marco sympathized.

Nadia and Marco sat there for a few minutes looking at all of the different students and rated their different costumes. Pretty soon DJ's Mad Dog and Billy made the announcement for all participants in the dance contest to head towards the stage.

"Well I guess that means I better head towards the DJ booth and get ready to give my impartial opinion." Marco said as he got up.

"Okay, thanks again for agreeing to be one of the judges." Nadia replied.

"No problem." He said as he turned and smiled.

Ever since he had come out of the closet Marco had felt distant from his friends, even the ones that accepted who he was. Jimmy had invited him to Paige's surprise party that night but, even though Spinner had apologized to him, Marco just didn't feel like he fit in anymore.

As Marco left, Lee came over to Nadia's table.

"So, where did your date go?" Lee asked.

Nadia knew that Lee liked to joke with her, but this was just plain mean. Lee knew Marco was gay and he should know how much a statement like that would hurt her.

"I thought you were different, but sometimes you can be an insensitive ass." Nadia said angrily. She then left the table and went to where she could see the dance competition.

Marco was standing next to Mad Dog as the first contestants came to the spotlight area. They were two boys that did a break dance and pop-lock routine that got the crowd going. Marco gave them an 8 out of 10 and between the three judges they received a total average score of 8.3. The three judges continued as contestant after contestant stepped up and gave it their all. The more noticeable ones were one boy and two girls that did their best impression of a Robert Palmer video. But the contest belonged to one student who, dressed up in a white suit and hat, proceeded to wow the audience with his Michael Jackson routine. "Jimmy's got nothing on this guy, he could even give me a run for my money." Marco thought to himself.

Nadia felt a tap on her shoulder as Kendra came up behind her.

"Hey, I went back to the table to tell you the dance contest was about to start, but you were gone and Lee said you had got upset and left. What happened?" Kendra questioned.

"Sorry Kendra, I just didn't like the atmosphere over there. Anyway, they're about to announce the winner." Nadia answered.

Marco opened the envelope and announced the winner. Marco then handed over a trophy that said 'World's greatest Dancer' along with a cash prize. Afterwards the DJ's played some slower songs that allowed many of the students to pair off. Marco then went over to get some refreshments.

Meanwhile someone asked Kendra to dance but at first she declined. Nadia told her it was okay, that she wanted to get some fresh air for a bit. She went outside and gazed at the moon and stars on such a beautiful and clear night. As she sat outside, she saw a dark blue Mustang pull up blasting 'Magic Stick' by Lil' Kim. She then saw Allie come out of the gym talking on her cell phone. Dean got out from the driver's side and called out to Allie "Let's get out of here." She smiled and jumped into the car as it peeled off. Nadia began to feel worse than she had before she came to the dance. Everybody seemed to be finding love around every corner and it made her feel like such an outsider. Suddenly she could hear footsteps behind her.

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Marco was sitting at a table by himself watching all of the young couples dancing the night away. He decided now would be as good a time as any to make his exit. As he was almost at the gym doors Marco was stopped, dead in his tracks, by the last person he expected to see here.

"Dylan, what are you doing here?" Marco asked with a puzzled look.

"What are we doing anywhere?" Dylan replied sarcastically.

"Shouldn't you be at your sister's surprise party?"

"I wished Paige a Happy Birthday earlier today, but that party just isn't my scene. I was looking for you, so I called Ellie and she said you might still be here. I was afraid you might've left already." Dylan replied.

"I was just about to go, but why were you looking for me?" Marco questioned.

"Paige told me about what really happened before the hockey game and about everything with Spinner. I figured you might want to just go somewhere and talk." Dylan asked.

"Everything is fine between me and Spinner." Marco said.

"It'd better be, I told Spinner I would kick his butt if he pulled a stunt like that again." Dylan said with a smirk. "Besides I'm sure you have a lot of other things on your mind, I know I did when I first realized…"

"That you were gay," Marco finished, "It's okay, I can say it now. And yeah I would like to tell somebody about what's been on my mind."

"Great, I know this wonderful coffee house down on Bay St." Dylan said as they walked out of the gym.

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Nadia wheeled around to see Lee standing behind her.

"What, come to insult me some more?" Nadia said in a scolding tone.

"No, I came to apologize. I don't know why I said that to you, it's just that….." Lee responded.

"Just that what?" Nadia questioned.

Suddenly, without any warning, Lee bent down and kissed Nadia on the cheek. She felt a rush go through her like never before.

"I'm sorry, I should have asked before I did that." Lee apologized.

" It was actually kind of nice." Nadia said as she held his hand.

Lee and Nadia stared into each other's eyes for a moment. Then Lee picked Nadia up into his arms and embraced her as they kissed for what seemed like an eternity…

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(Yeah I know it's a sappy chapter, but things are about to get way more intense).