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"That thing, that moment, when you kiss someone and everything around becomes hazy and the only thing in focus is you and this person and you realize that that person is the only person that you're supposed to kiss for the rest of your life, and for one moment you get this amazing gift and you want to laugh and you want to cry because you feel so lucky that you found it and so scared that that it will go away all at the same time."
–Josie Geller, Never Been Kissed.
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"LUCY!!! LLLLuuuuuucccccccccyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy where are you?!"
I banged on my sister's bedroom door until she opened with an irritated expression etched along her usual lovely features.
"What the hell is it?" she snapped, obviously quite irritated with me. I smirked.
"I need your help," I said, moving her aside from the entrance to her bedroom and flopping down on her bed. She had her stereo on and her homework was thrown on her desk in the corner. I arched an eyebrow. "How can you listen to music AND do your homework...you freakazoid."
Lucy rolled her eyes and sat back down at her desk, her blonde her shimmering as she moved. I immediately began to feel a pang of jealousy, but remembered my reason for coming. The dance was in exactly three hours and if I wanted to look SOME what presentable, I needed all the help I could get.
"Why do you need my help?" Lucy asked. She sounded bored and I sighed, sitting up on her bed.
"My dance is tonight and I ...erm...I need you to help me get ready," I finished lamely, blushing. "You know all about that girly stuff..."
Lucy turned around in her chair and raised her eyebrows, then burst out laughing much to my annoyance. "Wait—you're actually going to the Junior Dance? WHY?"
I frowned and chucked a pillow at her head. "Is it really that big of a deal? I'm going with Chris!"
Lucy smirked. "Ooh, Chris huh? Ha, I knew you guys were dating...plus I heard you talking to him this morning in your bedroom...you know if mom would have found him there she would have KILLED you."
I immediately blushed and glared at her. "Well she didn't, did she? Listen, are you going to help me or not because you're wasting my time and I could be doing something more productive..."
Lucy rolled her eyes and put her pen down. "Of course I'm going to help you...what do you take me for? Do you really think I'd let my sister go to a dance looking the way you do?"
I rolled my eyes. "How very thoughtful of you."
Lucy stood up and moved towards me. She let out an irritable sigh.
"This is going to take a lonnnnnnnnnng time, sister."
~ ~ ~
"Ahhh! What are you doing to me? Owoowowow, stop that it hurts!"
Lucy glared at me as she yanked back a stray curl that had fallen out of the up thingy she had done to my hair. I glared as tears of pain filled my eyes.
"You're killing me, you know that?"
Lucy just laughed and stuck one last bobby pin in my hair. "Geez, relax, I'm finished. There, take a look in the magic mirror and bow before thy wonderful hair master."
I glared at her before standing before her vanity. I had to admit, I looked pretty nice—well my hair did at least. It wasn't fancy or anything, just all my curls pulled together on top of my head.
"Thanks," I muttered, blushing slightly. I wasn't used to wearing my hair pulled up. "It looks...nice."
Lucy scoffed. "Are you kidding? It's great...of course I did it but you know...now for your make up."
I widened my eyes. "Make up? Oh, no, sorry. Some blush and I'm set to go. Sorry me and make up don't get along too good Luce."
Lucy rolled her emerald eyes. "I don't care, you're wearing some...come on Lark, just a little teensy bit?"
I frowned. "Only a little, little, little, little, little—"
Lucy smirked. "Okay I get the idea...now hold still...do you want to look like a clown for Chris, hm?"
~ ~ ~
I wanted patiently on my couch in the living room for Chris to get there with Gordie and his date...yep still forget her name. I looked apprehensively at the clock...the dance started into ten minutes. I wasn't keen on being punctual, in fact, it was quite the opposite. I wanted to be as late as possible—once again, I hated dances. Hated them with the utmost passion.
Danny laughed at my nervous state. "Chill out kiddo, it'll be fine."
I glared at him. "That's easy for you to say! You had a great time at your Junior Dance."
Danny smirked and popped a chip into his mouth as he sat on the armchair next to me. "At least Mom's not here to take like a bunch of pictures..."
I frowned. "Yeah, where is she anyway?"
Danny shrugged. "At work, like always. Dad's got another late night at the office."
I sighed, relief. Good, no parents to worry about. I frowned...really, where was Chris and Gordie and...oh man I really needed to remember her name sooner or later.
"Danny," I said. "If I don't like the dance can you come pick me up?"
Danny looked questionably at me. "Doesn't Chris drive?"
I nodded and cracked my knuckles. "Yeah, but we're taking Gordie's truck and he's not gonna want to leave..."
Danny smirked at me and sighed. "Sure, just phone here, okay?"
I nodded, feeling somewhat better. I knew that Chris would walk me home if I really wanted to leave, but it felt somewhat better to know that if I really hated the dance, I could get home somehow.
I was just starting to think of plans in my head of escape from this whole dance deal when there was a knock at the door. I couldn't help but jump and Danny laughed at this.
I quickly got up and opened the door, and grinned with relief when Chris was standing there grinning at me warmly. He looked even more beautiful than usual, and I wanted to hold him forever and never let him go. He looked so innocent and pure standing there grinning at me, looking at me like I was the only girl his eyes could see. And that power he held over me—that power was so beautiful and mysterious that I couldn't help but be blown away yet again.
"Ready?" He asked, taking my hand. I shrugged.
"Ready as I'll ever be..."
"You two crazy cats behave yourselves now!" Danny shouted from the couch. I gave him the finger before letting myself be led into Gordie's car.
"You know Lark," Gordie began as I climbed in the back seat next to Chris. Gordie's date was in the front next to him...shit, what's her freaking name? "You should dress like a girl more often."
I rolled my eyes. "Thanks Gordie."
Gordie laughed and so did his date much to my dismay. I leaned over to Chris who was looking out of the window.
"What's her name again?" I whispered, pointing to the girl in the front seat who was busy chatting away with Gordie.
Chris smirked and shrugged his shoulders. "How the hell do I know? Never seen the girl in my life..."
I giggled and sighed, leaning back on the seat. Chris looked at me, as if he knew exactly what I was thinking.
"Hey," he said softly. "You okay? I told you we don't have to go if you really don't want to..."
I shook my head and wrung my hands together like I always did when I was nervous. "I'm fine...you know how I hate these stupid dance thingys..."
Chris nodded and gently took my hand in his. I looked down and grinned to myself—my hand looked so much smaller and tinier when it was held by his. I looked up into his eyes and sighed. He grinned reassuringly at me, and then looked out the window, keeping my hand firmly, but gently, in his own.
~ ~ ~
The music was surprisingly decent as we entered the crowded gymnasium. I held on to Chris' hand for dear life as we followed Gordie and his date Jenny, (yes, I finally remember her name) through the crowds of dancing couples. Chris looked down at me, amusement evident in his blue hues.
"I'm not gonna lose you or something, you don't have to squeeze my hand so tight," he said chuckling. I blushed and smacked his arm playfully.
"It's just so crowded!" I yelled over the music. "And not to mention hot!"
Chris rolled his eyes and tugged my hand slightly. "Come on...let's get out of the crowd the, eh?"
I nodded happily and we walked off to where Gordie and Jenny were standing in an empty space in the front of the gym where other people were standing too. Gordie turned to us.
"Well, me and Jenny are going to go dance, see you guys later." With one last smile, he took Jenny's hand and the couple weaved their way into the heated mass of mostly intoxicated students. I watched him with amusement in his eyes.
"I don't remember seeing Gordie this happy since before him and Mary Louise broke up," I said, watching Gordie and Jenny laugh and dance. It was nice and made me happy for my friend. Gordie was always so sad...he needed to loosen up more often.
Chris nodded, turning to me. "Yeah, I know. Poor guy was heart broken over Mary Louise."
I raised an eyebrow, but decided to not say anything. A few moments passed with silence and I was beginning to feel uncomfortable...it was not often that there were awkward silences between Chris and I. I looked over at him and it looked like he wanted to say something, but was debating on whether or not to. He caught my eye and grinned.
"What are you thinking about?" I asked him, looking up into his eyes.
Chris smirked that aged smirk, the smirk I secretly loved so much.
"I'm thinking several things actually," Chris said, slightly amused. "I'm thinking that you look really beautiful tonight." I immediately blushed and he laughed. "But you already know that...and I'm also thinking how much fun it looks out there."
I followed his gaze to the dance floor, and then reluctantly met his eyes. "You gotta be kidding."
Chris shrugged and his eyes sparkled. I shook my head. "Is there anything else you're thinking about?" I tried, sounding hopeful.
Chris laughed and I looked down. "Nope. Those are probably the main two...now come on!"
Before I could protest, before I could do anything really, Chris grabbed a hold of my hand and pulled me toward the dance floor. I tried to stop, I tried to pull away, I really did, but the floor was slippery and Chris had a firm grip on my hand. He laughed and finally we were amongst the many dancing couples all around. I immediately felt light headed.
"Come on, Lark!" Chris shouted over the music. He spun me around and I couldn't help but giggle.
"Chris!" I shouted over the music as he spun me again. "I. DON'T. DANCE!" I couldn't help but laugh however as he began to dance with me. I couldn't help but have a good time with him. It was nice to see him so care free and innocent again—the way a seventeen year old guy should always be. I giggled as he spun me around again, my dress flaring out. I'd never felt so...happy. It was fun and innocent and so very high school dance like, I couldn't help but laugh. It was like a scene out of a movie.
The song ended and I was breathless and my face was flushed. Chris grinned down at me and put his hands firmly around my waist as "I'll Be There" played slowly throughout the gymnasium. I sighed and wrapped my arms around his neck, loving how complete it felt. He held me close and I closed my eyes—never before enjoying a dance. I let my mind wonder to the night before and I smiled to myself. I felt so lucky, so blessed, to have Chris it was slightly frightening—I was so afraid that I would lose him, yet so amazed that he was in my arms. It was all so much, so many emotions I never knew I had.
Chris looked down at me for a moment and frowned.
"What are you thinking about?" he asked softly. I looked up into his eyes and grinned.
"Hmm...if only you knew," I teased. He smirked and kissed me softly, and that one kiss was enough to leave me breathless for the rest of the night...
~ ~ ~
I managed to get away from the crowd and bustle of the dance for a few moments, slipping into the Lady's Room. There were several girls crowded around the mirror all re-doing their hair, teasing it more, putting on more makeup, all that jazz. I coughed and gagged when the heavily coated perfume air reached my nostrils and several girls gave me dirty looks. I just smirked and made my way over to the farthest stall.
I emerged several moments later, and just as I was lathering my hands up with soap, someone walked in who I hadn't been expecting to see ever again, as pathetic as that sounds.
Mary Louise. She looked very pretty walking in, though something was wrong. She looked...tired, worn out, beat. Her face wasn't lively and her eyes didn't sparkle...she was just kind of...there. Nothing special, looking like everyone else in the eleventh grade. I frowned and turned around. She looked at me and grinned a strained grin.
"Hey Lark," she said, coming over and leaning against the sink. "I haven't seen you in so long! How you been?"
I immediately felt angry towards this girl—she had totally thrown our friendship away after the break up with Gordie. I thought we had been friends, and she made it feel like all our talks meant nothing and I was just Gordie's friend. I didn't stop frowning, and I senses Mary Louise become a tad bit uncomfortable.
"I've been good," I said, not really showing any emotion. "How 'bout you?"
Mary Louise shrugged and smiled nonchalantly, that distant smile she wore whenever something was wrong. "I've been...okay."
I raised my eyebrows briefly and turned on the water faucet. I heard her shift uncomfortably then clear her throat.
"Hey, I heard about you and Chris. Congratulations."
I arched an eyebrow. "Oh you did, did you? From one of your bitch preppy friends, right? One of the many girls plotting my death, eh?"
Mary Louise's eyes widened and she shook her head. "No, no. I just—well you know word gets around. I'm happy for you, Lark. I'm glad things worked out for you."
I frowned and looked away as I dried my hands. Damn Mary Louise! She could always make you feel sorry for her! She was such a genuinely nice person...I never did know the full story as to her and Gordie's break up...and I guess I hadn't made it a point to go talk to her...oh geez...
"Er—thanks..." I managed to mumble. Mary Louise looked sadly at me and nervously tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, an old habit of hers.
"Listen Lark," she began nervously. "I'm so sorry for these past few weeks...I've been so immature. I'm sorry I didn't talk to you and I'm sorry I ignored you."
I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms stubbornly—stubbornness was one of my many faults.
Mary Louise grimaced and her composure faltered—but she carried on. "It's been hard, real hard lately. So man lies and rumors have been going around, saying that I hate Gordie and that I dumped him when we broke up mutually. And I was afraid to talk to you because...well I know how close you and Gordie are...and...well I was just afraid and I thought it would be all awkward!"
By this point I was very uncomfortable—what do I say to that? How do I know she was even telling the truth? I sighed uneasily. I was really just too nice sometimes...
"I should have talked to you," I muttered reluctantly. "It's not like I took time to go and talk to you...I'm sorry too."
Mary Louise grinned hesitantly and wiped at her eyes. "Oh look at me," she sniffed, laughing. "I'm a mess."
I frowned. "Why are you crying?"
Mary Louise let out a shaky breath and grabbed some paper towels from the sink. "I—er—a bunch of stuff...I saw Gordie earlier and he looked so happy...so alive...and he was with Jenny Anders, and she's like freaking beautiful, and they looked so happy and she was making him laugh."
"But you and Gordie break up mutually," I pointed out.
Mary Louise shrugged. "Yeah, I know...it just made me sad because he never looked that way with me. I never made him light up like that, and I sure as hell never made him laugh. It just made me see myself as a person—and I didn't like what I saw..."
I uncrossed my arms and walked cautiously up to her. "Awww, Marlou," I said sadly, using my nickname for her. "It's okay, you'll find someone who will love you for you, and you'll be happy. Gordie's just one guy out there—be happy that he found someone, but you'll find someone soon." I offered her a warm smile...this kind of thing was exhausting! It was tiring spitting out advice for other people, especially when I was the one who needed it!
Mary Louise grinned and sniffed. "Thanks Lark...you always did have the best advice about this sort of thing."
I snorted. "Right...and look how fucked up my love life is."
Mary Louise laughed. "You've got Chris and you're like, in love. Shut up." I grinned and laughed good-naturedly. It was nice talking to Mary Louise again...as much as I hated to admit it, I missed the girl.
Mary Louise grinned at me. "It was nice talking to you Lark, I don't want to lose you as my friend."
I smiled. "You won't—not this time. Er—I'll see you later. Call me sometime, okay? Just because you and Gordie aren't together, doesn't mean we can't still be friends."
Mary Louise nodded and grinned. I left the bathroom feeling oddly refreshed...it was disturbing, yes, and slightly corny, but it felt nice. I sighed and went to search for Chris.
~ ~ ~
"Hey you," I said, coming up to Chris who was leaning against the wall just next to the refreshments. Chris arched an eyebrow at me and smiled.
"What took you so long?" Chris asked amused. "Did you get lost?"
I rolled my eyes and grinned. "Nope—I ran into someone though...a very interesting someone."
Chris looked into the crowd and slipped his arms around me and I placed my hands gently on his shoulders. "Hm? And who is that?"
I sighed. "Mary Louise. She was all crying and stuff...over Gordie."
Chris raised his eyebrows, obviously surprised. "No shit?" he asked unbelievably. "Wow...I thought she dumped him."
I shrugged. "Nope...I think she misses him. Poor girl should have seen here. So upset...at first I was mad though."
"Why?" Chris asked.
"Well she totally ignored me after they break up!" I said heatedly. "But you know Mary Louise...you just can't be mad at her...so we—er—made up I guess you could call it."
Chris laughed. "Yeah, I always liked her best out of Gordies' girlfriends. She's just...a nice person. I don't like Gordie's date though...Janey or Jerry or something..."
I snorted. "Jenny. Jenny Anders. I don't really know her—ahh and speak up of the devil..."
Gordie and Jenny had just walked up to us, Gordie grinning softly and Jenny looking around us, not seeming at all interested.
"The music sucks!" Jenny complained. I rolled my eyes and Chris smirked. Gordie rolled his eyes at me rolling my eyes. I smiled innocently up at him.
"Hello Gordon," I said teasingly. "Enjoying yourself?"
Gordie smirked. "Yes, actually I am. How about you?"
I shrugged. "Yeah, better than I thought." I paused and leaned into his ear. "Hey, I need to talk to you later, okay?"
Gordie looked questionably at me, but didn't further his inquiries, just nodded slightly. I nodded back, then grinned when Jenny noticed the exchange.
"Gordie—want to go dance?" she asked, placing her hand in his. I scoffed.
"You just said the music sucked," I pointed out. Jenny rolled her eyes.
"Come on Gordie," she pressed. Gordie grinned and let him be led away.
"I'll catch up with you two later!" he called as Jenny grabbed hold of his tie and pulled him into the crowd. I couldn't help but laugh—Gordie had the weirdest taste in girls.
Chris looked down at me and sighed. "What do you say we leave early? I'm kind of hungry—and the food sucks. Let's go get something at the Blue Pointe."
I smiled, happy to leave, but finding that I didn't have the worst night. "Okay! But you're buying."
Chris scoffed. "Rrrright...you just keep telling yourself that sweetheart."
~ ~ ~
"That thing, that moment, when you kiss someone and everything around becomes hazy and the only thing in focus is you and this person and you realize that that person is the only person that you're supposed to kiss for the rest of your life, and for one moment you get this amazing gift and you want to laugh and you want to cry because you feel so lucky that you found it and so scared that that it will go away all at the same time."
–Josie Geller, Never Been Kissed.
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"LUCY!!! LLLLuuuuuucccccccccyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy where are you?!"
I banged on my sister's bedroom door until she opened with an irritated expression etched along her usual lovely features.
"What the hell is it?" she snapped, obviously quite irritated with me. I smirked.
"I need your help," I said, moving her aside from the entrance to her bedroom and flopping down on her bed. She had her stereo on and her homework was thrown on her desk in the corner. I arched an eyebrow. "How can you listen to music AND do your homework...you freakazoid."
Lucy rolled her eyes and sat back down at her desk, her blonde her shimmering as she moved. I immediately began to feel a pang of jealousy, but remembered my reason for coming. The dance was in exactly three hours and if I wanted to look SOME what presentable, I needed all the help I could get.
"Why do you need my help?" Lucy asked. She sounded bored and I sighed, sitting up on her bed.
"My dance is tonight and I ...erm...I need you to help me get ready," I finished lamely, blushing. "You know all about that girly stuff..."
Lucy turned around in her chair and raised her eyebrows, then burst out laughing much to my annoyance. "Wait—you're actually going to the Junior Dance? WHY?"
I frowned and chucked a pillow at her head. "Is it really that big of a deal? I'm going with Chris!"
Lucy smirked. "Ooh, Chris huh? Ha, I knew you guys were dating...plus I heard you talking to him this morning in your bedroom...you know if mom would have found him there she would have KILLED you."
I immediately blushed and glared at her. "Well she didn't, did she? Listen, are you going to help me or not because you're wasting my time and I could be doing something more productive..."
Lucy rolled her eyes and put her pen down. "Of course I'm going to help you...what do you take me for? Do you really think I'd let my sister go to a dance looking the way you do?"
I rolled my eyes. "How very thoughtful of you."
Lucy stood up and moved towards me. She let out an irritable sigh.
"This is going to take a lonnnnnnnnnng time, sister."
~ ~ ~
"Ahhh! What are you doing to me? Owoowowow, stop that it hurts!"
Lucy glared at me as she yanked back a stray curl that had fallen out of the up thingy she had done to my hair. I glared as tears of pain filled my eyes.
"You're killing me, you know that?"
Lucy just laughed and stuck one last bobby pin in my hair. "Geez, relax, I'm finished. There, take a look in the magic mirror and bow before thy wonderful hair master."
I glared at her before standing before her vanity. I had to admit, I looked pretty nice—well my hair did at least. It wasn't fancy or anything, just all my curls pulled together on top of my head.
"Thanks," I muttered, blushing slightly. I wasn't used to wearing my hair pulled up. "It looks...nice."
Lucy scoffed. "Are you kidding? It's great...of course I did it but you know...now for your make up."
I widened my eyes. "Make up? Oh, no, sorry. Some blush and I'm set to go. Sorry me and make up don't get along too good Luce."
Lucy rolled her emerald eyes. "I don't care, you're wearing some...come on Lark, just a little teensy bit?"
I frowned. "Only a little, little, little, little, little—"
Lucy smirked. "Okay I get the idea...now hold still...do you want to look like a clown for Chris, hm?"
~ ~ ~
I wanted patiently on my couch in the living room for Chris to get there with Gordie and his date...yep still forget her name. I looked apprehensively at the clock...the dance started into ten minutes. I wasn't keen on being punctual, in fact, it was quite the opposite. I wanted to be as late as possible—once again, I hated dances. Hated them with the utmost passion.
Danny laughed at my nervous state. "Chill out kiddo, it'll be fine."
I glared at him. "That's easy for you to say! You had a great time at your Junior Dance."
Danny smirked and popped a chip into his mouth as he sat on the armchair next to me. "At least Mom's not here to take like a bunch of pictures..."
I frowned. "Yeah, where is she anyway?"
Danny shrugged. "At work, like always. Dad's got another late night at the office."
I sighed, relief. Good, no parents to worry about. I frowned...really, where was Chris and Gordie and...oh man I really needed to remember her name sooner or later.
"Danny," I said. "If I don't like the dance can you come pick me up?"
Danny looked questionably at me. "Doesn't Chris drive?"
I nodded and cracked my knuckles. "Yeah, but we're taking Gordie's truck and he's not gonna want to leave..."
Danny smirked at me and sighed. "Sure, just phone here, okay?"
I nodded, feeling somewhat better. I knew that Chris would walk me home if I really wanted to leave, but it felt somewhat better to know that if I really hated the dance, I could get home somehow.
I was just starting to think of plans in my head of escape from this whole dance deal when there was a knock at the door. I couldn't help but jump and Danny laughed at this.
I quickly got up and opened the door, and grinned with relief when Chris was standing there grinning at me warmly. He looked even more beautiful than usual, and I wanted to hold him forever and never let him go. He looked so innocent and pure standing there grinning at me, looking at me like I was the only girl his eyes could see. And that power he held over me—that power was so beautiful and mysterious that I couldn't help but be blown away yet again.
"Ready?" He asked, taking my hand. I shrugged.
"Ready as I'll ever be..."
"You two crazy cats behave yourselves now!" Danny shouted from the couch. I gave him the finger before letting myself be led into Gordie's car.
"You know Lark," Gordie began as I climbed in the back seat next to Chris. Gordie's date was in the front next to him...shit, what's her freaking name? "You should dress like a girl more often."
I rolled my eyes. "Thanks Gordie."
Gordie laughed and so did his date much to my dismay. I leaned over to Chris who was looking out of the window.
"What's her name again?" I whispered, pointing to the girl in the front seat who was busy chatting away with Gordie.
Chris smirked and shrugged his shoulders. "How the hell do I know? Never seen the girl in my life..."
I giggled and sighed, leaning back on the seat. Chris looked at me, as if he knew exactly what I was thinking.
"Hey," he said softly. "You okay? I told you we don't have to go if you really don't want to..."
I shook my head and wrung my hands together like I always did when I was nervous. "I'm fine...you know how I hate these stupid dance thingys..."
Chris nodded and gently took my hand in his. I looked down and grinned to myself—my hand looked so much smaller and tinier when it was held by his. I looked up into his eyes and sighed. He grinned reassuringly at me, and then looked out the window, keeping my hand firmly, but gently, in his own.
~ ~ ~
The music was surprisingly decent as we entered the crowded gymnasium. I held on to Chris' hand for dear life as we followed Gordie and his date Jenny, (yes, I finally remember her name) through the crowds of dancing couples. Chris looked down at me, amusement evident in his blue hues.
"I'm not gonna lose you or something, you don't have to squeeze my hand so tight," he said chuckling. I blushed and smacked his arm playfully.
"It's just so crowded!" I yelled over the music. "And not to mention hot!"
Chris rolled his eyes and tugged my hand slightly. "Come on...let's get out of the crowd the, eh?"
I nodded happily and we walked off to where Gordie and Jenny were standing in an empty space in the front of the gym where other people were standing too. Gordie turned to us.
"Well, me and Jenny are going to go dance, see you guys later." With one last smile, he took Jenny's hand and the couple weaved their way into the heated mass of mostly intoxicated students. I watched him with amusement in his eyes.
"I don't remember seeing Gordie this happy since before him and Mary Louise broke up," I said, watching Gordie and Jenny laugh and dance. It was nice and made me happy for my friend. Gordie was always so sad...he needed to loosen up more often.
Chris nodded, turning to me. "Yeah, I know. Poor guy was heart broken over Mary Louise."
I raised an eyebrow, but decided to not say anything. A few moments passed with silence and I was beginning to feel uncomfortable...it was not often that there were awkward silences between Chris and I. I looked over at him and it looked like he wanted to say something, but was debating on whether or not to. He caught my eye and grinned.
"What are you thinking about?" I asked him, looking up into his eyes.
Chris smirked that aged smirk, the smirk I secretly loved so much.
"I'm thinking several things actually," Chris said, slightly amused. "I'm thinking that you look really beautiful tonight." I immediately blushed and he laughed. "But you already know that...and I'm also thinking how much fun it looks out there."
I followed his gaze to the dance floor, and then reluctantly met his eyes. "You gotta be kidding."
Chris shrugged and his eyes sparkled. I shook my head. "Is there anything else you're thinking about?" I tried, sounding hopeful.
Chris laughed and I looked down. "Nope. Those are probably the main two...now come on!"
Before I could protest, before I could do anything really, Chris grabbed a hold of my hand and pulled me toward the dance floor. I tried to stop, I tried to pull away, I really did, but the floor was slippery and Chris had a firm grip on my hand. He laughed and finally we were amongst the many dancing couples all around. I immediately felt light headed.
"Come on, Lark!" Chris shouted over the music. He spun me around and I couldn't help but giggle.
"Chris!" I shouted over the music as he spun me again. "I. DON'T. DANCE!" I couldn't help but laugh however as he began to dance with me. I couldn't help but have a good time with him. It was nice to see him so care free and innocent again—the way a seventeen year old guy should always be. I giggled as he spun me around again, my dress flaring out. I'd never felt so...happy. It was fun and innocent and so very high school dance like, I couldn't help but laugh. It was like a scene out of a movie.
The song ended and I was breathless and my face was flushed. Chris grinned down at me and put his hands firmly around my waist as "I'll Be There" played slowly throughout the gymnasium. I sighed and wrapped my arms around his neck, loving how complete it felt. He held me close and I closed my eyes—never before enjoying a dance. I let my mind wonder to the night before and I smiled to myself. I felt so lucky, so blessed, to have Chris it was slightly frightening—I was so afraid that I would lose him, yet so amazed that he was in my arms. It was all so much, so many emotions I never knew I had.
Chris looked down at me for a moment and frowned.
"What are you thinking about?" he asked softly. I looked up into his eyes and grinned.
"Hmm...if only you knew," I teased. He smirked and kissed me softly, and that one kiss was enough to leave me breathless for the rest of the night...
~ ~ ~
I managed to get away from the crowd and bustle of the dance for a few moments, slipping into the Lady's Room. There were several girls crowded around the mirror all re-doing their hair, teasing it more, putting on more makeup, all that jazz. I coughed and gagged when the heavily coated perfume air reached my nostrils and several girls gave me dirty looks. I just smirked and made my way over to the farthest stall.
I emerged several moments later, and just as I was lathering my hands up with soap, someone walked in who I hadn't been expecting to see ever again, as pathetic as that sounds.
Mary Louise. She looked very pretty walking in, though something was wrong. She looked...tired, worn out, beat. Her face wasn't lively and her eyes didn't sparkle...she was just kind of...there. Nothing special, looking like everyone else in the eleventh grade. I frowned and turned around. She looked at me and grinned a strained grin.
"Hey Lark," she said, coming over and leaning against the sink. "I haven't seen you in so long! How you been?"
I immediately felt angry towards this girl—she had totally thrown our friendship away after the break up with Gordie. I thought we had been friends, and she made it feel like all our talks meant nothing and I was just Gordie's friend. I didn't stop frowning, and I senses Mary Louise become a tad bit uncomfortable.
"I've been good," I said, not really showing any emotion. "How 'bout you?"
Mary Louise shrugged and smiled nonchalantly, that distant smile she wore whenever something was wrong. "I've been...okay."
I raised my eyebrows briefly and turned on the water faucet. I heard her shift uncomfortably then clear her throat.
"Hey, I heard about you and Chris. Congratulations."
I arched an eyebrow. "Oh you did, did you? From one of your bitch preppy friends, right? One of the many girls plotting my death, eh?"
Mary Louise's eyes widened and she shook her head. "No, no. I just—well you know word gets around. I'm happy for you, Lark. I'm glad things worked out for you."
I frowned and looked away as I dried my hands. Damn Mary Louise! She could always make you feel sorry for her! She was such a genuinely nice person...I never did know the full story as to her and Gordie's break up...and I guess I hadn't made it a point to go talk to her...oh geez...
"Er—thanks..." I managed to mumble. Mary Louise looked sadly at me and nervously tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, an old habit of hers.
"Listen Lark," she began nervously. "I'm so sorry for these past few weeks...I've been so immature. I'm sorry I didn't talk to you and I'm sorry I ignored you."
I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms stubbornly—stubbornness was one of my many faults.
Mary Louise grimaced and her composure faltered—but she carried on. "It's been hard, real hard lately. So man lies and rumors have been going around, saying that I hate Gordie and that I dumped him when we broke up mutually. And I was afraid to talk to you because...well I know how close you and Gordie are...and...well I was just afraid and I thought it would be all awkward!"
By this point I was very uncomfortable—what do I say to that? How do I know she was even telling the truth? I sighed uneasily. I was really just too nice sometimes...
"I should have talked to you," I muttered reluctantly. "It's not like I took time to go and talk to you...I'm sorry too."
Mary Louise grinned hesitantly and wiped at her eyes. "Oh look at me," she sniffed, laughing. "I'm a mess."
I frowned. "Why are you crying?"
Mary Louise let out a shaky breath and grabbed some paper towels from the sink. "I—er—a bunch of stuff...I saw Gordie earlier and he looked so happy...so alive...and he was with Jenny Anders, and she's like freaking beautiful, and they looked so happy and she was making him laugh."
"But you and Gordie break up mutually," I pointed out.
Mary Louise shrugged. "Yeah, I know...it just made me sad because he never looked that way with me. I never made him light up like that, and I sure as hell never made him laugh. It just made me see myself as a person—and I didn't like what I saw..."
I uncrossed my arms and walked cautiously up to her. "Awww, Marlou," I said sadly, using my nickname for her. "It's okay, you'll find someone who will love you for you, and you'll be happy. Gordie's just one guy out there—be happy that he found someone, but you'll find someone soon." I offered her a warm smile...this kind of thing was exhausting! It was tiring spitting out advice for other people, especially when I was the one who needed it!
Mary Louise grinned and sniffed. "Thanks Lark...you always did have the best advice about this sort of thing."
I snorted. "Right...and look how fucked up my love life is."
Mary Louise laughed. "You've got Chris and you're like, in love. Shut up." I grinned and laughed good-naturedly. It was nice talking to Mary Louise again...as much as I hated to admit it, I missed the girl.
Mary Louise grinned at me. "It was nice talking to you Lark, I don't want to lose you as my friend."
I smiled. "You won't—not this time. Er—I'll see you later. Call me sometime, okay? Just because you and Gordie aren't together, doesn't mean we can't still be friends."
Mary Louise nodded and grinned. I left the bathroom feeling oddly refreshed...it was disturbing, yes, and slightly corny, but it felt nice. I sighed and went to search for Chris.
~ ~ ~
"Hey you," I said, coming up to Chris who was leaning against the wall just next to the refreshments. Chris arched an eyebrow at me and smiled.
"What took you so long?" Chris asked amused. "Did you get lost?"
I rolled my eyes and grinned. "Nope—I ran into someone though...a very interesting someone."
Chris looked into the crowd and slipped his arms around me and I placed my hands gently on his shoulders. "Hm? And who is that?"
I sighed. "Mary Louise. She was all crying and stuff...over Gordie."
Chris raised his eyebrows, obviously surprised. "No shit?" he asked unbelievably. "Wow...I thought she dumped him."
I shrugged. "Nope...I think she misses him. Poor girl should have seen here. So upset...at first I was mad though."
"Why?" Chris asked.
"Well she totally ignored me after they break up!" I said heatedly. "But you know Mary Louise...you just can't be mad at her...so we—er—made up I guess you could call it."
Chris laughed. "Yeah, I always liked her best out of Gordies' girlfriends. She's just...a nice person. I don't like Gordie's date though...Janey or Jerry or something..."
I snorted. "Jenny. Jenny Anders. I don't really know her—ahh and speak up of the devil..."
Gordie and Jenny had just walked up to us, Gordie grinning softly and Jenny looking around us, not seeming at all interested.
"The music sucks!" Jenny complained. I rolled my eyes and Chris smirked. Gordie rolled his eyes at me rolling my eyes. I smiled innocently up at him.
"Hello Gordon," I said teasingly. "Enjoying yourself?"
Gordie smirked. "Yes, actually I am. How about you?"
I shrugged. "Yeah, better than I thought." I paused and leaned into his ear. "Hey, I need to talk to you later, okay?"
Gordie looked questionably at me, but didn't further his inquiries, just nodded slightly. I nodded back, then grinned when Jenny noticed the exchange.
"Gordie—want to go dance?" she asked, placing her hand in his. I scoffed.
"You just said the music sucked," I pointed out. Jenny rolled her eyes.
"Come on Gordie," she pressed. Gordie grinned and let him be led away.
"I'll catch up with you two later!" he called as Jenny grabbed hold of his tie and pulled him into the crowd. I couldn't help but laugh—Gordie had the weirdest taste in girls.
Chris looked down at me and sighed. "What do you say we leave early? I'm kind of hungry—and the food sucks. Let's go get something at the Blue Pointe."
I smiled, happy to leave, but finding that I didn't have the worst night. "Okay! But you're buying."
Chris scoffed. "Rrrright...you just keep telling yourself that sweetheart."
~ ~ ~