Change Has Come - Chapter Six: Dancing Mad
A smile grew ten feet wide on Carver's face and he found himself having a hard time stifling any laughter.
"Let me get this straight. Tish, you are going to the dance tonight with Rhett, and Lor, you are going to the dance with Hans?"
The two girls looked down at the floor, and nodded that it was true. Both were none too happy with the way things had turned out.
"Hahaha. You scoffed the other day at those two and now look, you're going with them to the dance tonight," Carver laughed.
Tish and Lor both gave evil looks to Carver quickly silencing his laughter.
"If you don't mind me asking, why the change of heart?" Carver asked as if he didn't already know.
"Oh, I have a few things I need to see to at the dance," Tish said.
"Yeah, me too. I have to 'take care' of a few things at the dance as well," Lor agreed, but with a devious smile.
"I see. Well, just so long as you're goin'. The four of us haven't hung out in a couple weeks," Carver commented.
"Very true, so let's go pick up Tino and be on our way," Lor said.
"Just let me run to the bathroom real quick, okay?" Tish asked.
"Sure, just don't take as long in there as Lor does," Carver replied.
As soon as he finished his sentence Carver could feel Lor's eyes burning him into ashes.
He turned to her and said, "If looks could kill, you would be guilty of genocide right about now."
Lor was less than amused by him. "You know I oughta pound you into next week, Carver."
Carver's eyes widened, afraid that she would really do it.
"It was just a joke, Lor. You did take a long time in the bathroom the other day. Lighten up a bit."
"That's not what I'm talkin' about. I mean how you betrayed my trust and told Tish that I like Tino."
"What are you talking about? I never told her anything. This is the first time I've talked with her since Friday."
"Really? You aren't lying to me, right?"
"I'm telling you the truth! Do you honestly think I would endanger my life by going back on our promise? I know what you could do to me. I remember what you did to Nail that one time."
Lor reflected, "Ahhh, a classic one-two combo."
Carver cringed a bit just recalling the incident and imagining the same happening to himself.
Lor snapped back into reality. "Well, just remember to not tell her anything, got it?"
"Yes, yes. I know, just keep your fists to yourself," Carver said exasperated.
"Wait a minute, if Tish doesn't know I like Tino then her winking must mean... she really did have something in her eye! Man, I hate it when something gets in my eye," Lor commented thinking aloud.
Carver just stared at her not even wanting to know.
"Hey guys, let's get on to Tino's," Tish said as she re-entered the room.
"Man, what is it with you girls and your long time in the bathroom? I'll never understand," Carver commented shaking his head.
"Yeah, I'll agree you never will understand women," Tish snapped back.
Carver mumbled inaudibly as he led the way out of his house.
Tino raced around his room making sure that his usual formal event ensemble was together and ready for action.
"The guys will be here any minute, and I'm not ready at all. I spent too much time getting myself prepared to try and hold a real conversation with Dot," Tino worried.
Panicked, he hustled to get in his pants while trying not to fall flat on his back. Tino got one leg through and hopped around his room on the other trying to balance himself.
"Almost got it, annnnd...... Whoa!"
Tino tripped over the pant leg and sent himself hurling to the ground.
"Owww, that really hurt," Tino said aloud as he rubbed his back.
The door to the room swung open, and Tino's mom stepped in with a worried look on her face.
"Are you okay? I heard a loud bang come from up here."
"Well, I might have broken my spine, but nothin' too serious. It's these pants, I tripped over the leg while I was putting them on," Tino answered.
"Do you want me to help you get dressed?" Tino's mom asked.
"C'mon, mom! I'm not three years old. I'm just a bit anxious is all."
"You being anxious is nothing new. I'm going to guess that this time it's because you think you'll make a fool of yourself when talking and/or dancing with your date."
"Oh no! Dancing! I never thought about that. I don't know how to dance."
"Tino, you're going to a dance. How could you not think about dancing?"
"This is going to be a complete disaster. Words will stick in my mouth and my feet will stick to the floor."
"It won't be that bad, sweetie. It's not like you don't know Dot. You've talked with her before. It should be no problem conversation will just come to you. As for dancing, that isn't a big deal either. All it requires is you moving like you have a bug in your pants, anybody can do it. Not only that but you have the traditional family dance to back you up."
Tino shuddered a bit. "Please don't remind me of that. Well, that's fine and all, but what about the dancing that really counts, you know, slow dancing."
"That's simple. I think you're too young for it, and I forbid you from getting that close."
"What?! I can't believe this! I mutiny! Do you hear me?! Mutiny!"
"Calm down, Tino. I'm just kidding. You'd think after all these years you would know when I'm joking."
"I'm worried as it is, I can't take your joking right now. It's gonna give me a heart attack."
"Okay, okay. I'll let you finish getting ready. Just remember take deep breaths, everything will be fine."
"Yeah right," Tino mumbled as his mom left.
He continued getting prepared rushing around making sure he was clean and presentable.
"Okay, let me make sure I did everything. I got my shirt on, pants on, belt on, shoes on, shoes polished, deodorant applied, hair combed, teeth brushed, watch on, pen in pocket, mint in pocket, paper bag in pocket just in case. All right, I think I'm ready....... I'd best check everything again just to be safe."
"You're obsessing," his mom called from somewhere.
"You're eavesdropping," Tino called back.
"I'm your mother, can't help it," she called again.
Tino grumbled a bit and decided to heed his mom's advice and just take a deep breath, not a cleansing one, but a deep one.
"Hmmm, that does work pretty well. Okay, Tino, you can do this. You've talked to Dot before this is no problem. No problem, just like talking to anyone else. No worries, no worries, no worries," Tino thought to himself as he took another deep breath.
At that moment the doorbell rang throughout the house.
"That must be the guys. Alright, time to ride," Tino thought.
Tino ran down to the door passing his mom along the way.
"Remember deep breathes, honey. Everything will be okay," his mom said as he passed.
Tino swung the door open and sure enough there was Carver, Lor, and Tish.
"Ready to go, T?" Carver asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
The walk to the dance grated on Tino, Tish, and Lor's nerves as they all had to endure Carver's incessant babbling about his great social skills, and how he was going to rock the dance.
"So like I was saying after I'm appointed as Lord of the Dance I think I'll let all my loyal subjects bring me punch from the punch table. Then I think I'll eat until I'm declared Lord of the Gluttony," Carver boasted.
"Somebody kill me now," the others moaned.
The school was like a beacon of hope for Tish, Tino, and Lor as they walked up its steps.
"Finally, we're here," Tish said with a glimmer in her eye.
Once inside the four dispersed to find their respective dates, but Lor and Tish made sure to keep Tino in the corner of their eye. Tino gazed nervously at all the different crowds of kids trying to find Dot amongst one of them. He couldn't seem to spot her anywhere. Suddenly, a hand came down on his shoulder from behind, and let out a squeal that made a few kids turn and look at him.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you," came Dot's voice from behind him.
"N-No, it's okay. I-I'm fine, really," Tino stuttered.
"Teeheehee, you're really cute when you're nervous like this."
Tino's face turned tomato red, "T-t-t-that's very kind of you to s-say."
Dot giggled again. "Well, come on let's go get some punch before we dance."
"Geeehhh," Tino babbled in reply.
Dot grabbed Tino by the hand and led him off making his eyes go wide as saucers. Both Lor and Tish were none too pleased with what they saw and decided it was time to activate phase one of their plans.
"And Hans thought he was going to beat my level 12 warlord with his level 10 wizard. Can you believe that?" Rhett asked Tish.
"No, no I can't. You know I have to go freshen up. I'll be right back," Tish answered.
"Okay, when you get back I'll tell you more."
Tish shuddered a bit. "Grrreat," she said sarcastically.
Meanwhile Lor was listening to an equally engaging speech.
"Can you believe how lucky I am? I mean my name is Hans! It's so close to Han like Han Solo. I wish my last name was 'Olo' then I would Hans Olo. How cool would that be?" Hans gushed.
Lor just stared back at him blankly.
"Uh, Lor? Lor? Did you hear me?" Hans asked.
"Umm, yes. I have to use the bathroom now," Lor answered quickly taking her leave.
Once inside the girls' lavatory Lor entered a stall to enact her first phase while completely unaware that moments earlier Tish had entered the stall next to her. Tish reached into her purse and pulled out some gold bracelets and rings and slipped them on.
"Heh, I can buy nice things too, Dot. Let's just see if Tino can resist these expensive beauties," Tish thought to herself.
Meanwhile in the next stall, Lor began redoing her hair in the same style that Dot always had hers.
"I may feel ridiculous like this, but if this is the style Tino likes than this is the style Tino gets," Lor thought to herself.
Simultaneously, Tish and Lor exited their stalls and caught a glimpse of each other. The two stared at each other with vacant expressions. A moment of silence passed between the two before Tish spoke flatly.
"Nice hair. It's different for you."
"Thank you. Nice jewelry. I didn't know you wore any," Lor responded equally as flat.
Tish simply nodded in response and both walked out saying nothing more. The two split and went to opposite sides of the room. Each caught sight of Tino standing in the middle of the punch table trying his best to converse with Dot. Lor moved in first to try and win Tino over. She pretended that she was just getting punch and hadn't even noticed the two.
"Lor, is that you?" Tino asked incredulous.
"Hmm? Oh Tino. I didn't even notice you there. How are you doing?" Lor answered.
"Uh, fine. What's with the hair?"
"Oh well, I decided to try something new. Don't you like it?"
"I guess it's okay, but it doesn't really suit you, I think. I like your other hair styles better to be honest."
Lor froze for a second, not sure of what to do now.
"Oh, I think it looks very nice myself. It looks cute on you, Lor. You should do your hair up like that more often. It gives you a more feminine look," Dot said cheerfully.
"Thank you so much," Lor responded through a fake smile.
"Hey, I've got a great idea. You and me can go shopping sometime and pick out some really nice stuff. It'll be lots of fun," Dot offered enthusiastically.
"That...sounds...wonderful," Lor said through clenched teeth.
Tino gave her an odd look as she picked up her punch and left them alone. Lor continued wearing her fake smile as she retired to the side of the room. Tish watched from the other side of the room glad that Lor had finally left. Now she walked in to the center, and made sure to show off her hands as she got her punch.
"Hey Ti- Wow! Look at that jewelry!" Tino gasped.
Tish smiled to herself. "Oh you like them? I picked them up at Rings 'N Things. Very expensive, but the money isn't important."
"They're nice and all, but don't you think you could have spent the money better? I mean, I always respected your ability to be smart with your money unlike Carver say," Tino replied.
Tish's smile quickly faded away.
"Loosen up, Tino. I think your jewelry looks very pretty, and sometimes I think you have to indulge a little especially if you are tight with money because then you deserve it," Dot commented.
"Aren't you so kind?" Tish said with a twinge of anger.
"You know, you do have a point there, Dot. I never thought about it that way," Tino said smiling at Dot.
Dot smiled back and it ripped Tish apart.
"Hey let's go dance now, Tino," Dot said pulling him along.
Tino's momentary confidence disappeared as he was dragged away. Tish crushed the cup after she finished her punch imagining it was Dot, and even Tino a little.
"You do have a point there Dot," Tish said mockingly.
She grumbled a bit more as she walked back to her side of the room. After two hours, Tino was seated on at the dancefloor's side while Dot hit the little girls' room. Carver approached Tino with a sour look, and then slammed himself down into the chair next to him.
"Something wrong, Carv?" Tino asked.
"Yeah, everything is wrong. My date left me, this music is terrible, the punch is thin, the food is nasty, and this monstrosity is only half over. I didn't need to pay to have a bad time. I could've just banged my head against a wall. It would have been free and I probably would have had a better time," Carver responded with his usual pizzazz.
"Well, my night hasn't been that bad. Sure the music is making my ears bleed, the punch has no punch, the food tastes like my mom's cooking and looks even worse, but my date hasn't left me. So I guess I'm one up on you."
Carver shook his head a bit and then asked, "So what are you up to now?"
"Oh, I'm just waiting for Dot to get back. I'm still dreading the slow dance," Tino responded.
"Man, the slow dance. That's where I was going to shine. It's just a lost dream now," Carver said in a quiet, wistful manner.
Tino just stared at him for a moment.
"Well, I'm gonna go see if Tish and Lor are as miserable as I am," Carver commented.
"Yeah, you best check on them. They were acting odd earlier."
"Somehow that doesn't surprise me, I'll go take a look into it, though."
"Alright, I'll catch up with you later."
Carver gave a half-hearted wave as he left.
Tino sat back for a moment and thought to himself, "Man, this dance really is ridiculous. I could have just hung out with Dot elsewhere, not have paid so much money, and I wouldn't be getting tortured by horrible music."
Dot reappeared and grabbed Tino by the hand and whisked him away back into the dance with a smile. Meanwhile Carver found Tish and Lor sitting on the other side of the dance floor, both being bored to tears by their dates.
"Hey you two," Carver interjected into each conversation.
Lor and Tish immediately excused themselves to talk with Carver in private.
"Finally, I didn't know if I could take another minute listening to Hans," Lor commented.
"I know the feeling. I'm like one of the cool kids next to Rhett," Tish said.
"Yeah, well- Hey, wait a minute. Lor, what's with the hair? And Tish, what's with all the jewelry?" Carver asked.
Tish and Lor looked around nervously trying to think of something to say, but only finding little croaks and squeaks.
Carver sighed. "Nevermind."
"Good album," Lor commented.
Carver gave her a look, but let it go.
"This dance has been terrible. I can't believe I paid money for this," Tish lamented.
"We're all in the same boat. I'm never going to another dance again. They only lead to misery. The only person who is close to having a good time is Tino," Carver mentioned.
A flash of rage passed through the eyes of Lor and Tish at the mention of Tino having a good time. The music in the air suddenly shifted from horrible music to soft and slow, horrible music.
"Sound's like it's time for the slow dance. Look, there goes Dot and Tino out onto the dance floor. Hmmm, it looks like Tino is a nervous wreck," Carver commented.
The girls each made fists and almost had smoke visibly coming out of their ears at this point. Carver looked at the two girls with some concern afraid they would pop.
"Uh, are you two alright?"
"Doin' fine," Lor answered tensely.
"Just peachy," Tish added in the same manner.
"If you guys say so. I'm gonna get some more of the tasteless punch," Carver said as he walked away leaving Tish and Lor seething.
The dance continued on with Carver, Lor, and Tish moping all over the place. Tino on the other hand was dancing all over the place as Dot barely gave him a chance to take a breather. However, Tino didn't mind because he was enjoying his rising confidence and the close contact it offered. Though, he did become inarticulate at some points during dancing. Soon it came to the last dance of the night, a slow dance. As had been the case all night, Tino and Dot were right out on the dance floor in plain view of Tish, Carver, and Lor. The three noticed that during this dance Dot and Tino seemed especially close together. As the dance wound down they moved even closer, and then it hit Lor and Tish at the same time what was going to happen. The two of them were going to kiss. Overcome with fear and jealousy, the two girls charged in without a thought of the consequences. Tish went for Tino, while Lor went for Dot. Tish knocked into Tino and Lor knocked into Dot as they approached the dancing pair. Lor had forgotten that she was holding a cup of punch and it splashed all over Dot.
"AHH! My dress! I can't believe this!" Dot cried out.
Tish and Lor felt like fools, since neither on wanted to cause this much of a mess, and Tino's glare didn't help matters at all for them.
"What's the matter with you two?! Look, at what you have done to Dot," Tino chastised.
He helped Dot up and tried to help her wipe off some of the punch. Tino looked at Lor and Tish again, and just shook his head. Dot held back her tears, and was lead off to the side by a concerned Tino. Slowly, the two girls walked back to where Carver was, though neither one seemed suspicious of the other.
"Well, that certainly was the highlight of this night. I think I just got my money's worth," Carver commented.
Tish and Lor gave Carver a menacing glare.
"Okay, I think I'm done talking now," Carver added.
Everyone began filing out of the school while Carver looked for Tino amongst the crowds, and the girls hung their heads in defeat.
"Man, I can't find Tino anywhere. Maybe someone knows where he is. Hey, Ruby, have you seen Tino?" Carver asked.
"He left about five minutes ago with Dot Cardigan. He's walking her home after those two ruined their moment," Ruby replied.
"Thanks for the help."
Carver went over to the shameful twosome and informed them of the news.
"Looks like it's just us walking home tonight. Now let's get out of here, I've had enough nonsense for one night."
Lor and Tish barely even nodded but they still followed Carver out of the school.
Tino whistled a happy tune as he walked up the steps to his front door. He reached into his pocket and pulled his key out. Tino unlocked the door and paused for a second.
"Hey there. As you can see I'm happier than a clam. It turns out Tish and Lor's craziness helped me score big points with Dot. It was a blessing in disguise. Not only that take a look at this! Yeah, that's right, it's lipstick. Haha, I got myself a memorable first kiss. I'd tell you more, but it's kind of mushy, and I don't like talking about that stuff. Oh wait, I'd better wipe the lipstick off before I go inside. Don't want my mom on my case, you know? I am curious about one thing. What's up with Lor and Tish? It has me baffled, but I will have to thank them next time I see them. Well, later days!"
End of Chapter Six
I would have had this chapter out sooner, but some schoolwork delayed me in writing it. I think it was worth the wait though. This chapter is longer than all the others. On a sidenote, I think I made it clear in this chapter, but dances suck. I hate dances. Don't ever go to one. That's my message for the day. Stay tuned.
A smile grew ten feet wide on Carver's face and he found himself having a hard time stifling any laughter.
"Let me get this straight. Tish, you are going to the dance tonight with Rhett, and Lor, you are going to the dance with Hans?"
The two girls looked down at the floor, and nodded that it was true. Both were none too happy with the way things had turned out.
"Hahaha. You scoffed the other day at those two and now look, you're going with them to the dance tonight," Carver laughed.
Tish and Lor both gave evil looks to Carver quickly silencing his laughter.
"If you don't mind me asking, why the change of heart?" Carver asked as if he didn't already know.
"Oh, I have a few things I need to see to at the dance," Tish said.
"Yeah, me too. I have to 'take care' of a few things at the dance as well," Lor agreed, but with a devious smile.
"I see. Well, just so long as you're goin'. The four of us haven't hung out in a couple weeks," Carver commented.
"Very true, so let's go pick up Tino and be on our way," Lor said.
"Just let me run to the bathroom real quick, okay?" Tish asked.
"Sure, just don't take as long in there as Lor does," Carver replied.
As soon as he finished his sentence Carver could feel Lor's eyes burning him into ashes.
He turned to her and said, "If looks could kill, you would be guilty of genocide right about now."
Lor was less than amused by him. "You know I oughta pound you into next week, Carver."
Carver's eyes widened, afraid that she would really do it.
"It was just a joke, Lor. You did take a long time in the bathroom the other day. Lighten up a bit."
"That's not what I'm talkin' about. I mean how you betrayed my trust and told Tish that I like Tino."
"What are you talking about? I never told her anything. This is the first time I've talked with her since Friday."
"Really? You aren't lying to me, right?"
"I'm telling you the truth! Do you honestly think I would endanger my life by going back on our promise? I know what you could do to me. I remember what you did to Nail that one time."
Lor reflected, "Ahhh, a classic one-two combo."
Carver cringed a bit just recalling the incident and imagining the same happening to himself.
Lor snapped back into reality. "Well, just remember to not tell her anything, got it?"
"Yes, yes. I know, just keep your fists to yourself," Carver said exasperated.
"Wait a minute, if Tish doesn't know I like Tino then her winking must mean... she really did have something in her eye! Man, I hate it when something gets in my eye," Lor commented thinking aloud.
Carver just stared at her not even wanting to know.
"Hey guys, let's get on to Tino's," Tish said as she re-entered the room.
"Man, what is it with you girls and your long time in the bathroom? I'll never understand," Carver commented shaking his head.
"Yeah, I'll agree you never will understand women," Tish snapped back.
Carver mumbled inaudibly as he led the way out of his house.
Tino raced around his room making sure that his usual formal event ensemble was together and ready for action.
"The guys will be here any minute, and I'm not ready at all. I spent too much time getting myself prepared to try and hold a real conversation with Dot," Tino worried.
Panicked, he hustled to get in his pants while trying not to fall flat on his back. Tino got one leg through and hopped around his room on the other trying to balance himself.
"Almost got it, annnnd...... Whoa!"
Tino tripped over the pant leg and sent himself hurling to the ground.
"Owww, that really hurt," Tino said aloud as he rubbed his back.
The door to the room swung open, and Tino's mom stepped in with a worried look on her face.
"Are you okay? I heard a loud bang come from up here."
"Well, I might have broken my spine, but nothin' too serious. It's these pants, I tripped over the leg while I was putting them on," Tino answered.
"Do you want me to help you get dressed?" Tino's mom asked.
"C'mon, mom! I'm not three years old. I'm just a bit anxious is all."
"You being anxious is nothing new. I'm going to guess that this time it's because you think you'll make a fool of yourself when talking and/or dancing with your date."
"Oh no! Dancing! I never thought about that. I don't know how to dance."
"Tino, you're going to a dance. How could you not think about dancing?"
"This is going to be a complete disaster. Words will stick in my mouth and my feet will stick to the floor."
"It won't be that bad, sweetie. It's not like you don't know Dot. You've talked with her before. It should be no problem conversation will just come to you. As for dancing, that isn't a big deal either. All it requires is you moving like you have a bug in your pants, anybody can do it. Not only that but you have the traditional family dance to back you up."
Tino shuddered a bit. "Please don't remind me of that. Well, that's fine and all, but what about the dancing that really counts, you know, slow dancing."
"That's simple. I think you're too young for it, and I forbid you from getting that close."
"What?! I can't believe this! I mutiny! Do you hear me?! Mutiny!"
"Calm down, Tino. I'm just kidding. You'd think after all these years you would know when I'm joking."
"I'm worried as it is, I can't take your joking right now. It's gonna give me a heart attack."
"Okay, okay. I'll let you finish getting ready. Just remember take deep breaths, everything will be fine."
"Yeah right," Tino mumbled as his mom left.
He continued getting prepared rushing around making sure he was clean and presentable.
"Okay, let me make sure I did everything. I got my shirt on, pants on, belt on, shoes on, shoes polished, deodorant applied, hair combed, teeth brushed, watch on, pen in pocket, mint in pocket, paper bag in pocket just in case. All right, I think I'm ready....... I'd best check everything again just to be safe."
"You're obsessing," his mom called from somewhere.
"You're eavesdropping," Tino called back.
"I'm your mother, can't help it," she called again.
Tino grumbled a bit and decided to heed his mom's advice and just take a deep breath, not a cleansing one, but a deep one.
"Hmmm, that does work pretty well. Okay, Tino, you can do this. You've talked to Dot before this is no problem. No problem, just like talking to anyone else. No worries, no worries, no worries," Tino thought to himself as he took another deep breath.
At that moment the doorbell rang throughout the house.
"That must be the guys. Alright, time to ride," Tino thought.
Tino ran down to the door passing his mom along the way.
"Remember deep breathes, honey. Everything will be okay," his mom said as he passed.
Tino swung the door open and sure enough there was Carver, Lor, and Tish.
"Ready to go, T?" Carver asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
The walk to the dance grated on Tino, Tish, and Lor's nerves as they all had to endure Carver's incessant babbling about his great social skills, and how he was going to rock the dance.
"So like I was saying after I'm appointed as Lord of the Dance I think I'll let all my loyal subjects bring me punch from the punch table. Then I think I'll eat until I'm declared Lord of the Gluttony," Carver boasted.
"Somebody kill me now," the others moaned.
The school was like a beacon of hope for Tish, Tino, and Lor as they walked up its steps.
"Finally, we're here," Tish said with a glimmer in her eye.
Once inside the four dispersed to find their respective dates, but Lor and Tish made sure to keep Tino in the corner of their eye. Tino gazed nervously at all the different crowds of kids trying to find Dot amongst one of them. He couldn't seem to spot her anywhere. Suddenly, a hand came down on his shoulder from behind, and let out a squeal that made a few kids turn and look at him.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you," came Dot's voice from behind him.
"N-No, it's okay. I-I'm fine, really," Tino stuttered.
"Teeheehee, you're really cute when you're nervous like this."
Tino's face turned tomato red, "T-t-t-that's very kind of you to s-say."
Dot giggled again. "Well, come on let's go get some punch before we dance."
"Geeehhh," Tino babbled in reply.
Dot grabbed Tino by the hand and led him off making his eyes go wide as saucers. Both Lor and Tish were none too pleased with what they saw and decided it was time to activate phase one of their plans.
"And Hans thought he was going to beat my level 12 warlord with his level 10 wizard. Can you believe that?" Rhett asked Tish.
"No, no I can't. You know I have to go freshen up. I'll be right back," Tish answered.
"Okay, when you get back I'll tell you more."
Tish shuddered a bit. "Grrreat," she said sarcastically.
Meanwhile Lor was listening to an equally engaging speech.
"Can you believe how lucky I am? I mean my name is Hans! It's so close to Han like Han Solo. I wish my last name was 'Olo' then I would Hans Olo. How cool would that be?" Hans gushed.
Lor just stared back at him blankly.
"Uh, Lor? Lor? Did you hear me?" Hans asked.
"Umm, yes. I have to use the bathroom now," Lor answered quickly taking her leave.
Once inside the girls' lavatory Lor entered a stall to enact her first phase while completely unaware that moments earlier Tish had entered the stall next to her. Tish reached into her purse and pulled out some gold bracelets and rings and slipped them on.
"Heh, I can buy nice things too, Dot. Let's just see if Tino can resist these expensive beauties," Tish thought to herself.
Meanwhile in the next stall, Lor began redoing her hair in the same style that Dot always had hers.
"I may feel ridiculous like this, but if this is the style Tino likes than this is the style Tino gets," Lor thought to herself.
Simultaneously, Tish and Lor exited their stalls and caught a glimpse of each other. The two stared at each other with vacant expressions. A moment of silence passed between the two before Tish spoke flatly.
"Nice hair. It's different for you."
"Thank you. Nice jewelry. I didn't know you wore any," Lor responded equally as flat.
Tish simply nodded in response and both walked out saying nothing more. The two split and went to opposite sides of the room. Each caught sight of Tino standing in the middle of the punch table trying his best to converse with Dot. Lor moved in first to try and win Tino over. She pretended that she was just getting punch and hadn't even noticed the two.
"Lor, is that you?" Tino asked incredulous.
"Hmm? Oh Tino. I didn't even notice you there. How are you doing?" Lor answered.
"Uh, fine. What's with the hair?"
"Oh well, I decided to try something new. Don't you like it?"
"I guess it's okay, but it doesn't really suit you, I think. I like your other hair styles better to be honest."
Lor froze for a second, not sure of what to do now.
"Oh, I think it looks very nice myself. It looks cute on you, Lor. You should do your hair up like that more often. It gives you a more feminine look," Dot said cheerfully.
"Thank you so much," Lor responded through a fake smile.
"Hey, I've got a great idea. You and me can go shopping sometime and pick out some really nice stuff. It'll be lots of fun," Dot offered enthusiastically.
"That...sounds...wonderful," Lor said through clenched teeth.
Tino gave her an odd look as she picked up her punch and left them alone. Lor continued wearing her fake smile as she retired to the side of the room. Tish watched from the other side of the room glad that Lor had finally left. Now she walked in to the center, and made sure to show off her hands as she got her punch.
"Hey Ti- Wow! Look at that jewelry!" Tino gasped.
Tish smiled to herself. "Oh you like them? I picked them up at Rings 'N Things. Very expensive, but the money isn't important."
"They're nice and all, but don't you think you could have spent the money better? I mean, I always respected your ability to be smart with your money unlike Carver say," Tino replied.
Tish's smile quickly faded away.
"Loosen up, Tino. I think your jewelry looks very pretty, and sometimes I think you have to indulge a little especially if you are tight with money because then you deserve it," Dot commented.
"Aren't you so kind?" Tish said with a twinge of anger.
"You know, you do have a point there, Dot. I never thought about it that way," Tino said smiling at Dot.
Dot smiled back and it ripped Tish apart.
"Hey let's go dance now, Tino," Dot said pulling him along.
Tino's momentary confidence disappeared as he was dragged away. Tish crushed the cup after she finished her punch imagining it was Dot, and even Tino a little.
"You do have a point there Dot," Tish said mockingly.
She grumbled a bit more as she walked back to her side of the room. After two hours, Tino was seated on at the dancefloor's side while Dot hit the little girls' room. Carver approached Tino with a sour look, and then slammed himself down into the chair next to him.
"Something wrong, Carv?" Tino asked.
"Yeah, everything is wrong. My date left me, this music is terrible, the punch is thin, the food is nasty, and this monstrosity is only half over. I didn't need to pay to have a bad time. I could've just banged my head against a wall. It would have been free and I probably would have had a better time," Carver responded with his usual pizzazz.
"Well, my night hasn't been that bad. Sure the music is making my ears bleed, the punch has no punch, the food tastes like my mom's cooking and looks even worse, but my date hasn't left me. So I guess I'm one up on you."
Carver shook his head a bit and then asked, "So what are you up to now?"
"Oh, I'm just waiting for Dot to get back. I'm still dreading the slow dance," Tino responded.
"Man, the slow dance. That's where I was going to shine. It's just a lost dream now," Carver said in a quiet, wistful manner.
Tino just stared at him for a moment.
"Well, I'm gonna go see if Tish and Lor are as miserable as I am," Carver commented.
"Yeah, you best check on them. They were acting odd earlier."
"Somehow that doesn't surprise me, I'll go take a look into it, though."
"Alright, I'll catch up with you later."
Carver gave a half-hearted wave as he left.
Tino sat back for a moment and thought to himself, "Man, this dance really is ridiculous. I could have just hung out with Dot elsewhere, not have paid so much money, and I wouldn't be getting tortured by horrible music."
Dot reappeared and grabbed Tino by the hand and whisked him away back into the dance with a smile. Meanwhile Carver found Tish and Lor sitting on the other side of the dance floor, both being bored to tears by their dates.
"Hey you two," Carver interjected into each conversation.
Lor and Tish immediately excused themselves to talk with Carver in private.
"Finally, I didn't know if I could take another minute listening to Hans," Lor commented.
"I know the feeling. I'm like one of the cool kids next to Rhett," Tish said.
"Yeah, well- Hey, wait a minute. Lor, what's with the hair? And Tish, what's with all the jewelry?" Carver asked.
Tish and Lor looked around nervously trying to think of something to say, but only finding little croaks and squeaks.
Carver sighed. "Nevermind."
"Good album," Lor commented.
Carver gave her a look, but let it go.
"This dance has been terrible. I can't believe I paid money for this," Tish lamented.
"We're all in the same boat. I'm never going to another dance again. They only lead to misery. The only person who is close to having a good time is Tino," Carver mentioned.
A flash of rage passed through the eyes of Lor and Tish at the mention of Tino having a good time. The music in the air suddenly shifted from horrible music to soft and slow, horrible music.
"Sound's like it's time for the slow dance. Look, there goes Dot and Tino out onto the dance floor. Hmmm, it looks like Tino is a nervous wreck," Carver commented.
The girls each made fists and almost had smoke visibly coming out of their ears at this point. Carver looked at the two girls with some concern afraid they would pop.
"Uh, are you two alright?"
"Doin' fine," Lor answered tensely.
"Just peachy," Tish added in the same manner.
"If you guys say so. I'm gonna get some more of the tasteless punch," Carver said as he walked away leaving Tish and Lor seething.
The dance continued on with Carver, Lor, and Tish moping all over the place. Tino on the other hand was dancing all over the place as Dot barely gave him a chance to take a breather. However, Tino didn't mind because he was enjoying his rising confidence and the close contact it offered. Though, he did become inarticulate at some points during dancing. Soon it came to the last dance of the night, a slow dance. As had been the case all night, Tino and Dot were right out on the dance floor in plain view of Tish, Carver, and Lor. The three noticed that during this dance Dot and Tino seemed especially close together. As the dance wound down they moved even closer, and then it hit Lor and Tish at the same time what was going to happen. The two of them were going to kiss. Overcome with fear and jealousy, the two girls charged in without a thought of the consequences. Tish went for Tino, while Lor went for Dot. Tish knocked into Tino and Lor knocked into Dot as they approached the dancing pair. Lor had forgotten that she was holding a cup of punch and it splashed all over Dot.
"AHH! My dress! I can't believe this!" Dot cried out.
Tish and Lor felt like fools, since neither on wanted to cause this much of a mess, and Tino's glare didn't help matters at all for them.
"What's the matter with you two?! Look, at what you have done to Dot," Tino chastised.
He helped Dot up and tried to help her wipe off some of the punch. Tino looked at Lor and Tish again, and just shook his head. Dot held back her tears, and was lead off to the side by a concerned Tino. Slowly, the two girls walked back to where Carver was, though neither one seemed suspicious of the other.
"Well, that certainly was the highlight of this night. I think I just got my money's worth," Carver commented.
Tish and Lor gave Carver a menacing glare.
"Okay, I think I'm done talking now," Carver added.
Everyone began filing out of the school while Carver looked for Tino amongst the crowds, and the girls hung their heads in defeat.
"Man, I can't find Tino anywhere. Maybe someone knows where he is. Hey, Ruby, have you seen Tino?" Carver asked.
"He left about five minutes ago with Dot Cardigan. He's walking her home after those two ruined their moment," Ruby replied.
"Thanks for the help."
Carver went over to the shameful twosome and informed them of the news.
"Looks like it's just us walking home tonight. Now let's get out of here, I've had enough nonsense for one night."
Lor and Tish barely even nodded but they still followed Carver out of the school.
Tino whistled a happy tune as he walked up the steps to his front door. He reached into his pocket and pulled his key out. Tino unlocked the door and paused for a second.
"Hey there. As you can see I'm happier than a clam. It turns out Tish and Lor's craziness helped me score big points with Dot. It was a blessing in disguise. Not only that take a look at this! Yeah, that's right, it's lipstick. Haha, I got myself a memorable first kiss. I'd tell you more, but it's kind of mushy, and I don't like talking about that stuff. Oh wait, I'd better wipe the lipstick off before I go inside. Don't want my mom on my case, you know? I am curious about one thing. What's up with Lor and Tish? It has me baffled, but I will have to thank them next time I see them. Well, later days!"
End of Chapter Six
I would have had this chapter out sooner, but some schoolwork delayed me in writing it. I think it was worth the wait though. This chapter is longer than all the others. On a sidenote, I think I made it clear in this chapter, but dances suck. I hate dances. Don't ever go to one. That's my message for the day. Stay tuned.