3.

The night of the Willow Creek School dance arrived. Lisa stood in the Atwood family trailer looking at her daughters. Risa and Evie had both selected gypsy evening dresses. Risa's was deep-blue, and Evie's was deep red. And they each wore dressy soft leather boots.

Bridget was wearing a white dress with an antique looking chain belt that was made of round silver plates that were carved with Celtic knot designs. For shoes she wore a comfortable pair of dressy white flats.

"The last time I wore heels to a dance, the D.J. played the largest set of fast songs in a row that I have ever seen, and my feet were killing me by the time it was over!" she explained

"He was probably paid by some over-protective father who didn't want his daughter slow dancing with her date." Chuckled Risa

Evie turned to her father.

"Don't get any ideas!" she said mock glaring at him

The girls gave themselves a final once over and headed out. when they got to the school, they met their dates and Matt.

Matt was decked out in black pants a white shirt with a Nehru collar and a black vest. He joined the group as they all walked inside.

The whole gym was decked out in lights and glitter for the occasion. On the opposite side of the gym from the main entrance was the D.J. stand. The D.J. was jamming to the music he was playing. Over by the lavishly stocked refreshment table was Rad O'Malley who was chaperoning the dance. He seemed to be in serious conversation with a young man in a suit. Matt didn't usually eavesdrop but this time his curiosity was too powerful. He focused his earing in on the conversation. Apparently Red had caught this young man and his girlfriend kissing in the equipment room and Red was trying to get the young man to tell where he had gotten a key to it.

Matt became aware of a slight commotion over his shoulder. He turned and looked at Risa and Evie. Almost immediately the pretty twins had become the center of attention from several of the jocks that were there.

This was much to the chagrin of the Jock's dates and Evie and Risa's boyfriends.

"Hey, back off!" snapped Brian as he and Jason came back from getting their dates some lemonade.

"Who are these losers?!" snapped the leader of the Jocks

"Our dates!" retorted Risa

"So, move up in class." Snarked one of the other guys.

Brian and Jason's fists doubled up and so did the twins' fists.

"HEY!" yelled another voice before Matt could intervene.

Red came strolling over.

"Trevor," he snapped, "You, Howie, and the others heard the girls. They're spoken for and besides that, you have dates, so I suggest you calm down and go dance with them, unless you want me to tell your coach that you've been causing trouble again!"

The fight drained out of the Jocks, and they looked scared for the first time since they came over.

"You know what will happen then, don't you?" Said Red warningly

"Yeah," said Matt, "The coach said anymore trouble out of you and you'll be benched during the big game this weekend."

After being reminded of that, the fight drained out of the jocks completely and they quickly retreated.

"Thanks Red," said Risa

"No problem." Smiled Red, "Have fun."

Risa and Evie finished their drinks and went off to dance with their dates. Matt wondered around the room he visited with a few of the others from Pine Hollow and tried a few of the snacks. He had just drained a cup of lemonade when he turned toward the dance floor and saw something that he wasn't expecting to see.

Bridget was standing on the edge of the dance floor alone. She was looking around with a confused expression on her face. Matt glanced around and realized that Travis was nowhere to be seen.

Tossing his paper cup in the recycle bin, he walked over to her.

"Bridget, is everything okay?" he asked

"Yeah," she said, "For a girl whose date just disappeared on her. I guess Evie was right about him."

"What do you mean?" asked Matt

"She said he had a reputation for being a skirt chaser." Replied Bridget

Matt nodded

"Well, he does have a little black book." Said Matt

"I sure must look like a fool." Sighed Bridget shaking her head.

Matt suddenly had an idea that made him very nervous. He tugged at his collar. Then mustering his courage, he took the proverbial plunge.

"Bridget," he said, "I know I'm not your date, but would you care to dance?"

Bridget smiled as he offered her his arm.

"I'd love to." She said taking his arm. He led her out onto the dance floor just as a slow song started playing.

She put her hand in his and he placed his hand on her hip and they began to sway to the music. Nearby two sets of pleased eyes were watching them over the shoulders of their own dates.

Risa and Evie glanced over at each other and exchanged a smile. Evie was subtly hoping that Travis would stay gone.

To Be Continued…Please Review