We returned to school, and after classes ended, we retreated back to our dorms.

Andrew and Brownley were watching Forrest Gump. Brownley tossed me a Coke. Quigley was already heading out.

"Where you going?" I asked. He turned. "To ask Violet to the dance."

Did I hear right? And what dance was he talking about? Quigley just walked out, and shut the door.

I turned to the Movie Muggers. "What dance was he talking about?" "Hello!" Andrew said, pausing the movie and looking up at me. "It's been all over campus? Where have you been?"

I wasn't about to tell my roommate that I didn't look at the Event Bulletin Board, so I just said, "I forgot."

Andrew shrugged. "Whatever. So, who're you taking?"

I had never thought about who I'd take to a dance. My first inclination was to take Violet, but nooo; Mr. I'll-go-steal-my-brother's-crush had already got her into his force field.

I'd always wondered how he'd done it. Even when we were young, every female adult walking by would stop to pinch his cheeks. It irritated me. It really did.

But I realized I hadn't answered Andrew, so I just said, "Uh, still looking. Going to go buy a bribery gift. See you in about an hour?"

I stuffed the dorm key in my pocket, and went downstairs, then out the door, across the lawn, and to a vending machine. I bought a couple Snickers and went straight to Violet's dorm.

She shared the dorm with Guess Who? My sister.

Now Izzy, I love her and all, but she can be a huge eavesdropper sometimes. Especially when it's stuff I really don't want other people to know about.

After knocking, who should answer but her? "Hey, Duncan, what're you doing here?" she asked. "Is Violet here?" I asked.

She nodded. "Yeah, but I can't let you in." "Why not?" I asked. "Is she changing?"

"No," Izzy replied. "She's asleep." Izzy started to shut the door, but I knew it was time to put my secret weapon, or should I say weapons to work.

I grabbed the door and pulled out one of the Snickers bars. That's the kind Isadora loves the most. She'll do most anything if you give her Snickers.

Izzy glanced at the chocolate bar, then at me, and then back at them. She sighed, said, "All right," and took the bar. She let me in, and headed for what you might call the living room.

"Uh uh uh," I said. "You have to leave." Izzy's eyes widened about an inch. "Duncan Quagmire!" she exclaimed. "Violet is only a-"

"I know!" I said. "I'm going to-you know. Here." I pulled out the other bar and handed it to her. She looked at it, swiped it and left.

I looked all over the dorm until I found Violet's room. Sure enough, she was spaced out on her bed, sleeping away time.

I walked over and gently tapped her on the shoulder. She half-opened her eyes. "Quigley? That you?"

"No," I said. "It's Duncan." She fully opened her eyes and sat up. "Oh, hello. Do you need something?"

"Well, do you know about the dance coming up?" I asked. She nodded. "Has anyone asked you?" I asked. She thought for a moment. "Well, Quigley came by about fifteen minutes ago. He was saying something about the dance, but then he left. He didn't really say anything in particular."

Good! Good! Things were going great so far. Violet glanced up at me. "So, what? Are you going to ask me, or just leave me hanging?"

I couldn't believe my ears. I mean, I could, but I couldn't, at the same time. It seemed like Violet wanted to be asked by just anyone, but that could include me, right? But the way she looked at me, man, I'd kill for that kind of look any day.

I opened my mouth to speak, but Violet stood, facing me. "Look at me," she said. "Are you going to ask me or what?"

My mouth fell to pieces as I said, "Will you go to the dance with me?" Violet smiled and stretched. Then she said, "There, was that so hard? And yes, I'll go with you, Duncan."

My heart was leaping like a lizard being chased by a lion. "Really?" She nodded. "So, I'll see you later."

I nodded and went outside.

On the way back to my dorm, I did five handsprings, three cartwheels, and seven back-flips.