I'm only just figuring out how the fanfiction world works so forgive my lack of tech savviness. Thank you to both the reviewers in the last twelve hours. I'm updating quickly so I can hopefully get some more reviews. If you are reading, please let me know as it is a huge motivator to write more (I have been guilty of reading many stories and not reviewing but I promise to do better now that I'm writing too). Enjoy!
Chapter 2: Top Hats and Red Roses
The adrenaline was coursing through Marco's veins as he awoke the Friday morning of his prom. His body was wired from yesterday's events and his mind hadn't stopped racing – 'Dylan… me… his eyes… his apologies… not needing him, wanting him… the feel of his kiss, his lips, his breath… it has been so long since I've been kissed like that, had kissed someone like that, but I remember his taste as if he never left. And in front of the school! Craziness. Unreal."
He quickly picked up the phone to call Ellie, not caring if he woke her up on their seniors day off. "Hello?" A groggy Ellie picked up the phone.
"Hey Ell."
"Marco? It's 8:30am – what's going on? Or I guess I don't need to ask," Marco figured that the latest gossip would spread quickly, "…making out with Dylan in front of the school? I'm curious enough to wake up for this…so what happened with satan child?"
"You heard? Yeah, I figured news would travel fast. I totally don't know what's going on, Ell. I'm still having a debate in my head - should I ? shouldn't I? should I? shouldn't I? I know he's sorry but I'm not planning to pretend he never cheated on me for his experimental escapades. But the feelings between us, the chemistry, is just so strong. I had forgotten what it felt like to be kissed like that, to be wanted like that….I really just don't know,…. or maybe I do. Ahh!"
"Oh Marco. Despite your angst, I have a big smile for you on my face right now. From what Paige tells me, Dylan is planning not to screw it up this time. And isn't it great when the power shifts? You deserve it." Ellie had seen Marco evolve into the confident, incredibly sexy (if she did say so herself), person that he now was. Even if he questioned, which he should, getting together with Dylan again, he could handle himself.
"Well I guess we have prom tonight to forget about our love woes. You're saving at least several dances for me I hope." Marco knew Ellie missed Craig, and was glad to have a night to hang with his friends without the drama of yesterday.
"You know I will Marco. Love you."
The phone rang as Marco was putting the finishing touches on his outfit. Black tux, burgundy tie, top hat, perfect. "Marco, Paige is on the phone," his mother called out.
"Hey Paige. Before you start, I know you want to know about yesterday too-"
"Don't worry, hun. I have my own source for the details. When I saw Dylan's face, and messed up hair, when he walked in there was no doubt. Alex and I sat him right down, so yeah, we heard."
"Don't take this wrong way, Paige, but there is no official news –"
"Yet… I know, Marco. I also know the look on Dylan's face, so we shall see. In the meantime, I'm calling to say we're on our way to get you. You ready?"
"Can't wait." Marco smiled.
"Marco! The door for you. Come downstairs now! Enough getting ready. I want a picture of you before you go to your prom." His mother yelled excitedly upstairs.
"Coming Ma!" Marco skipped down the stairs.
Marco opened the door, and took a step back. "What!" he exclaimed in disbelief.
Instead of Paige, Dylan stood at the door, blue eyes sparkling, dressed in a classy tuxedo with a silver tie, with a single red rose held out to Marco."I heard you didn't have a date…" Dylan grinned widely.
"You're here…" Marco was dumbfounded.
"Guilty as charged." Dylan laughed, remembering Marco's look the first time he had asked him out.
Marco's cheeks turned pink and he smiled a huge smile up at Dylan. "Well, I was hoping to steal Paige and Ellie for at least a few dances,…but I guess we shouldn't let your sexy tuxedo go to waste…"
After getting over the surprise of seeing her son's ex-boyfriend instead of Paige, Marco's mom smiled and got tears in her eyes. Marco's mom could always tell that there was a romantic chemistry between Marco and Dylan – even before she could admit it to herself. When she had asked him two years ago about their relationship, Marco told her that he was gay, but he never really opened up about their relationship. She was his mother, after all, but even so, the two boys never spent time at the Del Rossi house, presumably because Marco's father hadn't yet known about Marco. This was the most open affection she had seen, and she wanted to show Marco that she supported him. If there was going to be another relationship, this time she wanted them both to be part of their family life.
"Eh, Marco…is Paige here? I want to see you before you go to wish you a good- " Marco's dad stopped mid-sentence as he walked downstairs to see his son blushing and holding a red rose, with his athletic, hockey star friend standing beside him in a tuxedo. His wife had told him that they had dated last year but he thought that whole thing was finished now. He wasn't expecting to have to deal with this tonight. "Marco, I,…uh…just…"
Marco looked nervously, but directly, at his dad, "Pa, you remember Dylan?"
"Yes, uh…hockey…" Marco's dad stuttered.
"Yeah. Well, um….I know you know that we dated for a while. Well, and we broke up. But, we're..uh…trying to work things out," Marco looked at Dylan. "I didn't know Dylan was coming tonight, but it, uh, appears that he wants to take me to the prom." Marco looked down, shyly smiling to himself at the situation.
"Nice to see you again, Mr. Del Rossi, Mrs. Del Rossi. I'd like to take Marco to the prom, if that's okay. We'll be seeing Paige, Ellie, and everyone there, but I, uh…" Dylan took a deep breath, "thought it would be more fun for Marco if he had a real date." Dylan's words were clear to both of Marco's parents. Marco is gay. He wants to go to the prom with a guy. This guy is a real and actual person, not just an idea. It is as natural to him as breathing. And now, we have to deal.
"Yeah, I do, I mean, I want a real date,…especially this one." Marco bravely flirted with Dylan in front of his parents, "I know you're not used to this yet, dad. But it's me….So we're going to go now."
"Not until I get a picture, you're not," Mrs. Del Rossi smiled widely. "Come on Dylan, let's have a picture with the two of you."Marco sighed with relief, as he felt Dylan's arm wrap comfortably around his shoulder. They smiled as the camera flashed.
"Okay Marco," his dad sighed sadly," I can't think about this right now. But it's your prom and you should go with whoever you want." Marco's dad's eyes were filled with sadness and love as he left the room. Marco's eyes filled up. This was a big deal. Marco could see the hurt, but also the acceptance that was slowly surfacing.
"Hey beautiful," Dylan said as he saw Marco's eyes, "no tears tonight, okay? With your dad,…it's a good start," he reassured as they walked to the car.
'Definitely,' thought Marco. 'This is a good start.'
