The Brady Eight: Just Starting Out
A Welcome Aboard Sequel
Chapter 25
Mid-October. The twins are 10 ½ months old.
A/N1—The second-hand store name is fictional. I thought it was a cool name for a shop that sold gently used formal wear.
It's homecoming time for Westdale High School. Nominations for homecoming queen and princesses have been tallied and the top three for each grade will be announced. The students enjoy getting their class and clubs floats designed, so they can put them together.
Principal: May I have your attention please? Students will have the opportunity to work on their floats and cool cars Thursday afternoon. We will have half a day of classes Thursday and Friday morning, we'll have our pep rally and homecoming parade. The nominations for Homecoming Queen Court are as follows: In tenth grade, we have Shelley Jenkins, Tiffany Nunez, and Lisa Solsbery. In eleventh grade, we have Jan Brady, Mallory Givens, and Sylvia Taylor. In twelfth grade, we have Stephanie Cook, Donna Jones, and Traci Stevenson.
Jan and Beth Gonzales, a new girl, who moved to the area, squeal with delight at their lockers.
Jan: I can't believe it!
Beth: Congratulations! That is so neat! It would be so exciting if you won!
Jan: Blushes. I won 10th grade princess last year and my older sister won Queen.
Beth: So, if you win, your sister will get to crown you. That WOULD be neat!
Jan: Realizes this. Hey, yeah! I didn't even think of that!
Beth: You've just gotta win! So, what dress are you gonna wear?
Jan: I'm thinking about wearing the dress I wore as Alice's maid of honour.
Beth: What kind of dress is it?
Jan: It's a pink full-length taffeta dress with a ruffle at the bottom and off the shoulder neckline and sleeves.
Beth: Pretty, but that might wash you out on the field. Your colour is definitely blue.
Jan: I wore a light blue last year. Marcia will probably wear her blue dress from prom...
Beth: But it's your day, so don't worry about what she'll wear. But, if you don't wanna wear blue, a deep red or black and silver might be gorgeous on you. If we had similar colouring, I could lend you my Quinceñera dress.
Jan: What colour is it?
Beth: Hot pink.
Jan: Yeah. Hot pink doesn't work for me. Thinks back to Beth's suggestions. Ooh! I like the idea of wearing black and silver. If it wasn't on the football field, I could wear emerald.
Beth: Who are you going to ask to be your escort?
Jan: Last year, I asked Kevin West, but he and Mallory are dating now. I'm thinking about asking...
Peter, Julie and Billy Garst walk to the lockers and see Jan and Beth talking.
Peter: Congratulations, sis! Two years in a row!
Jan: Beaming. Thanks!
Julie: Yeah, that's great! I'm sorry I didn't get nominated. It would've been fun if we tied again.
Jan: That was fun!
Billy: Gives her a hug. Congratulations!
Jan: Thanks! Would you be my escort?
Billy: It would be my pleasure... Kisses her cheek. ...to escort the newest homecoming queen.
Jan: Awww!
Billy: To me, you're homecoming queen.
Peter: We gotta go. It's getting a little thick here.
Julie giggles as they go off by themselves.
At the Brady house
Carol is cleaning the living room while the twins nap in the nursery. Cindy comes home, excited.
Carol: Hi! How was your day?
Cindy: Great! The routine that I'd planned on debuting at homecoming is coming together! We've got a great combined squad this year!
Carol: Wonderful!
Cindy: I love being captain! And Cassie is an excellent flyer!
Carol: Really?
Cindy: Yes! And fortunately, she hasn't been giving me or Millicent any lip.
Carol: So your contract worked?
Cindy: Sure did! I only had to remind her of that a couple times at the beginning of the season. I think the threat of being kicked off the squad is what did it.
Carol: I'm really glad and very proud of you for handing her with grace and poise. So, tell me about the routine.
Cindy: Well, the dance portion is to "Kung Fu Fighting," and both Millicent and Cassie are fliers. With the combined squad, and since we only have seventh, eighth, and ninth graders at Fillmore, we can do more difficult stunts.
Carol raises an eyebrow.
Cindy: Rolls her eyes. Mom, I'm not a base and I'm not a flyer. Remember, I'm one of the tumblers out front. Anyway, at the very end of the song, we do a basket toss.
Carol: That doesn't sound too safe. Is it even legal?
Cindy: It is legal. Most junior high squads don't do them.
Carol: Hesitant. Should I even ask what you and the other tumblers are doing at the end?
Cindy: A series of back handsprings ending in a full twist. It's the most difficult combination we've ever tried.
Carol: Are you sure you want to debut something that difficult at the game?
Cindy: We're going to try it out at the pep rally at Fillmore Friday morning, and we've already done parts of the routine at our other games. The girls have it done really well.
Carol: That's good. Are you and Millicent going to ride in the parade before the game?
Cindy: Yes. And this year, I'm having the Junior Varsity captain and co-captain ride and hold the banner too.
Carol: Sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun.
Cindy: I think so.
Jan comes racing into the house, through the kitchen and into the living room.
Jan: Mom! Cindy! You'll never guess what!
Carol: What?
Jan: I got nominated for homecoming court again!
Carol: Congratulations! That's wonderful!
Cindy: That's great!
Marcia: Enters the living room and hears the tail end. What's great?
Jan: I got nominated for homecoming court again!
Marcia: Wow!
Jan: So, if I win, you'll get to crown me.
Cindy: Excited. You've gotta win!
Marcia: I can't think of anyone else I'd want to crown. It would be an honour to crown you homecoming queen. Hugs her sister.
Jan: Thanks! That means a lot.
Marcia: Do you know what you're gonna wear?
Jan: I'd thought about the dress that I wore to Alice's wedding, but Beth thinks it might wash me out on the field.
Carol: Who's Beth?
Jan: Beth Gonzales. She's a new girl that moved here at the beginning of the school year. She and her family moved from Texas.
Carol: Oh?
Jan: Her dad got a job here last year,. Beth and her brothers and sisters wanted to stay in Texas until the end of last school year, so they moved here this summer. Her real name is Elísabeth, but she goes by Beth. She said she likes it here, although it's really different.
Carol: I imagine it is. Changes the subject. Would you girls like another mani and pedi before the game?
Marcia, Jan and Cindy: Sure!
Carol: Great! Marcia, do you want to meet us here, or at the salon?
Marcia: We're on Fall Break Thursday and Friday, so I can meet you here. My boss is giving me the day off, since I'll have to be at the parade and game.
They hear Ryan awaken in the nursery. Carol starts to get him, but Marcia stops her.
Marcia: I'll get him.
Carol: All right, and check on Carolyn while you're at it.
Marcia: Okay. She goes upstairs and brings him downstairs. Carolyn's still asleep.
He bends down toward the floor, so Marcia puts him down. He stands by the couch and pats his mother's knee. Marcia smiles.
Carol: Curious. What?
Marcia: Can you believe this time last year you were seven and a half months pregnant with Ryan and Carolyn?
Ryan: Aaaaaah! Bllllll! He sticks out his tongue and raspberries.
Carol: Chuckles. And I believe it was this one who would sit on my sciatic nerve, just like you did, Marcia.
Cindy: And Carolyn?
Carol: She was probably more toward my back, and so that's one reason why I didn't realize she was in there too. However, I bet it was she who would jab my ribs or stomach.
Carolyn awakens and they hear her babbling. Carol starts to get up.
Cindy: I'll get her.
Carol: All right. To Jan. Do you want to go dress shopping? I bet we can find something nice at The Glass Slipper.
Jan: Sure!
Cindy returns with Carolyn, who is babbling and patting Cindy's face.
Cindy: Chuckles, signs and speaks. Silly girl!
Cindy tickles her under her chin, and the baby giggles.
Cindy: Signs and speaks. You want more tickles? Okay!
Carol beams with pride, watching her two youngest daughters.
Jan: Oh, Cindy! I thought you'd like to know that Shelley also got nominated for homecoming court.
Cindy: That's cool! Hope she wins tenth grade princess. I'll have to call and congratulate her.
Marcia: So, has she seen your routine for homecoming?
Cindy: No. She's seen parts of it, but not all of it. She's busy with cheerleading at Westdale and she also said she didn't want to overshadow me being captain by visiting too much.
Carol: Smart girl.
Marcia looks at her watch and gets her purse.
Carol: Not staying for dinner?
Marcia: No. I've got to get to work soon. I just wanted to stop by to hear about homecoming. I knew they'd be announcing the nominees today. Hugs Jan. Congratulations, Jan!
Jan: Thanks!
The next afternoon
Jan comes home from school and Carol takes her dress shopping.
Carol: Descends the stairs, holding Ryan, who has just awakened from his nap. You ready to go?
Jan: Yeah. Let me put my books away first.
She puts her things in her room and goes back downstairs. Ryan snuggles into his mother's shoulder.
Carol: Sees Jan. Mike! Can you get him, please?
Mike comes into the living room from his den.
Mike: Come here, little man.
Ryan snuggles into his father.
Mike: Carolyn still asleep?
Carol: Yes. She should sleep for another hour.
The couple engages in a quick peck on the lips.
Mike: To Jan. Have fun!
Jan: Thanks!
Carol: We'll be back soon!
The Glass Slipper
Jan thumbs through an array of evening gowns and other formal wear. She can't believe how many gowns the store has in stock.
Jan: These are so beautiful!
Carol: See any you like?
Jan: Yes! She spies one that catches her eye. Ooh! I love this one!
Carol: Which one?
Jan: This one! She shows it to her mother.
It's a sheath column floor-length chiffon dress with spaghetti straps and a sweetheart neckline. It has a natural princess waist, zipper back closure, and a sweep-brush train. The top of the dress is white with silver rhinestones adorning the straps and bodice, with gathers along the waist. The straps and neckline are light blue, and fade into a dark blue on the bust, and fade into a light blue below the waist, ending in a light silver in the hemline.
Carol: Jan, that is exquisite!
Jan: It's my size! I wanna try it on!
Carol: You see any others you like?
Jan: I found a couple more.
She pulls out a burnt red poly knit floor-length dress gracing fabulous detailing with a double strap at each shoulder and a knee high slit in the center front.
Carol: Studies the dress. This one would be pretty with a sheer sequined belt.
The third dress she chooses is a hot pink chiffon maxi dress. It has a high neck with attached chiffon scarf, long sheer sleeves with cuffs, and an extremely full chiffon skirt cut to flounce! But perhaps the best part is the enormous rhinestone brooch detail at the waist sash. The sash has hooks and eyes in the back to allow the dress to go on. A back zip closure and fully lined complete the dress.
Carol: It's pretty, but I think it's too old for you.
Jan: Scrutinizes it. You're right. She returns it to the rack.
The last dress she spies is a ruched, gathered and draped 1950's magenta chiffon cocktail gown with rhinestone and pearl leaf print across bodice, waist and left side of skirt. It has a back metal zipper closure.
Carol: Oh Jan! This one is beautiful! It will look stunning on you!
Jan: Considers the three remaining dresses. I'm going to try the blue and magenta ones. I'm not so sure about the red one.
Carol: See any more you like?
She finds a pink taffeta gown with wide shoulder strap and rosette detail in the center of the bust. A tiered skirt and zipper in back complete the dress.
Jan: This one's nice!
Last, she spies a black and silver lurex maxi long evening dress with a halter neck, low back, and back zip fastening.
Jan: I think this is all.
Carol: So, you've got the blue, magenta, pink and black one?
Jan: Yes.
She tries the blue one first.
Jan: How is it?
Carol: Oh, it's lovely on you! Look in the mirror over there!
Jan: Sees herself in the mirror. I love it!
Carol: Okay, we'll put it in the "to consider" column. Try the next one.
She tries the black and silver one.
Jan: I like the way it looks, but I don't like how the material feels. I'll try the pink one on next. She goes back into the dressing room and changes.
Carol: I'm not sold on the pink one.
Jan: Neither am I. I'll try on the magenta one.
She changes out of the red and puts on the magenta dress.
Carol: Inhales. Oh Jan! She blinks back a tear. You look beautiful!
Jan: This is my dress!
Carol: Yes. Now, let's go find some jewelry to match.
They find a necklace, bracelet and earrings. Jan also spies a pair of princess slippers.
Jan: Tries them on. Mom, do these work with the dress?
Carol: Stand back, so I can see you.
She has Jan walk up and down the aisle and turn around, so she can see her at all angles.
Jan: Hopeful. Well?
Carol: Swallows a lump forming in her throat. Perfect!
Jan: I want to keep this a secret until I get ready for the game. I'll have to tell Billy what colour the dress is, but I don't want anyone else to see until I have it on.
Carol: Okay.
Jan changes back into her clothes and brings out the magenta dress. Carol pays for the purchases and they go back home. The three other older kids are setting the table for dinner. Mike carries the twins into the living room. He sees Carol and Jan enter the room.
Mike: Looks like your shopping was a success! Gives his wife a peck on the lips.
Carol: Her dress is beautiful and she looks stunning in it.
Cindy: Excited. You'll have to let us see after dinner!
Jan: Smiles. Nope! You're gonna have to wait until Friday.
Cindy: Not even a hint?
Jan: Only one hint. The dress is magenta. That's all you get. I'm gonna go put this in my room. No peeking!
Jan puts her dress, jewelry and shoes in her room and returns to the dining room.
Later that evening
Billy Garst calls Jan. She answers the phone in her room.
Billy: Jan!
Jan: Hi, Billy!
Billy: I'm going to get your corsage tomorrow after school. What colour is your dress?
Jan: It's magenta with silver rhinestones. It has spaghetti straps, so a wrist corsage might be easier.
Billy: Grins. Great! That way I don't have to figure out how to pin it on.
Jan: Chuckles. That too!
Billy: How 'bout I pick you up at five? That way we can grab something to eat before we have to be at the game.
Jan: I can't wait!
Billy: I was also wondering if you'd like to double date with Lucas Renfro?
Jan: Sure! Who is he taking?
Billy: Shelley Jenkins.
Jan: Surprised. Really? She was captain of Fillmore's varsity cheerleading squad last year. Cindy was co-captain with her.
Billy: Oh, so you know her?
Jan: Yeah. She and Cindy are good friends. She's really nice. But I didn't know they were dating.
Billy: Since the first football game.
Jan: The one where we slaughtered Fremont?
Billy: The very one! Pauses. So, would that be okay?
Jan: Sure! It'll be fun!
Billy: Great!
Thursday
Peter and the archery team work on a float for homecoming. The theme is "A Night of Stars," so the team decides to do a constellation theme.
Peter: We've got to vote on who's going to be Orion.
Student1: How are we gonna vote?
Student2: How 'bout a show of hands?
Brian: No, that's stupid.
Peter: As captain of the team, I say we'll take out slips of paper and write who we think should be Orion. That way we won't know who wanted whom.
Student2: But we also have girls on the team.
Peter: That's okay. Any of us are eligible to be Orion. So, are we ready to vote?
Peter passes out strips of paper and the team votes. They put their choices in a hat and give the hat to Peter. He pulls out each slip of paper and tallies the votes.
Peter: We have five votes for Sarah, three votes for Brian, and ummm...
Student1: Takes the hat from Peter and tallies the votes. And two votes for Kate, and ten votes for Peter.
Kate: So, Peter's our Orion!
Sarah: Pete, you can use that really cool bow and arrow we got.
Student1: We'll have a starry background and Pete shooting an arrow at the stars.
Student2: That's a neat idea!
Peter: Okay. Sarah, can you draw it out?
Sarah: Sure! She sketches it out. How's that?
Peter: Looks good! Well team, let's get to work!
They work feverishly to get the float constructed before the end of the day. Brian puts in the final nail and they look at their work.
Peter: Looks good, team!
Kate: I like it!
Student1: Brian, let Pete borrow your bow and arrow, and go stand on the hill.
Peter: Gets the bow and arrow and poses on the float's hill. How's this?
Sarah: Perfect!
Student2: Now, all you have to do is keep that pose all during the parade!
Peter: I just hope I don't fall.
Kate: Oh Peter, you won't!
Peter: Looks at his watch and sees it's time to finish up. I think we can call the float complete! See you guys tomorrow at the pep rally!
-End of Chapter 25-
A/N2—Homecoming continues next chapter.