Cinderella

Chapter Eight: Preparations

A/N: OK, OK, I'm updating! Be happy! Just another reminder, some of you have me on your story alert list, but I have not had one single review from you! Make your presence known! I love reviews; they make me write chapters sooner, just FYI. Now, for Chapter Eight: Preparations.

"Beep, beep, beep, bee"- I slapped the 'off' button with my hand, and sprang out of bed. Today is the day that I am going to the dance, in disguise, and finding out if Chad likes me! Oh, my gosh, I am so excited! I picked my outfit out the night before, but now, looking at it, it seems like it's too… good. Right now, I feel sort of… dark, if I daresay. And a pink American Eagle t-shirt with light jeans does not say 'I-am-going-to-sneak-into-a-dance-without-my-parents-permission' at all. I decided to opt for black jeans and a green Billa Bong sweater. I gave myself a nod of approval after looking in the mirror, and started on my makeup. I gave myself a light swoop of mascara, and put on my regular foundation, and headed down to breakfast. I scooped some yogurt into a bowl, and I was off.

I arrived at school at 8:15. Perfect. Enough time to talk to Gabriella, but not too early that there are only a few other people here. I looked around, and saw her at the front entrance. I ran up to her.

"Hey, Gabi!" I practically shouted. "I am so excited!"

"I know!" Gabriella squealed. She looked at me. "Hey, you're wearing less makeup than usual. And your hair isn't nearly as straight."

I grinned. It was all part of the plan. "Well, I put on less makeup because that way when I wear more makeup to the dance, Chad won't see the difference. And I am going to straighten my hair for the dance."

"Ah," Gabriella said with understanding, "You're disguising yourself, I get it. Smart move."

"I know, I know," I said, pretending to wave it off. I giggled, and so did Gabriella. It was such a stupid joke but I am so nervous right now, I will laugh at everything. That's just how I am. When I'm nervous, I laugh. It's weird, I know, but what can you do?

The first bell rang, signaling that class was in 10 minutes. I ran to my locker, and grabbed my Social Studies. I slid into homeroom, with two minutes to spare. Looking around, I quickly took the seat behind Gabriella. I saw Troy and Chad talking about some girls beach volleyball tournament that they had seen on TV. I shook my head. No matter what, boys will be boys.

Mrs. Darbus sailed into the room, this time a vision of lilac and puke yellow. I could smell her perfume from the back of the classroom. It was a different scent than the one she had been wearing the past week (a.k.a. Teen Spirit). This one was more like… Ode to a rotten egg. I didn't even have to look to the front row to know that Troy was practically dying. Poor, poor Troy. Imagine having to go through that everyday. It would be terrible!

Enough about Mrs. Darbus's perfume. I have to quit spacing out like this! If I don't, my grades are going to suffer.

After the morning announcements, Mrs. Darbus stood up and cleared her throat. "Class, as you know, you have to make your presentations about celebrations from the 15th century. I hope you are all prepared, as I will not give you a second chance. Thank you. First up, Troy Bolton and Penny Fraser."

I only half paid attention to Troy's project. He was holding up a really complicated-looking poster, while Penny was doing all the talking. I had a feeling Troy didn't do a lot of work on his project. I was in Chad's group, which was a blessing and a burden. It was a blessing because I was in Chad's group, duh. It was also a burden because, well, I was in Chad's group. I mean, I don't get distracted easily, but Chad is a big distraction. One that I like to look at-- a lot.

I thought about mine and Chad's project. He was actually a pretty good worker. We had our presentation all worked out, and we didn't even have to go over to each other's houses. We only had to work in the library. I caught Chad staring at me more than once, though he looked away when I looked up. I am now constantly afraid that I have a piece of food stuck in my teeth.

After Penny and Troy came Jason and Kelsi. I saw that Ryan looked jealous that a guy other than him was working privately with Kelsi, who was his girlfriend. Good thing that Kelsi was extremely loyal to Ryan. I know that Jason has had the hotts for her since about the beginning of grade 10. But she's taken, so I think that Jason should just back off.

Oh, crap, there I go again. Not paying attention. Man, why am I so out of it this morning? I mentally shook myself, and settled down in my seat to watch the presentations.

After Gabriella and Bryan, and Kathy and Katy, it was mine and Chad's turn. I stood up, and tried to mentally prepare myself for the unexpected. I have learned over the years that Chad is very unpredictable. I pushed my hair off my face, and walked to the front of the classroom. I saw that Chad had the poster. Good. He hadn't forgotten. I stood beside Chad, and held out our speech so both of us could see it.

(A/N: I am making this up as I go along. Don't sue if the info's wrong!)

"In the 15th century, they had many celebrations. Some were due to weddings and such, but most were due to the victory of wars."

Chad took over. "As you can see from this poster, they ate many things at their celebrations, such as pheasant, pig suckling and veal. But they didn't just enjoy meat, they also dined on fruit, like apples, mangos, and strawberries. They drank fine wine, usually made from the host's own vineyard."

I continued. "At celebrations, they did lots of things. For example, they listened to music, and heard stories."

Chad looked at me when I didn't continue. "And they danced. Don't forget dancing."

"Excuse me," Mrs. Darbus interrupted. "What kind of dancing?"

Chad stumbled over his words. "Um, it was, what was it called? Um, let me show you." With that, he grabbed me, and started to ballroom dance with me. I was in a state of shock. Chad was dancing… with me? In the middle of a classroom? What?!

After about thirty seconds of dancing, he let go of my waist. The classroom clapped, and Chad bowed, with a goofy grin on his face. I just stood there, not sure if my legs would support me if I tried to move. Eventually, I recovered.

"Yes, they also did dancing, Chad. Just like that. One of the most famous celebrations is the one concerning the war between Europe and Austria." I continued on.

After our presentation, I hurried to my seat, and quickly sat down. I was still blushing furiously, and I was desperate to get to my seat.

The bell rang just as Mrs. Darbus stood up. She spread out her hands, and opened the door. "The rest of the groups will be presenting tomorrow. Chad, Taylor," she called over the din, "Will you please stay back for a while?"

I exchanged a look with Gabriella, and walked tensely over to Mrs. Darbus. I saw Chad doing the same.

"Now," Mrs. Darbus started, "I know that young adolescents, such as yourselves, naturally find, shall I say, attraction to each other." I turned red. Oh, my gosh, I will not be able to look Chad in the eye for the next five years or so. She continued, "Dancing, or showing your affection for each other publicly, in my class, is strictly prohibited! Please never do this again. You may leave."

I walked quickly out of the class, stunned. I could not believe that she would talk to us about that! I heard Chad's footsteps coming down the hallway. I turned around. Might as well talk about what Mrs. Darbus before it becomes awkward.

"So, Chad," I started. "Wasn't what Mrs. Darbus said funny?"

"I know, I mean, she calls dancing a public display of affection?" Chad's brown eyes twinkled. My heart nearly melted.

"Yeah, I know, right? Well, I better go, I have to meet Gabi." I said, eager to get away now that we had cleared things up. "See you later!"

"Yeah," Chad echoed, "See you!"

The next two periods passed by in a snap, as I was re-living the feeling of Chad's hands on my waist. His body was close to mine, our faces only six inches apart. I sighed involuntarily. My, Chad was definitely a good dancer…

At lunch, Gabriella and I went to our usual table. The other "regulars" at our table were doing a project together for Science.

"So," Gabriella said, with a glint in her eye, "How much did you enjoy dancing with Chad today?"

I groaned. I should have known I would be bombarded with questions. "Well, other than the fact that I was mortally embarrassed… yeah, I loved it."

Gabriella laughed. "You were daydreaming about it all morning, weren't you?"

I laughed, too. Gabriella knew me too well. "You stalker. How did you know?"

"I have my ways." Gabriella answered, rubbing her hands together evilly. "What was Mrs. Darbus talking to you about?"

I felt my cheeks go red remembering the incident. "Oh, that. It wasn't a big deal." I waved it off, pretending that it was, indeed, no bid deal.

"Liar," Gabriella said instantly. "You are a liar. It was a big deal, wasn't it? Face it, Tay, you can't lie to me."

I grinned somewhat reluctantly. "Fine, you win. Mrs. Darbus was talking to me and Chad about… PDA."

Gabriella looked confused. "What's PDA?"

I rolled my eyes. "Public displays of affection. She said that 'young adolescents sometimes find attraction to each other, but it is not appropriate to show it in a public place.' Or something like that. But it was so embarrassing, her suggesting that Chad and I liked each other."

Gabriella giggled. "Ha-ha, you go told off by Darbus!"

I scowled. "Gabi, it's not funny. It was embarrassing!"

Gabriella stopped. "Sorry. But you have to admit, her calling us 'young adolescents' is pretty weird."

I relented. "Yeah, I guess so."

The rest of the day passed by in a blur. Before I knew it, it was the end of the day, and I was at my front door. I walked in, calling a greeting to my mom in the kitchen.

The minutes left until seven o'clock seemed to go in slow motion. Finally, I heard my mom call me down to say good-bye.

"OK, honey," my mom said hurriedly, "Mine and your father's cell phone numbers are on the fridge, as are the doctors. Your father and I will be home by 11:30. We'll call if it's earlier."

A thought struck me. "Hey mom, call my cell if you're going to be late or early, because I won't answer the phone because I have a lot of homework and I need to concentrate. So call my cell, OK?"

"OK, dear," she said, kissing my cheek. "Bye!"

"Good-bye, sweetheart!" my dad said, kissing me on top of my head

"Bye, love you!" I called out the door.

A few minutes after my parents left, Gabriella came.

"Hey, Gabi," I said, "What's up?"

"Nothing much. Come on, let's get ready." Gabriella zoomed past me, and up to my bedroom.

About an hour later, we were finally finished. I quickly pulled my hair through the straightening iron one last time, and made sure my gold mask was set on my face right. I smoothed my red dress, and saw Gabriella do the same to her blue one.

"Well," I said nervously, "Let's go."

Gabriella nodded in agreement, and stepped out the door. I followed her. My heart pounded. This was it. My one chance.

From now one, it was completely out of my control.

A/N: OMG, sorry for not updating in forever, you know, so much SS homework. So, you know what to do, review, review, review! I need the reviews! Thank-you so much! Next chapter; the dance!