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Our Love Story

July 5th 1962, Baltimore

"Hey, Checkerboard Chick!"
Penny rolled her eyes at the immature behaviour of Brad and Fender, two boys from The Corny Collins Shows. For the past month, several people had actually mocked her for choosing to go out with a black boy, even her own mother. True, Prudy Pingleton had not been amused when she'd seen Penny announce her love for Seaweed Stubbs on live television. After visiting the hospital to wrap up her sprained wrist, Prudy had tried to once again tie Penny to her bed but had failed without the use of both her hands. Yes, a lot had happened in just one month. The Corny Collins Show had integrated, and Inez, Seaweed and all the others were on the Council, which caused several council members like Noreen, Doreen, Tammy, Sketch, IQ and Lou Anne to leave, their parents not wanting them to mix with Negro kids. Tracy and Link had also remained on the show, and they seemed completely and utterly in love, especially after Link had given Tracy his ring. She'd been flouting on a cloud of happiness ever since. Velma Von Tussle had been put in jail for a minimum of four months, and Amber had been sent to live with her strict aunt in Connecticut. Her aunt was also a nun. Penny couldn't help but feel sorry for Amber; having a mother like Velma. Penny always felt remorse for some people, especially for a poor girl like Amber with the same sort of wacko mom like she had.

Penny skipped onto the set of The Corny Collins Show, her sucker in her mouth. Corny was currently teaching the Council the Dance of the Week.

"Right, guys! Again! Twist, twist, twist, twist, side step, front step, turn and mambo!"

She settled in the stands as all her friends practised their dance moves. Inez and Link obviously excelled at every dance step, as they were the lead dancers. Tracy was having trouble remembering which step came first, so Seaweed was helping her out.

"Okay, guys. Take a break!" Corny yelled, waving at Penny. Penny jumped off the bench and skipped onto the set.

"Hey, guys," she beamed, "Great dancing,"
"Thanks, baby," Seaweed grinned, wrapping his arm around Penny's waist.

"We have to practise the slow dancing next," Tracy giggled, looking up adoringly at Link.

"Oh, no, not the slow dancing!" Inez whined, "I can't do that,"
"Sure, you can, little darlin'!" Link exclaimed, "Anyone can!"
Here, he looked at Penny with lightening blue eyes. Over the last couple of weeks, the two had become quite good friends.

"I bet even Ms. Pingleton here can!" he laughed. Penny's face became a deep red.
"Oh, no, I can't…" she stammered.

"Sure you can!" Corny's voice laughed from behind her, "Anyone can!"

Penny's face turned redder, as Link grabbed her around the waist – thus pulling her away from Seaweed – and grabbed her hand.

"Ready?" he asked, grinning mischievously.
"For what?" Penny asked. She got her answer, as Link started twirling her quickly around. She laughed as they dodged fellow council members, before he spun her around once more and dipped her so low her pigtails trailed the ground.

"Lincoln Larkin!" she scolded playfully as he pulled her back up, "Next time, more warning!!"

He shook his head playfully and, giving her the famous 'Link Wink', he walked back towards Tracy. Penny sighed and looked over at Seaweed, who was talking to Becky. Or should she say flirting? Penny had learnt that about Seaweed over the last month.

He wasn't really capable of a stable relationship, because he enjoyed being a 'player'. She sighed and went to talk to Corny, who was preparing his lines for the next show.

"So, Pen, you coming to the party?" Corny asked distractedly.

"What party?" Penny asked, surprised.

"Oh, I'm hosting a party tomorrow to celebrate Maybelle's fortieth birthday," Corny beamed, "It's a surprise party. Seaweed would love for you to come,"
Penny shrugged, "Sure, I'll be there."
"Great!" Corny laughed, walking away. Penny stood watching Seaweed and Becky, before she heard Shelley come up beside her.

"Hey, C-Chick," Shelley giggled. 'C-Chick' was short for Checkerboard Chick and it was one of Shelley's not-so-smart inventions.

"What do you want, Shelley?" Penny sighed.

"Well, I just wanted to warn you," Shelley murmured, suddenly serious, "Don't trust your man with Becky,"
Penny looked across at her, "What do you mean?"
Shelley rolled her eyes, "Becky has a big crush on him. Which is surprising cos she never really cared about Negro boys till you dated him. Anyway, Becky is also a big who—"

"Hey, Shell!" Brad grinned, running up.

"—ly moley, I'm thirsty!" Shelley finished, running towards the drinks table. Penny blinked in surprise, while Brad smiled frostily at Penny.

"So, C-Chick, how's it going with that Negro?" he sneered. Penny glared at him.

"What's it to you?" she snapped. Brad shrugged.

"Well, I don't get why Negro boy gets all-a you, when there's deserving boys like me who could use some of you," Brad hinted, waggling his eye brows. Penny could hardly keep the look of disgust off her face.

"Ew!" she cried, inching away, "Leave me alone, Brad!"
Brad flung his arm over her shoulders, pulling her closer, "C'mon baby. Don't act like you're not impressed by me!"
"What? Because you stuff?" Penny hissed. Brad's arm stiffened suddenly and he pulled her dangerously close.

"Don't act like that, darlin'," he murmured. He looked like he was about to kiss her when he felt a hand land on his shoulder. He turned to see Link Larkin standing behind him, eyes narrowed.

"I think you oughta leave her alone," he glowered, pulling Brad away. Brad shrugged Link off of him and left, throwing a disgusted look back.

"You alright, Pen?" Link asked. Penny nodded, arms folded.

"Yeah. I'm alright," she answered, grinning up at him, "Thanks for that, Link,"
"Hey, not a problem," Link insisted, slinging an arm around her, "I'm just sick-a that Brad. Could use an excuse to beat him up,"
Penny burst out laughing, leaning her head on his shoulder, "Thanks, Linky,"
"Hey, what did we say about that dreadful name!" Link scolded, before kissing the top of her head and walking away towards Tracy.

"Hey, Linky!" Tracy exclaimed. Penny's mouth dropped open as Link just kissed her and started walking off set. How come Tracy could call him that but Penny –?

Penny cut herself off, shaking her head. Why should she care about what Link let his girlfriend call him?

Penny shook her head, pigtails flying, and walked after the couple, looking forward to Maybelle's party the next day.

Again, dull dull dull dull DULL! Oh well, a little Pink stuff :D Anyways, we'll have Maybelle's party next. And ONE of our fav (cough, least fav, cough) couples will break up!
Adios, amigos, and review!