He couldn't help it. He felt like a celebrity when he walked into the gymnasium using his crutches, Lindsay holding onto his arm. He could feel every eye on him, and

heard some snickers, but he didn't dare make eye contact. He stared directly in front of him, in awe of how an ordinary high school gymnasium could turn into a magical

place, seemingly overnight. He knew that in reality it was the work of the decorating committee, but the silver and blue cardboard stars hanging from the ceiling and

the turning disco ball that threw tiny patterns of light onto the walls, accompanied by the slow pop tune by Pearl Jam gave the place a magical feeling. Or perhaps it

was Lindsay.

"How many?"

He quickly reached into his pocket, prepared to open his wallet, but Lindsay gently pushed his hand way. "No Flynn. I'm the one who asked you to the dance. It's my

treat."

He blinked in surprise. Was this girl for real? "But-."

"Here." She thrust two ten dollar bills in front of Flynn's face and smiled as the man across from them handed her two green tickets. "All right, let's go."

They made their way through the sea of kids, (most of whom were dressed raggedly, but some had dressed in their Sunday best, and the rest were dressed in-

between) until they reached the middle of the gymnasium.

His gaze suddenly locked with Missy Sherwood, her arm possessively around Matt Love, the big-headed ego-maniac corner-back for the Varsity football team, and he

cringed. He knew that this night was bound to end badly. Any moment, the two were bound to approach them bringing along sarcastic and humiliating comments that

would surely make Lindsay run far away. But to his amazement, they stared at him only for a few seconds, not even making a move to come near.

With her arm firmly around Matt's waist, Missy turned on her high heels and walked away. Flynn was still staring at her in disbelief when he felt warmth on his back and

he turned to find Lindsay smiling at him. "Do you want to dance, Flynn? I mean, this is a dance, and -."

"Oh... Yeah. I'm sorry. I..."

They walked toward an open space near the back of the gym, and she moved closer and put her hand around his waist, therefore increasing his already steady

heartbeat. But when their eyes met, neither of them spoke. Instead they looked at one another, both of them understanding.

"Your crutches." She said softly.

"It's okay Lindsay. Maybe this was a bad idea. I mean I appreciate you asking me and all, but-." Before he realized what was happening, she was taking his crutches

from him laying them gently across a row of chairs by the wall. "Just hold onto me, okay?"

His heart turned in circles. "Gladly."

She smiled and took his hand guiding his free hand to her waist. And then to his delight, she was resting her head against his chest as they slowly began to move back

and forth to the music. He couldn't move much, not like the other boys who were turning their dates around and around, but it was enough. And Lindsay didn't seem to

mind at all. "I love this song…" She said against his chest. "I mean, I know it's not really cool for girls to like music by Soundgarden. At least that's what my dad says,

but-."

"That's stupid."

She looked up sharply, and he was horrified that he'd spoken out loud. "I don't mean what you said was stupid, but… I think it's cool that you like them. They're

awesome. Um… most girls only like girl bands, you know? And that's fine but it's nice to find someone who likes the same kind of music that I do. I mean, it shouldn't

matter who the artist is, as long as you like the music, right?"

"I agree."

A comfortable silence fell between them and he could hear her humming along to "Black Hole Sun" and at that moment, he'd never been happier.