The Learning Curve: Chapter 64

Forks High School

The formal was exactly what I thought it would be. Lots of streamers, lots of balloons, and lots of cleavage. To Edward's credit, he only made me take one picture under the arch set up for that purpose, and he quickly obtained punch before taking me into the gym.

The DJ had a bouncy pop song playing, but only a few bold girls were dancing. Everyone else that was here was either loitering around the refreshment table or lingering around the tables set up around the perimeter of the gym. Rosalie waved us over to a corner table where she sat with Emmett. Alice and Jasper arrived shortly after, and we sat and talked over the loud music.

The conversation revolved mainly around college. Rosalie and Emmett were both aiming for schools in Southern California. Alice had her sights set on either art school or fashion school, and Jasper was applying to universities near her choices, ready to follow her wherever she went. I was silent during most of the conversation. I could only think about all the amazing schools Edward would get into where I didn't stand a chance. I wondered which scenario would be worse - Edward going far away from me, or Edward staying here and squandering his potential just to be with me. I wanted to keep him close so badly, but I couldn't hold him back.

When the others went off to dance, Edward turned to me. "You look so beautiful tonight. That dress is...amazing." His eyes traveled down my body, lingering on my legs. "So are the shoes."

I felt heat rush through my body. "You look really great, too. The suit is...sexy."

I'd had a difficult time looking at anything but him tonight. He wore a black suit over a white shirt with a tie that nearly matched my dress. The cut of the suit highlighted his long frame and broad shoulders. The only thing better would be to have him naked.

Edward grinned at me when a slow song began to play. "Wanna dance?"

"Edward," I complained, "we talked about this."

"Just one dance," he wheedled. "Trust me - I have a plan."

So I followed him onto the dance floor. He put his arms around me and very carefully lifted me until my toes were atop his.

"Really?" I laughed. "Isn't this normally done with children?"

He shrugged and rocked slowly with me, not moving our feet too much. "It works, doesn't it?"

I nodded and leaned into his body, content simply to be in his arms.

But, again, it would be better if we were naked. And not in the middle of a crowded gymnasium.

A/N: I hope everyone had a great holiday. I'm not at all ready to go back to work, but then, I never am. See you tomorrow - earlier than I'm doing today, I hope.