3 WEEKS LATER…

"Good morning, Andalasia High School! Student council president, Philip, here! Don't forget the Valentine's Day Red and White Ball is next Saturday from 7:00pm-10:00pm…"

Rapunzel dropped her chin in the palm of her hand. She didn't have to be reminded about the dance. She'd been working her butt off for the last few weeks trying to pull it all off. Now, everything was finally done, except the decorating, but that couldn't be done until the day of. Rapunzel had been so busy with dance committee, cheerleading and the cheerleading and dance competition that she hadn't even had time to think about a date for the dance. For the last week she's had to listen to Snow White and Cinderella fight over the same guy. Rapunzel didn't really know him; all she knew was that he was a senior and his last name was Prince. It was the same for every dance since freshman year. They both liked him, but neither of them ever asked him to a dance. In the end, they always went to the dances together. Rapunzel thought it was just as well; the guy sounded really arrogant.

Rapunzel wondered who she should ask. She thought about asking Flynn, but no doubt he already had a date. The dance was announced three weeks ago and he probably had ten girls ask him that morning alone. Rapunzel liked him a lot, just like most of the girls in the junior class. True, he had flirted with her at Mickey's the night of the Camelot game, but he was a well-known flirt and it probably didn't mean anything to him. But, it meant a lot to Rapunzel.

When class ended, Rapunzel said good bye to Mr. Thatch and headed out of the classroom. Thomas was waiting for in the hallway, just like every morning.

"How was History?" Thomas asked.

"Good. How was English?"

"Not bad."

Rapunzel nodded. "Hey, Thomas?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you have a date to the Red and White Ball next Saturday?"

"No."

"Um, would you like to go with me? As friends?" Rapunzel asked.

Thomas smiled at her. "Sure."

XXX

Phoebus caught up with Esmeralda on her way to lunch. He took her hand and pulled her off to the side. He leaned against the wall and looked at her like he was waiting for her to say something. Esmeralda knew he wanted her to ask him to the Red and White Ball. And she had every intention of asking him. Since the morning after the party, he had taken her on several dates and still hadn't even tried kissing her. Esmeralda was hoping he'd kiss her soon, but she was loving everything else about dating Phoebus. She always had so much fun with him and there was never any pressure. He was also the most romantic guy she had ever met.

"So, what's up?" Esmeralda asked, pretending not to know what he wanted.

"I was just wondering what you were doing next Saturday night," Phoebus said.

Esmeralda pretended to think for a moment. "I don't know, yet. Are you asking me out on another date?"

"Not exactly. Next Saturday night the Red and White Ball."

Esmeralda nodded. "Are you asking me to go to the ball with you?"

"Um, no. It's a Sadie Hawkins dance, the girls have to ask the boys," Phoebus explained.

"Oh, yes. So, I suppose you want me to ask you."

Phoebus smiled; he was obviously on to her little game. "That's right."

"I don't know, Phoebus, I've had a lot of other guys try to get me to ask them. Why should I ask you over them?" Esmeralda asked.

Phoebus looked at her like he knew she was going to say that. "Because I'm the only guy who would actually appreciate spending time with you and will not expect anything in return."

"I don't think Tarzan would try getting into my dress," Esmeralda stated.

"Fair enough, but I'm the only one who actually likes you for you, Esmeralda. I won't use you or hurt you," Phoebus said.

He's good, Esmeralda thought. "Phoebus, will you go to the Red and White Ball with me?"

Phoebus pretended to be surprised. "Me? Really? This is so unexpected!"

Esmeralda playfully shoved him. "Oh, come on."

Phoebus put his arm around her. "I'd love to."

XXX

Meg sat in her English class, watching Flynn read his Edgar Allan Poe essay out loud to the class. She had to admit that he was good-looking. She found herself thinking about him way more than she should since the beginning of the semester. Part of her actually wanted to ask him to the Red and White Ball. But, she knew she never would. She knew his type; self-centered jock, who was only after one thing. Sure, he was good-looking and funny, but in the end he was no different than Hercules.

Flynn finished reading, then sat down. His seat was diagonally in front of Meg's. Mrs. Radcliffe called up the next student to read their essay. Meg was glad she did hers first and got it done and over with.

Philip leaned over to talk to Flynn.

"Hey, who are you going to the ball with?" Philip asked.

Flynn ran his hand through his hair. "No one, yet."

"Really? I thought you had a several girls already ask you," Philip said.

"I have. I just don't want to go with any of them," Flynn replied. "I'm so sick of this dating around thing. It's hard keeping track of all these different girls. I envy what you have with Aurora. I want something real like that."

"Is there someone you want it with?" Philip asked.

"No one in particular; I just want a girl who's different than all the other girls in school. A girl who isn't superficial, and who doesn't always have to be the center of attention. Someone who actually likes me and won't use me just to gain popularity," Flynn explained.

Meg was surprised at what she heard Flynn say. He described you, Meg told herself. She shook the thought out of her head. So what if she matched that description? Just ask him! Meg was starting to get a headache.

The bell rang and Meg shoved everything into her bag, without bothering to close it. As she went out into the hall, Vanesssa was coming out of her History class. When Vanessa walked by Meg she shoved her. Meg lost her balance and fell, spilling everything in her backpack on the floor. Vanessa laughed and continued walking. Everyone stared at her as they walked by, but no one helped her. Meg reached out to grab a paper, and someone stepped on her hand. She cried out and jerked her hand back. The person stopped and knelt down.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't see you."

Meg was about to snap at him, until she saw it was Flynn. "It's ok."

Flynn helped Meg pick up her stuff, then stood up. He held out his hand to her. Meg gave him her injured hand and he pulled her up.

"How's your hand?" Flynn asked, not letting go of it.

"It's too early to tell, but I'll probably have to get it amputated." Meg shrugged. "There goes my hand modeling career."

Flynn laughed, and Meg smiled at him. They walked down the hall together, and Meg was very aware of the fact the Flynn still hadn't let go of her hand. As they approached the gym, Meg cleared her throat and pulled her hand away.

"This is my stop," Meg said. "Thanks for your help."

Flynn hesitated for a couple seconds, but then smiled at her and started to walk away. Meg bit her lip. Damn it!

"Flynn?" Meg called after him.

Flynn turned around and walked back over to her. "Yeah?"

"Would you like to go to the Red and White Ball with me?" Meg asked before she could change her mind.

Flynn was obviously taken by surprise a little bit, but it only lasted briefly. "Yeah, all right-"

The bell rang then.

"I'll call you later. Bye, Meg." Flynn smiled at her, then hurried off.

Meg waved after him, then went into the locker room.