"Marcie...and Chuck?" Peppermint Patty's jaw practically dropped to the floor.
"Well, she has liked him forever," Sally shrugged. Linus exchanged glances with her.
"But Charlie's always liked Heather," Schroeder added, sipping his drink.
Lucy crossed her arms. "He's been dreaming too long on that one." It wasn't very nice of her to say, but when she looked across the room, Heather was with Patricia and Violet, chatting away. Surely they were gossiping just the same as their group was. Heather was staring at Charlie and Marcie, saying something to Violet.
"They make a nice pair," Franklin said as the two walked to the other side of the gym, Charlie helping Marcie with her coat.
"I didn't know Marcie liked Chuck," Patty said quietly. Lucy heard the shock in her voice. She really didn't know. "Well," Patty smacked the table and a raised voice. "Let's get this game going. What are we thinking? Poker?"
"Fine," Pigpen began to shuffle the cards. Linus and Sally both pulled up chairs.
"What do you suppose we do now?" Schroeder whispered to her.
She turned to him, "What do you mean?"
"I don't know how to play poker," Schroeder shrugged. She didn't either, not really. She had seen her parents and her uncles play it once. But she didn't know enough to play herself.
"Then let's show what we know, " Lucy finished her punch. Putting the glass on the table next to Schroeder's, Lucy grabbed his hand and guided him to the middle of the floor. The song was jazzy, just like the ones they had practiced to. They began to dance with fresh sparingly steps. A few teens stopped to watch them, but Lucy didn't pay any attention to them. This was her and Schroeder's moment. She wouldn't waste a second not enjoying it.
As the song ended, Schroeder twirled her into him. Instead of twirling her back out, Schroeder hugged her to him, slowing their steps. Another fast jazz song played, but Schroeder didn't pick up the pace. "What is it?" she asked.
"Did I tell you that you look absolutely stunning tonight?" he countered.
"No," Lucy admitted, feelings the blush rising in her cheeks. She knew he wasn't lying. He wouldn't do that to her. It made the remark all the sweeter.
"You do. You really, really, do."
Lucy couldn't help but laugh. Surely, he was joking. "You're just saying that."
"Why would I?" Schroeder raised a brow. She still didn't believe him. She had never been called pretty or beautiful before. And surely she had never been stunning. "I'm not lying to you, Lucy."
"I know," Lucy nodded. "It's just hard to believe." She felt the urge to stare at her feet.
"You better believe it," he took her chin with his thumb. "You're beautiful." At that moment, she really believed him. She felt beautiful with his hand on her waist, his eyes staring into hers, holding his hand.
"Alright," Lucy nodded. "Enough romance." She twirled out again, launching the pair into another fast dance. She didn't even feel the slightest faint. With Schroeder, she simply felt happy. Complete.
Marcie stared out onto the floor from the other side of the gym. Lucy and Schroeder were stars of the show, showing new dance moves she had only seen done on her living room TV. She never cared to watch those dance shows, but her mother loved them. Occasionally, she would look up from her book and watch as talented teens wiggled, swayed, and pranced about. They were like a distant dream.
"I think it's working Marcie," Charles whispered to her as he sat down. "Did you see Heather's face when we walked in?"
"Yeah," Marcie lied. She looked at Heather now, who was dancing with an underclassman she didn't know. "I don't think it'll continue work if we just sit here."
"Right," Charlie stood. "I'm going to get some punch, then we'll go out next song. Yeah?"
"Sounds great, Charles," Marcie nodded, watching him walk away once again. He had been making the rounds of socializing. It wasn't like Marcie was sitting here alone. Sally had come by, talking to her very little. They exchanged the formalities of how nice the other looked.
"I didn't know you were coming with big brother," Sally admitted. "Although I guess I never told him who I was coming here with either. Linus told me you know."
"I haven't said anything to him," Marcie consoled her. "It is not my secret to tell." Sally thanked her and went on her way. Soon enough, she and Linus were on the dance floor, smiling with such a glee Marcie could only read about.
Her reflections on the previous conversation were interrupted as the seat next to hers was filled. "So, this is where you sneaked off to," Patty's harsh voice called over the music.
"I didn't sneak, sir," Marcie stated. "I told you I had a date."
"You never said it was Chuck," Patty folded her arms and slumped in her seat. "I thought you knew I wanted him to take me."
"I did," Marcie admitted. There was no use in lying. "Charles just wanted to go with a friend. That's all."
"Oh, really," Patty grumbled. "Well, if you're just friends, why are you avoiding me?"
"I'm waiting for Charles." Marcie wished Patty wouldn't look at her like that. I made her feel as if she had committed mutiny.
"Right well..."
"Here you go, Marcie," Charles came back with the punch. He stopped when he saw Peppermint Patty. "Hello Patty, you look nice tonight."
"Really, Chuck?" Patty asked, off-guard. She soon collected herself, her frustration seeping back into her eyes. She rose out of her seat and marched back across the gym.
"What was that about?" Charlie asked Marcie, taking a sip.
"Nothing of real importance, Charles," Marice shook her head, refusing to make eye contact with anything else but the floor. It was a good enough excuse for Charles because he simply leaned back in his chair and stared out into the crowd. Presumably out at Heather.
When the next song played, Charlie took Marcie into his arms and began to sway. "I didn't know you could really dance, Charles," Marcie admitted.
"Snoopy taught me," Charlie said instantly. She gave him a strange look. "It's a long story."
"I see," Marcie peered over his shoulder. Patty wasn't in sight, but Heather was. She glanced once over to Charlie, but not long enough for Marcie to see any emotion whatsoever.
"Is she looking?"
"What?"
"Heather. Is she looking?" His voice was filled with excitement. Marcie hated that he sounded like that, it just made the reality even more painful.
"Charles," Marice called.
"Hmm?"
"If you want this to work, we might have to take this further," she suggested.
"Further?" Their eyes locked and their dancing ceased.
"We have to act like we're in love," she finally said.
"Us? In love?" Charlie appeared absolutely mortified.
"Yes," Marcie started moving again, putting them back into step. "When she sees your commitment, that's when she'll realize you have more to yourself than football."
"It does sound smart enough." He pondered a moment. "Do you think it'll really work?"
"I know it will," Marcie confirmed. "Girls often want what they can't have. Through my experience and studies, I can almost guarantee this will work."
Charlie grinned, "You're amazing Marice." He pulled her just a little closer and danced with more spring in his step. Marcie mimicked his expression. At least she could enjoy this while it lasted.
About an hour was left on the clock before the dancing would conclude. Throughout the night, there was talk about Charlie and Marice as they finally danced a slow song together. Then there was even more chatter about Lucy and Schroeder, who seemed to be in their own world. Linus had never seen his sister so happy, but he had to admit that it was rather strange he hadn't seen a single strange look in his direction. He never left Sally's side for most of the night, and not one student for a second gave them a second glance. Were they that invisible, or was their connection that obvious?
Linus and Sally were each out of breath from dancing for four songs straight together. "You know," Sally huffed as she fixed her blonde curls, "I think I could stand outside in the freezing cold and still be warm."
"Perhaps a stroll?" Linus suggested. "Unless you would like to stay?"
"No," Sally shook her head. She smiled as they exited the floor. "I think we've done enough damage tonight."
"If we've done any at all," Linus shrugged. He picked up both of their coats. Pigpen was dancing with Peppermint Patty, and Franklin was chatting with Violet and Patrica by the punch bowl. His sister was still on the floor. His best friend was nowhere to be seen. The coast was clear for them. Helping Sally with her coat, the couple went off into the chilly night.
"I don't think anyone noticed us between Lucy and Schroeder and Marcie and Charlie," Sally said as Linus took her hand. He helped her down the school steps and onto the sidewalk.
"It had been a different night than I had planned," he admitted. "If you wanted we could go to the middle of the floor, I could dip you and give you the most passionate kiss ever in the history of man."
"Pfft," Sally shook her head. "You would never do such a thing."
"Really?" Linus raised a brow. "Is that a challenge?" He went back to the school, guiding her towards the stairs. She stopped, pulling back on his arm, laughing.
"No! It's not a challenge!" she exclaimed. "Come back here."
"Alright," Linus gave in. "A little hypocritical, but I'll allow it."
"Tonight was a big step," Sally shrugged. "We've escaped a natural disaster, so I call it a win."
"How should we celebrate?" Linus teased.
"Hmmm," Sally tapped her chin once before smiling. "How would you have kissed me if I let you take me back into the dance?"
Linus matched her expression and pulled her near. "Maybe a little something like this," he spun her around once before dipping her. "Then something like this." He then gave her the deepest of kisses. When he pulled back, he questioned, "How was that?"
"Do it again," Sally commanded with a giggle.
"I don't know how much more my legs can take," Schroeder admitted. Lucy laughed as they left the floor.
"I think we've done good," Lucy shrugged. "I am rather thirsty after all of that."
Schroeder's joyous expression changed instantly to worry. "Are you feeling faint at all? Do you need to sit down?"
"Schroeder," Lucy stopped him from pulling out a chair. She gave him a reassuring grin. "I've had two full meals and a snack today. I feel great." Schroeder sighed with relief. "Rest your legs, I'll get some more punch." Before he could protest, she held up a finger. "I mean it. Rest." He nodded, practically slumping into a chair next to Peppermint Patty, who was too busy watching the dance floor to notice him.
Lucy weaved through the gym, hopping to the beat as she went. When she got to the tables, she was all alone. Still tapping her foot, she poured herself another glass of punch. The table swiveled under her resting hand. She jumped back as she saw Travis, a sophomore she used to babysit when she was ten. He was now a burly boy, tall and dark, and strong. He even played on the football team."Lucy van Pelt."
"Travis," Lucy smiled. "Are you enjoying the dance?"
"It's alright," he shrugged. "I saw that you were rather...enjoying yourself."
"I was, thank you," Lucy finished off her punch. She went to refill it but was interrupted by Travis.
"You fill out that dress nicely," he remarked.
"Excuse me?" she muttered, feeling his hand on her waist.
"I think you know what I meant," Travis grinned as his hand drifted down her hip. "You've got the right curves for sure."
"Get off," Lucy tried to push him away, but he only held her closer. She struggled, but with every breath, she was squeezed tighter.
"Why don't you dance with me, Lucy?" Travis asked, letting her smell the alcohol on his breath. She turned her head away as he leaned closer.
"Hey," Shroeder's voice was like a song of angels. He ripped Travis's shoulder back.
"Oh...hey Schroeder. I hope you don't mind if I steal your girl for a dance."
"I do mind, actually," Schroeder didn't look at Lucy. "Let her go."
"What are you going to do about it?" Travis laughed. The next thing Lucy saw was Schroeder's fist flying straight into Travis's left eye. He let go of Lucy instantly, stumbling back into the table. Lucy watched as Schroeder shook out his fist.
"Are you alright?" he asked Lucy. She was about to take him into her arms when Travis came back. He hit Schroeder hard in the gut. Schroeder fell to the ground. "Schroeder!" Lucy called, but Travis pushed her out of the way. His foot rose up. She didn't know what he was going to do until Travis stomped on Schroeder's left hand. Lucy heard the immediate crack.
Schroeder screamed, catching the entire gym's attention. "Travis?!" a chaperone called. Travis then bolted, getting caught by the gym doors by two other football players. Whispers echoed across the gym as Lucy bent down next to Schroeder.
"Schroeder," was all Lucy could say. He held his wrist, keeping his eyes closed.
"Are you okay?" Schroeder asked, opening one of his eyes to peer at her.
She could help but smile sadly. "I'm fine." She kissed him quickly in gratitude.
"Lucy," Franklin called as he and Pigpen came to her side. "We can get him out of here."
"Thank you," Lucy took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. The boys each took one of Schroeder's arms, lifting him up. Schroeder groaned with pain, clutching his left wrist.
"I think it's broken," Schroeder uttered.
"We'll get you to a hospital," Lucy told him. "I'll get the coats." The boys led him to the edge of the gym Lucy collected all four of their coats, giving them to each boy. She draped Schoreder's over his shoulders. She then held the doors open for Schroeder to come through. Once she was outside, however, she stopped in her tracks.
Linus and Sally stared at them with wide eyes, still holding each other tightly. They were deep in a romantic kiss when the three caught them. Schroeder immediately felt himself straighten. His hand throbbed terribly, but his heartbeat was faster. They all stood there in silence, no one making a single move. Schroeder couldn't even see anyone's breath in the cool air. It was all still.
"Linus," Lucy stepped forward, going down one step. "Linus and..."
"Lucy," Sally called up. "I can explain."
"Not you," Lucy snapped. Sally was frightened by her expression. "Linus, explain yourself. Tell me this isn't how it looks."
"It's exactly how it looks," Linus confirmed.
"How long?" she asked, taking three more steps. Schroeder himself was afraid of the look in her eye.
"Well be reasona—"
"How long?!" she snapped again. This time, Linus stepped forward, meeting his sister on the bottom step.
"Since summer," Linus answered sternly. "Why do you care so much?"
Lucy ran her fingers through her hair. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I figured you would act just like this!" Linus defended.
"For good reason!" Lucy fought back with ease. "You're Charlie's best friend, Linus. You can't just be prowling on his younger sister and then lie about it."
"Charlie's not my best friend anymore," Linus shook his head. "I never lied about it."
"Call it whatever you want. I thought we were honest, Linus."
"Oh, just like how you told me about Schroeder?" Linus raised a brow. "Real honesty there."
"At least he tells me the truth," Lucy folded her arms. She turned around, seeing Schoreder's calm expression. "Aren't you surprised by this?" He glanced between Lucy, her brother, and Sally. Each wore a different face of desperation.
He couldn't keep it in. He couldn't lie. "No."
"What?" she asked harshly.
"I knew," Schroeder admitted.
Lucy paled instantly. Her jaw fell slack. "You...knew about this?"
"We made him not tell," Sally chimed in. Lucy was unaffected by the statement. She stared right into Schroeder's eyes, not even blinking.
"You knew," Lucy said more firmly. "And you didn't tell me."
"Lucy," Schroeder tried to take the steps. Franklin silently helped him. "Let me—"
"You lied!" she took a step back. "What else have you been lying about?" He knew what she was talking about. Her hands went to her stomach immediately.
"Nothing," Schroeder insisted. "I've never lied to you about that."
"How can I be sure?" Lucy asked. She put a hand to her head now. "You don't really have feelings for me. You don't really think I'm beautiful. You lied."
"I never lied about any of that," Schroeder tried his best to convince her. Her brown eyes were glossy with tears.
"You just felt bad for me," Lucy shook her head. "You told me you would never lie to me, Schroeder. And I believed you."
"I had to keep the secret, that's all."
"Don't worry," Lucy took a few more steps back. "I won't be a burden to you anymore."
"Lucy," Schroeder called after her. He moved down the steps as fast as he could, but he stumbled. When Franklin and Linus steadied him, he felt every pain come back into his wrist. He watched her disappear into the night, wishing this was all a terrible dream. "Lucy!" he yelled, then winced with pain. He couldn't feel his hands at all anymore.
"We have to get you to a hospital," Franklin told him. "Pig-Pen, call his mom."
"I'll go inside," Pig-Pen answered. Schroeder's eyes welled with tears. If it was from Lucy or his hand he wasn't quite sure. He looked to Linus, who started back.
"Make sure she gets home alright," Schroeder told him. Linus nodded, taking Sally's hand. There was one thing that everyone knew that night. Things would never be the same again.