"I'm sure you all know the deal with the committee by now" commented Michelle upon entering the computer room reserved for the Business Studies class. A soft but friendly smile graced her lips, as she looked around those selected for the Committee this year. Some had been hand-picked by Trish whereas others had been placed there by other staff members. The upbeat woman soon sighed with relief upon seeing her request of the cheerleaders and jocks to constantly draw attention to themselves, not there. Although a few of their associates were, such as Serenity and Natalya, as well as both Tyson and Jinder. The latter with the side of his head still bandaged up from where Cross had almost bit his ear off the first week back. Michelle soon got to setting out paper and pens in the middle of each table, ready for the tasks she had ready for the group of twelve teenagers to use when needed. "Let's hear some theme ideas" spoke the beautiful woman, her smile turning motherly, to see the mix of teenagers, seeming more comfortable, now the majority of those who tormented and took over everything weren't present.
"Anything but the underwater/ little mermaid theme the jocks and cheerleaders normally do" muttered Summer from one of the middle tables. She like so many others, found the theme to be boring and overused, to the point the past few years had reused old decorations instead of buying new ones. Not that anyone took notice, those who did attend were those closest to Brie and Daniel, as the dance was normally turned into a party about them, instead of promoting the school sports teams.
"What's wrong with the traditional theme?" questioned Serenity, speaking up with annoyance slipping through her voice. She all but glared at the leggy blonde from her place at the back of the room, all while ignoring Sami sniggering at her words, Shayna close by attempting to hold back her snide comments. "The swim team is the main one, shouldn't they be in the spotlight" casually added the brunette, suddenly finding herself nervous, how everyone in the room had fallen into silence.
"The theme is old, boring, overused, and brings back a lot of bad feelings for many students" voiced Emma from the same table as Summer. "It's better to do something new, something that's fun for everyone and doesn't suggest constant torment and exclusion by the oh-so-popular ones" suggested the bubbly teen, leaving off her thoughts about Daniel and Brie once again ruining the dance for others, even more so now. Brie was no longer the head cheerleader, whereas Daniel had been removed from both teams he'd been a part of. The two were bitter and wouldn't hesitate to take it out on everyone else around them.
"The wrestling team is the main one this year" declared Michelle, revealing what many had already suspected. This year the focus would be on the wrestling team, with the swim, volleyball, dodgeball, and basketball teams taking a back burner for once. Although all four teams would still be entered into their normal competitions. "So now the traditional theme is out, we need ideas for a replacement" added the beautiful woman, making the quotation marks when she said traditional, as if stating her own dislike for the theme. At the same time, her icy eyes rolled over every student in the room, as if she hoped a particular one would speak up and finally be heard after all but being silenced and ignored the previous year.
"What about a starry theme, maybe with a red carpet so everyone feels welcome and like the star of the show" answered Echo, shifting slightly in her seat, even more so when the attention turned to her. Most appearing surprised she'd spoken, those on the committee with her last year, likely remember her as the quiet one whom Brie and Daniel took their anger out on. The one given the jobs nobody else could be bothered to do. Seth at her side with a small smile threatening to take over, as he silently encouraged her without uttering a single word. Sami appeared to be doing the same from across the table.
"All those in favor of Echo being committee leader, say I" announced Xavier from the front table, almost smirking upon noticing Michelle had been one of those who said I. The only ones who didn't were Serenity and Natalya, both girls appeared oblivious to their counterparts in Jinder, and Tyson had spoken out in agreement with Echo, a rival and someone considered low on the hierarchy. Brie and Daniel would be irate for sure. In fact, neither Serenity nor Natalya appeared to be paying attention, instead both typing away at their phones. "Congrats Miss Black. Now order us about" laughed Xavier, seeing Echo seemed uncertain about being in control. Yet at the same time had likely figured she'd been selected to prevent Daniel and Brie from getting their way, which in turn would only irk them more than they already were.
"Everyone here has ideas, put them all into a questionnaire and allow the students to decide the theme" calmly spoke the midnight-haired teen from her spot at the middle outside table. "Students are more likely to attend if they have reassurance it's not going to be like every other year. Especially last year's" commented Echo, recalling the disaster that was last year's Homecoming dance, most didn't attend due to those branded popular advertising it as an exclusive party. Most of the star athletes neglected to go, and the dance had been cut short by Vince, upon becoming aware those in attendance were the only ones to come. Others such as Carmella and Sasha held their own smaller get-togethers, as did a few other students in different year groups.
Shayna soon reached across the table to retrieve one of the pens and some paper, standing up moments later to go around and get theme suggestions from the others spread across the room. At the same time, Michelle walked over to Echo, placing the silver badge declaring one as Committee leader in front of her. Sheamus soon announced he would get started on the questionnaire, if only so they had a headstart and could get it finished before the end of the midday committee. At least that way they stood a chance at getting it out to the students by the afternoon tutor session.
"We should take a page out of Miz's book and highlight unique students from each year group. As well as those from previous teams. Like a yearbook" commented Sami. The freshman students for sure would at least take delight in seeing everyone was appreciated. At the same time, the redhead remembered the YouTube videos Miz made for his year group every year. A video yearbook with little Mizzy awards. Things like Cutest Couple, Most Likely to Succeed, Most Unique, Meanest, Most Unsocialable, Future Millionaire, etc. "Like Cross, we all hear her laughter before seeing her practically bouncing off the walls" added the Canadian, chuckling when he recalled the latest incident. How the Scottish teen had essentially played a game of bowling. She was the ball whereas those in her path were the pins.
"I'll add something to the questionnaire, for nominations" spoke Sheamus from the computers against the walls of the room. His Irish accent came through thick. From the desk at the front of the room, Michelle looked on with a prideful smile. Her pride only grew to see most of the students committed to doing something outside the normal theme, seeing them determined the student body as a whole would get a say. Determined this year's dance was going to be something everyone would feel welcome at and enjoy.
"Okay, as the leader of this committee, the theme will be Under the Sea" called Serenity, as if her words meant more than the collective opinion of everyone else. While also clearly showing she hadn't paid any attention, after being told the normal theme was out. Instead, she'd been conversing with Brie via text message, getting all the details needed for the original plans, she and the other girls had made over the summer holidays. The brunette soon huffed upon noticing nobody but Natalya paid her any mind. Tyson had volunteered to search for decorations, teaming with Emma and Summer. Jinder had been paired with Xavier and Shayna to work on a music playlist. Whereas Sheamus put the theme ideas into the questionnaire draft, hoping it would be approved by Michelle before being sent out to the student body. Sami, Echo, and Seth had the list of theme ideas in front of them, each coming up with potential decoration ideas, drafting them out on the pieces of paper with items clearly marked.
"LISTEN TO ME!" yelled Serenity upon her words falling on deaf ears. "As the leader of the committee, I'm declaring the theme WILL be Under the Sea. The color scheme will be blue, silver, pink, purple, and green. Make it known mermaid style dresses only. No date means no entry and NO BLACK under any circumstances" loudly exclaimed the brunette, after finally gaining the attention of the other ten students outside Natalya. Even Michelle gave her the attention desired, even if she looked furious by the teen's disrespectful declaration.
"Had you actually been paying attention, Miss Irons. Then you would be well aware you're not the nominated leader, and the student body decides what the theme will be via a questionnaire" calmly responded Michelle, surprising even herself by how smooth her voice was. Even more so in the face of another teenager who felt she could ignore the majority to vote, to get what she and other popular students wanted. "Either find something to do or remove yourself from the committee" added the school guidance councillor. Softness returned to her the moment her attention returned to the other teenagers gathered around the room, even more so when she took notice of both Tyson and Jinder joining in as if they had both elected to help rather than be a hindrance.
Serenity soon huffed loudly before taking her seat, putting effort into making as much noise as possible. As she grabbed a pen from the center of her table, before pulling out her pink glittery notebook. Upon doing so she began to write down the plans for homecoming. Both the one's Brie and her girls had made during the summer and the ones being made in the ongoing session. Just as she was quick to write down a small list of those who she believed should be banned from the dance complete. The skinny brunette soon become distracted, her thoughts turning to the Samoan teen she found herself crushing on. Even to the other three boys whom she found herself wanting to be closer to, one of which was on the committee too.
Quickly Serenity wrote their names down on a new page of her notebook, drawing a little heart next to each one. A long with a few ideas for a date, should they agree when she gained the courage to ask them out. The moment her hazel eyes flicked to what the others were doing, she felt her jealousy bubble up. Her cousin working closely with one of her crushes, seeming oblivious to the longing looks he occasionally sent her way. Natalya soon noticed Serenity's growing frustration, but not at failing to get things Brie's way, there was still time for that. Instead, the brunette's frustration appeared to be spurred on by her jealousy. Jealous Seth Rollins was once again giving his full attention to Echo.
"What's up with your Echo obsession?" asked Natalya, not bothering to sugarcoat her words, although she had whispered her question, so as not to draw attention to herself or Serenity. The skinny brunette soon looked round to Natalya, a look of glee painted on her features, finally, someone had noticed. "You jumped right into attacks without question, take every opportunity to throw shade her way, and now your acting like a jealous girlfriend because Seth is being obvious with his attraction" spoke the third-generation student, listing the things Serenity had done since transferring from Sacred Heart Academy. The latest addition to the popular ranks merely smirked, as she remembered some of the things she'd done. Even more so at what she was about to reveal to the gossipy girl next to her.
"She's my cousin" casually replied Serenity, as if the new snippet of information was already common knowledge. "Our dads were brothers" added the boney brunette, seemingly disinterested as she revealed she was in fact related to five other students at All Star Academy, including the outspoken teen now referred to as Demon by those in her circle. "We've never gotten along, she never accepted I was the superior one. Made everything difficult. Even worse now" spoke the brunette, practically growling her words, each one dripping with hate and jealousy. Her views of her other cousins were much better. Hunter, Echo's twin was just as difficult as Echo, if not more so. Never once had he paid any mind to anything Serenity had rudely demanded. Instead, he ignored her and her mother for the most part. The triplets weren't any better, Oscar, Blaine, and Lewis. All three had been nightmares when they were little, never staying in one place long enough to say boo to a goose. They were always running around and being loud. The few times Serenity had babysat the trio for some extra cash, she'd almost torn her own hair out. And the disaster of breaking a few nails had happened more times than not.
Just as Natalya was about to ask questions, the bell signaling the end of break and thrust the end of the Homecoming Committee rang out. Those in the Business Studies Classroom were soon released, set to return back to the sports class. Some of them had remained in their sports gear, just throwing a hoodie or some sort of jacket over the top, as was the case with all but Serenity, who had opted to change back into the maxi dress she'd been wearing prior. Michelle's promise of getting the approved questionnaire printed and sent to the afternoon tutors followed each out of the classroom door, as did the instruction to return at the end of the day for the after-school session.
"Looks like we missed some drama" commented Seth, as he and Echo returned to the sports hall. Aleister at the top of the bleachers chuckling about something. Daniel with a red hand print marking his left cheek, Brie not fairing any better as she sat at the bottom of the bleachers trying to mend her bag strap. Several students were whispering about something, while Nikki seemed proud of herself. Dean almost seemed amused, whereas Miz congratulated Nikki and Renee on something. Carmella once again stated she had caught everything on camera, as she and Corey appeared to be watching over the footage in question while waiting to hear what they were doing for the next two periods of sports class. Even when it clearly had something to do with wrestling, as the ring had been prepared during the break.