Here are the final two installments to my first “real” story. It’s a little longer than previous chapters, so make sure you have a few minutes to spare. I hope you enjoy.
When Mike’s group walked into the room the first thing he noticed was the music. In fact it would have been impossible to miss, it was so loud. Mike had been to one semi-formal dance before this one. His sophomore year he took a girl named Rachel to winter formal. Turns out she liked going to dances more than she liked Mike. Besides spending most of the evening sitting alone at a table, Mike remembered the deafening sound of music that defines a High School dance.
They found a table to the side of the dance floor for “home base.” The ladies offloaded their purses and Marly took off her heels. Adam and Mike ditched their jackets in the already hot room.
The girls were ready to dance.
Mike didn’t understand the appeal of dancing, at least not High School dancing. Not that bouncing to a beat and bumping into each other took much skill, but Mike wondered when you were supposed to learn these skills. He remembered showing up for his first High School dance and feeling completely out of the loop. He’d never danced before, and he never got the memo that he should know how.
“Hey guys” Jessica said enthusiastically, “Let’s get our dance on!”
Mike didn’t move.
“Come on Mike,” Adam pleaded, “It’ll be fun.”
Mike didn’t want to dance, and he’d rather just sit at the table and watch. But he’d made a promise to himself to enjoy the night, and he didn’t want to leave Jessica high and dry.
“Alright, what the heck.”
When they got to the dance floor Mike considered what an odd social phenomenon this was. The music is too loud to hear someone a foot away, the lights are too dim to see much, the fake smoke being pumped by the DJ is almost suffocating, and all the horny bodies so close together make it downright sweltering.
Mike wasn’t sure what he was doing, but he told himself neither did anyone else. Everyone together became a huddled mob moving and bouncing. What bothered Mike was not having something to hold on to. Mike had discovered at the last dance that he actually enjoyed slow dances more than whatever this was called, because you had someone to hold and focus on. The amorphous “let’s all dance in a big blob” made Mike feel awkward.
Mike reached out and touched Jessica’s hips.
He couldn’t even remember making that decision, but Jessica didn’t seem to mind. She moved closer to Mike. Having something to hold on to made him feel secure. He knew who he was dancing with, and this he could handle.
Monica and Kelso had arrived at the dance fashionably late. After her awkward encounter with Mike at the photo studio, Kelso had driven her an hour to some fancy restaurant with valet parking. The food was good, but by the time they ate and drove back in the direction of the dance, it was almost half over.
After they got settled Kelso took her hand and escorted her to the dance floor. Monica enjoyed dancing, and she’d actually taken classes and performed when she was younger. Dancing with Kelso was a little strange because they didn’t know each other that well. For Monica, standing so close and personal with someone was a fairly intimate situation, and doing that with someone new was hard for her. Apparently it wasn’t for Kelso.
He turned out to be very “hands on.” Monica never felt violated by any means, but Kelso wanted to dance much closer to her than she did to him. Most of the evening she found herself pulling back from him. She thought it typical of most guys. There was almost a mob mentality at a dance. Everyone is dancing so close together that you lose some inhibition and do things you normally wouldn’t, like try and hold your body against a girl that doesn’t want you to. Monica knew the same was true for some of the girls, but they were skanks. Monica had more self-respect than that.
“I’m a little tired,” Monica shouted over the rumble of the bass, “I think I’m gonna take a break.”
Kelso looked a little disappointed, but instead of leaving with her, he stayed on the dance floor.
Jessica and Mike sat at their table and sipped some punch. He was finally starting to enjoy himself, and he regretted not doing that sooner.
“Sorry I was an ass earlier,” he said apologetically.
Jessica was surprised. “Oh, don’t worry about it. We’re having a good time now, so that’s what matters.”
Mike liked her positive attitude, and it was rubbing off on him. He had not planned on enjoying his evening, but things were quickly turning around.
Adam and Marly returned from an extended session on the dance floor. They were both out of breath. Mike wondered what exactly they had been doing.
Adam sat down next to Mike and loosened his tie. He covertly elbowed Mike and gestured across the room. Mike looked but wasn’t sure what he was looking for. Then he saw her.
Sitting at a table all by herself was Monica Callaway, and she looked beautiful in her dress. He felt a little guilty. As much as he was enjoying his time at the dance with Jessica, his heart longed to be with Monica. It was still painful though to think of how badly everything had gone. His bad timing followed by his childish avoidance gave him a bad taste in his mouth.
Mike’s thoughts were interrupted by a break in the music.
“We’re gonna take a right quick break from the musical jams,” the DJ said speedily. “It’s time to find out who will be rocking the last hour of the dance as your Homecoming King and Queen!” Much hollering and cheering rose up from the crowd of students on the dance floor.
Principal Richards walked on stage and took the mic. “Thank you very much Mr. DJ…man…” For Principal Richard’s own sake Mike hoped he would top talking. He continued, “First let’s bring up all those nominated.”
He proceeded to call the names of all the guys and girls that had been nominated and voted on. The popularity of the nominees made Mike unimpressed, but one of the selections stood out: Kelso Baker. Mike hadn’t cared enough to even read his ballot, so seeing him on stage was a surprise. Mike’s first inclination was to look for Monica. She’d left her table and joined the crowd at the dance floor to watch the unveiling.
Monica watched from the edge of the crowd as the last nominees made their way on stage. She didn’t see the need for a popularity contest. Most of the people on the stage spent all their energy trying to be popular. Why they needed a stamp of approval from the rest of the students was beyond her.
Principal Richards fished a small piece of paper out from his jacket pocket. “Now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for. This year’s Homecoming King and Queen!” Another loud roar from the crowd.
“Receiving the most votes from his group of peers, this year’s Homecoming King is…” The Principal paused for dramatic effect.
“Kelso Baker!”
As the crowd applauded and screamed, Monica was a little surprised. She knew Kelso was nominated, but she hadn’t thought much about him possibly winning.
After Kelso was crowned the Principal continued. “Joining him as his beautiful queen, with the most votes from her group of peers, this year’s Homecoming Queen is…Marina Ramirez!” The mob yelled and screamed as a shocked Marina Ramirez was crowned. “I present to you this year’s Homecoming King and Queen!”
Kelso and Marina made their way down to the dance floor. As they did the crowd of students backed up and formed a large circle around them. Monica watched intently as her date danced with his new queen. Marina was pretty, no doubt. Monica was fairly confident Kelso had noticed.
After a few minutes the DJ invited everyone to join the King and Queen on the dance floor. Monica considered returning to her table, but she was a little jealous watching her date slow dance with another girl. Monica weaved her way towards the center of the crowd to steal back her date and enjoy this dance, but as she approached, something she hadn’t expected happened.
When she was only a few couples away, Kelso saw her approaching. He looked at Monica for a moment, and then turned back to Marina. Monica could see him lean in close to his dance partner and say something. Marina gave a small nod. Before Monica could get there, the King and Queen were walking the opposite direction and off the dance floor.
Where they went Monica didn’t know.
Monica stood alone on the dance floor amidst a crowd of slow dancing couples. A tear trickled down her cheek. Any positive qualities she had seen in Kelso Baker disappeared in a flash. Monica suddenly felt like all eyes on the dance floor were watching her. In reality nobody else even noticed, but to Monica it felt like everyone knew her date had just left with someone else.
Monica felt like she couldn’t breathe amidst the smoke from the fog machine. She turned hurriedly to door and escaped into the night air of the aquarium balcony.
Mike stood at his table watching Monica run out the doors. He didn’t know what had happened, but he was willing to bet it was Kelso Baker’s fault. He looked back at Jessica still sitting at the table. Before he could say anything she spoke.
“It’s OK, go get her Mike.”
“I’m sorry tonight didn’t turn out very well…” Mike started.
“It turned out just fine,” Jessica said with satisfaction.
“Yeah Mike,” Adam said, “Now stop wasting time. Go get your girl.”
With the group’s blessing Mike turned and headed for the balcony. As he walked his pace began to quicken.
His heart was beating even faster.
When Mike stepped outside he instantly felt refreshed. The humidity inside had made him sweat incessantly, and the night air outside cooled the perspiration on his brow. There were only a few people outside bearing the cold weather.
Standing at the edge of the balcony watching the water below was Monica Callaway.
Mike hadn’t the faintest idea what he was going to say to her. He didn’t even know if she wanted to see him after the way he’d treated her the last couple weeks. She might just yell at him to go away, but he had to take that chance.
Mike approached the edge of the balcony and stood several feet away from Monica making sure to give her space. He leaned on the balcony himself. “Pretty view from up here,” he said trying to break the ice.
Monica lifted her eyes away from the water and looked at Mike. Her mascara had smeared with her tears.
Mike felt a little awkward, like he’d interrupted something private and he wasn’t invited. “I just saw you come outside,” he explained, “And I wanted to make sure you were OK.”
For a moment Monica didn’t move. Mike wasn’t sure what her response would be.
A little smile cracked the edge of Monica’s lips.
“Thanks Mike, I appreciate it,” she said. “Kelso decided he’d rather spend the rest of his evening with Marina, so I’d rather spend the rest of mine out here.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Mike wasn’t surprised. Scumbag. “That’s a pretty crummy thing to do to a girl at her last homecoming.” Monica nodded in agreement.
Mike thought about his own behavior leading up to homecoming. “I guess I shouldn’t talk huh?”
“Why do say that?”
“The last couple weeks I’ve acted like a jerk. I guess when you said no it was easier to just shutdown and avoid you.”
“I wish you hadn’t. The only reason I came with Kelso was because I had an obligation to.” Monica sniffled and rubbed her nose. “I still enjoyed our date.”
This startled Mike. It was the first time he remembered Monica referring to their coffee night as a “date.” She wiped away some of the last tears that still streaked her face. Even with smudged makeup and a runny nose, Monica was gorgeous.
Monica took a deep breathe and exhaled away the tears. “Thanks for coming out here to cheer me up.”
Mike nodded. “It was my pleasure.”
From inside the DJ could be heard making an announcement. “After this dance we will be having our last dance of the evening. If you’re still waiting to dance with that special someone, now is the time to make your move!”
Mike and Monica watched the water glisten down below the balcony. He felt butterflies creep into his stomach as he considered his next move.
“Monica,” Mike said with much hesitation, “would you like to dance?”
She looked up at him and straight into his eyes. “That would be perfect.”
Monica stepped back from the edge and held her hand out to Mike.
He took it.
As they walked inside and towards the dance floor the DJ was starting the last dance of the evening, “Everything I Do” by Bryan Adams. It was a slow song, and for this Mike was grateful. He led Monica out towards the middle of the floor and stopped.
They both stood timidly on the dance floor facing each other. Slowly Mike raised his hands and placed them gently on Monica’s waist. Her slender arms reached up and around Mike’s neck.
Mike had always liked slow dancing better, and dancing with Monica would forever cement that in his mind. He knew exactly who he was supposed to dance with and pay attention to, and there was no one he would rather be dancing with.
Monica swayed softly back and forth with Mike. She had forgotten Kelso, and here on the dance floor she felt safe. Knowing how things had turned out, Monica wished she had said yes to Mike, and left Kelso out in the cold.
Monica took a step forward closer to Mike. The small gap of unfamiliarity that had separated their bodies disappeared. At first it felt strange and new. She had never been this close to Mike, but after a moment it felt comfortable. Monica held her body against his as they slowly turned and swayed to the beat of the music.
Mike closed his eyes as he held Monica in his arms. He felt the cool skin of her hands resting firmly on his neck behind him. He felt her cheek held close against his own. The moment was perfect. Mike’s mind wandered and started to think that the song could be over any minute. He argued with himself to stop or he’d miss the best dance of his life.
Mike inhaled and smelled the vanilla perfume Monica was wearing. It was intoxicating. The entire experience felt like a dream where Mike had no control over his body or anything around him. The urge to kiss Monica Callaway was the strongest it had ever been. Mike reflected on how easy it would be. Their cheeks were touching, and all he had to do was pull back and press his lips against hers. He didn’t move an inch though. Of all the times to daydream you pick now.
Mike felt the end of the song approaching. It had been so great while it lasted.
As he reluctantly accepted the final moments of the dance, he felt Monica’s cheek move against his. Her skin brushed against his. The softness of her skin was replaced by a new sensation. Monica’s lips lightly grazed Mike’s cheek as her face turned until they were eye to eye. He could feel the warmth of her breath as her lips waited just beyond his own. The warmth was quickly replaced by a cool feeling. As Monica inhaled she leaned in towards Mike, and her lips came to a rest on his.
For the rest of his life Mike would remember the sweetest taste his lips had ever experienced. At first the kiss was delicate, like they were afraid it was fragile. When they both realized it would not break, their lips continued to kiss with an increasing earnestness. Mike and Monica were lost in their embrace, oblivious to the world around them.
As the song faded Monica slowly came out of her trance. As their lips separated her eyes opened. Mike Donovan looked back at her. The dim light and euphoric kiss made him look amazing. As the dance floor started to empty the two of them didn’t move.
Mike didn’t know what to say, still in shock from the unexpected events. “That was nice…very…very….nice” he said in a hushed voice.
Monica smiled and bit her bottom lip. “I would have to agree.”
Mike and Monica stood on the dance floor in complete elation.
Mike and Monica reluctantly made their way off the dance floor and over to Adam, Marly, and Jessica. Adam wanted very badly to pick his best friend up off the floor and scream wildly. Marly squeezed his hand firmly to prevent any outbursts.
Monica gave a small wave to the others and said hello.
“Is there room in your car for me? My date is probably long gone with my ride home.” When Kelso had left he’d taken her ride with him.
Adam said “You bet there is, and besides, you live really close to Mike.”
The ladies gathered up their purses and the guys took their jackets. Mike looked to Jessica for approval. She winked.
The quintet slowly made their way to the exit.
Once they were in the car Mike took a deep breath. The last few moments felt like a dream, but the feeling in his hand told him otherwise. As he looked down he saw the beautiful fingers of Monica Callaway entwined in his own. He looked up, and the face that he saw was more radiant than the moon outside his window.
Never
let
go.
Here’s an alternate ending for both of you.
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