I head down the stairs carefully and I brace myself for what it’s going to be like seeing Zach standing with my parents. They all come into view and I dip my head, feeling flustered as I see a glimpse of him in his suit and when I meet the final step, I look back up again.
“Oh, Cadie.” My mom brings her hands to her chest as she looks at me, my dad smiling from ear to ear.
And then there’s Zach. Handsome as ever, dressed up in a black and white tux, a purple tie to match my dress. His hair is slightly pushed back and his eyes travel over me. I see that he’s got something in his hand and I step closer, all smiles and racing hearts, he reaches for my hand.
“I thought this would look pretty with your dress,” he whispers as he slides the corsage over my wrist, keeping his eyes on mine. “But I don’t think anything can compliment you any more than you do yourself. You are stunning, Sunshine.” My stomach flips. I have to dip my head to avoid him seeing me blush but it’s no use. I can’t hide the way he makes me feel. And I feel awkward knowing my parents are right behind him, but this feels right.
“Are you two ready?” My mom asks and I turn and smile at her. Zach shakes hands with my dad and agrees to get me back home by midnight. I give one last hug to my parents, and then link my arm through Zach’s.
Homecoming, here we come.
The gym is glowing with purple and blue lights as strips of white strobes flash throughout. Everyone is dancing to the playlist I just submitted, like, two hours ago. Zach and I stand at the doors, arms linked as we look out at the sea of people. This is our first time out in public like this, and if anyone had speculations before, well this will surely give them clarity. I feel my nerves start to twist in my belly. What if this whole night turns out to be one big disaster? But how? The only thing that could really dampen the mood is if Ashley gets voted homecoming queen next to Zach which in all honesty is very likely so I’ve prepared myself for that scenario.
He squeezes my arm and I look up at him, his brown eyes glowing in the illumination of the lights.
“You okay?” he asks and I smile at him, nodding my head. “Yeah, think so,” I answer.
The music is bumping, everyone is dancing and laughing. I turn to see Bray and his girl over near the punch bowl, and to be honest she looks like the only one not having a good time but that is none of my concern. I scan the crowd for Ryen, and Zachsqueezes my arm again. I turn to look, seeing that he’s pointing to her over in the left corner.
“Go ahead,” he tells me. “I’ll get us drinks.” I smile at him, and I almost walk off, letting go of his arm. But I stop and turn to face him, stepping up on my tiptoes to press a kiss to his cheek. He smiles against it, giving me butterflies as usual.
“Don’t have too much fun without me,” I say before I skip off toward Ryen.
She catches me, waving my hand over as I get closer.
“Oh my gosh, Queen Persephone you are a dream come true.” Ryen quips as she grabs my hand and twirls me around. I laugh as my dress swirls around me.
When I’m still again, I look around. “Where’s Silas?” I ask and she scoffs. “Oh, I ditched him. He couldn’t tell the difference between the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC.” She rolls her eyes as we burst out into laughter.
“Well, come one my one and only Hades. Let’s dance!” I tug on her arm, pulling her near the dance floor and I expect her to resist but she doesn’t, instead following behind.
We get to a space that isn’t completely crowded and start moving to the song that plays. We shimmy and shake, enjoying the rhythm. And then I feel it, he’s watching me. I look out and see Zach from the side, smiling from ear to ear. I wave, feeling so much elation in this current moment. Ry and I just keep dancing, moving toAround The Worldby Daft Punk as we laugh and twirl.
It feels like in this moment, nothing can bring me down.
Zach pulls me in, lowering his head to mine a bit as I reach up and wrap my arm around his neck. It’s the first time we’ve danced tonight, and it’s a slow-ish song;Ordinaryby Alex Warren.
“Everyone has been watching us,” I whisper as we sway, but my eyes can’t help but notice the others looking at us.
It feels overwhelming but it also feels kind of nice. I think more and more people are starting to witness and put together what’s happening between us and it’s scary in a way. But it also feels surreal and exciting.
“Just focus on me, little one. They don’t matter,” he tells me and I rest my head against his chest and close my eyes.
We say like this for a few beats before he leans down and whispers to me.
“I have something to tell you,” he says and I smile against his chest.
“What’s that?”
“I got an email this morning.”
I lift my head, eyes wide as I wait for him to finish. “And?”
“There’s a college that wants me.”
“ZACHARIAH!” I shout, excitement lacing my tone. His smile is big as he holds me by the waist and I can see the glisten in his eye. “That’s great news, Zach!” I lean up and kiss him, not even caring that anyone around us can see.
He returns it, leaning into me as we drown out the noise around us. But then I let go, reluctantly, realizing that I don’t really want to display my affection too hard in front of everyone. This is all so new to me, to us. For years, he was just my brother’s best friend that I’ve secretly crushed on. I had to private my feelings and pretend that he didn’t mean something more to me. And now, here we are in the open. I get to look at him and know that he’s felt the same way about me. And while this feels right, it’s going to take some time for us and everyone else to get used to.
