“I’ll be with you for the rest of the night so don’t worry. Everything worked out for the best.” he smiled at me
“I thought Daniel was your date for tonight,” Jessica asked me while we were waiting in line
“Something unexpected happened so he has to be with Shane. It doesn’t matter anyway since Vladimir is here.” I responded
“I knew it. Something is not right when we arrived and Shane was alone.”
“Don’t mind it. It’s not a big deal. Shane has a partner and I have Vladimir so everything is good.”
“That ex of yours is starting to get on my nerves. I am starting to like him but I hate him now. Why does it feel like he stood you up?”Jessica said
“Or you should go back in line and stop grumbling about it. I still have Vladimir with me.” I shooed her away
“I won’t let this slide even if you are fine with everything.” she sneered at me
“I wouldn’t like being on the bad side of your friends,” Vladimir said
“Good thing, I practiced walking with these stilettos, or else I would be stumbling down these stairs,” I whispered
We started the processional and entered the gym where we were led to our tables. They have prepared tables wherein the ladies and gentlemen are seated separately.
“Umm, why are we sitting separately from each other anyway? Aren’t we supposed to be together?” Vladimir asked
“Why do you keep on asking me questions? I also don’t know and they haven’t told us that. We only practiced for the group dance. Ask me another question and I will zip that lip of yours.” I frowned
“You’re smart and who knows if Daniel told you something.”
“He didn’t so stop asking questions.”
“Whoa! Whoa! Someone is mad and not in the mood. Smile because we still have a long night ahead of us. Can I wrap my hand around your waist for the picture taking?” he asked
“Do you have to ask that?” I whispered
“Yeah. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
“You are one heck of a gentleman aren’t you? I am giving you my consent so you can do what you want.” I smiled at him
- - - - - - - -
VLADIMIR’S POV
I decided to make my exit when Daniel approached us as soon as we entered the gymnasium. He is his date that is why I am not in the position to be standing around while they are having a conversation.
I approached her when I noticed that she looks dissatisfied while looking around. I am not sure what to feel when I heard that Althea doesn’t have a date for the night. I fully understand why she is upset. I asked her permission first before placing my hand on her waist since I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable.
“Why are you shaking?” she asked me as we are nearing the entrance
“Just a little bit nervous. I don’t know why.” I said
I breathed in and out to calm myself. I cannot understand why I suddenly felt nervous around her when we were alone. I wanted to compliment how she looked tonight but I cannot find the words to tell her.
“You know what? You…” I said while we were preparing to dance swing
“I actually what?” she asked
“You should thank your heels for making you a little taller. It’s a relief that you can reach my shoulder.” I teased
“Oh no! You didn’t!” she glared at me
“Oops! I forgot that I shouldn’t be teasing you about your height. Even if it’s true.” I whispered
“Oh yeah! You like me being this tall,” she said before pulling me by the neck
“A little aggressive their honey. My lips might land on yours.” I said
“That would be a disaster and you might go home with a bruise on the eye and a broken bone,” Althea answered
“What the heck? I didn’t think that I would mess up. All I wanted was to compliment how she looks tonight but it came out wrong.” I thought to myself
“I hope it isn’t a big deal for you to have me as a partner,” I said as I pulled her closer when the music started
“Don’t worry, the prom may have started wrong but that won’t stop us from enjoying the night. You don’t have a date and I suddenly don’t have one,” she whispered
“And you became taller because of your heels so everything worked out,” I whispered back
“What did you say? I think I misheard you,” she said as she turned and moved to another partner
“I am not sure what is happening here but it is rude for you to stare at Althea while dancing with someone else,” Jessica said
“I was not staring. I was just looking around.” I blushed
“You like Althea don’t you?” she asked
“No, I don’t.” I denied
“I don’t like you or that Daniel for her but I am not deciding for her. I am not sure how things are going to be if the two of you fell in love with each other.”
“I like her but not in a romantic way. We are all friends.” I said
“Let me suggest an idea even if I don’t like you. Let me repeat that in case you forgot. You should seriously tell her about how you feel and then go with the flow.”
“We are friends and I don’t have any romantic feelings for her. Stop telling me to confess. Why would I confess?” I said
“Just so you know, everyone has a hint that you like her except for Althea. I don’t know if she is a dork for not noticing. I guess it’s true that everyone can notice your feeling but the person you like doesn’t. Good luck.” she smirked before turning to move on to her next partner
“Why do you look so shaken? Did something happen? Jessica said something again,” Althea asked when she came back
“Jessica?! What are you trying to say?” I avoided her gaze.
“She must have said something for you to look like that. You boys have that look when one of my friends says something threatening or whatever.”
“I was just thinking of something. We just had a convo between friends about tonight.” I explained
“I’ll believe that then but you can tell me if they said something. I promise that I won’t tell them,” she said
“Everything is fine. You don’t have to overthink.”
We went back to our seats and moved on with the program. I cannot concentrate on what the MC is saying because I am still caught up with what Jessica said.
“Hey, it’s time for dinner, and we were instructed to go serve food for our partners,” Henry said nudging me
“Are we going to choose where to seat or are we going to have dinner separately?” I asked
“I think we can sit with our friends for dinner. I also can’t understand why we have to be separated from our partners during the program.” Henry muttered
“I think it would for people like you who are taken since you might be lovey-dovey while the lights are dim.” I teased
“Well there are rumors about those but I don’t think students wouldn’t be doing that since teachers are always watching,” Henry answered
“I guess you will not be eating with us since you have a girlfriend and I know that she wouldn’t want to hang out with us,” I said
“Yeah. As much as I want her and Althea to get along, things just don’t work out the way I want it.” he sighed
“Well, enjoy the rest of the night then. I’m afraid you would be occupied and we wouldn’t be able to spend time together.” I said before we parted
“I’m starving. Thanks for delivering the food.” Althea said
“I’ll go and grab some drinks for the both of us,” he said
“Shall we start eating now? I am seriously starving.” May said as soon as I got back
“You should have started eating if you are starving,” I said
“Still it is good manners to wait and eat together,” May answered back
“Thanks,” Althea said smiling when I removed the potatoes from her plate
“Maybe you should try a bite. It isn’t that bad.” I said
“No thanks. It’s all yours so enjoy it all you want.” she shook her head
“Are you allergic to it?”
“No. I am not a fan.” I said
“That Daniel keeps on looking here but doesn’t have the guts to approach us. He can just drop by and apologize. Uhhh I mean tell us to enjoy dinner and explain why he wasn’t able to join our table.” Jessica said
“Jessica Martin! Stop it! I know that you are not the type to just let it go but I am pleading with you to forget it. It wasn’t his fault.” Althea told her off
END of POV