*

Alexis and I waited at the bottom of stairs for everyone. I had thought Alexis was ready to go, but she had spent the last hour fiddling with jewellery and asking me about colour matches and bangles verses beads. I couldn't have cared less.

After not much debate, Alexis settled on a gold and emerald theme. Gradually, the others trickled down from their bedrooms, completely dolled up and ready to go. Mia hopped down the stairs two at a time, unaffected due to her black ballet flats, as she ran to the nearest seat to sit down.

Ava was no longer wearing pants under her dress, allowing me to appreciate her attention to beauty as she descended the stairs. When she approached me, I twirled her, causing her to stumble in her heels she wasn't use to wearing.

Estelle on the other hand had a clear entrance in mind, calling upon Simmons to hold a handheld stereo at the top of the stairs, blasting some red-carpet music as Estelle made her entrance. She posed at the top of the stairs, skilfully marching down the stairs with an air of confidence as she puffed out her chest, waved her hips, and kicked her legs about to show off her walking ability. "Landy, what do you think?" she asked when she got to the last step in front of me.

I nodded, "Music was a nice touch," I stated as she made one last hair flick and stood by Ava to help her stand.

I was surprised Simmons even dressed up for the occasion, although much more formal then the other girls in a nice black jumpsuit and tall heels, an interesting change to her usual messy hair and uniform. "Looking cla.s.sy there, Simmons," I acknowledged.

Simmons gave me a smile and nod, clearly unaffected by compliments as she politely thanked me and stood by her princess.

The twins stumbled down the stairs, each playfully determined to trip the other, barely acknowledging anyone else as they made it to the bottom unscathed.

"Is Robyn going to meet us there?" I asked.

Ava blinked, standing on her own but maintained a startled expression. "The car that's coming to get us has already picked up Robyn," Ava informed, "She doesn't get to go alone though. Her parents have hired a personal chaperone to keep an eye on her at this dance."

I nodded, "Excellent."

I hadn't been this excited for something since my cycling tournaments, the antic.i.p.ation of having a good time overwhelmed me. I felt like dancing, running up the walls and twirling about in excitement. I felt so silly thinking this, but I was just so eager.

There was a silence amongst the girls until Estelle made an audible gasp and clapped. "Bonnie, you look gorgeous!" she exclaimed.

Everyone turned to the hallway to Bonnie's room, her silhouette appearing in the light. Bonnie's hair was a glossy black, pushed back by a white hairband, and she wore a sparkly purple dress, similar in style to Mia's, but appearing less expensive looking. Estelle was right, Bonnie looked stunning.

"I like the shoes," Ava commented, noting the black heels that wrapped up Bonnie's leg.

Bonnie smiled, "Thanks."

My attention quickly turned to Amada, who's eyes were slightly widened at the sight of Bonnie, and he looked almost frightened. Amia noticed this, luckily before Bonnie did, and elbowed her brother, breaking his stuck moment as he loudly exclaimed, "You look nice!"

Bonnie was taken aback slightly by his outburst, but nodded and civilly replied, "Thank you, Amada."

I was so close to thumping Amada's forehead for his unsubtly, but Amia beat me to it, opting instead to smack his backside.

Alexis nodded, "I completely agree. You look amazing, love what you've done to your hair."

Bonnie scoffed, "Your words are probably the most genuine, Alexis."

Alexis placed a hand on her heart and nodded, "And your sarcasm is something I appreciate more than your looks."

Mia hopped off her chair and walked over to Bonnie, sitting on her lap and examining the sparkles in her dress to compare them to her own. She signed, "You're wearing the same thing as me."

Bonnie smiled, "I got jealous and looked through some old clothes. It's not by the same designer, but it's close," she explained, "Yours is much nicer though, Mia."

Mia's flat line curved into a small smile as she tapped her fingertips together. Bonnie reached forwards and ran her hands over the fabric but frowned as she pinched some of it. "Did you spill something on this?" she asked.

Mia's eyes widened as she looked down at her dress' front and ran her own fingers over the dress, furrowing her eyes as she too pinched the fabric. "What's wrong?" Ava asked.

"It feels like something has been spilt on it," Bonnie remarked as Mia hopped off the wheelchair to examine it under lamplight.

Estelle squatted before Mia and looked at the dress over. "I thought it was supposed to do that," she commented, running her own fingers through the fabric, "It was like that yesterday. Pax Marie is an eccentric designer."

Bonnie narrowed her eyes, clearly wanting to voice something, but visibly bit her tongue. The other girls continued to try and fuss over the strange realisation, Ava even going so far as to suggest changing, but Mia shook her head at the option, slapping away everyone's hands and fleeing to the stairwell out of everyone's reach. Mia started signing, her fingers quick, her expression annoyed, as she voiced, "I don't need you all trying to change my mind about wearing this dress. This might finally make people stop being mean to me." She stated the last part with small gestures, almost pouting as her eyeline wandered away from everyone.

Ava shook her head, "Mia, sweetie, no one is trying to take this away from you," she a.s.sured, "You look great, we promise. You can't even tell there's anything weird with the dress." The other girls agreed, a.s.suring Mia she looked beautiful.

"Mia, you're too smart to just go a.s.suming something like that," Bonnie's voice cut through everyone else's, prompting a mild sense of shock to surround them. "This isn't a movie, sis, a school dance isn't where every c.r.a.ppy thing wrong with your life is solved."

Mia pursed her lips but persisted. "If Daniel asked me to the dance, his reputation alone might make me seem… cool," she informed, "I know it's silly, but come on, it's Daniel Pelew!"

Bonnie shook her head, rolling forwards as she said, "Mia, I just don't want you to get your hopes up here. In the end, this is just another loud, crowded dance."

Mia crossed her arms and stood side on from her sister. Bonnie didn't take it to heart, but before she could try and voice anything else, a loud knock echoed from the front door. Estelle swiftly ran over to it and opened the door, Robyn beaming a smile when the door opened. The attention was turned to her.

"Robyn!" Estelle squealed, launching forwards and hugging her friend.

Robyn barely caught her, smirking as the pair moved side to side in the hug. Everyone else had a much calmer approach to Robyn, the twins giving their own hugs and Alexis giving her a wave when Robyn stepped inside. Ava was a bit feebler walking up to Robyn, like a school-kid approaching a crush.

"You look great, Robyn," she complimented, gesturing to Robyn as a whole.

Robyn blushed, looking down at her black party dress. She was smart with how she styled herself. Despite being in the hospital for the past few weeks, the bruising was still prevalent on her neck, a thin line just visible enough for people to point it out. To hide this, she wore a thick violet ribbon choker with an adorable little golden bell. While it resembled a cat collar, there was something equally adorable about it.

Robyn did a small twirl, showing off how her skirt was layered, and struck a quick pose. Ava nodded, "Stunning!" She jumped as if she had startled herself, "One second!" She retreated to the table she had been using to keep her balance. While distracted, I greeted Robyn with my own hug and compliments, Mia doing the same but opting for a fleeting hi-five.

"Are you out of the hospital yet?" Bonnie asked, Mia immediately standing to the opposite side of me when Bonnie approached.

Robyn nodded, signing, "I've been with my parents for the past week. It's been nice getting out of the hospital," she explained.

Bonnie nodded, "They get quite bleak, don't they?"

Robyn agreed, commenting on the flowers her parents had bought and the horrible food they gave patients. Before she could finish though, Ava came back, handbag in hand, and pulled out a rose broach. "I got you this," she said, holding it out to her, "As a 'Yay you're out of the hospital officially' gift." She turned it in the light to show off it's glimmer and s.h.i.+ne in the light, the rose quite exquisite.

Robyn thought so too, as she delicately took the broach and looked at the smallest details. Ava waved her hand to get her attention as she signed, "I bought it myself."

Robyn marvelled at the s.h.i.+ne the rose had, her smile widening as she reached forwards and gave Ava a quick kiss on the cheek before hastily pinning it to her chest. Ava covered her cheeks to hide the blush forming, but also leaned forwards causing her to stumble. It was quite comical watching everyone leap forwards to try and help her stay standing.

*

There was excited chatter the whole car ride there, followed by annoyance when there was a mild car jam from every other student having the same idea to drive in.

The school was generous enough to set up the dance in the main sports hall, allowing for tremendous amounts of s.p.a.ce for dancing and foods and drinks and photo booths.

When we entered, we were bombarded into pairs or 'dates' for a commemorative photo that we could collect the next term in role call. The background was a plain black with speckles of white to give off a night sky vibe. Alexis was confused at first, blindly seeing the flash of the camera and the strange choked whirring it made.

Kelly Michaels and Amelia Wrights oversaw photos and poses. Kelly seemed to take great joy in commanding the couples and posing them. Amelia, like the meek cla.s.smate I had known her to be, seemed content taking photos and consulting a posing book whenever a couple was particularly unphotogenic.

When Amelia saw me, she offered a small wave. "Hi Landon," she greeted.

I smiled, "Hey Amelia. How's photography?"

Amelia's eyes struggled to stay upright, making me wonder whether I needed to take a step back from her to make her comfortable. "It's fine," she said quickly, "Just stand where the footprints are with your… date." She looked Alexis up and down, not saying another word as Kelly started fussing over us.

Kelly was amusing. She wasn't in my year, but I knew her reputation as a year eight girl. A sci-fi anime nerd, everything she wore to her hair to her clothes were extravagant and loud. Her dance outfit did not disappoint. As she herded Alexis and me to the appropriate spots, her pigtails would constantly whack me every time she twirled around. When she stood too close I could see my reflection in her wide rimed gla.s.ses, and almost leapt away when her braces made her spit everywhere as she spoke.

"Say cheese!" she exclaimed, holding up the flash while Amelia took cover under a curtain attached to the old camera.

I felt like I had been hit by a ghost train. My body was fine, but my head was sent into a series of dizzy spells. Alexis was in a similar state, rubbing her eyes periodically and swaying where she stood out of confusion. "You good?" I asked, taking her arm.

Alexis braced herself against my shoulder, continuing to blink profusely as she composed herself. "That's one strong flash…" she stated.

"You can see stuff like that?" I asked, somewhat surprised.

She shook her head, "No, but the light pain is still there. You stare at the sun, is it uncomfortable?" I agreed. "Well it's the same for blind people." I chuckled as Alexis continued to mutter her complains. I looked behind us to watch our friends get their photos taken. Regardless of my personal opinion of Kelly, she certainly knew how to pose people for photos.

For the twins she had them do mirror images of each other, offering a cool illusion as their pictures. While for Ava and Robyn, it was much cutesier, Kelly even offering them a prop of an umbrella and top hat to make it more fun. When Bonnie and Mia came up, Mia was remarkably compliant in Kelly's instructions, so much so it created a fascinating image of Mia standing on the back of Bonnie's chair, so she was taller, while Bonnie was to look behind her in faked amus.e.m.e.nt. I could tell the amus.e.m.e.nt wasn't fake. Bonnie was trying not to laugh while Mia struggled to balance. They made for excellent photos, however. Estelle got her own special one, since she was a princess, Kelly went so far as to alter the background, adding shooting stars and a more majestic feel to it. Estelle was more than pleased with the special treatment.

Simmons declined a picture, much to the photographer's annoyance.

When we entered the dance, it was very lively and loud. The disco section had already begun, giving the hall a real party vibe. While all the lights were on, multicoloured dis...o...b..a.l.l.s sat on each corner of the dance floor, blasting spherical orbs of light onto the walls and students already mingling. All across one wall were half a dozen tables with countless foodie goods to munch on, but the prize of the tables was a large crystal decorated bowl filled with a pink punch. On the stage across the hall, a D.J had been set up, his machinery something to be admired. Two vinyl decks, multiple stereos and a detachable fog machine all linked up to his laptop. The man bopped his head to the beat, m.u.f.fling the loud sound with hi-tech grade headphones. I recognised him, Eric Marver, a man of few words but an obvious music career ahead of him.

Even though Estelle ensured we would be fas.h.i.+onably late, people continued to walk into the party, slowly filling up the dance floor until there was barely any elbow room. Alexis didn't let go of my hand as we weaved through the crowds to the food tables where there was more room.

"We've already lost everyone!" I yelled over the pounding of the music.

Alexis laughed. "To be expected. There's a lot going on here."

I could feel the music bouncing off my skin, for some reason forcing me to rub my eyes and blink away an unknown irritation. "What does all this look like to you?" I wondered.

Alexis considered this for a moment, turning around so she was facing the chaos of dancing students and stereo noise. "Honestly? A weird mix of mechanical colours," she explained, "Everything kinda morphing into each other in an orgy of headache inducing mess." She pinched the bridge of her nose, and I voiced my worry, but she dismissed it. "It's fun!" she a.s.sured. She gestured before her as if she was presenting the ma.s.s of dancers, "I mean look at this! You can't replicate this c.r.a.p!"

I laughed, leaning close to her ear so I didn't have to shout, "I'm sure you can."

She nodded, "Oh I'm definitely going to try."

I felt a pressure on my back, followed by a loud screech, "Guess who, Landon!"

I nearly fell against the table as I braced Estelle on my back. "A shooting star," I answered as she wrapped her arms around my neck to maintain herself.

"Not even five minutes and you've already disappeared to the sidelines," she commented.

"I don't dance," Alexis informed.

"Everyone can dance."

"Alright. I choose not to dance," Alexis clarified, "I'd much rather observe."

"That's rich coming from you. You owe people dances, Landon!" Estelle stated as I put her down, "Namely me."

"Are you one of his three dates?" Alexis asked, crossing her arms.

Estelle scoffed, "I'm not that unlucky. Let's dance!" She latched onto my hand and pulled me into the ma.s.s of kids, somehow squeezing our way through to where the twins were jumping about.

The four of us jumped around, at times b.u.mping into other people but n.o.body it was met with laughter and once a strange embrace. It was the latter reaction that made me think people were a tipsy at this dance. After a few minutes of that, my eyes fell on Bonnie, who was to the sides lines hugging a party cup and bopping her head to the beat of the current song. As I made my way over, to which the only way is to dance through people, Mia stood beside her, hands on her ears as she scanned the crowds.

"You're not dancing?" I asked, wiping my brow of sweat.

Bonnie rolled her eyes. "I'm in a chair. This is my dancing," she a.s.sured, gesturing to her legs.

"I'd be careful. I think the punch is spiked," I informed, stealing another glance around the room to the very enthusiastically laughing groups of people.

Bonnie nodded, "I'm very much aware." She held the cup out to me, when I took it I gave it a quick whiff and felt my eyes water. Whoever had spiked it wasn't even subtle about it. "Teachers replaced the bowl soon after," she informed, "I think this is the last cup of boozed punch."

"Why do you still have it?" I asked.

Bonnie shrugged, "I feel cool."

"But no one else knows you have it," I said.

She shrugged again, "I know. And now you do too. Think I'm cool?"

I nodded, "Definitely. Coolest of the cool." I gave her a thumbs up.

She made a sour face as she shook her head, "That doesn't mean much coming from you."

I laughed as I looked to Mia and signed, "Having fun?" It was nice not having to yell to talk to Mia, but she was too distracted to acknowledge my signing.

"She's looking for Daniel," Bonnie informed, "She doesn't know where to look. He didn't give her a meeting point."

"Ahh," I nodded.

"I think it's too loud for her," Bonnie explained, "But she wants to tough it out."

I put my hands on my hips, "Very big of her."

"May have finally got a crush bigger then you," Bonnie teased taking a sip of the drink. The moment it touched her lips, she cringed. "c.r.a.p, that's strong."

I nicked the cup from her hands and shook my head, "I'll just go tip this in a bush."

Bonnie playfully pouted, "Why should the bush get the booze?"

"Because as much as a drunk Bonnie would be amazing to witness, I think the bush is better equipped for it." Bonnie rolled her eyes, but didn't object as I left to find a place to pour it out.

As I stood by the doorway, flicking the cup out the door, I caught a glimpse of Ava and Robyn on the edge of the dancefloor. The pair I think were dancing, but it would be better to describe as hopping around while Ava signed Robyn the lyrics to whatever song was being played, if there were any. I watched Ava stop, getting confused by the m.u.f.fled lyrics herself before just jumping around, holding Robyn's hands to dance. It was very stylised, filled with twirls and footwork, a treat to watch.

Then the song changed, no longer a remix, of an angelic-ish song. I didn't recognise it, but the girls certainly did, with Ava's eyes growing wide and her gleefully signing, "It's Why Worry?!" This seemed to excite both as they held hands and disappeared into the crowd of people. When I followed, I saw Ava start signing the lyrics and beat of the song, Robyn watching patiently until the chorus came to life and she started to dance.

Her deliberate dance moves gained her the rights to a cleared spot on the dancefloor, kids shuffling backwards to give her s.p.a.ce to do her dance. This was different to the ballet style I had seen Robyn do, this was full of contemporary movements, spinning on the floor, leaping into the air in more casual fas.h.i.+on. She beamed the biggest smile, a glow returning to her eyes as she twirled, the longer she twirled to more whoops and cheers onlookers gave her deaf ears. She relied heavily on Ava's signs however, as despite the volume the song wasn't strong enough to beat through the floorboards. At first, I thought this was a freestyle routine, but Robyn reached forwards and tugged on Ava's hands.

After some badgering, from both Robyn and the other students, Ava conceded and, after taking off her heels, stood beside her friends. After counting down, they started dancing in sync, a routine both seemed to know so well. It had never occurred to me that Ava would know how to dance. I mean, it was impossible that she could be, but it had never seemed like something she would enjoy. Yet, I stood there in awe of Ava's swift and free-flowing movements, matching the skill of Robyn with lively ease.

With the final lyrics of the song, matched with a surprisingly satisfying beat drop, the two made a final, sa.s.sy pose to end the song, each s.h.i.+ny with sweat and panting from their efforts.

There was a moment of silence between that song and the next, but it was filled with praise from the other students, applauding them girls who took a bow and laughed with some of the students that stepped forwards to talk.

Leaving them to it, I decided to search for Alexis again. It was surprisingly easy to find Alexis, she was in the exact place I had left her, hogging the chip bowl. "I'm back," I informed.

Alexis winced at my presence, "I can see that," she faced me, "Oh wait, no I can't."

"Smooth joke," I jeered.

She shrugged, grabbing a fistful of chips and stuffing them into her mouth, ignoring the ones that didn't fit and tumbled to the ground to be crushed by her shoes. "Are you having any fun?" I asked.

She sighed, "The novelty has run out, but I'm still here," Alexis coughed on some food, "The free food is a big selling point." She placed the bowl down and started searching for something else to hog.

I took her hand away from the food table, "Come on, we can still have fun. Let's dance for a bit." I started for the dance floor, but only her arm followed me as she planted her feet.

"I don't dance, dude," she reminded.

I returned and scooped her up, picking her up and carrying her to the dance floor, much to her objections. "Oh my G.o.d, put me down!" she demanded.

I placed her down amongst the other dancing bodies and started to dance with her, but she was less enthused by my attempts. She s.n.a.t.c.hed her hand from mine and said, "Landon, I'm not comfortable," she informed, "There's too much going on. I don't know where I am." I was about to make a joke about how she ever expected to navigate New York with that att.i.tude, but her nose scrunched up and she jumped whenever someone brushed against her arm, making her try and be small.

I sighed. "You're right, you're right. I'm sorry." When I took her hand, she pulled away from me again, bitter by my actions. I laughed, "I'm sorry, Alexis. Let me put you back by the food tables."

She pouted, crossing her arms, "I wanna be by the door so I can get some fresh air."

I scooped her up again, making her yelp in surprise as she grabbed for my shoulders, "Then I shall place you by a door."

Was it possible for someone to audibly roll their eyes? Because I could almost hear Alexis' eye roll as she rested her head against my shoulder. I got her to the edge of the room and placed her by the open doors leading to the courtyard. A few other students crowded around here to have a moment away from the noise and the bodies, since the D. J's music didn't reach the back of the hall as loudly as the front. Alexis sighed as I put her down, fixing up her hair but still crossing her arms. I apologised again, but she proceeded to not playfully call me an a.s.s.

"Just leave me alone," she said leaning on the wall.

Despite her request, I made a daring move and leaned forwards, giving her a soft kiss on the cheek before retreating before I she had the chance to hit me. She made a half-hearted swipe, but smirked. "Idiot…" I saw her mouth as I took a quick step outside.

The school at night was a gloomy looking place beyond the comfort of the lights, with one only stretching about six or seven meters. The concrete steps were illuminated, and the most comforting s.p.a.ces for people to sit and enjoy the cold air.

Or people would if they weren't currently occupied by the Delinquents.

The group of friends were sprawled across the whole stairway, meaning if anyone wanted to walk down they would have to step over the boys.

Dylan turned his head at the sign of movement and got to his feet when he saw it was me. "Hey Landon," he greeted, reaching a hand out for a shake.

I grasped his hand which somehow turned into a quick shoulder hug, "How's it going?" I replied.

"Having fun at this rich kids show-off-athon?" he asked.

I smirked, "It's not that bad. Everyone in my dorm seems to be enjoying themselves." My voice trailed off, distracted at the sight of a silver flask being pa.s.sed around. "Did you guys spike the punch?" I asked, only now noticing Dylan's gla.s.sy eyes.

Dylan shook his head. "Please," Connor crooned as he pushed himself to his feet, "If we spiked the punch you wouldn't even know it." He put an arm on Dylan's shoulder for support, clearly more intoxicated then Dylan.

I stole a glance at the other boys, clearly content with just chilling on the stairs. Regardless, I still asked, "Are you guys going to be okay?"

Dylan dismissed my worry, "Relax. It's just the weak stuff." He took the canister off Connor and offered it to me.

I shook my head, "Nah, I'm good."

"What? Are you a p.u.s.s.y?" Connor taunted.

I crossed my arms, offering a tilt of the head to his slurs. "No, I just enjoy not having heart attacks," I informed.

Dylan raised an eye brow, "Pretty dark joke, mate."

I smiled, "Yeah. I wish it was a joke. Catch you later, don't go wandering off." I lightly punched the two of them on the shoulder and departed, hearing the swish of the flask as Dylan took a drink.

I may have exaggerated the whole heart attack thing, but it stemmed from the fact I wasn't entirely sure if I was lying. While doctor after doctor told me mixed things about medications and diets and activity regimes, I've been given mixed messages about alcohol and smoking or recreational drugs and so on. Some say it's fine in moderated amounts, others say it'll be the early death of me.

I often opted not to tempt fate, as the last time I drank was for cultural reasons.

I woke up with a splitting headache the next morning.

The boom of the music continued to fill the hall, mismatched with the stamping and jumping of students.

I found Ava on the sidelines and placed my hands on her shoulders as I spoke. "Nice moves before," I remarked.

Ava leaned into me, releasing a tired yell as she twirled around and placed her hands on my shoulders to start dancing. "It was exhausting. I haven't done dance in years!"

I laughed, taking one of her hands and swaying with her, occasionally twirling as I asked, "When did you take dance?"

"Who do you think got Robyn into it?" Ava countered, "Have you seen Mia?"

"She was looking for Daniel before," I answered, "I'm not sure where she is now."

Ava pursed her lips together, looking around the bodies with uncertainty. "Wanna help me find her?" she requested.

The worried look on her face was less then comforting, so I nodded, the both of us walking to Bonnie, where I last saw Mia. Mia was still by her sister, too overwhelmed by the looks of it to pierce the crowd.

"She's getting a bit restless," Bonnie told us when we got there, "I think maybe we'll get going soon. I don't want her to start freaking out or anything."

Ava looked at Mia and shrugged, "She seems fine, Bonnie."

I had to agree. Aside from her somewhat jittery movements, she seemed confused as she looked for Daniel. "Any sign of him?" I enquired, looking around for a face I had never seen.

Bonnie shook her head, "Not that I've seen, but I haven't really moved from this general s.p.a.ce." She gestured to the meter radius people had given her wheelchair.

Robyn approached Ava, wrapping her arm around hers and silently urging her to follow her back to the dance floor. Ava linked arms and signed with one hand, "Have you ever seen Daniel Pelew?"

Robyn blinked at the name before nodding. "Yes. He was friends with our old group of friends."

Ava bit the inside of her cheek at the mention of them, but ignored that part of the statement as she asked, "Can you point him out? Mia can't find him."

Robyn agreed and stood on her toes scanning the tops of people's heads around the dance floor. As she did this, I noticed she scratched and pulled at the ribbon choker around her neck. When I considered pointing this out, she dropped back to her feet and pointed towards the food tables further down the wall. After some quick signing, Ava could soon see him too.

"Oh…" she cooed. She turned to Mia and squatted down, "Mia! Daniel is over by the punch bowl."

Mia blinked at her name and smiled at the mention of Daniel. She straightened her posture and smoothed down the skirt of her dress, taking in a deep breath before making deliberate steps towards her date.

Upon the first step, Bonnie reached up and latched onto my tie, yanking me down to her size. Her eyes remained glued to her little sister as she said, "Please go with her. I don't want her embarra.s.sing herself."

I was partly choked by her sudden attack, and managed to wheeze, "I'm sure everything will be fine Bon." I detached her hand from my tie and straightened, loosening the loop around my neck.

"Just please," Bonnie snapped, "I can't get through the crowds to follow her."

I held my hands in surrender, silently agreeing as I quickly followed Mia.

Not wis.h.i.+ng to make my presence known, I stayed a few people behind her, making for a tough time on my end to keep up with her. People parted for her, excused themselves when she politely tried to squeeze by and some even gave her a compliment on her dress. Mia didn't give many of these calls a response, as she made her way to who I a.s.sumed to be Daniel.

I'm not gay.

Highly unlikely.

But even I admit Daniel was a good-looking guy.

His hair was a chaotic but neat mop of a dark brown hair, loose locks framing his brown eyes to further tone out his sharp jawline and chiselled jaw. He wore long dark grey slacks and a white b.u.t.ton up s.h.i.+rt, each which fitted him almost too perfectly to shape an angelic ideal of a man's torso. Even the way he stood was a natural, s.e.xy monstrosity. He leaned on the wall, pelvis forward, arm above his head, other hand holding a cup while he spoke to a girl.

How the h.e.l.l did he make that look natural?

He was inhuman.

I almost hated him as much as I wanted to stare at him.

Pus.h.i.+ng my self-loathing aside, I watched as Mia walked up to him. At the sight of her Daniel dismissed himself from the girl he was talking to and turned his attention to Mia when she stood before him. When I couldn't hear what he was saying, I shuffled my way closer, hoping to just look like some guy getting some punch.

"Hey Little M, how's it going?" Daniel greeted. Due to the height difference, he squatted down to her size.

Mia shyly gave him a wave and some quick hand signals. Whether he understood them or simply had one-liners to keep conversations going, he replied, "Wasn't expecting you to make it. Didn't think parties were your thing."

Mia bit down on her lips in her attempt to hide her smile as she gestured to her dress, evening doing a small twirl for him to show it off. In response, Daniel whistled, "Looks good, Little M. You get that dress just for the party?" At the mention of that question, Mia's happy expression dropped, her eyes furrowing as he continued. "It's ridiculous how much effort some girls put into their dresses for these types of things, huh? Like Aggie I was just talking to went out and bought a dress specifically for this dance. Crazy, huh?"

Mia blinked profusely in confusion, signing some things at Daniel, who reached a hand out and took hers in his. "Sorry, Little M. My signs rusty, you got paper or something?"

Mia retreated to the table, somehow missing my presence, and producing a napkin and a loose pen. When she walked back, she scribbled down a quick sentence and handed it to Daniel. He mouthed the words as he spoke and tilted his head, "You've lost me. I didn't invite you to be my date, and I certainly wouldn't have picked that dress out for you." He rubbed the back of his head as he chuckled, "My fas.h.i.+on sense is ridiculously limited." He suddenly looked startled, "Not that that dress doesn't look good on you, Little M, it's just I never would've been able to pick it out for you."

Mia s.n.a.t.c.hed back the napkin, pressing so hard on the napkin it started tearing, her eyes turning gla.s.sy as she handed it back to him. Daniel tried to ask if she was okay, but she insisted he read when she wrote. I abandoned my punch gla.s.s and started for the pairing, perhaps in the hope of smoothing out any confusion.

Daniel shook his head. "Not to be rude, Little M, but I would never had asked you to the dance." Mia looked shattered at this comment. Daniel started to panic, "Not that you aren't a nice girl, Mia! But… you're just a little young for me, ya know? It would be weird."

Mia's chest visibly started to rise and fall, her eyes darting to the corners of the room as she started breathing heavily through her mouth. I antic.i.p.ated a proper panic attack, but just as quickly as she puffed up, she relaxed. Pressing her lips together, she made a visibly gulp and rubbed her eyes.

She took back the napkin and quickly scrawled on the napkin a final time. Daniel considered it for a moment. "I like you too, Little M. But as a friend, you get me?" he asked. Mia promptly nodded, her eyes heavily looking to the floor, but she didn't look close to crying at least. This sent a huge surge of relief through me, followed by an equal amount of confusion. Who had sent Mia the dress then?

Daniel held a hand out to Mia, and, with a small smirk, she took his hand and completed a quick personalised handshake with him. It was cute. "Hope I haven't hurt your feeling too much," he said, "I came to the dance with Rachel, you see."

It took me a moment to remember the name Rachel, but when I did my stomach constricted and my jaw tightened. All at once, several implications rushed in my mind, but the moment any of them connected, the name had cursed us with her presence.

"Students of White Winter Prep!" Rachel called through the microphone, she was standing by Eric Marver, who was staring with disinterest at his next song choice. "How about we put on a little light show? All those wearing white will glow up like a Christmas tree! Hope none of you have bleach on your clothes!"

For a split second, all the lights turned off, sending the dancefloor into darkness before blue lights illuminated the room. Like Rachel said, the girls and boys wearing white started to glow, at first this made everyone laugh and take their phones out to take selfies.

My eyes were drawn to the spicks and specks of colour in the darkness, amidst the strange chaos though, I saw Mia's dress glowing. I furrowed my eyes; her dress was silver not white. Mia looked down her front, noticing the discolouration as well. Daniel furrowed his brows, standing up and taking a step back.

Slowly, people started noticing Mia's strange discolouration. "Uh-oh," Rachel cooed, "Looks like Little Miss Mia's had a clothing malfunction."

I widened my eyes, "What?" Murmurs spread through the students, starting to crowd around Mia to see what the comment was about. I managed to push myself to the front and stared in a mixture of terror and fright.

Mia's dress was covered in offensive slurs, written in a hidden chemical illuminated by the special lights. 'Flatty… s.l.u.t… b.i.t.c.h…' sprawled along the back of her dress, more colourful language on the front, with arrows and lines pointing to different parts of her body.

Some laughed in disbelief, snickering to one another, some even bold enough to point at her. Mia's chest started to heave as her eyes adjusted what was written all over her.

"You're not the only one who knows a few tricks, Mia," Rachel teased. She released a wholehearted belly laugh, one which spread to others on the dancefloor.

Mia attempted to cover herself, but her thin arms were unable to cover all the insults. Her shoulders slumped forwards and her eyes welled with tears, her fingers curling and shaking as she looked to Daniel, a silent plea for help, but he only backed away, morphing into the edge of the crowd.

"Mia!" Bonnie yelled, in the corner of my eye I saw Bonnie stuck at the back of the crowding, slowly forcing her way forwards, at times with violent swipes.

I could almost picture Mia now, how close to shutting down she was, how close to bursting into tears, going into a proper panic attack.

I slid beside her on my knees, my jacket swiftly coming off as I covered her shoulders and held her head against my chest. "Mia," I said softly, "Don't cry. Sweetheart, don't let them see you cry." My words were hushed as I heard the scattered laughter lessen and lessen, reduced to the occasional murmur. Mia leant into my chest as her breathing made her tremble. I spoke gently into her head, s.h.i.+elding her from the students still circled around us. "Mia, you haven't done anything wrong," I a.s.sured her, "Don't let Rachel see you cry. People aren't laughing at you, sweetie. They aren't laughing at you."

By this point, Eric Mavers had turned the special lights off, opting for the normal disco lights, diminis.h.i.+ng the offensive language on Mia's dress. I pulled away from Mia, her eyes still watery, but she hugged the jacket to her, focusing on a point in the ground. "See Mia?" I signed slowly, "No one is talking about you."

The twins had made it to the front, kneeling before Mia. "No one thinks this is funny," Amia informed.

At the mention of this, Mia lifted her head, sniffing as she scanned the faces of the people around her. Her eyes seemed so fragile, and frightened, I wondered what she thought she was seeing. When her eyes looked away from the faces, her expression turned something that frightened me more than her sheer terror; everything glazed over. Her eyes stared, dead, at the floor, her fingers lost their grip on my jacket until they hung at her side.

I made a daring move and held her face, forcing her to look at me, "Mia, how about we get some fresh air?" I suggested, "You don't deserve this."

Mia blinked, her small hand reaching up and holding one of my fingers. It was a small, tender moment as she went to nod, when Rachel's voice rang out from the crowd.

"Oh what? Can't take a prank, Mia?" she bellowed. Rachel made her way around the crowd until she got to Daniel, where she flaunted how close she could stand by him and touch him. When she spoke directly to Mia, she leant forwards, arms still latched onto her date. "Like you could ever someone like Daniel Pelew."

Mia's eyes welled again, her breathing becoming uneven as she yanked my hands from her head and threw off the jacket I had placed around her shoulders, shoving it onto me as she vividly rubbed her nose with the back of her hand. Mia forced her chin up, dismissing the shadow that had previously covered her eyes, and marched from the centre of the circle, her movements so violent that her shoulders pushed people away by the hips.

Bonnie had made it most of the way through the crowd, calling out to her sister as she stomped past. When she held a hand out to her, Mia slapped it away, going out of her way to be out of her sister's reach as she started running for the door.

The twins got to their feet, ready to chase after her, but I grabbed their sleeves. "Let her go," I instructed, deliberately speaking loud so that our school peers could hear me, "She doesn't feel safe in here. Let her get some air."

The students who had crowded around didn't react how I had antic.i.p.ated. Whereas with Rachel, people laughed, some pulled out their phones and a few were sympathetic afterwards, no one held their phones out like they had taken a picture, the room was filled with an air of uncertainty. Everyone stole glances at each other, some not knowing how to react or had a reaction of disgust.

There was some snickering, but the overall opinion seemed slightly disturbed.

People started to disperse back to the dancefloor, the fun of dancing stolen by the events only a moment ago.

I was furious. My heart hammered in my chest and the muscles in my arms tensed. I wasn't a violent person, and overall tried to practise non-violence if I could, but I was more than happy to break my morals and hitting a girl for what Rachel did to Mia.

I turned on my heels to face Rachel, who was with Daniel and two other girls, chuckling with them over what had just happened.

My face must have looked grim, because Amada blocked my path upon my first step, putting a hand on my chest when I tried to push past him. "Landon…" his small voice managed to snap me from my bloodl.u.s.t.

Amia stood by her brother to block me, holding my jacket out to me.

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose as I took back my jacket and slipped it on.

"Mia needs us," Amia stated.

"Don't waste your breath on her," Amada added.

I nodded, rubbing my temples. Both twins relaxed, looking to where Mia had run off to, but before either could approach, someone said; "Where do you get off, Rachel?"

Bonnie rolled forwards, stopping in front of Rachel and her two friends, unfazed by their numbers.

"Sorry, what was that? I can't hear you over the music," Rachel tutted, offering a fake smile, "It's so loud in here, don't you think?"

Bonnie's face remained stern, unaffected by Rachel attempts at sa.s.s. "Do you honestly feel so insecure that you have to lash out at an eleven-year-old?" Bonnie spoke with a level voice, no anger, no resentment.

Rachel audibly laughed, waving around a cup of punch she had. "Maybe she should've thought of that before plastering my personal business for the whole school to see."

Bonnie shook her head, "She's eleven years old."

The simple statement slapped Rachel's expression from her face, but she tried. "She's the one who opened the doors for this," Rachel snapped, "I'm just paying back the favour."

Bonnie didn't waver. "She's eleven years old."

"She's the one who wants to be part of big people's school," Rachel's voice was becoming a shrill, "She's the one who started this. If she can't handle what she dishes out, then that's her own stupid fault!"

Bonnie looked her in the eye, and said firmly, "She's eleven years old."

Rachel threw her drink at Bonnie, the contents splas.h.i.+ng across Bonnie's chest and through her hair. "I don't need to explain myself," she snapped, "And certainly not to you."

Her splash attack had caught the attention of countless people surrounding the pair, more murmurs spreading, mostly from shock. I was expecting Bonnie to yell, to be outraged, appalled, to start cussing and swearing and squealing at the top of her lungs, but Bonnie froze, eyes closed, punch dripping down her face. Many came to her aid, one girl offering her a tissue in their clutch.

Bonnie dabbed her eyes and blinked away the drying sticky drink. "Then allow me to explain to you," she said as she wiped her cheeks, a smile coming to her lips as she almost seemed prideful at having the drink thrown at her. "What Mia did to you was inexcusable. She is probably smarter then all of us, but has the emotional maturity of an eleven year old girl, because at her core she is still a little girl," Bonnie explained, "And even if this is some backwards attempt at revenge, to hit her back harder for what she did to you then fine, hit me too for encouraging that sentiment to begin with, put me in that awful dress, punish me for it!" Bonnie's voice started to crack as she let her tears drip down her face. She managed to calm herself before continuing, "But what Mia did to you was consequential embarra.s.sment, Rachel. A result of what you do to yourself." Bonnie's maintaining level voice was eerie, and strangely mature as she continued. "What you did was too much, Rachel. What you did resulted in her embarra.s.sment. She didn't do anything, she apologised to you and you go ahead and spit at her apology, then slander her name for nothing more than because you felt an eleven-year-old deserved to be humiliated for being an immature, confused little girl."

Everyone was left speechless by Bonnie's words, the remaining sad look in her eyes as she leant forwards in her wheelchair. Rachel had gone pale, taking a few steps backwards and almost seemed ashamed with herself. She managed to voice a handful of syllables, trying to come up with a counter-argument, but Bonnie's stare shattered all attempts, the weight of her contempt silencing any dispute Rachel tried to word. "Rachel, it doesn't matter how to defend yourself here. You're still the girl who attacked my little sister."

After a while, Rachel pressed her lips together, turned around and walked away, Bonnie's words victorious.

Everyone from the dorm rushed forwards to Bonnie's aid, squatting in front of her wheelchair as she wiped off what remained of the punch drink attack. "Are you okay?" Amada asked.

"You really told Rachel off," Amia commented.

Bonnie nodded, wiping the tissue across her forehead and touching up her eyes, "I'm sticky, but I'll get over it." She sniffed, "Where's Mia?"

"She's gone outside," Ava informed, "I watched her leave."

Bonnie placed the tissue on her lap and went to turn her chair, "I gotta make sure she's okay."

"I'll go," I a.s.sured standing, "You guys just make sure she's okay."

Bonnie shook her head, "Landon, I'm fine."

While the girls started fussing over Bonnie, I went to follow Mia. I pushed the door open and peered outside, scanning the path around the hall for her. The Delinquents had moved on from the stairs, giving Mia the room to sit on the middle step, head in her lap, arms around her legs in a tuck.

I stood behind her for a moment, trying to piece together what I should say to her, or if I was supposed to say nothing to her. I was thinking about it for too long, as Mia got to her feet and started ripping at the dress, trying to yank it off, tear at it. She managed to break one of the straps and it slipped off. She stood in the night air in her white under-dress.

I ran over to her and picked up the fragments of her dress. "Mia." I looked to her. Her eyes were puffy, her lips occasionally showing her clenched teeth as her hands scratched at her ears and shook her head. "Mia, what's wrong?" I reached forwards to touch her, but she swiped at me.

"It's not stopping!" she frantically signed, "It's not stopping! Why isn't it stopping?!"

I grabbed her hands to try and relax her panicky movements. "Mia, Mia! What's not stopping?"

She s.n.a.t.c.hed her hands away and signed, "All of this!" She gestured to the air, "All of that!" She pointed to the hall, "Everything won't shut up! Nothing will calm down! Not even outside! It won't stop!" Mia started pressing her hands against her head and whined.

I grabbed her hands when she started hitting herself. "Mia, sweetheart, I don't understand," I said holding her cheeks in my hand, "What won't stop? What happened in there? Because no one blames you for that, no one is against you, Mia."

Mia pushed me, sending me off balance and almost falling down the remaining stairs. Mia hugged her elbows, shaking her head as her eyes started to dry up and she sighed, sitting back on the floor and facing away from me. I pushed myself up and reached forwards, "Mia…"

She s.h.i.+fted herself away from my touch, opting to glare at the ground and hold herself tighter. I retracted my hand, "I'll give you a few minutes out here. We'll head home in a bit, okay?" I tried to look at Mia, but she ignored me, s.h.i.+fting in her spot again to hide her face in her blonde hair.

I rose to me feet, feeling it was the right choice to give her some s.p.a.ce before we headed out. Little did I know, the moment I left her, her attention would fall on the Delinquents, who were sitting further down the pathway continuing to pa.s.s the flask around, and one of them receiving cheers when they arrived with a bottle of wine.