Home Sweet Drama

by Jessica Burkhart

  One of the guys in my math class was the DJ. He cranked the volume up a notch louder. A pop-rock mix streamed from the speakers and people started dancing in the center of the floor in front of the stage. Ugh. Soon, I’d be on that stage as the winners of the junior royal court were announced.

  Ignore it, I told myself. I walked to the edge of the room and found an empty seat away from the food and drink tables. I hadn’t seen Callie, Eric, or Jacob yet, so at least I didn’t have to keep an eye on them.

  I went for the dessert first and took a bite of my vanilla cupcake with gold frosting.

  “Silver.”

  I looked up, midbite. Heather stood in front of me.

  “I’m going to ditch you right now if you don’t wipe that ridiculous frosting off your face,” Heather said. She rolled her blue eyes.

  I swiped at my mouth with my napkin. “When did you get here?”

  “Just now. Julia and Alison were freaking out because they didn’t want to miss one second of it and Alison had a last-minute shoe emergency.”

  “What happened?”

  Heather sat on the chair beside me. “Her heel broke. She was devastated. As if they were the only pair of shoes she had to wear.”

  “Paige had a shoe moment too,” I said. “But I get it. They want to look amazing—they think Homecoming is a big deal.”

  “True.” Heather nodded down at her own dark blue halter dress. “I dressed up, but I didn’t go crazy.”

  “Me either. And it was kind of nice for once not to have that crazy pressure of dressing up and worrying about my date and all that stuff.”

  “This is just an annoyance,” Heather said, sighing. “We’re here against our will and we have to watch girls throw themselves at guys. Like I’d ever do that.”

  I looked sideways at her. We’d never talked about boys—only when she’d pretended to go after Jacob.

  “Was there someone you wanted to go with?” I asked. I sat back in my chair a little, expecting her to snap at me and tell me it was none of my business.

  Heather stared at her hands in her lap, then looked over at me. “I wouldn’t have minded if Troy had asked me to go with him.”

  I tried not to let my mouth flop open. Heather had a crush and she was insecure about it. For once, she didn’t have all the answers. She wanted something but didn’t know how to go after it.

  Total. Shocker.

  “Troy’s great,” I said, keeping my voice calm. “Does he know you like him?”

  Heather shrugged. “I’m not sure. We talk at the stable a lot, but it’s always casual conversation about riding. I think he might like me, but I don’t know.”

  “Maybe you could find out tonight. Get something out of being here. More than whatever your mom got out of it.”

  I looked over and saw Troy standing with Andy and a couple of the riders from the seventh-grade intermediate team.

  “He’s over there,” I said, tipping my chin in his direction.

  Heather looked over at Troy. She ran her fingers through her hair and stood. “Back in a sec.”

  “Good luck,” I said. I smiled to myself and watched her maneuver through the crowd toward Troy. I finished my food and stood to throw away my plate. I found a trash can near the back of the room and tossed in my plate. When I turned, Jacob stood in front of me—hands in his pockets. He wore black pants, a blazer, and a gray T-shirt. He looked amazing.

  I clutched my cup and stared at him.

  “You look beautiful,” he said. His voice was soft and his green eyes met mine.

  “Thanks,” I said. I was barely able to get out the word. Even though he was single and I wasn’t with Eric, it felt wrong to talk to him. But I so wanted to. And I hated how confused I felt. If I cared about Callie’s feelings like I claimed, I would stay away from Jacob and not even think about us ever being together. But I couldn’t stop what I felt—no matter how hard I tried.

  “You’re going to win,” Jacob said. “There’s no way anyone else could be Homecoming princess.”

  I shook my head. “But I don’t want to be a princess! I just want to get out of here.”

  “Because of Callie, Eric, and me.”

  I paused, then nodded. “We all have to be onstage together. Every time I see Callie she looks like she wants to kill me. Eric just ignores me—not that he doesn’t have every right to. And you—” I caught myself.

  “What?”

  Jacob stepped closer and I could almost feel his breath on my face. I took a step back.

  “Nothing,” I said. “We can’t be talking like this. People already think I’m a horrible person who stole my best friend’s boyfriend. It’s only going to make it worse if they see us talking now.”

  “Sasha, you have to know why I broke up with Callie.”

  I glanced down at the floor, then back at him. “Why?”

  “I couldn’t do it, Sash. I couldn’t stay with her when I wasn’t feeling it. The longer I was with her, the harder it would have been when we finally broke up.”

  I squeezed my eyes shut. “I get that—I do. I know you were saving her from more pain later, but it’s still hard to see her now.”

  “I feel awful that I hurt her. She’s a great girl,” Jacob said. “I told her that I was too overwhelmed with school, sports, and everything else to be a good boyfriend. She was hurt, but I know she believed it. She never thought it was because of what happened at your party.”

  “Are you sure?” I rubbed the back of my neck. “Jacob, I don’t want her to ever doubt that what she had with you was real. You were her first boyfriend. She has to keep hating me.”

  “That’s not fair to you,” Jacob said. “She was your best friend and you’re taking the blame for what I did. You could tell her the truth and be friends again.”

  I shook my head. “I can’t.”

  And I knew the other reason I wasn’t saying—I didn’t want Jacob to be the bad guy. I cared about him too much to expose what he’d done.

  Jacob’s eyes searched my face. “If you’re not going to try to work things out with Callie, then she can be mad at both of us … together.”

  “Jacob.” I wrapped my arms across my chest.

  “Sasha.” He said my name in the same tone I’d said his. “I know we can’t right now, but you want to eventually.” He paused. “Right?”

  “W-we can’t,” I said, stumbling over my words. I had to pull it together or he’d know I was lying. “It would be obvious to Callie that you broke up with her for me and it would kill her. We’ve already done enough to her.”

  Jacob put a warm hand on my forearm. “Callie will move on. She’ll find another boyfriend. You know she’ll be okay. I want you to be happy too. And I think I could make you happy. I want to try.”

  I froze.

  I wanted to tell him yes. Wanted to say that I wanted to try after we waited a while.

  “It’s not just about Callie,” I said. “I want—I need—to be single. I just made the YENT and I’ve got to focus.”

  I blinked, trying not to cry, and knew I had to go before I changed my mind.

  Jacob looked down at his shoes and I glanced over his shoulder.

  My eyes connected with someone else’s.

  25

  WHOSE MOVE?

  ERIC.

  He stared at me, his beautiful brown eyes searching my face. My stomach swirled and, for a second, I was unaware that I was standing just feet away from Jacob.

  “What’re you staring at?” Jacob asked.

  He turned and saw Eric.

  Eric’s face changed in an instant. It was as if he expected to see me here with Jacob. To see us this close together, even though we weren’t doing anything.

  I paused—unsure what to do.

  Then Rachel appeared by Eric’s side. The pretty seventh grader had swept her light brown hair into a twist and her sideswept bangs made her look sophisticated. Rosy blush complemented her coloring and the light freckles that were sprinkled across her nose.
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br />   She looked at me and gave me an odd half wave. I didn’t even know how to respond. Before I could, Eric slipped his hand into Rachel’s and led her away from Jacob and me. She leaned into him as they walked and I felt a little stab of jealousy. I could never be with Eric—not after what I’d done to him. But seeing him with Rachel was harder than I’d thought. She and her group of friends seemed to be more of a presence on campus lately and she was spending more time with the eighth graders than the seventh graders.

  I looked back at Jacob, envisioning him walking away hand in hand with another girl. It was more than I could even think about.

  “I’ve got to go,” I mumbled. “See you onstage.”

  I walked away from Jacob, losing myself in the crowd. Everyone was dancing to the music and it was easy to hide myself among them. I stayed away from the food and drink tables, where everyone seemed to gather at some point, and mixed in with a group of people I didn’t know.

  My eyes stopped on Eric and Rachel. They were dancing together and Eric was smiling at her—the smile that he’d once given me. She gazed adoringly at him. Her friends, back at the drinks table, giggled and whispered.

  The music faded, then stopped. The lights on the stage brightened and everyone turned to watch Headmistress Drake walk across the stage and step up to the microphone.

  “Hello, students,” she said. She smiled at us.

  “It’s now time to announce the winners of the eighth-grade junior royal court. Will the eighth-grade nominees please come onstage?”

  I stood still—waiting to see who would make the first move.

  26

  CROWNED

  I SAW CALLIE MOVE THROUGH THE CROWD. It was the first time I’d seen her all night. She looked stunning in a deep purple V-neck cap-sleeve dress with black kitten heels. Callie walked to the side of the stage, climbed the stairs, and stood behind Headmistress Drake. Nicole was onstage next, then the guys started to line up a few feet away from the girls. Jacob and Eric stood at opposite ends of their line, just like Callie and I did. Paige hurried to stand next to me and Heather took her time getting onstage and stood on my other side.

  The spotlight was blinding. I couldn’t see anyone in the crowd, but I was glad—I wanted to pretend that no one else was in the room. The people onstage were enough to deal with.

  Headmistress Drake smiled at us, then turned back to the crowd. “Please give a round of applause to your eighth-grade junior royal court nominees.”

  Everyone clapped for what felt like forever.

  “Thank you,” Headmistress Drake said. “The students standing before you are those who were nominated by you. One boy and one girl will be crowned prince and princess of the eighth-grade junior royal court. This is an enormous honor that only a select few students at Canterwood Crest Academy ever experience during their time here.”

  Omigod, how much longer was she going to talk?!

  “The level of commitment to our school that I’ve observed this week made me even more proud of our student body. Each of you threw yourself into all aspects of Homecoming and your dedication to our institution is inspiring.”

  Headmistress Drake paused and smiled at the crowd.

  “I’ve talked enough,” she said. “I realize you’re all anxious to hear your winners. Just a reminder—the winners and runners-up will dance together.”

  At least I didn’t have to worry about that. I had to make it through the announcements. Then the plan was to sneak out.

  “And your runners-up for eighth-grade junior royal court are …”

  I looked over at Heather, who blinked, looking bored. I sneaked a glance at Paige. Her hands were clasped together and her eyes were wide and gleaming in the stage light.

  “Eric Rodriguez and Sasha Silver!” Headmistress Drake said.

  Omigodomigodomigod. I started to sway and, for a second, I thought Fainting Sasha might make an appearance.

  “Hold it together, Silver,” Heather hissed in my ear. “Just stand there.”

  I couldn’t even make myself look past Heather to see what the guys’ reactions were. I didn’t want to see Eric’s face. He had to be just as unhappy about the idea of being forced to dance with me.

  Cheers of “Go, Eric!” and “Yeah!” broke out from the crowd. Paige reached over and squeezed my arm.

  “Congratulations!” she said, beaming at me. I just stared at her. Did she not realize what I was feeling?

  I didn’t answer Paige—I looked back at the crowd and tried to breathe.

  “And your winners for the eighth-grade junior royal court are …” Headmistress Drake said. “Jacob Schwartz and Heather Fox!”

  Heather’s head snapped around in my direction and her face had a look I’m sure was similar to mine when I’d heard my name.

  “Hold it together,” I said, repeating her words. “You’re the Homecoming princess.”

  The crowd cheered and the clapping seemed to reverberate from the walls.

  “My mother is going to freak,” Heather whispered, with an amused expression. “Omigod. This is beyond wrong.”

  I smiled, shaking my head, then looked over at Paige.

  “You should have won,” I whispered.

  Paige managed a smile, but I could see the disappointment on her face. “It’s okay. I wanted to win, but at least I still get to dance with Ryan.”

  “Exactly,” I said.

  Headmistress Drake turned to face us. “Please congratulate your winners. When you’re finished, Eric, Sasha, Heather, and Jacob need to head down to the center of the floor.”

  Before I could move, Nicole came over and hugged me. “Congratulations,” she said. “I’m so happy for you!”

  “Thanks,” I whispered.

  Nicole started to reach out to hug Heather, but when she got a glimpse of Heather’s face, she yanked her arms back.

  “Um, congratulations, Heather,” Nicole said, flashing a smile. Heather glared at her and stalked off to the other side of the stage. Nicole walked feet behind her, keeping a careful distance.

  I looked over and Headmistress Drake was still watching us—making sure the winners were properly congratulated. If she wasn’t watching, I’d so be off this stage.

  Paige walked over to the other nominees. I was hyperaware that Callie and I were the only two girls standing at our end of the stage.

  Callie straightened her shoulders and walked over, stopping directly in front of me. Her dark eyes bore into mine and she almost didn’t even look like my ex—best friend.

  “Congratulations, Sasha,” Callie said, her voice cold.

  “Thanks,” I said. I opened my mouth, wanting to say something—but not knowing what to say. Before I could decide, Callie walked away.

  Headmistress Drake would call me out for being a poor sport if I didn’t walk over to the other side.

  Just get it over with, I told myself.

  I walked over and Troy reached me first. “Congratulations, Sash,” he said.

  “Thanks,” I said.

  Andy and Ben cast a quick glance at Eric before coming over to me.

  “Congrats, almost-princess,” Andy said, smiling at me.

  Ben nodded. “Yeah, I’m glad you placed. That’s cool.”

  I listened to them, but it was almost as if I couldn’t hear their words. I couldn’t stop watching Eric and Jacob. They had no reason to talk, but I couldn’t help worrying that Jacob would try to do what he thought was right and tell Eric and Callie the truth about my party. But he promised he wouldn’t, I reminded myself. And I trusted Jacob.

  Eric and Jacob stood as far away from each other as possible. Callie was talking to Eric and Nicole and Jacob were engaged in conversation.

  I looked around for Heather and saw her talking to Troy. She smiled at him and he grinned back at her. Maybe the bright spot of the night was the possibility that this could be the start of something between them.

  Callie walked away from Eric and left the stage. Eric was alone now—it was the perfect time
to talk. Then, after I congratulated Jacob, I could leave the stage.

  I took a looong breath and walked over to Eric. He looked comfortable dressed up in a black blazer, black pants, and a red button-down shirt. But he looked like he would have rather been wearing a polo shirt and breeches. I walked up to his side and when his scent hit me—the smell of clean laundry mixed with mint—it was overwhelming. He turned to look at me and I almost stepped back when our eyes met.

  “Congratulations,” I said. My voice was barely audible over the crowd on the floor that had burst into chatter.

  “You too,” he said. Unlike Callie, there wasn’t a hint of malice or anger in his voice. That was Eric. Calm. Acting as if this was completely fine that we were about to dance together. The way he handled these situations made me hope we could be friends one day.

  “I guess I’ll see you on the floor,” I said.

  He nodded and his eyes left my face when Jacob walked over.

  “See you there,” Eric said to me. He looked at Jacob. “Congrats.”

  Jacob nodded. “You too.”

  Eric disappeared offstage and I was left standing with Jacob. I wanted to hurry off the stage and stand next to him at the same time.

  He looked at me, shaking his head. “Can you believe this?” he asked. “I have to dance with Heather and you get …” He could barely get out the name. “… Eric.”

  “I know. It’s so not fair. If we’re ‘princes’ and ‘princesses,’ why can’t we do whatever we want?”

  “If I got to do what I wanted,” Jacob said, leaning closer. “I’d dance with you all night.”

  I looked at him—saying nothing but wanting to spill everything. The ache I had in my chest whenever I saw Eric intensified times a million when I looked at Jacob. I wanted everything to be simple—I wanted Eric to be happy with whomever he chose, I wanted Callie back as my best friend and, maybe most of all, I wanted a chance with Jacob. I wanted him to be my boyfriend. My video-game-playing, Nintendo-obsessed, afraid-of-horses boyfriend. I wanted to tell him all of that. But I couldn’t.

  “I have to go,” I said.

  “I know.” Jacob’s eyes were on mine and we’d somehow moved so close to each other that our faces were inches apart. Jacob smelled like chocolate frosting and cupcakes. Even that tiny detail made me miss him. And I couldn’t handle thinking about it.