“I had no idea you had anything like this planned. It’s awesome. How did you do it without anyone knowing?”
“We had a lot of help from the art department, and the students didn’t know they were making decorations for the dance. Mr. Green told them it was a community project.”
“The council pulled it off and I love it. It doesn’t look like the gym. It’s beautiful.”
He flashed me one of his take-your-breath away smiles. “I know you have to check the band,” he said, leading me to the refreshment table, “but would you like something to drink first?” Without waiting for an answer, he handed me a glass of punch.
Jake and Sarah busily set out extra paper cups and plates which were in boxes underneath the tables.
Tanner bent down to help Jake with a box of plates.
“The decorating committee did a great job,” I told Sarah.
She looked up from arranging napkins, “Do you really like it? It took a lot of time, but we had fun.”
“It’s better than anything I imagined. It doesn’t even resemble the gym. It’s like a scene from a movie.”
Sarah picked up a stack of plates and cups and carried them away from the guys, to the other end of the tables. “The big question is, does it still smell like the gym?”
Chuckling, I took a deep breath. The pungent odor of rubber balls and dirty socks was gone. “No, it smells like cinnamon and flowers.”
“The mums are Tiffany’s contribution. It was the only thing she did. She spent one hour picking out flowers at the florist and had the bill delivered to her parents. She made sure everyone knew they were the only ones in Westview who could afford it. Then she acted like she had to grow the flowers herself and arrange them. She informed us she wouldn’t have time to help with anything else.”
”Sounds like Queen Tiff,” I said, turning my attention to the variety of goodies on the table. “How did you get all these refreshments? The council must have baked all day. If I had known I would have helped.”
“You had the entertainment to take care of. Besides, we didn’t bake all of this in one day. We started a few weeks ago and put everything in our freezers.”
“I don’t see how you had time to do your homework and study.”
Sarah grinned. “We sort of begged our mom’s to help.” She straightened the table cloth and her face grew serious. “How is Tanner tonight? I mean, is he still acting weird?”
“No, he’s like his old self again. I don’t know what was bothering him but whatever it was it’s gone now.”
Sarah shook her head. “Guys, who can understand them?”
We both laughed and walked back to the guys. I had only been apart from Tanner for a few minutes but I already missed him.
Tanner smiled down at me and we automatically clasped our hands together. I couldn’t tell if his hand sought mine first or if I sought his.
The gym was filling up fast and we had barely opened the doors. “The kids are coming early,” Tanner said. “That’s a good sign.
I nodded, wishing I could stay with Tanner. “I can’t put it off any longer. I better check with the band.”
“It’s okay, I see Jake needs my help with some of the decorations that fell down. I’ll come and help you when I finish with him.”
The band shifted awkwardly in their tuxes, their checkerboard ties falling forward while they tried to get the backdrop to stay in place. Even though I couldn’t move easily in my dress, I was able to work along side them. We had made the screen out of gold, lime green and black metallic streamers. The side poles were tricky and sometimes didn’t stand straight. We struggled with them until we decided to push them against the wall where they couldn’t fall.
Once we got that done and checked the sound equipment, I hurried out of the side door to the janitors closet to check out my surprise. The letter jacket and cheerleader uniform were hung neatly and covered with a cloth. The new logos looked great. Everything was ready.
I gently closed the closet door and headed back to the gym. The band started to play a popular tune and couples began to swing to the beat.
Tanner appeared beside me. “Here you are,” he said, leading me on to the dance floor. His dark hair glistened under the bright lights. Not only was he the cutest guy in the gym, but in the whole world. He had great rhythm and it was a dream dancing with him.
“It looks like we can relax tonight,” he said. “Everything is going well.”
I studied the couples around us. “There’s something different about this dance and the kids too. I’m not sure what it is but everyone looks happy and excited.”
“A lot of the old tension is gone,” Tanner said. “The kids are starting to accept the consolidation. Half of the couples are from both schools.”
“You’re right. A month ago some of these kids wouldn’t even speak to each other. Now they’re dancing together.” Curt and Sue held hands in the corner with crazy-in-love expressions on their faces. A few weeks ago he had been too shy to talk to her. Now he didn’t care that she was a Westie. Maybe it had helped to hint that she didn’t have a date for the dance. I noticed several kids dancing in groups too.
The dance floor filled with students as the band continued to play the latest rock songs. I liked them but I preferred to dance close to Tanner. I thought I’d die if I had to wait another minute.
Finally, the lights dimmed and the band switched to a slow song. Nadine stepped up to the microphone and started singing Magenta’s latest hit, Till I Found You. Tanner pulled me close to him. I rested my head on his shoulder and lost myself in his embrace. His chest was strong and comforting. Closing my eyes, I remembered our magical kiss, and his soft lips. The music was dreamy, romantic. It was my song to him and I let myself believe he cared for me. Maybe my dream wasn’t so far fetched. Maybe he loved me too. I sighed happily and hugged him tighter.
Just then the music faded and the lights brightened. Tanner’s arm tightened around my waist. I glanced up into his eyes. Golden leaves shimmered above us. A shadow of apprehension crossed his face. He stiffened and dropped his arms to his sides.
“Tanner, what’s wrong?”
A murmur traveled across the gym. He stared at the doorway with his jaw clenched tight.
Tiffany and Sam stood in the entrance to the gym. She beamed with all the attention. I wondered who had turned up the lights. Slowly, she entered, commanding everyone’s attention.
Sam smiled proudly and escorted her through the doors. She strolled onto the floor giving everyone a regal smile like a queen addressing her court. Her strapless black satin gown fit well and enhanced her curves to advantage. It was floor length in the back and came above her knees in the front, showing off her legs and black stiletto heels. She glided across the floor like a ballerina. Every few steps she stopped and nodded at the crowd, then headed straight for us.
Tanner’s mouth set in a hard, firm line. It wasn’t hard to figure out why. He was jealous of Sam. The truth hit me like a slap in the face.
Tiffany halted in front of us. “Tanner, I’ve always loved you in a tux. Remember how I helped you pick out your first one? It had a red cummerbund to match my dress.” She smiled, and kissed him on the cheek. “Save a dance for me,” she said, loud enough for me to hear. “I’m going to ask the band to play our song.” She threw me a triumphant smile and leaned closer to Tanner.
I smiled back although inside I was seething. She was his girlfriend and she loved rubbing it in. He was my date, but he belonged to her. Why had I fooled myself into believing Tanner wanted to be with me? He asked me to the dance because he had to.
Tanner excused himself, put his arm through mine, and walked away from Tiffany. The crowd that had formed moved aside to let us through. Several of the kids gave me sympathetic looks. I tried to swallow over the lump in my throat. Tanner’s face was a mask, hiding his thoughts from everyone except me. I didn’t have any illusions. He hated being my date and wished he were Sam. I forced myself to keep smiling determi
ned no one would see my true feelings, especially Tiffany.
The music started up again and Tanner pulled me into his arms for a slow dance. His body was stiff with tension. I might as well have been dancing with a statue. His hand was as cold and rigid as a stone on my back. Our steps were automatic and forced, like human robots.
We continued to dance in silence while the band played another Magenta song. When it ended Tanner dropped his arm from around my waist. “I’m thirsty. How about another glass of punch?” He spoke nonchalantly like everything was perfect and nothing had happened.
I nodded and we made our way to the table. We drank quietly, avoiding each other’s eyes. I didn’t know what to say and apparently neither did he. Maybe he wished he was with Tiffany, but I was his date. And yet I had come, knowing she was his girlfriend. He had never denied that, although he had assured me he wanted to bring me. It was all so confusing. Although if I were honest with myself I would have to admit I wanted to be angry with Tanner because I was hurt. I wanted him to love me but he didn’t. Anger was easier than feeling the pain.
Tanner had a far away expression on his face, like he was deep in thought. He tossed his empty cup into the wastebasket just as Sarah and Jake arrived at the table.
Sarah took my arm and pulled me away from Tanner. “I need you to help me check something,” she said nudging me toward an empty corner opposite the band. “We’ll be right back,” she called to the guys.
“You look so unhappy,” she whispered. “Don’t let Tiffany ruin the dance for you. She’s trying to make you miserable.”
“I can’t help it. Did you see his face when Tiffany came in? He never wanted to bring me tonight. I wish the dance was over.” I sounded full of self-pity and I didn’t care.
“That’s how she wants you to feel. She can’t stand it because Tanner would rather be here with you. Everyone is saying what a great couple you and Tanner make. I’m sure she’s heard. He’s happy tonight, or he was until she came.”
Sarah could believe he cared about me but I knew better. He belonged to Tiffany. It showed in the way he looked at her with Sam. “You think Tanner’s happy? You need to take a closer look. He’s miserable because Tiffany isn’t his date.”
“He didn’t look miserable when you were in the car.” She leaned against the wall with a teasing smile. “He seemed very happy.”
I fixed my gaze on a pot of gold mums. She had seen us kissing and it made me uncomfortable because it was special. I treasured the memory. It would be the only one I would ever have. But if I had to share it with anyone I was glad it was Sarah. “He wasn’t really happy. It was just an innocent kiss.”
“Then he did kiss you?”
I jerked my head up. “I thought you knew. I thought you saw us through the window.”
“No, I didn’t need to. It was written all over your faces when you got out.”
“It didn’t mean anything. He just thinks of me as a friend.”
She placed her hands on her hips. “Who are you trying to kid? Friends don’t lock lips.”
“It wasn’t like that. He loves Tiffany.”
She sighed. “I’m not so sure about that, but I do know that Tanner cares about you.”
“Is that why every morning I see them walking the halls together?”
“Some things don’t make sense, but I’m sure he cares about you. It’s in his eyes. He looks at you differently than anyone else.”
I hadn’t noticed any difference, but she was trying to make me feel better and I appreciated it. “Thanks,” I said turning around. “Let’s get back to the guys. They’re going to wonder what we’re doing.”
Sarah nodded and headed for the center of the dance floor.
Tanner stood by the punch bowl where I’d left him, only he wasn’t with Jake. He was in a deep conversation with Tiffany. He spun around as I came closer. Tiffany turned at the same time. Her smile faded when she saw me.
Tanner’s expression was troubled. He mumbled something to Tiffany then ambled toward me. “I’ve been waiting for you. Are you okay?” Not waiting for an answer, he took my hand. “Come on, they’re playing a cool song.”
The lights dimmed and he drew me close into a dance embrace. It should have been romantic but it wasn’t. He had to dance with me. He had always been a good dancer except now his steps were forced.
He twirled me around and I caught Tiffany staring at us. I half expected Tanner to leave me in the middle of the floor and go to her. Instead he leaned down and whispered in my ear. “Ashlee, are you enjoying yourself?”
“Yes,” I lied. “Everything is, ...um, perfect.”
“I’m glad.” His steps became more relaxed. “I want you to have a good time,” he said squeezing my hand.
A metallic leaf fell from the ceiling and dropped on the floor beside us. A similar leaf had fallen from the courtyard bushes the day he asked me to the dance. That day I had had such high hopes for this night. Even though things weren’t turning out the way I wanted, I didn’t regret it. For a while it had been my fantasy come true. Maybe it was time to face reality. Nothing had changed. Tanner belonged to Tiffany. He always had. When the night was over he would go back to her. No matter how difficult it would be I had to accept that he was my friend and nothing more.
Mrs. DeGraff entered the gym with the janitor carrying the stand with the covered jacket. She signaled for me to join her.
Tanner eyed me questioningly. I nodded. “Yes, it’s the surprise.
He let go of my hand and nudged me forward. “Go for it. Everyone is going to love whatever it is.”
I stood beside Mrs. DeGraff while she addressed the kids with a short introduction. At the end, the janitor handed her a note and whispered something to her. She gave me the microphone. “I’ll be right back,” she whispered. “Go ahead and show the logo without me.”
Some of the kids had eager faces while others looked skeptical. Why had I thought this was a good idea? What if they didn’t like it? From the front of the crowd Tanner smiled encouragingly.
I held the mike like a security blanket and straightened my shoulders, trying to appear confident. “We’ve all struggled with this consolidation. It hasn’t been easy for either school. Tanner and I have heard many complaints from Carlies and Westies. Carlies say that they’ve lost their logos, their colors, and their cheers. This wasn’t anyone’s fault. Westview has gone out of its way to change. In fact, they have offered to give up some of their traditions to help the consolidation. But it isn’t necessary. Neither is it for Carlton to lose all of their traditions. I think there is a way for everyone to be happy.”
With shaking hands I pulled down the cover. “I have designed a new logo. All we need is your approval.” The gym was silent. I struggled to breathe. My chest felt like it was filled with bricks. A soft clap came from the back of the room. Another came from the front, and soon the whole crowd joined in.
The heaviness in my chest eased. I stepped aside and smiled just as some of the clapping died. A murmur shot through the gym, and a few of the kids in back raised their fists and booed. My Carlie friends continued to clap.
Chapter Nine
What was going on? I turned back to the logo. It was different. The Westview ‘W’ was the same, but instead of the mustang in the center, an enlarged Carlton eagle took its place. Its wings were spread out, touching each edge of the W. Two small Carlton C’s were sewn into each wing. Below the eagle stood the Westview mustang. It had been reduced to one fourth of its original size. The eagle was positioned so it appeared to be standing on top of the mustang, almost crushing it.
Who had done this, and why? Whoever it was had lots of sewing experience. Everything had been sewn with expertise.
Many kids continued to shout, while others gave me the thumbs up.
“It’s obvious who she’s loyal to.” I recognized Tiffany’s voice.
Scanning the crowd, I met Tanner’s gaze. His eyes held contempt. His jaw was clenched tight and his hands were balled
into fists. He moved closer to me. “I can’t believe you did this,” he whispered.
Tears threatened my eyes. How could he think I would do it? Was his opinion of me that low? “I didn’t. I don’t know what happened.”
Shouts of disapproval mixed with cheers continued. Some of the radical Carlies applauded the false logo. Gina, Debbie, and Tim were the only Westies that clapped. It was only a matter of time before both schools would start fighting. I had to do something. Grabbing the microphone, I tried to speak, but nothing came out. I cleared my throat and tried again. “This isn’t what I had planned.” My voice came out weak and shaky. “There’s some kind of mix up.”
More boos came from the crowd. Tanner motioned me to hand him the mike but I couldn’t accept his help like I had that first day of school. Not because he thought I was guilty, although that hurt. This was my idea and my logo. I had to handle it myself. I shook my head. “I can take care of it.”
I addressed the crowd again, waving my free hand in the air. “Listen to me. That wasn’t my logo. There’s been some kind of mix up. I wouldn’t do anything like this,” I said pointing to the jacket.
Some of the radical Carlies booed. I moved closer to them. “I know how you feel. It was hard to leave Carlton but Westview is a great school.” They continued to glare at me. Most of them were guys standing in a small group. Several were on the football team. Will Morton was our star center and he seemed to be the leader. “Our football team is better than ever,” I continued. “We’ve won most of the games so far and it’s because we have the best of both schools for our team.” A few of the guys still looked doubtful. “And the girls are awesome. I’ve seen you dancing with them.” This brought smiles from the guys.
My confidence growing, I moved to the center of the crowd. “This is the last time I will speak to you as a Carlie. We aren’t two schools anymore. There’s just one, Westview. We are all Westies now and we are the best.”
Ashlee's Rival Love Page 14