The Great High School Love Game

by Marcia Carrington

  Francine smiled like a sneaky cat that had just swallowed the bird, and mused that what she did had worked on Jake, seeing the effect her comment had on him. Francine wondered whether Jake would ever have experiences like that with Amy, and raised her eyebrows cautiously. She concluded Jake would not, taking Amy’s sterile personality into consideration, and smiled, secure in this fact.

  While Francine was having her fun with Jake, Chad was dancing with Amy, and looking longingly at her. To Chad’s dismay, Amy very obviously had eyes only for Jake, and was continuously looking in his direction. Chad tried to distract Amy by asking her a significant question, the reply to which he was very interested.

  “Amy, are you happy, really happy?”

  Amy looked away from Jake’s direction, and turned back to Chad, with a huge grin.

  “Yeah,” Amy beamed, thinking of Jake, and the school gala. “Everything’s finally going the way I want it,” Amy continued, as if hypnotized.

  “That’s great to hear,” Chad said, nodding his head. While disappointed with the evening so far, and, having witnessed Amy and Jake so close, Chad comforted himself in the point that, with Francine’s help, Amy would be his, and sooner, rather than later.

  Without prior notice, the soft dance music stopped, cutting short the dreamy mood in the hall. Both staff and students looked around with much interest to see what was going on, unsure why the music came to a halt. The increasing hush in the room continued, and the lonely few still talking were told by others to be quiet. The bandleader walked over to the microphone, and made an announcement to the crowd.

  “Ladies and gentleman, may I have your attention please. Tonight, as you well know, we’ll be honoring a couple with the title ‘King and Queen of the Gala’. This’ll be decided by which couple can best dance whichever dance steps I decide,” he said, with a twinkle in his eye. The people in the hall looked at each other, feeling they were not prepared for this.

  “Whoever’s the best couple will make themselves known, that’s for sure. You’ll know ’em when you see them. So put on your dancing shoes, get your dancing feet ready, and leeeeeeeeeeeets go!” he enthused, with a booming, metalliferous voice.

  Many students, and some staff members, scrambled to get into position on the dance floor. Some couples, though, had second thoughts about participating, and moved off, unsure they could perform in this competition. People in this position congregated around the side of the hall, preferring to act as interested onlookers. To their mutual disappointment, Jake and Amy abruptly left Francine and Chad to find one another again. They were powerless to do anything about this, and could do nothing but watch.

  Francine and Chad moved away from the crowd, and close to some other couples who were spectators. By this time, all the eager dancers had assembled in the middle of the hall, and were waiting for the bandleader’s next instructions. Another silence followed in the room, and everyone watched the bandleader, who was not sparing them any suspense.

  “And to begin, the waltz!” he cried out in excitement, introducing the first dance step.

  The bandleader progressively announced several different dances, at the most inconvenient times, trying to keep everyone on their toes. Over the course of the contest, some couples on the dance floor either became tired, or did not know the steps to a dance, and dejectedly walked away. The dance floor eventually cleared to display only Jake and Amy, now dancing some 1970s disco steps, with the gala’s attendees encircling them. Amy was a little concerned she might stumble and lose her way, but Jake held onto her, not letting this happen.

  While she knew she was not the greatest dancer in the world, Amy had the ability to pick up dance steps quickly. Amy was surprised she had done so well with the various dances tonight; it seemed as if some dancing lessons she had taken a while back had, indeed, helped her. Jake happily watched her all the while, Amy giving him energy to continue. Carrie was close by with James, joyful Amy was so content with Jake.

  The atmosphere in the hall was hushed, as if everyone was watching a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. Jake and Amy’s fancy dress gala costumes further enhanced the romantic nature of their dancing, and it seemed as if Cinderella and Prince Charming really were present tonight. Many of the girls in the hall watched intently, hoping for themselves to experience something like what Amy was enjoying. Even though Jake and Amy were being watched by a multitude of people, for them, it was as if they did not exist. Amy and Jake could only see each other, and the world, for them, was only theirs.

  Over at the refreshments stand, Francine and Chad jealously watched the unfolding events. They smiled playfully at each other, thinking of the upcoming mischief they had planned for Amy and Jake.

  “Very soon, Amy’ll find out her Prince Charming was nothing, but a frog,” Francine said to Chad, looking at him with a seductive expression. Francine’s exotic Cleopatra-style eye makeup only made her appear more alluring to Chad, and he returned her glance exactly as Mark Antony would have to his beloved Cleopatra.

  Again, the music stopped, and Jake and Amy looked up at the bandleader, who signaled time out with his hand, indicating there were no more dance steps left to do. They walked together over to Carrie and James, who patted them on the back. Jake and Amy were frazzled from all the non-stop dancing they endured, but, nevertheless, happy it was finally over. The bandleader slowly approached the microphone, and all eyes in the hall were cast upon him.

  “Due to overwhelming popular demand, may I present to you the King and Queen of the Gala. Jake, Amy, take your seats on your thrones.”

  Jake and Amy were stunned, but at the same time thrilled, to be chosen as King and Queen of the Gala. They were led over to two large thrones by the previous years’ winners, and surrounded by a thundering applause from onlookers. Jake and Amy were crowned within a blaze of photographers and clapping, with both staff, and students, approaching to congratulate them on their success. Carrie and James were first in line to see Amy and Jake, and Carrie kissed Amy, very happy for her friend.

  “I knew you’d do it, Ames.”

  “Thanks Carrie,” Amy beamed, not believing all of this was actually happening to her. James extended his hand, and congratulated both Jake and Amy.

  “Thanks James,” they said together.

  After Jake and Amy had seen several more of their closest friends, Chad and Francine arrived to offer them their best wishes. Jake and Amy were a little startled to see them, and Chad and Francine leant over to offer them their own ‘congratulations’.

  “Good luck, Amy and Jake, I’m so happy for you,” Francine offered, both herself and Chad smiling innocently.

  “Me too,” Chad said, looking mostly at Amy.

  “Thanks,” Amy and Jake replied together, smiling.

  There was an uncomfortable pause between the four of them, but Amy and Jake’s attention was taken away by some other frenzied students, who wanted to offer them their best wishes. Francine and Chad were annoyed at all the attention given to Amy and Jake, and walked away from them in an aloof manner. A cold sensation came over Amy after Francine and Chad left, but, she quickly put it out of her mind. She reassured herself maybe she was thinking too much, and this was just how Francine and Chad were. Amy looked at Jake, though, and her worries immediately melted away.

  After all the commotion had finally died down, Jake and Amy arose from their seats, and walked around the hall. They were still excited by all that had happened, and were a little star struck. Carrie watched them from afar in admiration, and they smiled back at her. Chad and Francine, though, were still stung by what had happened, and watched Jake and Amy with envy from the other side of the hall. Chad and Francine smiled when Amy and Jake looked in their direction, but their faces immediately took on a less friendly expression when Amy and Jake turned away from them.

  The gala lasted for another hour, and, at its conclusion, while everyone was exhausted, nevertheless, they were happy being part of it all. The turnout at this year’s gala was at an all-tim
e high compared to other years, with ninety-five percent of the school population in attendance. The proceeds of the evening way outperformed what was anticipated by the gala’s organizers, and they were ecstatic with the outcome. The charity which the school donated to was going to be very happy with the results of the evening — on the whole, it was a very successful event.

  Jake, Amy, Carrie and James were seated together near the refreshments stand; although tired, they were, at the same time, still extremely keyed up by everything that happened tonight. Carrie smiled at Amy, and said to her,

  “I’m so proud of you,” to which Carrie extended her arms, and they embraced. Carrie was overjoyed all had gone so well for Amy and Jake, and shed tears of joy for her. After a spell, they pulled away from each other, and Carrie said, in a soft voice, “Sweet dreams tonight Amy — you deserve it.” Carrie and Amy looked at each other, and Amy wiped away her friend’s tears, as Jake and James watched on. Carrie and Amy, and James and Jake talked amongst themselves for a few more minutes, still abuzz from the gala.

  James looked at his watch, and saw the time. He tapped Carrie on the shoulder, indicating that it was time for them to go. Carrie looked at James in disappointment, but, he signaled with his eyes that Amy and Jake needed some time alone. With some gentle urging from James, Carrie arose from her seat, and they said goodbye to Jake and Amy. Amy and Jake escorted them to the door, and James and Carrie walked away from Jake and Amy, and into the night. Jake watched them as they walked off, and said, in a serious tone of voice,

  “Know what, Amy?”

  “What?”

  “You’ve got a great friend. Always listen to her; she knows what she’s talking about.”

  Amy nodded her head, and returned Jake’s smile, dreamily replying,

  “Yeah, you’re right.”

  Amy thought about Carrie, and knew she was mostly responsible for her coming this far with Jake. Without her undying patience and guidance, Amy would still be sitting at home, watching TV.

  By this time, there were hardly any people left in the hall, as it was now late in the evening. Francine and Chad were still at the opposite side of the hall, talking amongst themselves. Amy caught Chad’s attention, and he and Francine leisurely came over to her and Jake, making an entrance befitting Cleopatra, former Queen of Egypt, and her lover, Mark Antony. Chad and Francine looked at Amy and Jake with a regal disposition, watching the night’s other royals with much attention.

  “Hope everything goes well for both of you. Don’t know what happened to Cinderella and Prince Charming, but I’m sure you can improve upon them,” Francine said.

  “Thanks Franci,” Jake and Amy said, smiling at her sentiments.

  Francine and Chad also smiled, and Chad said,

  “Anyway, see you both at school very soon.”

  There was a short silence, and Jake and Amy felt they had nothing else left to say to Chad and Francine. They wanted some time alone with each other, which was something they did not have all evening. Chad and Francine realized this, and took their cue to leave.

  “Bye Chad, Franci,” Jake and Amy said.

  “Bye,” Chad and Francine echoed, unhurriedly walking out of the hall in full royal dress. Their eye-catching outfits still managed to turn the heads of those left in the hall, who marveled about how authentic these looked, and how much they suited Francine and Chad. Jake and Amy shook their heads at how refined Francine had seemed tonight as Cleopatra, and that maybe she had taken her role a little too seriously.

  Jake and Amy moved back into the hall to farewell their remaining friends and teachers, who spoke warmly with them. After saying their goodbyes to all, Amy and Jake left the hall, and made their way to Jake’s car. Jake opened the car door for Amy, and she entered it, as if in a trance. They were still flushed with excitement at being crowned King and Queen of the Gala, and did not say a word to each other in the car; content to just soak in the splendor of the evening’s events.

  Amy lightly touched her crown, and looked at Jake, who smiled at her, a satisfied look on his face. She looked up at the sky, and thought it seemed a little too black, meaning there might be bad weather tomorrow. Amy put this idea out of her mind, though, and reflected maybe she was being overly superstitious.

  The drive from the hall to her home seemed very brisk to Amy, and it was very quiet on the streets, as hardly any cars were on the roads. The street lamps beautifully illuminated the streetscape, and cast a romantic glow upon it. Even though it was very late, many houses in the street had their internal lights on, and this only enhanced the lush atmosphere of the evening. Upon reaching her house, Jake opened the car door for Amy, and they walked together to her front entrance.

  Amy and Jake looked intensely into each other’s eyes, and smiled. They had finally made it, they thought; nothing could get in their way now. Jake stroked Amy’s face, and, in response, she touched his shiny, sandy-colored hair. Amy could see Jake’s gray eyes gleaming in the moonlight, and he marveled at the radiance of her blonde hair. To Jake, Amy appeared every inch the fairy-tale princess.

  Little by little, Amy and Jake’s faces came closer, and they kissed. Jake kissed Amy so gently, with so much care, that for a moment she was unsure whether all of this was really happening to her. She fleetingly recalled all of the times they nearly kissed — the time at her front door, and twice at home the day she helped Jake with his homework. Amy also reminisced how Jake closed down ‘The Place’ one night just for her, and gave her such beautiful gifts. Upon remembering these tender moments, Amy thought she might have imagined Jake’s kiss. To Amy’s amazement, Jake pulled away from her, but, from past experience, realized Jake wanted to tell her something.

  “I have something else for you,” Jake said, eyes shining with delight.

  Amy was intrigued, and her eyes were wide with anticipation.

  “What?”

  Jake reached down into his pocket, and pulled out a box. He opened it up, and Amy was startled when she saw what was inside. It was a friendship ring, and it glittered brilliantly in the evening light, the street lamps capturing its various facets. Amy raised her hand, and Jake slowly, elegantly, slipped the ring onto her finger.

  Amy looked at Jake in surprise, and he reached down, and pulled out another box, which he gave to her. This time, though, she opened the small box, and put the ring on Jake’s finger. Jake smiled at her, and Amy felt she had lost her voice for a moment. Amy hesitated, and said to Jake, a little breathlessly,

  “Pinch me to show me I’m in reality,” she said. Jake looked at Amy lovingly, his eyes glistening, aided by the soft lights of the street lamps, and said to her,

  “No, I’ve got a better idea.”

  Jake took Amy in his arms again, and their lips met once more. Amy realized she was indeed in reality, although a very, very dreamy one. After their kissing, Jake took Amy into his warm, strong embrace, and they remained together for a few minutes, not wanting to separate from each other. This time, though, instead of Jake, Amy broke away from Jake, and stared deeply into his eyes. She did not want to leave him, especially after tonight, but knew she had to.

  “I…I’ve gotta go now,” Amy said, stuttering a little. “Good night, Jake.”

  Jake smiled at her, but was silent for a moment, disappointment registered in his face.

  “Good night, Amy,” Jake said hauntingly, watching Amy all the while as he walked to his car. Amy found her house keys in her purse, and gradually opened the front door. After this, she stood in the doorway, standing totally still, watching Jake.

  The delicate light emanating from the lounge room bestowed upon Amy a gentle glow, and highlighted her outfit, making her seem almost angelic. Jake studied her for a moment from his car, totally spellbound by her presence. Amy observed Jake as he started the car engine, and drove off into the still of the night. After Jake was gone, Amy walked inside her home, and, little by little, closed the door behind her.

  The beautiful atmosphere of the evening enveloped Amy’
s entire body, and she felt as if she was floating on air. Her parents had left some lights on, knowing she would be coming home late from the gala. Amy headed upstairs, and checked their bedroom, and discovered they were both asleep, as was her younger brother in his bedroom. Amy smiled after witnessing this, and sat on the top of the stairwell, smoothing out her outfit.

  “Carrie was right — I really feel like the belle of the gala tonight. But, I know I’m the belle of Jake’s heart,” Amy said, with a great sigh.

  After a quiet minute to herself, Amy arose from the stairs, and began to walk into her bedroom. As if in a dream, Amy proceeded into her room, and leisurely removed her elaborate fancy dress gala costume, piece by piece. She rested the crown on her dressing table, and it reflected beautifully into the mirror. Amy had kept her Cinderella tiara in her purse after being crowned, and, pulled it out to look at it once more, and smiled, before placing it on her dressing table.

  After taking off her costume, Amy had a shower, as she was too tired to have a bath. The jets of water were very therapeutic on her body, which was tired from all the dancing she had done tonight. After showering, Amy readied herself for bed, and remembered how Jake had kissed her tonight. Amy sat at her dressing table, and looked into the mirror, with a longing expression.

  “Can’t wait to see Jake again. Things are gonna be better than ever from tomorrow.”

  Chapter Twelve

  “I’m so excited Carrie; it’s like I’ve lived through a long, beautiful dream,” Amy beamed, face alive with delight.

  Today was an unusually quiet Monday afternoon at school. Several days had passed since the fancy dress gala, and Amy was at school with Carrie. Amy and Carrie had both quickly eaten their lunches, as they wanted to catch up on everything that had happened. They were taking a relaxing stroll around the school, and passed by the school’s various buildings.

  To their surprise, Amy and Carrie noticed the school was not the hub of activity it typically was. The sporting oval did not have much activity going on today, unlike other days, when it was crammed to full capacity. There were hardly any enthusiastic conversations between students like there usually were; today, they were more likely to just lounge around, and do nothing. This may have been because of the carryover from the gala, and the onset of tiredness. It may also have been because of the day itself, as Monday was dreaded by almost everyone, as it ‘interrupted’ the weekend. Today was seemingly a day where ‘Mondayitis’, a mysterious, common ‘illness’, appeared to be widespread throughout the school.