Maglins and the Infinite Quest

29

Pipher Green

It was now mid April and the night of the spring dance. Francis had picked out a gorgeous pinkish dress so I wore the black suit with a similar colored tie.

My mom had sent me various different colored ties so I just picked the one that matched her dress the best. It would have to do the job.

The dance was to start at 8pm which included dancing, dinner, announcing the winners of the spring writing contest, and the headmaster's speech.

Around 7, I walked to Francis's room to meet her before the dance.

"Hey Pipher," She said, letting me inside her room and walking back to where her mirror was to continue her makeup.

"You look really nice," I mumbled.

"What?" She said, turning her head, allowing our eyes to meet.

"I said you look really nice,"

She smiled and continued her makeup, beginning to chat with me.

"Are you excited for tonight?" She asked.

"Yeah," I responded, "A bit nervous,"

"Why're you nervous?" She laughed, "You went to last year's dance, right?"

"Not with a date," I said, using air quotes and then laughing it off.

"As long as you can dance you'll be fine,"

I laughed quietly to myself, "I'll sure try,"

"Oh cmon," She spoke kindly, "You'll do fine,"

Once she finished her makeup and curled her hair quickly, with a bit of my assistance, I took a deep, long look at her.

Her dress looked amazing right now and so did she. She was wearing somewhat short heels, probably so she wouldn't accidentally trip while dancing. Though I had no feelings toward her, she still looked amazing. Once it was time to leave her room, we both stepped in front of the tall mirror to make sure we looked good enough. I adjusted my tie and she adjusted the straps on her dress before giving me a look, signalling me toward the door.

I opened it for her, as I used to do for Anna, without saying anything though.

It seemed as though everything I did reminded me of her.

We both stepped out into the long corridor and saw some other couples and groups dressed nicely, walking together. The clacking of her heels and my dress shoes hitting the floor filled the air.

Francis and I found the grand staircase and headed down. In front of us was a friend group and behind us were two shy kids, walking together. I hoped I wasn't as awkward as they were.

Once we had both made it to the dining hall where all the tables and chairs had been moved, we found a place to sit together. Just by glancing and scanning the room, I couldn't see any of my friends so we just sat in the closest empty seats.

While we sat together, we watched the entrance as people came flooding in and sure enough, Anna walked in beside Charles.

Anna's dress was a light yellow which matched Charles's tie, signaling they were "with" each other.

Unwilling to show emotion or hurt Francis, I looked down toward the floor and stared for a moment or so.

I had a feeling they would show up together.

That moment turned into much longer than intended and I was brought back to consciousness when Francis gave me a tap on the shoulder. She pointed to the middle of the hall where the headmaster stepped in. He walked to the middle of the room or so where he greeted us all.

Without saying much more, he walked to the far end of the hall and music began to play which signaled everybody to begin dancing. Francis and I stood up from our seats and met closer to the middle of the hall than where we had been.

We, as well as most other people, began to dance to the soft music. As we did, my mind began to focus on dancing rather than thinking about Anna dancing beside me with my best friend.

I put on a smile and tried my best to enjoy the night.

After a series of long songs, the music slowly faded and a group of professors pointed us all back to our seats.

Once everybody was sitting down the headmaster began to talk. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. You all have worked so hard and I, as well as all of the teachers standing beside me, are very proud of your achievements. With that being said, we have some awards to present to you before you all leave for spring break,"

As he talked, my anxiousness grew and grew.

The headmaster called up many names and stated the award the person was receiving. None of the winners were anybody I was friends with though.

After everybody clapped for the last winner, the headmaster invited the older popular girls to the front, including Lucy Nova.

One of the girls began talking, "We hosted our annual spring writing contest and received many submissions and they were all so amazing. But with that being said, we have had to make tough decisions,"

A second girl began talking after the first was finished. "Each of us have spent hours reading through the submissions and we've thought long and hard on which we believe is the best,"

"In third place, with the story, "After Cherries Fall" is Oliver Fay," A third girl said, causing everybody in the hall to clap in celebration. Oliver made his way to the front where he stood with the professors and the group of girls.

"Who even lets these girls judge the writing contest?" Francis spoke, looking toward me.

I shrugged my shoulders and we both watched the next speaker.

"In second place with the submission with the most use of metaphors and similes is, "Far Away Fog" by Natalie Griffiths,"

The crowd cheered again as she walked to the front. I didn't know her but I can imagine how frustrating it must feel to get second in two writing contests in a row.

"In first place with the submission of, "Vibrant Stars and Clovers" is Pipher Green," Another voice spoke, this one much gentler than the previous.

It was Lucy Nova.

I got up from my chair and gave a smile to Francis before I began to walk to the front.

As I walked, I passed by my friends who were all watching me as I walked. The three of us, Natalie, Oliver, and myself stood beside each other allowing everybody to clap once more.

We were all handed small awards with our placings inscribed on them as well as the title of our submissions.

Surprisingly with all the stress I've been under, I like this submission more than the one from winter. I like the trophy from winter more though.

As we collected our trophies, I gave a friendly hug to Lucy.

"Come to my room tonight," She spoke, just as softly as she had when announcing my name, "I need to talk to you,"

The three of us collected our trophies and went back to the seats we were in before. As I sat down, Francis congratulated me. When Oliver sat down a loud noise came from his chair and the friends near him began to laugh. A whoopie cushion was placed on his chair.

Everybody stayed seated as the professors left the hall, causing almost everybody to begin talking. The sounds of people laughing, giggling, and joking with their friends filled the air.

Soon enough, the professors wheeled in carts of food and drinks and visited each table handing things out. The feast at the spring dance was grand, but not as large as the Christmas feast that's held.

As Francis and I ate, we didn't talk much. There wasn't much to say.

I tried so hard to talk to her. I tried so hard to make myself not seem awkward but each time I tried, I failed.

She isn't like Anna, that's the problem.