The Neighbor

Chapter 22: The Dance

"I can't believe your making me go to this, "I said.
"Come on it'll be fun, "Lani said, "and you got to admit, this is exactly the kind of thing I would do."
"But honestly, "I said, "the dance?"
"Trust me, you won't regret going, "she said.
"I don't even have a date, "I said, "how am I supposed to get in?"
"Already checked, your date can be your friend, "she said, "we're going together. That is until Kahoni ditches Savannah to come be with you."
"You really are one of those happily ever after girls huh?" I joked.
"Haha very funny, "she said, "you're going to be beautiful."
"Yeah, yeah sure, "I said, "whatever floats your boat."
"Well I should get going, "she said, "it's pasta night. You wanna come with?"
"No I'm fine, "I said. She looked disappointed as she quietly climbed out the window. "Sorry you have to leave like this, "I said, "but my mom doesn't know that I have friends."
"Honestly this is really fun, "she said, "I feel James Bond, but you know like the American teenage girl version of him."
I laughed as she climbed down and sneaked out of my yard like a "real spy." I'd have to tell her next time that flip flops aren't the best choice of footwear for spies.
I looked down at the dress she had gotten me. It was short, only to halfway down my thighs. It was blue but was lighter in some places. Kinda like the ocean when the sun's rays shine through the water. Lani had chosen the perfect dress. I still wasn't sure I wanted to go, but Lani was my best friend and I had to do this for her.
I looked at the clock and saw how late it was. I quickly hid the dress in my closet and climbed into bed. I instantly fell into sweet, warm sensation of sleep.
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The day of the dance it looked like it was going to storm. I begged Lani to let me go surfing instead of the dance but she wouldn't have it.
"I will not let you miss out on the night of your life just so you can go surfing, "she said.
"But Lani there's going to be huge waves!" I shouted, "this is like a once in a lifetime oppurtunity."
"Have you noticed you say that every time there's a storm?" she said, "You sure do have a lot of 'once in a lifetime' oppurtunities."
"Please Lani, "I begged.
"Save it, "she said, "you just don't want to go to the dance."
I sighed. I promised Lani I would go to the dance so I had to go. "Fine, "I said, "I won't go surfing. Who knows? Maybe they'll be another once in a lifetime oppurtunity."
"Oh thank you Danny!" she screamed as she wrapped her arms around me.
"Please no hugs, "I said.
"Right sorry, "she said, "no hugs. I'm just so excited!"
We walked into school and saw that everyone had gone insane. Girls were running around reminding their dates when to pick them up and talking excitedly with their friends. The guys looked almost nervous and huddled in a corner probably trying to figure out what kind of flowers to buy or some other guy stuff. Obviously I wouldn't know what guys talk about.
The only one who wasn't anxious was Kahoni. He walked through the halls confidently like he had taken pretty girls to dances his whole life, which he probably had.
He looked at me and for the first time in weeks I looked back at him. He smiled as if seeing me was the highlight of his day. But his smile quickly faded as Savannah walked up to him. She began telling him something and he stood and pretended to listen.
"Hey you okay?" Lani asked.
"Yeah I'm fine, "I lied, "let's just get to English before Mr. Kahele has another reason to hate me."
Before Lani could respond I began to make my way through the chaos to class.
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I looked at my reflection in the dirty mirror. The dress flowed around me in an almost pretty way. My blue and silver eye shadow sparkled in the light from my candle. My hair was in a very messy bun.
But the thing that tied it all together was the crystal hair pin my father had given me when I was eight. He told me to wear it when I wanted something amazing to happen. He said whenever I chose to wear it my wishes would come true. It was just a silly tale but the pin was beautiful.
A pebble hit my window and I knew Lani was here. I skillfully climbed out and down to the ground.
"You look magnificent Danny, "she said.
"No, you're way prettier than me, "I said.
"Don't even try to play that card with me, "she said, "you're pretty and you're going to accept it."
"Fiesty one aren't you?" I joked.
"Your hilarious, "she said, "now let's go, the dance starts soon and it looks like the storm's starting soon too."
Lani was right, storm clouds were being blown our way. We hurriedly made our way to the school. Inside was full blown madness. Girls were obsessing over what they looked like, guys were standing awkwardly next to them as if they didn't know what to say. Lani and I stood, leaning on a wall.
For awhile it was actually kind of fun. Lani and I joked about how bad the boys were at dancing and how the poor girls feet must me in a lot of pain from being constantly stepped on. Lani and I actually danced a little. It was becoming an amazing night, until I saw Kahoni.
He was as handsome as always and Savannah was gorgeous. They stood laughing and having a great time. It made me think. Could I be having that much fun if had asked Kahoni? Would I be happy if I had asked him? 
He looked over at me and we made eye contact. His smile faded and he just looked at me. For a second I thought he might come over and dance with me. But then Savannah stepped in front of him and kissed him, right there in the middle of the dance floor.
"Are you okay?" Lani shouted over the chaos, then she saw what I was looking at, "Danny.."
"I'm sorry Lani, "I said. I ran out the door before she could stop me. It was pouring rain but I kept running. I thought I heard someone shouting behind me but I didn't turn around. I leapt onto my porch and enjoyed the protection from the rain. I was just about to open the door when I heard someone yell, "Danny!"
I turned around and saw Kahoni, still looking amazing even though he was soaked.
"Kahoni, "I shouted, "what are you doing here?"
"I wanted to say I'm sorry, "he shouted back, "I'm sorry I took Savannah to the dance, I'm sorry we kissed right in front of you, I'm sorry I never got that chance to explain about Savannah."
I walked back into the rain and stood closer to him.
"All those times I just wanted to explain and you wouldn't let me, "he said.
"Then explain now, "I said.
"I didn't want to be Savannah's boyfriend but she knows a lot of stuff about me and she threatened to tell everyone, just like she probably did to you. Danny I wanted you the entire time. I wanted to ask you out so many times. I thought about you every second of everyday. I love you Danny. Now please, just give me a chance."
"What about Savannah?" I asked.
"I broke up with her after you left the dance, "he said, "I don't care who she tells, I don't care if it destroys my reputation, I just want to be with you."
I could feel hot tears mixed with cold rain falling on my face. Kahoni leaned forward and kissed me, in the middle of the street, while it was raining, and I didn't pull away.

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I dedicate this chapter to my friend who absolutely loves this book. Thanks for all the support Abby:-)
~Hermione