After school Tony waited eagerly by Maria's locker. When he spotted her coming down the hall, he sent up a silent prayer she'd give him a chance.
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"Thank you for meeting me," Tony said as she approached. "I just want you to know how much I care about you, Maria. What my family does has nothing to do with my feelings."
Maria sighed. "I believe you Tony, it's just...being with you could be dangerous if your cousin or others found out. And I don't want to see you get pulled into that life."
Tony took her hands in his pleadingly. "Then help me stay away from it. Going to the dance with me would show Vinny and the others we aren't afraid."
Maria hesitated, then smiled softly. "Alright. One dance won't hurt."
Tony grinned widely, relief flooding through him. But then Vinny appeared, shoving Tony from behind. "Well isn't this sickeningly sweet."
Tony steadied himself, anger rising. "Back off Vinny before I-"
"Before you what?" Vinny sneered. "Going to fight me right here like a good little gangster?"
Tony clenched his fists, fighting every instinct to retaliate. He couldn't give Vinny the satisfaction. Maria touched his arm gently. "Come on Tony, he's not worth it."
With one last glare at his smirking cousin, Tony let Maria lead him away, their hands clasped securely together.
The school week dragged on, with Tony excited yet nervous for the dance. He tried keeping his distance from Vinny, who only seemed more determined than ever to get under Tony's skin.
Finally Friday arrived. Tony showed up at Maria's house, straightening his tie nervously on the front porch. When Maria answered the door, Tony's breath caught - she was a vision in a flowing blue dress.
"You look beautiful," Tony said sincerely. Maria smiled, taking his arm as they walked to the school. Inside, colorful lights flashed as music pumped through the gym. Students danced and laughed, carefree as only teenagers can be.
Tony spied Vinny leaning against the bleachers, watching them enter with a scornful look. But Tony ignored him, leading Maria onto the dance floor and pulling her close. As they moved together joyfully, Tony forgot all his troubles, losing himself in Maria's eyes.
By the end of the night, even Vinny's glares couldn't ruin Tony's happy mood. He walked Maria home under the stars at the beach.
Floating on air, Tony finally felt like a normal kid in love. If only he could keep this magic going...
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