Fly Me to the Moon

Chapter 7

The scores were to be announced at the banquet being held for all of the test takers for their hard work over the past month. The auditorium was set up like a ballroom and a banquet hall. Everyone dressed up in suits and evening gowns for the special occasion.

Joey sported a dark blue suit with a sky blue tie on a white undershirt paired with his hair slicked back for the special occasion.

Tony was in a black suit with a burgundy tie on a light gray undershirt with his hair spoofed into a pompadour as it had grown out since he first got there.

Jae was in a long, royal blue off the shoulder gown with her neck and ears adorned with black and clear jewels that matched her sparkly pumps and bag. Instead of wearing her usually dressy hats, she had her hair in a curled up-do and wore natural makeup with a medium pink lip.

"You look lovely this evening," Joey walked up to Jae, "would you like to dance?"

"Sure, that sounds like fun, Mr. J," Jae called him by her nickname that she gave him, "lead the way."

"Alright, Miss Jae," Joey took her to the floor.

Tony watched as they danced and chuckled.

"Why aren't you dancing with a gal, pal?" Trisha asked as she stood by him in a bright red sleeveless maxi gown with her fro held up with a matching bow.

"I got a miss at home who I respect too much," Tony said, "she and our kids are why I'm here. I need to provide for them. I don't care that I may die in space as long as my family gets the compensation for it."

"You are pessimistic, but your intentions out way it into being a realist point of view," Trisha said, "but I can understand why you're here. I'm here for my baby girl."

She took a photo out of her little black purse and showed it to him. It was of a dark skinned toddler with pigtails in a school uniform and the biggest smile. In return, Tony showed her a picture from his wallet of his wife and kids. Sharon Reeves, his wife, was in a long white dress while holding a baby girl in a matching dress. He was in the picture too in the same suit he was wearing tonight while his son was in a sailor suit.

"Your family is beautiful," Trisha said, "how old are they?"

"Nicholas just turned 5 and Cassidy will be 2 at the end of December," Tony said.

"That's how old my Tia is," Trisha said, "she turns 6 in March."

Joey was watching Tony talk to Trisha as he danced with Jae.

"So, is there anyone special waiting at home," Jae asked.

"Not unless you count my parents and my kid sister," Joey said, "what about you?"

"Yeah, I kinda do," Jae said, "they work at a cafe. But I'm afraid to make a move."

"Don't be, anyone would be happy to have a lovely and intelligent lady like you in their arms," Joey said.

"You ain't half bad yourself, Mr. J," Jae grinned, "I don't see why you don't have a girlfriend either."

Joey chuckled and danced with her.

Stella watched as Jae danced with Joey. She was in an emerald green and long sleeve gown with her long hair in a neat bun. Her husband stood beside her in a matching tuxedo with a black bow-tie.

"They're cute together," Stella said, "too bad she's got someone already."

"And I thought you weren't a fan of him and his bunk buddy," John chuckled.

"My feelings haven't changed," Stella said, "we need to talk."

"That'll have to wait until after I announce the three going to space," John stood up and hit a spoon against his glass, "attention, everyone! Do I have your attention?"

Everyone quieted down and looked at John.

"It is time to announce the lucky three chosen for the space mission to the moon," John said as he took out a folded piece of paper.

Everyone watched in anticipation as he unfolded the paper. Once he unfolded it completely, he read it aloud, "the first and the person to score the highest score is Jaeden Borden."

Everyone clapped and Jae was smiling excitedly and nervously.

"The second person going to space got a low score in fitness by a 70%, but made up for in the academics with a 99%," John began, "congrats to Joey Platters, you're going to space."

Joey was shocked but proud of himself fueling with excited butterflies. Everyone clapped for him and Tony winked at him in approval.

"And finally, my wife Stella Martinez-Robins will be going to space," John said.

"About that..." Stella said and proceeded to whisper into his ear, "I'm pregnant."

"Erm- scratch that. I read the wrong name," John gulped, "Antonio Reeves is the third to go to space. Congrats on the 70% in academics and the 100% in fitness."

Everyone clapped for Tony, who was completely shocked. He was almost in tears.

"Let's give a round of applause to our three astronauts for tomorrow's launch," Samantha announced, "you will be American heroes known far and wide as the Space Three."

Everyone clapped and cheered for the chosen three.