Goes On // Dead Poets Society

nine.

Ridge Academy, NY
2/14/60

It was completely surreal, Charlie thought as him and Nate walked into the school's gym. He had heard of school dances while he was in Welton, how they would dim the lights in the gym, a live band playing music a touch too loud, and kids actually have a good time while supervised. It sounded fake to him, especially because he couldn't picture Nolan watching him as he swung some girl around the dance floor. The longer he was at Ridge the more he realized it was more like public school than private, which may explain why it was more frowned upon than others. No one would take a private school seriously if they acted so much like a public one.

Yet Charlie didn't entirely mind. It was as if he had obtained the best of both worlds and even if he ended up here through a traumatic experience at least he was finally getting a chance to do all the things he fought for. He was a Ridge Reject and for the first time since he got here, he didn't really mind. So he walked into that gym, black dress pants, white button up, and red tie, ready to take it head on, and have the best night.

"Ev killed it again" Nate states matter of fact as he eyes the decorations her and Charlie had spent all yesterday putting up. Charlie remembered it looking cheesy and out of place, but now in the dark gym and flashing lights it looked as if professionally done.

"She really loves this stuff" Charlie said and Nate nodded, eyes wide as he spotted a balloon arch and photographer to take photos of all the Ridge couples on their happy night. He knew it wouldn't be long until he had to go through them for yearbook.

"Thank God you're here!" Evelyn says practically barrelling into Charlie. He catches her arms, eyeing her quickly. "I need someone to watch the punch bowl and Violet ripped her dress and is crying. I have to help!"

She's frantic, eyes wild, and stressed. Hence why she had mellowed out so much the night before. Yet Charlie can't register her words because in front of him the girl looks more beautiful than ever. Red dress vibrant against her tan skin, shoulders on display from the low hung fabric, cinched at the waist, and ruffle skirt flared to her knees. He almost feels his kness buckle when he spots her cherry red lips and brunette hair curled to perfection.

"Wow" is all that comes out and Evelyn is quick to whack him. He snaps out of it quickly.

"Please, just watch the punch bowl and I'll be back soon" she says and Charlie nods as the girl scurries off to go and help her friend.

"You can catch flies like that, I would know" Nate says with a pat to Charlies back before going off in search of his other friends. Charlie takes a moment for his mind to get back on track before going straight to the punchbowl just as he was told. Not without grabbing some for himself in hopes to help his dry throat just from looking at the girl. This was going to be a long night.

It's not long until he sees Evelyn scurry back into the gym, Violet behind her now wearing a smile instead of tears. Charlie feels his throat dry all over again, especially when those dazzling eyes land on him and soften when they realize he's exactly where he's supposed to be. For the first time since meeting Evelyn he almost isn't sure what to say as she approaches him in that God damn red dress.

"How'd it go?" she inquires, still not catching on the way Charlie is looking at her. Charlie takes a moment to even form a response.

"Fine, I guess. I don't understand why a punch bowl needs to be monitored anyway" Charlie says, trying desperately hard to make sure his eyes don't travel down the neckline of her dress and to the cleavage that's on display.

"People spike it Charlie, it's one of the most notorious things to ever happen to a punch bowl" Evelyn tells him, shock covering her features because she somehow forgets how sheltered the boy was in that school of his.