New Leaves

Chapter Seventeen - Don't You (Forget About Me)

Emily's POV

I was in my room, getting ready for the final dance of the year, when I was interrupted by a knock on my door. "Just a sec!" I exclaimed.

I walked over and answered the door. "Hey, just came to see if you were ready yet!" Kaitlyn exclaimed. "Emily, have you been hiding the fact that you're actually a fairy tale princess this whole time?"

"Kaitlyn, you saw me try on this dress already!"

"I know, but it's different when the whole look is all put together! We are totally going to be the belles of this ball. I still can't believe this is the last dance of the quarter... or, I guess the year!"

"It's so crazy! I'm just ready to party! I don't know how they're going to top last quarter's boat dance, but I can't wait to find out!"

"Whatever it is, it had better be good! They've had the quad roped off for weeks, and it takes forever to get to the music room when you have to go all the way around!"

"Are you really thinking about school right now? All I can think of is dancing."

"Oh, yeah? Thirty second dance party, GO!"

Kaitlyn and I danced around my room for a little while, laughing as we shook our hips and jumped around. "Don't wear yourselves out before we even get to the dance!" Zack exclaimed. I turned to see Zack grinning at us from the doorway. "Come on, you two. Everyone's waiting!"

Kaitlyn and I followed him out to the living room. "Finally! They emerge. What took you so long?" Abbie asked.

"Hello? Isn't it obvious? Look at her!" Zack gestured at my dress. "Don't listen to Abbie. It was well worth the wait. You look like a million bucks!"

"I really missed you guys. I would've been kicking myself if I missed out on this dance!" Brandon exclaimed.

"I'm pretty sure Zack would have been kicking you, too," Chris said.

"I'm just happy that finals are over! My art final was stressing me out so bad I literally thought I'd explode," Abbie said.

"Seriously! At least you didn't have to take your midterms the week before finals. If you ever needed incentive to do your work on time, remember my story," Kaitlyn said.

"Well, the whole gang is back together and ready for its last hurrah. Who's ready to make this dance our b-word?" Tyler asked.

Tyler punched his fist enthusiastically into the center of the circle. Slowly, we all put our hands on top of his. "Let's make this a night to remember!" I exclaimed. My friends and I walked toward the center of campus and got our first glimpse of the decorated quad. "Wow!"

"I was expecting some cheap balloons and streamers, but they've really outdone themselves, huh?" Abbie asked.

"Hell yeah they did! I see a buffet! Who's with me?" Kaitlyn asked.

"Who's got time for food when you haven't seen your boyfriend in months? Come on, Brandon, I've missed those awkward dance moves!" Zack exclaimed.

"You said I was a great dancer!" Brandon exclaimed.

"You are! To me. Because I love you. Less talking, more hip shaking!"

Brandon gave us all a wave as Zack tugged him toward the dance floor. I started to follow my friends, when I stopped Zig standing by the drink table. "Hey guys, I'll meet up with you in a sec," I said. I walked over to Zig on the other side of the dance floor. "Hey, Zig!"