Rhythm of The Night -2- (Percy Jackson FanFic)

-_Chapter Eleven_-

My pen tapped rapidly yet rhythmically on the clipboard I clutched in my hands as I surveyed the gymnasium.  It was roughly 1:47 on Saturday afternoon- the Saturday afternoon.  The Party Committee, as the underclassmen had taken to calling us, was busy putting up decorations for the Homecoming dance that night, and I kept pacing to refrain from bashing heads together and ripping hair out.

"Marco!  Ryan!" I yelled, frowning at the two freshmen.  The boys whipped around, guity looks all over their faces, and eyes as wide as a deer getting caught in the headlights of an oncoming car.  "Leave the rose petals alone instead of setting them on fire!"

We had six tables set up towards the back of the gym to give people the option of sitting and taking a break, but they were almost always a pointless use of space.  Regardless, we had opted to put roses in vases like from Beauty and the Beast, with loose petals on the table  For reasons beyond my comprehension, the boys had gotten a hold a lighter, to which I ripped from Marco's hand.

"Why don't you go help with the balloon arch?" I suggested, although my tone told them they didn't have a choice.  Nodding, they frantically ran to get as far away from me as possible.

"Aiee, settle down there, wrath goddess." Morgan's voice teased from behind me.  I refrained from cringing, but I did sigh.

"I swear, I should charge these kids' parents because I feel like I'm running some daycare center." I told her.

She laughed.  "Welcome to high school."  I shook my head, glancing down at my clipboard and checking off the tables and light fixtures.  When I looked back up to inspect the DJ's progress, Morgan was biting her bottom lip nervously.  

"Oh, I don't like that facial expression.  What is it?" I asked.

Morgan exhaled.  "Because you're my friend and I care about you, I think it's only fair that I warn you." She replied.

I arched an eyebrow, suddenly very wary.  "Warn me about...?" I trailed.

"My brother."  Morgan said.  "Despite my best efforts, he got wind that you shot Brock down as a date, and are still showing up without one."

I groaned, walking around her towards the DJ booth.  "I love you dearly, but your brother is one of the most infuriating boys I have ever met."

She kept pace with me.  "In his defense, he is sort of used to girls practically falling down at his feet." She defended, although it was a feeble attempt.

"Or kneeling before him, if you catch my drift." I snorted, and we both laughed.

"Touche." Morgan agreed.  "Still, I find it ironic that the only girl he wants is one who has no interest in him."

I shook my head, handing the DJ the list of songs for the event.  "Please, this isn't some boy-meets-girl, girl-plays-hard-to-get thing."  I told her.  "Pinky promise, I really am spoken for."

"For the moment." Morgan argued.  When I opened my mouth to reply, she held up her hands.  "I'm just saying, you never can tell.  Not that you should settle for my twin."

I flashed her a grateful grin.  "Thanks for the heads up." I said.

She nodded, tucking her hair behind her ear.  "Of course.  I'll see you at two-thirty?" She asked, backing up towards the doors while still facing me.

"Mhm!"  There was a distinct sound of a balloon popping, followed by an uproar of underclassmen.  I turned around, seething.  "Marco! Ryan!"  The freshmen boys flashed me sheepish grins, and Ryan made a show of putting yet another lighter back into his pocket.  I strode toward them angrily, and even their classmates backed up from me in caution.  "Get.  Out."