Peace and Grace

18. Homecoming Havoc

The night of homecoming, Jen and I arrive together. 

"Good evening Nadia, Jen." Mr. Sparks greets us.

Okay, even I have to admit he looks pretty dapper, and Jen is sure smitten. 

"Have fun, see you later," I call, watching them walk off together. 

"Naddie!" There's Layla in a lime green dress standing by the snack table. We hug.

"Hello Layla," says a teacher. 

"Hi Mr. Boy. This is my friend Nadia, she's in Hero Studies."

"Hello Nadia. Would either of you like some punch?" Just as he's pouring it, an arm snakes in and bumps the cup, spilling red punch all over the poor teacher's suit. Speed and Lash laugh.

Layla shakes her head. "So immature. The guys at this school are jerks."

"Thanks a lot." We both turn around at the familiar deep voice to see Warren standing there, looking slightly awkward and uncomfortable, in a suit and tie.

And my goodness does he ever look good! 

Okay, I'll admit, I was pretty instantly smitten. I was beginning to think I had a crush on this guy - a guy I barely knew. 

"I thought you said you weren't wearing a tux," Layla reminds him, also looking pleasantly surprised.

"It was my mom's idea.  It's my dad's."

I smile at the thought of Maria getting Warren to wear the tux. "Well that's nice you can use it."

"Yeah, seeing as he doesn't have much use for it in solitary." We just stare back.  He cracks a grin.  "It's a joke, you can laugh."

Layla turns back to the snack table. "Um Mr. Boy, on second thought I'll have some of that punch-"

I can tell exactly what she's doing. Great, thanks Lay. So much for our 'no boys, going as friends' girls' night. I roll my eyes.

"Hi," I say to him.

"Hey."

I don't know what to say. "You look nice." Compliments, compliments are always nice.

"You too."

Compliments. "Thanks."

"So I hear you stole my date," he says, nodding to Layla.

"Oh, yeah. We decided we'd make it a girls' night.  Sorry about that, though."

He shrugs. "She's lucky she gets  you as her date."

And there it is, another one of his sudden kind comments that completely throws me off and I have no idea how to respond. 

Principal Powers is giving an address, so luckily I don't have to say anything. 

"Now, please help me welcome the Head of the Homecoming Committee, the girl who made all this possible: Gwen Greyson!" 

Gwen took to the stage. "Thank you, Principal Powers! And a very special thank you goes to our Guests of Honour: The Commander and Jetstream." She gestures to Will's parents who smile and wave at the cheering crowd.