𝓑𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝓜𝓮 | 𝘽𝙚𝙣𝙣𝙮 𝙒𝙚𝙞𝙧

𝓙𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓮'𝓼 𝓖𝓲𝓻𝓵 🦇

(This dress in the gif is not the same as what I describe in the story). 

"Attention, students! Please remember that the staff parking lot is for teachers only," a woman announces over the P.A. system. "Do you guys have dates to the school dance yet?" I ask. "I do," Erica states with a grin. Sarah looks at her in shock. "I can't believe you have a date for the dance. I thought you were done with boys from our school," Sarah says. "Who says he's from our school?" Erica responds with a smirk. "Why can't we just go out and do something fun? Like those girls," Sarah states, making our smiles falter. "They told me they were going to the beach. For some sun. That sounds like fun to you?" Erica questions. "Fine! Forget I mentioned it," Sarah replies, annoyed.

Then, we see Benny and Ethan. "Well! Hello, Zoe and Sarah!" Benny greets. "You ladies going to the dance tomorrow?" He asks. "Not with you dorks," Erica replies. "I'm off to the zoo. It's feeding time," Erica states, as she pushes past Ethan and Benny. "Hey, are pandas still endangered?" She questions. "Yes!" The rest of us exclaim with confused looks. "Bummer," Erica replies. Then she blows us a kiss and leaves. 

"So, you two off to some wild after-school 'dork-athon?" Sarah asks. "No. For your information, we are... Yeah, chess club," Ethan admits. "Oh! Laser chess. And we gotta go before all the good lasers are taken. So..." Benny says. "You can come if you want," Ethan offers. "We're not that desperate," I joke. "Besides, I have to study," Sarah states. "And I'm helping her," I reply. "Studying for what? Vampire History?" Benny inquires in amusement. "I've missed so much class, Mr. G says I'll fail the whole semester unless I pass the makeup tests on Monday. Have fun at your club," Sarah responds with a frown. I follow her and walk with her into class. 

Sarah starts to go off into space and I try to snap her out of it. "Sarah? Sarah!" I shout, causing her to jolt up. We walk out of the classroom and Sarah lets out a sad sigh. "Hey, Sarah. You ok?" Ethan asks. "I'm fine. Just studying too hard," Sarah responds. I roll my eyes, knowing that we took a study break not too long ago. "Relax! You'll get, what, a million chances at high school? I mean, who cares if you flunk this one?" Benny questions. I glare at Benny and cross my arms at his response. "I care! I have things I want to do in my life. You know, in case I get cured?" Sarah argues. I nod in agreement with her. All she wants to be is normal again. 

Ethan notices our expressions and says: "Sorry, he didn't mean to--" Benny's eyes widen in realization. "You know, instead of Zoe helping you to study, Ethan can!" Benny exclaims. I scoff, then I realize what is happening. Benny looks at me and nods. I nod as well. "I mean, Ethan is a huge geek," I agree, playing along. Ethan rolls his eyes in response. "Zoe's right. Maybe you could quiz me?" Sarah inquires. "Sure, it's Friday, so, you're coming to babysit Jane anyways, right?" Ethan says. "Thanks," Sarah states and we both turn around to walk away. Then, Benny grabs my wrist to stop me. "Wait. Zoe, could we talk for a minute?" He asks. "Of course," I reply, wondering what he wants to tell me. 

He and I walk away from Ethan and we stop by some lockers. "So, since the 'Fly Off to the Moon dance' is tomorrow night, I was wondering if you'd like to go to the dance with me?" He asks. My eyes widen in shock, but then my expression turns into a soft smile. "Benny, I'd love to," I reply. He looks up at me with a hopeful gleam in his eyes and grins. "That's great! I'll see you Saturday?" He questions. "Saturday," I respond. "See you later," I say as I wave bye to Benny. Then, I turn around and head to the exit of the school. 

Saturday night, Sarah and I go over to Ethan's house with dresses on. I wear a long-sleeved bodycon dress with a v-neck while Sarah wears a dark purple dress with black lace. Sarah rings the doorbell and Ethan's mother answers the door. "Oh! Look at you two. You guys look gorgeous!" Ethan's mother gushes at our appearances. We smile and I close the front door. "Come on in, I'll call the boys. Ethan!" His mother starts to call until he sees the boys grinning on the stairs. Benny looks at me with shock, but then happily grins. I put a bit of hair behind my hair nervously and lower my eyes to the ground. "Oh, uh... Hey, guys!" Sarah greets the boys. I smile and wave to them. "You look adorable," Ethan's mother states. "Come on! It's picture time!" His mother exclaims.