The Military Girl

Homecoming

I stood in the corner of the overly decorated gym. I could barely breathe, it was so stuffy.

The gym was decorated like an undersea adventure. A giant octopus hung above us. The cookies were fish shaped. Somehow, the committee found a way to recreate water reflection. The teachers looked bored, but many of the students were enjoying themselves.

Harry was slow dancing with Madeline. I was jealous. Harry looked nice in his tux and Madeline looked pretty in her dress.

I played with the ring on my finger. I didn't see anyone coming near me. No one even seemed to notice I was around.

Not that I wanted anyone to see me. I just wanted to talk to Harry. He spun Madeline around. She laughed and pressed herself against him. I took in a sharp breath. It felt like I was being stabbed.

The pain of watching Harry dance with another girl was unbearable.

"You alright?" Cody Pax, the school's quarter back, came up to me. "I heard you...breathe."

"I'm alright." I replied. I was surprised that he was actually talking to me. He had never spoken two words to me.

"Ok. That's a nice ring." He pointed to my hand. "What's it worth?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. Someone gave it to me."

He smiled. "I know. It was me." He grinned and took a drink of his punch.

"Y-You?" I stuttered. "You sent me the ring?"

"And the note." He said. "I have to admit, I knew about the letters in your locker."

"All of the letters." I laughed. "That's what I get for agreeing to pass notes."

"You look nice. Would you dance with me?" He changed the subject.

"Ok." I nodded. He took my hand and led me to the dance floor. He placed one hand on my waist and held my hand with the other.

He pulled me close. I wondered if Harry was watching. Maybe he was jealous.

Cody danced with me, twirling me around as I've seen boys do. I couldn't focus though. All of my thoughts were locked on Harry.

"I'd like to direct your attention to the middle of the dance floor." I heard a voice. It was one of the cheerleaders. She was standing on stage, speaking into the microphone.

Everyone turned to look at me and Cody. I stepped away from Cody, then he grabbed my hand.

"In the middle of the dance floor is a liar." The cheerleader said. "She's a player."

The students started taking steps away from me. My heart started racing. Even Cody seemed to back up. He let go of my hand.

"You see, Olive doesn't like Cody. She asked him here anyway. The cheerleader continued. "The only reason she asked Cody was because Harry was already taken."

The crowd looked at Harry. Madeline looked at Harry and then at me. I could tell for a moment she hated me with every bit of her strength.

"Bring him to to the center!" The cheerleader commanded. Boys started pushing Harry away from Madeline. They grabbed Cody and Harry was pushed into his place.

"What's going on?" Harry asked.

"I have no idea." I said.

"And, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the perfect couple!" The cheerleader finished. Suddenly the octopus above us broke open like a piñata. Red punch fell down on top of us.

Harry and I were soaked. The people around us got a little wet too. Just not as much as we had.

I was so embarrassed. Immediately teachers started scrambling. I couldn't see anything. My vision became blurry. I was so confused.