HOMECOMING IS BASICALLY a high school party with pretty dresses and no alcohol. It’s not like in those movies where someone spikes the punch. Instead, everyone parties beforehand. It’s called pre-gaming. Maybe I’m boring, but getting wasted before a school dance isn’t my thing. Maybe it’s because it was my first dance and I wanted to remember it. Or maybe it’s just how I was taught to act in public. Honestly, I wasn’t all that impressed with Homecoming. I had more fun at dinner with my friends and family. But at least I can check Homecoming dance off my bucket list of things to do as a normal teenager. And I can say that I went to said dance with my guy.
The highlight of my night was performing with the Project Mayhem class. But, of course, what’s a school function without some drama? First, Ashton threw a bitch fit because Cole brought Harper as his date. Even a blind person could see that one coming. Cole quickly shut Ashton down with a few gruff words and basically told her to get over it. I kind of felt bad for Ashton because there were tears and clearly her feelings for Cole are unrequited. But she had to know she was taking a risk getting involved with him in the first place. I love Cole because he’s my family, but he’s not exactly Mr. Romantic and he’s never claimed to be. I know he has a good heart, which he keeps guarded for some reason, despite what others might think. I’ve never known him to be serious with any girl. Harper is the first and I worry she might get hurt. But she’s assured me that she’s got it under control.
We’ll see.
The second temper tantrum was from Hannah when Brad brought Cherry as his date. Hannah even stooped to spewing hateful words about Cherry’s mixed race. But Cherry, being the tough girl she is, didn’t even flinch at Hannah’s ugly words. Instead, she took the high road, smiled, and curled her arm around Brad’s waist, keeping her dignity intact. However, Brad did not. He literally lost his shit. Honestly, I didn’t think Brad had it in him.
Hannah is a complete psycho. And I don’t mean she’s a psycho because she’s an ex-girlfriend. The girl is cray-cray. You can see it in her eyes.
Reagan, surprisingly, kept her distance, staying beside her date, a guy from the baseball team. But I caught her watching Zach and I, more than a handful of times.
The second highlight of the night was when Lexi was crowned Homecoming Queen and Cole was crowned Homecoming King. However, this prompted the grand finale of all temper tantrums. I don’t think I could’ve rolled my eyes any harder at Ashton, not feeling the least bit sorry for her that time. Sometimes I find it hard to believe that she’s a senior in high school; she throws more temper tantrums than Willow.
Instead of the king and queen sharing a slow dance, the DJ switched it up with a booty dance, making things less awkward for Evan and Harper watching from the side.
Let me tell you, Cole can get down with the best of them. He had the whole room cheering him on. Then we all joined him and Lexi on the dance floor. Zach surprised me, too. I had no idea he could move like that.
But the one thing that stuck with me the entire night was my conversation with Piper. It was a rare moment where we found ourselves sitting at a table alone. Piper has never gone out of her way to rude to me like Ashton, Hannah, and Reagan. She’s the friendliest of the cheerleaders, aside from Kali.
“Why don’t you have a date, Piper?” I asked.
Piper shrugged. “Because they always expect something by the end of the night. No thanks.”
I frowned. “Like what? Sex?”
She nodded. “I’m not claiming to be an angel or anything, but give a blow job or two and I’m labeled a slut for the rest of my high school days, even though I’m still a virgin.”
“You’re kidding?” I’d heard the rumors about Piper, remembering the first time I met her. It was right after she came out of the bathroom with Zach. Sure, I could make assumptions and buy into the rumors. But high school rumors are no different than tabloid rumors as far as I’m concerned. Things aren’t always what the seem. So, I reserve judgment for those who’ve earned it. Like Reagan. Piper has always been nice to me and her reputation is none of my business.
“Nope. Every guy I’ve ever gone out with has tried to get in my pants because he thinks I’m easy. Now I don’t even bother with them. Not with high school guys, anyway.”
“That’s awful. I’m sorry.”
She shrugged again. “It is what it is. Soon high school will be over and I won’t have to put up with this shit anymore.”
“You shouldn’t have to put up with it now.” People are gonna think what they want so why worry about it. “Who cares what people think? Don’t let them ruin the most memorable year of high school.”
“I agree, but what can I do?”
“You can start by surrounding yourself with better people. My dad used to say, ‘You are the company that you keep.’”
“I like that.”
“Me, too.”