Versus

The second knock on their door seemed to echo through the entire room. Even louder and more foreboding than the first.

Aala held out her hand, Emma grabbed it as the two opened the door together this time.

The same two women had returned. Their smiles even bigger than before. They handed them both a smaller white box this time. Both again with their colored ribbon.

“Do we open it now?” Emma asked Aala and when Aala began a shoulder shrug, one of the women replied, “Yes” with the sweetest tone. It dripped with all of the excitement that her smile had previously held. As though she was longing to be asked something.

The girls opened the boxes to find the most elegant matching jewelry.

Neither girl could speak. Their mouths were playfully wide as both helped the other take off their current jewelry and replace it with their new, much more stately pieces.

The girls both made a slow turn while their friend graciously performed a final inspection with pretty smiles and wide eyes.

“Oh my gosh!

“I know!”

The door had remained open, so they carefully walked to the opening and peered out to find their chaperones waiting. They kindly motioned for them to follow.

“Oh ok.” They both replied, sharing curious looks at each other.

Limos picked up several students at a time (in front of DC) with their chaperones and drove them across campus to the gym. The chatter and commotion were electrifying.

The gym looked as though a group of fairies had been set loose in there for hours. Soft trailing lights were everywhere. Tulle intertwined with long ivy decorated the mostly vacant large space.

One side of the gym was lined with tuxedoed young men. Nerves getting the best of every single one. Staying on their side as though quarantined.

With the arrival of the last limo ride over, the girls (who had all been gathered in the hallway) were led and announced one by one, into the gym.

“Stacy Harris.” The name echoed as another girl entered.

At first, the girls mingled with each other, not saying a word to the boys. Staying near the light refreshments, nervously sipping on punch.

“Good evening.” The microphone sounded with the voice of an elder Galen.

Introductions were made of the special guests of the evening and the music began.

“Gentlemen, please take your places.”

Even though it seemed impossible, the guys looked more terrified as they made a large circle around the room.

“I thought I looked nervous.” Emma slightly giggled to Aala.

That’s when Emma saw Josh, Axel’s best friend. He was staring at her as though he had been trying to tell her something and time ran out when she looked too late. Both stared at each other awkwardly as the music began.

“Did you see Josh?” Emma asked Aala, Abby, and Kelly.

“Yes, he looks gorgeous in that tux. Good heavens.” Panted Aala.

“I thought he was trying to get my attention.”

“Really? Do you know why?”

“No. He just looked bothered. Maybe it’s just in my head. Have any of you seen Axel?”

“No, but I haven’t looked. Sorry. He’s in here somewhere. It’s funny how they all look alike right now.”

The girls all laughed in agreement.

The laughs quickly faded as the microphone sounded again. “Ladies, please put on your gloves and take your places.” Now the fear on the lady's faces matched those of the men.

“Here goes nothing,” Abby sarcastically cheered.

“Good luck.” The other girls began to repeat with hugs as they moved into position on the gym floor.

“Have fun!” Aala demanded of Emma.

“You too.” She matched her nervous smile.

The lights had a delicate softness to them, so it wasn’t very intimidating when the music began. Each boy took his steps forward, in order to hold the hand of the lady in front of him, and the dance began. As the girls moved to each young man, all became a little less awkward and a little less clumsy. Nerves began to settle and the young Galens actually began to laugh and chat. They were enjoying the moment.

As Emma flowed about the expanse, she took every opportunity to look for Axel. She still didn’t see him. The dim lighting wasn’t helping her desperate search.

The ladies had finished their first dance and there was a short pause in the music. Emma looked over to Aala and mouthed softly, “Where’s Axel?”

“I don’t know. He has to be here.”

“I didn’t miss him. I couldn’t have.” The urgency was obvious.

“I know.” Acknowledging as she looked around too.

The next two dances were excruciatingly confirming that Axel was not among the group at the match ceremony.

Emma had decided that during the next break, she’d inquire of his whereabouts with a chaperone.

She’d find the Dean. He’d know.

When the dance ended, she grabbed Aala’s hand, “Excuse us for a second” spoken with such haste that neither boy was sure what she said.

“Where are we going?”

“To talk to Dean McAlvey.”

She no longer had to be pulled, she was moving with the same urgency as her friend.

The lighting was dim enough that only a few noticed their quick exit from the designated dance area, but no one gave it too much thought. They were inseparable at school most of the time anyway. For all that they all knew, this was a last-minute bathroom break before the glove removal.

“May I help you two?” A chaperone asked as they approached the large group of spectators.

“We’re looking for the dean.”

She obviously hesitated, but only for a second. “I just heard he’s on his way. He’ll be here any second now.” The lady finished rather quickly.

“Maybe we can ask a teacher,” Emma stated to Aala as she began to look around.

“OK.” Aala then turned towards the lady who was still very interested in their current excitement, “We don’t see our friend.” Aala blurted out.

“Who is your friend?” The lady asked concerned.

“Axel Hearst.”

“Oh.” The lady visibly paused after the word apparently slipped out of her mouth. It was obvious that she knew his name.

“What is it?” Emma asked sternly.

She held up one finger to them to motion that they give her just a moment to step away and consult with someone.

She walked to a small group nearby and whispered something which caused glances to turn toward the two girls awaiting an answer.

Heads began to nod as the lady agreed with a subsequent nod and turned back towards the girls and walked back with a nonalarming expression.

“Axel is on his way. He will be here any minute. Return to the dance, he will join you shortly.”

“So, he’s ok?” Emma asked worriedly.

“Yes, dear. He’s fine.” She smiled.