I sat down just as the lights all dimmed and the DJ came on the speakers, "Yo, this is a couples only slow song. Time for ya'll single cats to get off the dance floor."
Being reminded you're alone at a dance like that isn't a thing that feels great.
Not by any means.
I sat for a moment or two and watched as all the people I've spent so much time with lately paired up and got close.
It felt like to each person, there was a match.
I couldn't stand it.
I got up and walked out to the covered courtyard.
I took off my glasses and began cleaning them. They had become really fogged up because of the muggy weather...
A silk gloved hand touched mine.
"Joel?"
I turned and saw a faded pink blot at my side.
I replaced my glasses and instantly got a smile.
"Gabriel? Wow.."
I was so surprised by how beautiful she looked in her dress. Most girls really can't make pink ruffles look good.
"Thanks, haha.. I know, pink ruffles seems kind of grade-school, but they seemed so fashinably retro that I couldn't pass it up." She said smiling.
"Well, you look really.. ah, gorgeous."
"Oh, thank you, and you look very handsome yourself! That green vest really makes your eyes pop! Who's your date tonight?" She asked, smiling at me.
"I kind of came alone.."
"Why? Amanda didn't want to go with you?"
"Would you want to go to Prom with a guy that left you on your 18th birthday?"
"Good point... But really, no backup? Who'd you originally want to go with?"
I kind of winced and quickly began to try to think of a name, any name...
Who to say? Vanessa? Auz? 'Becca? You?
"Me?"
I didn't want to answer.
"Yes, Gabby."
"Joel, I'm sorry.. I mean, we work well. Great, amazingly great friends.. but you're not my type. You're kind of.."
"Nerdy? Hipster? Probably more..."
"Well, I feel I can be truthful, so I'll go ahead and answer on it, I prefer more atheletic guys..."
"I know.. It's okay."
Then I noticed something..
"Where your date?"
"Well.."
"Did he do it again?"
"Look, I'm sure he didn't meant to.. He just... forgot." She answered.
"He forgot a night like tonight? Your one and only Prom?" I asked, glancing up at the sky as clouds began to roll in.
"I know it sounds bad, but Joel.. Things'll be okay. I'm sure. He'll make it up." She assured me.
"Okay, Gab.. I hope it does work out for you."
She took my hand again and asked, "Hey, we could always share a small dance... If you wanted that is." I smiled and took her hand and bowed.
"Well, milady, I would be honored to share a dance with you." My night had been made.
We began to dance and got closer.. Until I felt a tapping on my shoulder.
I turned around to be shocked by the sight of Seth...
"I'll take it from here, champ." He said, with a sly smile.
She giggled, "Oh, Seth!" and leapt into his arms.
They kiss and head into the ballroom, when they open the door the night is split with the sad sounds of "Graduation" by Vitamin C.
I stay outside for a while longer before heading back in to dance with as many girls as I could.