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~* Save the Last Dance *~ About halfway through the night, after the band had just finished their second set - a mix of up-tempo modern music and a few slower songs, Moira stepped up to the microphone, tapping it and clearing her throat. “A’right everyone, it’s time for th’ moment ye’ve all been waitin’ for, aye? You’ve all cast yer votes for Prom King and Queen, and I have in my hand here the final results.” She paused, carefully opening the small envelope as we all waited excitedly to hear the results. “This year’s prom queen is …”

---

I barely had time to unpack my suitcase Sunday afternoon, before I had to get myself to the salon. Denise, my stylist for the last year, had gotten word through Margie that I would be attending this year’s prom, and saved an appointment just for me, but if I didn’t hurry I’d lose it entirely. At least the return trip had been pleasant: no broken down trains or cows on the tracks to delay us.

Against my better judgment, I had let Nicole and Victoria talk me into a really flashy, dark green halter style gown, with a small band of sequins swirling from the right side hip area up toward just under the bust line on the left. I’d never worn anything like it in my life, so of course had serious doubts. They insisted it really went well with my complexion, to say nothing of my medium-dark green eyes, and this was the first thing Denise asked me about when I sat down in the stylist chair.

“Hmm,” she responded, a simple answer to a complex question. “Well it’s a formal affair, so you really want to look your best. You also want to look like you belong there, and that gown should help a lot with that.”

“But?”

She smiled innocently. “But nothing, dear. I was just plotting how we could accentuate your hair. The curl’s started to fall out hasn’t it?”

“Yeah. It was already nice and loose from when you highlighted it. What do you have in mind?”

“I’m thinking a nice, tight formal bun. I have a cute little jade-encrusted hair clip I could loan you. Add some flowers, like Baby’s Breath and you’ll be the envy of everyone. I’ll show you how to insert it, and then you can do it yourself when you’re getting dressed. Are you going to get to take a limo?”

“Nikki and I talked about that, but she’s going to drive me in her Mustang instead.”

“Ohh, that’s just as good, if you ask me,” she replied with a light chuckle. “Now, let’s get started.”

~oOo~

Denise really went the extra mile to help me, not just by loaning me some jewelry or fake flowers. She had loaned me a hair clip once before, before my first big date with Nicole. Today though, she went down an entire checklist of things, including a couple that hadn’t crossed my mind. She shaped my nails and gave me some sound advice about getting ready the next day, and by the time I left, I had systematically organized everything into neat little categories on a piece of notebook paper in my purse. But even if I did lose the list, the important things were easy to remember, like getting a good night’s sleep and a good meal the night before.

I hadn’t heard the strains of electric guitar coming from Allison’s garage for awhile, so they were a pleasant surprise, to say the least, when I pulled into the driveway and stepped out. I didn’t see Nicole’s car though, but I imagined she’d probably be over soon.

“Wow, nice hair,” Allison called as I stepped closer.

“Thanks. You look cute too,” I teased, playfully tugging at one of her braided pigtails. She laughed as she rolled her eyes.

“Hush you. My appointment’s tomorrow. I know it’s cutting it close, but they were booked solid even a month ago.” She patted the stool next to her where Nicole usually sat, and after I eased myself on it, she smiled. “So how are you liking keys?”

“Keys?” I stared blankly back, causing her to giggle. “Keyboard. Or are you a pianist?”

“Pianist? Hardly,” I answered. She laughed again.

“I’m teasing. We should jam together some time though. Like I said the other day, I just do this for fun, but I’d love to practice with you and Nikki, you know, get a real band sound going?”

“Sounds like fun, actually. But I’m not very good. Not like you guys.”

“Oh, please,” Allison remarked as she strummed a few barrechords. As she went up and down the neck, she named them off. “A minor, G, F, G, E. You know those chords right?”

“Sure. That song sounds familiar. What is it?”

Allison giggled, repeating the same chords as she began to sing, “All the leaves are brown, and the sky is gray...”

“Oh God,” I groaned, but laughed. “I’m surprised no one’s pulled that one out on me before.”

“I thought about it a time or two, but first with your mom in the hospital, and then with that “Valley girl” crap at school, I didn’t want to make you feel bad.”

“Aww.” I stepped off the stool to wrap an arm around her, kissing her cheek in a sisterly gesture. “Ally, you’d never make me feel bad. And I actually like that song. I just didn’t realize it was that easy.”

“A lot of them are if you transpose the chords to something easier to put into barre. That’s a little secret about musicians,” she added with a wink, “And Moira will tell you the same thing. They’re lazy.” She giggled.

“My keyboard’s back at Margie’s. I can go get it if you want to try?”

Allison shook her head. “No need, girl. I’ve got a new acoustic I’ve been dying to give a proper workout. C’mon, we can use Kelly’s baby grand.”

Allison carefully set her guitar on its stand and turned to step inside, stopping long enough to turn off the large amplifier toward the back of the garage. We parted ways in the hall as she headed upstairs, while I stepped into the living room, seating myself at the piano.

I tried to remember the chords Allison had just told me, and how it translated to the piano keys, but the last two didn’t really click until I heard an acoustic guitar strum them behind me. Of course, I jumped a little.

She giggled. “Remember that cute little travel guitar Kristen let me try out?”

I didn’t really realize what she meant until I glanced back at her, to see her holding a diminutive little mahogany guitar. Almost immediately the scent of aged wood wafted past me. “Oh! The one she was practicing on when they lost her stage guitar?”

“Yup! I found a local dealer who had one used for under a hundred. I’ll have to babysit for like, months before I can get that money back, but it was so totally worth it. I’m taking it to camp this year instead of my big, bulky one. So you were aiming for A minor, G, F right?”

~oOo~

I completely lost track of time. Allison and I must have been hanging out, giggling and playing together for the better part of three or four hours though because by the time we hugged and said good night for the evening, the sun had already set, and I had at least five messages on my phone. I skipped right to Nicole’s, and after playing it back, called her as I walked to my car.

“Hey cutie,” I teased.

“Hey, that’s MY line!” she laughed. “Where’ve you been hiding?”

“I got my hair done for tomorrow night, and after that I was hanging out at Ally’s. We’ve decided that before we go off to girl scout camp, maybe some night this week if you’re up for it, that we’re going to get together and jam.”

“That sounds awesome!” Nicole practically cheered. “I’ve been dying to get you involved ever since you started taking lessons. You’ve heard Jen freestyle, but you’ve never heard her sing have you?”

“Not that I can remember,” I answered, pulling my seatbelt across. “I’m just leaving Ally’s now, but I wanted to let you know I’m okay first.”

“Oh, that’s fine. I was like literally just about to step into the bathroom for a nice, hot soak. We’re still on for your parents’ for the pre-prom stuff right?”

“Absolutely. Mom says we can use the master bedroom and its attached bathroom.”

“Sweet. I love you Robin. See you tomorrow.”

“G’night vampire. I love you too,” I responded, and set my phone aside. I looked across the shared lawn space between Allison’s and Margie’s, or I should say ‘my’ home, and sighed. As much as I wanted Ash and Mom’s house to be my home, this place was where ‘Robin’ was born. If it wasn’t for Allison I wouldn’t be here, now, attending my first prom in just under twenty-four hours as a proper young lady.

Ash took me in, accepted me as his own daughter, but this place would always be my first home.

~oOo~

I rolled out of bed bright-and-early Monday morning. I made sure to get to bed early the night before, but I spent most of the first hour just staring at the ceiling, trying to fall asleep. We had a big night that night, but luckily I had the morning to myself, and I planned to make the most of it. I had a full morning of relaxing in the tub, a nice, full breakfast, and some quality time with my step-dad planned.

I had only gotten as far as the kitchen though when my cell phone started ringing. Unfortunately I couldn’t remember where I left my purse, but following the strains of ringtone, I found it in the living room. How it got behind the sofa, however, I couldn’t begin to guess.

“Hello?” I quickly answered without checking the Caller ID since I knew my voice mail would kick in if I let it go any longer.

“Robin, did I wake you?” Sarah asked.

“Sarah, hey! No, I just got up a few minutes ago actually. What’s up?”

“Not a lot. We stayed in DC for another day, but we’re flying out to New Haven this evening. LeAnn’s roommate gave the okay for Mom and me to crash at their apartment, but Ashleigh insists she’s got it taken care of.”

“Flying? Oh man, you have my sympathies.”

“I know right? Going through airport security is SCARY, but it’s okay. Ashleigh sprang for first class tickets, so we’ll at least be comfortable while we’re stuck in a holding pattern or whatever.”

“Ahh, so that’s why you didn’t take a train.”

“We could’ve taken a train? Oh man. The only trains that run back home are like, AMTRAK out of Little Rock I think.”

“Welcome to the big city,” I teased, causing her to laugh and respond in the most atrociously bad stereotypical Southern accent that I had ever heard.

“Well golly gee, I jes’ don’ know wut ta say thar city-slicker. Thankee!”

We both cracked up laughing.

“Sorry. You walked RIGHT into that one.”

“Yeah, I did. So does your sister live in Alpine Springs? I never thought to ask.”

“Naw. She lives in New Haven. She commutes there for her internship because you guys’ hospital is smaller, and usually in need of an extra pair of hands. So I’ll probably be stayin’ there at least at first.”

“Well, listen, my sister Margie has one spare room, and I’m going to probably be sleeping over at my step-dad’s place until Girl Scout camp starts. Talk it over with your Mom, and I’ll talk to Margie, but I’m sure she’ll be fine with it, if you want to stay here in Alpine Springs.”

I had to pull the phone away from my ear at Sarah’s excited squeal.

“You’re serious aren’t you? Ohmygodohmygodohmygod!”

“Yeah. I don’t think Margie’s going to have a problem with it, and it’ll give you a chance to see Alpine Springs for yourself. I haven’t spent a lot of time with my mom and step-dad since they got married because I’ve been trying to give them some space, but now that school’s out I’m trying to fix that, so you could sleep in my room either way.”

“That is so sweet. Thanks Spirit. I’ll talk to Momma about it some time today. Anyway, I’ll talk to you later.”

“Take care,” I answered, and immediately started dialing. “Margie, hey!”

~oOo~

None of us had ever really given much thought to prom before, being Sophomores with little prospect of dating a Junior or Senior save for Allison, so we actually had little idea what to expect other than the music. To settle our impending nerves - or at least mine, I decided to start on a light meal of tacos. I had just finished browning the meat when Jennifer stepped through the kitchen door, strode up and wrapped me in a hug from the side.

“That smells really good. Don’t tell Ally’s mom I said this, but you make THE best tacos!”

I laughed as I turned off the burner. “Thanks. There’s soda in the fridge, or juice, or bottled water.”

“Oh, don’t mention water. I already have to pee. Can I just set this anywhere?” she asked, holding up a garment bag with her prom gown, a near-floor length bright gold dress with a delicate ruffled ‘cap’ for a sleeve just past the shoulder.

I giggled at her openness to discussing bodily functions before answering. “Yeah. You can take it upstairs and lay it on the bed in the master bedroom if you want. That’s where I left mine. Bathroom’s just off from it by the walk-in closet.”

“Thanks!” she answered, hurrying up the stairs. I shook my head, stifling a laugh as I set about putting together our taco platter. I had just finished the third one when she came strolling at a leisurely pace through the door again.

“So are you nervous yet?”

“Why do you ask?” I teased. She laughed.

“Because you’re making a leaning tower of taco meat in that shell, there.”

I frantically scraped off some of the taco meat before it could fall onto the floor, depositing it in the next shell and setting it down gently. “Okay, yeah, I’m a little nervous.”

“There’s nothing to be nervous about,” Jennifer reassured.

I shook my head. “That’s easy for you to say.”

“Robin? Sweetie, what’s really going on? Is this about what you and Victoria talked about the other day?”

“What? Oh, God no. No this isn’t about me and Nikki.” I could feel my cheeks burn. “It’s just I … I’ve never been to a school dance before. Ever.”

“Ohhhhh,” she answered. “And you bought that super-sparkly gown.”

“Yes. Nikki and Victoria both insisted it looked great on me, but just between us?” I had to laugh. “I feel like a Christmas tree ornament.”

Jennifer stared blankly back at me for just a second and started laughing. “Okay now you know I’m never gonna get that mental image out of my head before the prom. Is it okay if I tell the others that?”

“Tell us what?” Allison asked as she and Nicole entered from the far side.

“Yeah, it’s fine,” I answered, now fighting a giggle myself. “I’ve got tacos girls,” I added, “And you can put your gowns upstairs in the master bedroom if you want.”

“Sweet. Here Ally, I’ll take yours,” Nicole offered, turning to Allison, who handed off her garment bag.

“Thanks Nikki,” she answered. “I’m starving. I was in the salon for three hours, and I was too nervous to eat lunch. Oh hey Robin? You know that house on the other side of Margie’s?”

“The one that’s been empty for like, six months?”

“Longer than that actually. Anyway there’s a Sale Pending sign up now.”

“Oh, wow. So we’re getting new neighbors?”

“May be. Just thought I’d mention it since Nikki and I were gossiping about it on the way over.”

“That’s great. We’ll have to do our Scoutly duty and make them feel welcome, if they’re not like, sex offenders or something.”

“No, you’d get a warning about something like that,” Jennifer advised solemnly. None of us could forget the Raggedy Man, even nearly a year later, though Allison and I tried very hard. I wasn’t going to let thoughts of that monster ruin our evening though, so I changed the subject.

“I talked to Sarah this morning. It looks like she might be staying at Margie’s, if her mom and Margie both say yes.”

“Really?” Allison perked up. “That’s awesome. I’ll make sure they feel welcome and introduce Sarah to my parents.”

“Thanks Ally. You know I’m honestly thinking about skipping session one of Girl Scout camp.”

Allison, without missing a beat, smiled knowingly. “Now where have I heard this conversation before?”

Jennifer laughed. “Gee, I wonder. For what it’s worth Robin, I told her it was up to her, but I thought it was a really sweet gesture.”

“But … I thought you said you didn’t know about me?” I asked, a little confused. I vividly remembered fumbling with my hormone replacement therapy pills when Jennifer had unintentionally snuck up on me, the morning after our first sleepover.

“Oh, I didn’t. Ally just told me she was thinking of staying home for the first session to make Margie’s “sibling” feel welcome. When I saw a girl I just assumed... Y’know,” she shrugged her shoulders and smiled.

“I really did say “sibling” too,” Allison laughed. “I didn’t want to give anyone any ideas about me trying to sneak a new boyfriend past my parents’ no-dating rule.”

“Yeah, but it’s your loss,” Nicole chimed in as she returned, giggling. She pulled me into a hug, pressing her lips to mine for just a brief moment before sighing contentedly. “Best. Summer. Ever.”

“So far,” I added, returning the kiss. “So, I still need to do my toenails. Denise shaped my fingernails for me.”

“You bought that sparkly green gown didn’t you?” Allison asked. “I brought some sparkly nail polish that’ll look awesome with it.”

Jennifer snickered, singing under her breath, “O Christmas tree...”

~oOo~

After everyone was dressed and ready, but before Josh arrived to pick up Allison, the four of us gathered in the living room. Margie, Kelly, Mom, and Gina had by now all joined us, each of them grinning like Cheshire cats as they brandished their digital cameras.

“Okay girls, individual pictures, then group pictures,” Margie instructed, adding, “And Robin I want some of you and Nikki together too.”

I felt like Cinderella waiting for her carriage. I didn’t even mind the two inch heels. I was sure by the end of the night I’d be ready to throw them out the window of Nicole’s Mustang, but for now they just added to the glamorous feel of the whole proceedings.

Just when I thought we were finished though, Nicole started to giggle and turned to Allison, who approached, carrying something behind her back.

“There’s a special prom tradition. Normally when a guy picks up his date, he brings her a corsage,” Nicole began, and as she did, produced a clear plastic case containing a small bouquet of flowers. “Now since neither of us are guys, I decided you deserve the first honor.”

I didn’t even notice the camera flashes as she carefully slipped the corsage onto my wrist. It took all I had in me not to start crying right then and there. I threw my arms around her, and I kissed her. I kissed her again, and I whispered a broken “I love you.”

She giggled. “I love you too, cutie. Next year you can buy me one,” she teased.

~oOo~

I felt bad for Jennifer, who despite insisting going without a date was her choice, had to endure Nicole and me giggling all the way to the school. So far we had managed to keep Moira’s planned appearance a secret, but as we drew nearer, I found it harder and harder to hold my tongue.

“Everyone have their tickets?” Jennifer asked as we rolled to a stop. I reached for the diminutive green purse I’d bought just for the occasion, producing my and Nicole’s tickets. Nicole reached a gloved hand out to squeeze mine, smiling nervously.

“I can’t believe we’re really here, at the Junior-Senior prom, as freakin’ sophomores.”

“It gets better. Wait until you see who the evening entertainment is,” Jennifer chided, then added, “Hey there’s Ally and Josh. Let’s all enter together so it looks like we’re in a group?”

“But we are a group,” Nicole teased, and I stepped over just a bit, pulling Jennifer between us.

“Aww, thanks guys. I won’t hang around you all night. I’m going to be prowling for singles while you’re making the seniors look bad on the dance floor,” she giggled.

For about the first fifteen minutes or so, we did stay together as a group, but largely because there wasn’t really much of a reason not to do so. They had some generic, awful music playing. Worse yet, it sounded like elevator music of a Heedless Despair song... Hey, wait a minute!

I realized what was going on only shortly before the music abruptly stopped and a much more familiar variation began to play, only with an electric violin in place of the vocals. The gathered students began to cheer as the stage curtain at the far side of the hall raised to reveal five women dressed in black evening gowns. Slightly back and away from the others, Moira held a generic-looking black electric bass, smiling directly at us.

Nicole didn’t notice at first, until I leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Nikki. Check out the band.”

“Huh?” she started, as she turned to look up at the stage. “Oh my God,” she gasped. “I-is that Moira and her mother?!”

I giggled. “Yeah. Sorry for not telling you sooner, but she wanted to surprise you.”

Nicole practically cackled. “Oh I’m so gonna get her for this. But later. Right now, let’s dance!”

~oOo~

About halfway through the night, after the band had just finished their second set - a mix of up-tempo modern music and a few slower songs, Moira stepped up to the microphone, tapping it and clearing her throat.

“A’right everyone, it’s time for th’ moment ye’ve all been waitin’ for, aye? You’ve all cast yer votes for Prom King and Queen, and I have in my hand here the final results.”

She paused, carefully opening the small envelope as we all waited excitedly to hear the results.

“This year’s prom queen is … Victoria Esquire!”

A loud cheer went up as Victoria ascended the stairs, dressed in an absolutely gorgeous red sequined gown. Moira paused, waiting for her mother to carefully place the tiara on Victoria’s head.

“And now, your Northside High School prom king... Alex Stone!”

“Jock and the cheerleader,” Nicole joked, completely innocently, as we clapped for the happy couple.

“Psst. I’m a cheerleader too,” I whispered in Nicole’s ear, trying not to giggle. She winked back at me.

“You’re also a jock. But I love you anyway,” she replied, reaching down to squeeze my hand.

Alex, who really should’ve gotten his tux a size or two larger, looked even bulkier in the ill-fitting jacket as he rushed up the stage. A collective “Aww” filled the room though as he graciously accepted his crown and immediately turned, bowing and kissing Victoria’s hand.

“And now we’re going to slow things down a little bit because it’s time for the spotlight dance for the King and Queen. Victoria, Alex, the floor is all yours.”

Alex descended first, turning back to take Victoria’s hand and guide her down the stairs.

“And I understand congratulations are in order. Victoria led her cheer squad to an unheard of twenty-ninth overall at Nationals for the first time ever,” Moira added. She seemed to wink in our direction, grinning as she backed away to take her place with the group again.

Victoria looked around, dumbfounded at the round of applause that followed, even as she sank into Alex’s strong embrace. He had a big, goofy grin on his face, for his part. Nicole and I sat down at our table again.

“I don’t know about you, but I don’t want this night to end,” Nicole sighed whimsically as Allison and Josh joined us at our table. Allison laughed, reaching under the table to pull off her heels.

“This has been fun, but my feet are killing me. You guys mind if we sit with you for a few minutes?”

“Not at all,” NIcole answered first, glancing at me. I shook my head.

“Josh is the best Kenpo partner a girl could ask for. I’m not going to turn you two down,” I teased. Josh laughed.

“Hey, you earned your belts. Keep it up and you’ll be putting me on my back more often than not.”

“Hey, girlfriend right here,” Allison shot back, but grinned wickedly as she leaned over to press her lips against his.

“So has anybody seen Jen?” Nicole asked, glancing around. Josh smiled as he nodded in the opposite direction.

“She’s been letting her hair down, so to speak. For someone so calm and collected, that girl knows how to dance.”

“Never trust a Polynesian who can’t dance,” Allison teased, giggling. “I’m glad she’s having fun though.”

“Me too,” Nicole added, reaching out to take my hand. “Want to dance?”

By now, my nerves had long left, and the band had started on another slow number, so I squeezed her hand and nodded, following her onto the dance floor.

~oOo~

I was sure my feet were swollen by the time we had dropped Jennifer off and headed for home. We had talked about an after-party party, just the four of us, but with the trip the previous weekend, we were completely wiped out.

Nicole had to help me to the front door. I had my heels dangling from one hand, my other arm around her as she opened the door and led me inside, at which point we both just collapsed on the sofa, giggling.

“Oh man, I think I’ll just stay right here for a few hours.”

“I’ll let you,” I teased and leaned closer for a quick kiss. Her smile brightened as she returned the gesture. We sat and talked for what felt like hours, and I didn’t remember actually falling asleep, but I must have. I woke with a bit of a start, leaning into Nicole. Someone had pulled a blanket over us. Nicole smiled as she kissed my forehead, whispering.

“Hi there.”

“Hi,” I groaned lightly. “What... time is it?”

“No idea. Your mom came through and gave us a blanket shortly after you passed out. I didn’t have the heart to move you and risk waking you, so I asked her to let my mom know where I was.”

“Aw, I’m sorry,” I managed meekly. I really felt bad, keeping her like that. She smiled and pressed a finger to my lips.

“Don’t be. This has been the second-greatest night of my life. The first was our first date.” Nicole pulled me closer, and I yawned, laying my head on her shoulder. She giggled. “G’night, cutie. I’ll be here when you wake up.”

“N...ni...” I mumbled. Between the warmth of the blanket and the security of her embrace, I no longer cared that I was still in my prom gown. The rest of the world melted away, and all that mattered was us.

---

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