Chapter 20

Dance.

Damien Reyes

Time/Area: NYC 2013, July 12th.

“Ugh.”

I woke up on my bed, still strangely tired. As I tried to remember where I was, I sat up and looked around, letting the sunlight seeping from between the cracks of my blind covered window burn the sleepiness from my eyes.

“Oh right.” I remembered, glancing at the carpeted floor of my bedroom beneath me. Popcorn still littered the floor, along with various empty cans of kool aid. The PS3 I had brought out from my closet yesterday was still on, and displayed a very bare game menu. On the screen was the only game I ever really played (Fight4Life), and two video game controllers sat on a bean bag near my desk. A couple of books on ‘Real life Superpowers’ were on the floor next to it; all novels that Jason had brought over.

I shook my head as I eyed Jason, who was currently slumped onto a random sleeping bag I had taken from my parent’s closet.

When I told him about the whole 'puddle of doom' event, and after I had actually convinced him I wasn’t lying about it, he freaked out in the nerdiest way possible: Hence the 'professional' novels describing 'real' instances of super powered events.

"Well that was fun," I thought, yawning.

I was about to go back to sleep when I got a glance at the clock above my door.

I squinted at the hazy, red-colored digits.

7:30

I got worried, but I didn’t really remember why.

What happened at 7:30? Was there a football game on or something? I didn’t like football...why would there be a football game?

“C'mon brain THINK!”

My eyes widened, “School..” I whispered aloud, glaring at the digitized numbers once more. School started at 8:00.

But, more importantly, my parents got back at 8:00. They were out on their “Post” Anniversary celebration, and while I didn’t think that was a thing, the lack of parental supervision had made the sleepover much more awesome.

But we had forgotten to clean up, which basically meant death by my mother’s standards.

“Jason!” I hissed, still glancing at the clock.

How did we not plan for this?

It seemed kind of important.

Jason didn’t budge. I groaned in annoyance, hugging my pillow one last time before rolling off of the mattress. I looked down on his motionless form next to my bed.

Then, bringing my right leg back a little, launched my foot into the side of the sleeping bag.

“Ahh, whyyy?” He groaned in a mix of English and an unknown dialect, rolling around from inside the green colored bag,

“Go back to sleep D..” I heard him mumble.

“Dude..school.” I said, sighing.

He shot up, practically flying right out of the sleeping bag before he was standing up. He looked down at his shorts and white T-Shirt, noting the fruit juice stain on his chest, “W-we need to change!”

I nodded, glancing down at my similar attire before looking around the room, “We need to clean this place up!”

He nodded back, looking down, “How are we going to shower, get dressed, clean this place up, and get to school in 30 minutes?!”

I looked down, scratching my head as I once again looked at the clock,

“Eh, we’ll figure it out.” I decided.

While searching for clothes, I found one of Jason’s shirts he had brought here yesterday.

“Here.” I called out, passing him the shirt.

He found a random pair of jeans in one of my clothes piles and threw it at me.

Jason scratched his head as I caught the denim pair of pants, “Should I shower or-?”

“Probably.” I agreed, but after a memory struck me I added, “But make it quick!” I barked, “Remember when Sarah took us to that pool? You take way too long in the shower.”

He frowned, "Why do you remember the most random things-?"

“Cmon, hurry up!” I ordered, figuring my parents would be stepping through the door any second, “We have to pick up these chip bags!”

7:34

This wasn’t going to be good.

I shook away the thoughts of a potential guillotine my mother could’ve had locked in her bathroom.

“Right right, my bad,” Jason groaned, pulling on the shirt I had thrown him, “It’s not like your parents will kill you.”

I found a red sports shirt, tossing it onto my bed after making sure it was clean. I could change into it after I showered.

I walked towards Jason, “Bro, have you met my mother?”

I shivered, the ideas of a guillotine returning.

He grinned sheepishly, “Good point.”

We then began to clean up- It shouldn’t have taken as long as it did, but since we were still half asleep, it took about twenty minutes.

“Dude, we only have like ten minutes to get to school,” I coughed, looking up, "Actually... less than that."

Just then, a buzz rang through the room.

"My phone?" I realized, "Oh no..."

I glanced toward my nightstand, stumbling towards it to check who was calling me.

"Please don't be mom," I prayed.

It was a call from Selina.

I stumbled over to the black device and clicked “Answer”.

“Hey! Happy Saturday!”

I choked, “S-saturday?”

“Yeah? Day of the Dance? Ah...lemme guess, you and Jason are waking up early thinking we have school?”

Before she began to crack up I hung up on her and plugged my phone back in. Probably not the best thing to do to your crush, but I was tired.

Jason stumbled towards me, “C’mon we have to g-”

“Jason...” I said, falling into my bed, “It’s Saturday.”

Jason just groaned and fell back on the blanket.

“At least we cleaned up.” He pointed out.

After a couple of minutes of not being able to fall asleep, we both sighed and faced each other. I looked down at Jason, “I’m going to shower.”

Jason protested, “Can I go first?” he asked, “On the chance that your parents show up, I don’t want to look like-”

“Like you just had a sleepover where you threw countless kool aid pouches at me anytime I beat you at Fight4life?” I finished, rolling my eyes, “Whatever, but I’m counting this as an early birthday present.”

Jason’s birthday was on July 30th.

“Gee, thanks,” He said, ignoring the previous remark, “I’ll try not to use all the hot water.”

-

While Jason was showering, I took off my clothing and slipped on a bathrobe, still mentally berating myself for forgetting the days of the week.

“Ugh,” I huffed, walking over to the bean bags.

I grabbed one of the video game controllers on the floor and played Fight4Life until I heard the water turn off from the bathroom.

I poked my head out of the door,

“You done!?” I shouted into the hallway.

Jason came out fully dressed, looking much more awake, “Okay, you can go.”

I passed Jason a controller while heading towards the bathroom, “I beat like...thirty people for you.”

Fight4Life could be played online as well, where one could use characters you unlocked in the game to fight some random person’s character he’s/she’s unlocked.

I heard him laugh as I closed the bathroom door behind me.

Sadly, Jason did indeed use all of the hot water. It’s things like this that cause me to not usually have friends over. Well, that, and the fact that I only had two friends.

Once I had finished showering, I slipped back into my bathrobe, the sudden sensation of heat flaring up my back while I did so. I froze instantly. This had been growing more frequent as I had started to notice, and to be honest, it was quite scary. I didn’t really know what was in me, and neither did anyone else I had told.

Granted, I probably should’ve told my parents, but I didn't (teenager things...it's a natural reaction).

During the sleepover, I had tried looking up whatever I could about the ERL liquid with Jason, but we didn’t find anything credible.

I took a deep breath as the heat finally subsided.

I had forgotten to bring my change of clothes into the bathroom, so I would just change in my room.

I opened the door to find Jason, standing super straight and talking to my parents in the hallway.

For a brief moment, I was annoyed. I mean, who talked in hallways? Couldn't they unexpectedly appear in the kitchen?!

I coughed, “O-oh hi!” I said, backing up into my room as I tried to read my parents’ expression. I gave a little half smile to what looked like my mom's angry face before closing the door.

I took a deep breath, dropping my robe and throwing some clothes on,

“What was that about?” I wondered.

Why was she angry?

Was she even angry, or was that just her resting face?

It was impossible to tell; I hadn't gotten enough time to look.

And what about dad?!

I didn't get a chance to look!

After I was decent, I walked outside, hearing the three of them laughing in the kitchen.

Oh so now they were in the kitchen.

I never understood how Jason got along so well with adults. Even though his parents were like successful business people or whatever, having the ability to talk to my mother with confidence just...wasn’t natural.

They paused their conversation upon seeing me,

“Look who finally decided to join us.” Dad said, motioning towards me.

“Um hi...good morning, I mean." I spoke nervously. Jason was making apologetic faces at me, and mom’s face was shrouded with an emotion that scared me a bit,

"Erm...how was your...post...anniver-"

“Mijo,” Mom interrupted, “Jason told us about the dance.”

I glared at Jason immediately, “Bro.”

That violated at least thirty different laws of the bro-code.

Jason coughed, “Um well… I uh-”

“No need to apologize Jason.” Mom said to him, still staring directly at me, “Damien will just catch up with you later.”

Jason’s eyes widened.

I sighed, “I-I’ll see you later Hermano.”

Jason patted me on my shoulder, whispering the words ‘Good Luck’ as he headed out the apartment door. Once we heard the door shut my mom sprang into action,

“So you were just going to go to a party without us knowing?!” She shouted, “Did I raise a criminal delinquent?”

Whoa, that was fast. She typically got to the troubled teen part around the thirty minute mark, but it hadn’t even been five seconds and I was already a straight up criminal.

I fiddled with my finger, “It’s uh...hosted by the school so nothing bad wi-

“You must've done gone and lost your mind.” Dad interrupted, shaking his head in shame.

I stuttered, “Lo siento, I didn’t mean t-”

“I mean,” Dad continued, “You ain't even got a girlfriend...and you want to go to a dance?”

He snorted, "Boy, I have a PHD and I still can't figure that out."

Mom glared at him, “But that’s not the point,” She said, turning back to me, “The point is that you didn’t tell us you were planning to go.”

I suddenly became very interested in my shoes, “Sorry...”

She went on, “Were you planning on going with Jason?”

I nodded.

She sighed, “Okay,” she said, “Call him and tell him you can’t make it.”

I froze, “W-wait you can’t do that!”

Dad gave me the look, “First off, lower your voice,”

I gulped.

“Secondly, why is this so important?”

I thought about Selina, causing my face to go red.

Mom gave me a confused expression, while Dad’s eyes widened,

"Honey, do you have a fever?" Mom asked.

“Oh.” Dad said, pausing for a moment as he recalled a particular conversation we had earlier, “Oh!”

Mom just looked at him, “Que?”

I gave Dad a pleading look.

Dad nodded and turned to face Mom, “I think that he should go.”

Mom looked bewildered, “¿por qué?” She asked.

Dad looked around, “Well...this would be his first party.”

I hadn’t even really thought about that.

“What do you mean by his first party?” She shot, “He’s had plenty of Birthday parties...fourteen of them actually!”

Dad shrugged, obviously struggling as he tried to douse the flames that were my mother, “All with Jason.” He said, “This one might actually have… ya know...others.”

Mom glanced back and forth between me and Dad, trying to piece something she couldn’t together,

“Fine.” She conceded, “Nine months of cagados for dance parties.”

I smiled the biggest smile I had, running up to Mom and hugging her,

“¡Gracias mamá!” I said, pulling away and then hugging my dad.

In my ear he whispered, “Once you get back, you’re gonna have to tell me who it is. But don’t worry, we’ll do it at some park over basketball!”

I laughed nervously about that, backing away, “Can I hang out with Jason until the party?” I asked.

They both nodded, watching me as I headed towards the door.

“Bye!” I yelled, ducking out of the door.

I smiled- everything was going well.

-

“So are you going to confess?” Jason asked, slurping some of his Fruit Punch.

We were at Bob’s Bagels, sitting down at one of the booths by the window.

We had gotten one breakfast bagel each and a drink to go with it.

“What are you talking about?” I asked back.

In truth, I knew exactly what he was talking about, I just chose not to address it.

Jason laughed, “Are you going to tell Selina you love her?”

I reached across the table and smacked him in the arm, which made him laugh even harder.

“I don’t know...maybe.” I replied, causing Jason to choke on his drink,

“Wait, you might actually do it?” He coughed, “I-I was literally just teasing.”

As he stared into my serious eyes, he squinted, “Who are you, and what have you done with the real Damien Reyes Johnson?”

I smiled and shook my head, “This is him,” I laughed, “I mean, this is high school, right? We should live a little.”

Jason just stared at me, “Wow...I’ll have to record that.”

I laughed again, “What about you?” I asked, “Have you talked to Melissa?”

Jason combed his fingers through his dark colored hair, “She’s way out of my league D.”

I shook my head, “Dude, you’re probably the only one who she might like.”

He titled his head, “Why do you say that?”

I smiled, thinking back to the day before Independence day while taking a sip of my Lemonade,

“Just a feeling.” I said, “You should ask her out.”

Jason looked even more confused, “Is this a prank?” He asked.

I laughed, “No, I mean it,” I continued, “See what happens. You should live a little too.”

Jason just grinned, “O-Okay I will.” He exclaimed cockily, as if trying to prove to himself that he actually would go through with it.

I laughed even harder at his enthusiasm. Tonight was going to be fun.

-

An hour before the dance started, me and Jason were sitting on a bench outside of Synth industries.

It suddenly occurred to me that I had no idea where exactly to pick up Selina. I didn’t really know much about her parents either, except for the fact that her father apparently worked at the Synth plant.

I took out my phone and called her.

…

…

…

“Heyyy Dami, thanks for hanging up on me.”

I laughed a little, “Sorry about that,” I apologized, “I was tired.”

“Ha, I don’t care. What did you need?”

I smiled, “Where do you live? A-and when should I pick you up?”

When she didn’t speak I suddenly got nervous, “W-well like I just assumed I would...like well, I thought that’s what was supposed to happen or something. Wait, I didn’t mean to assume or anything but like-”

She suddenly coughed, “Um well...I-”

Just then, another voice became audible in the background, “Who is that? Is that a boy darling?! I am in a meeting-”

For some reason, I felt like I had heard that voice in a commercial somewhere.

“Uh..Everything alright?” I asked, wiping some sweat that had slipped down the back of my neck.

I heard a door slam,

“Yes...perfect.”

Okayy.

I cleared my throat, “Was that your dad?” I tried.

I heard Selina sigh, “Yea...I’m at his workplace right now.”

Now I was confused, “I thought your Dad worked at the Synth plant. You’re there?”

“Uhhh... I think I can just meet you at the bus stop? I heard that the bus is taking kids to the dance tonight, so transportation is actually covered.”

She completely dodged the question.

I decided not to push it, still kind of sad that I didn’t get to pick up my crush like what happened in every other teenage romance movie, “Okay, I’ll see you there in an hour?”

A couple of muffled words were spoken in the background.

“Actually make that two hours,” She said, “Sorry Dami, something came up. We’ll take the late bus though, okay?”

I didn’t even get to respond before she hung up.

I was so confused.

Jason looked at me from the side of the bench, “She okay?”

“I don’t know,” I admitted, “I think some family thing came up.”

I rubbed my temples, “To be honest I’m really confused about-”

Just then, Jason’s phone buzzed from a text. He checked it, his eyes widening as he did.

“What?” I asked, sitting up.

“Damien, can we take the late bus?” He replied, “My parents are having a family meeting with Synth Morgan and they want me to be there.”

I coughed, “Your parents...together...with Synth?”

Jason’s parents ran Cole Industries, and even despite their marriage problems they were quite popular in every store chain they bought out or manufacturing warehouse they owned. Synth was in that same ISAC competition my sister was talking to me about, so I didn’t really know why Jason’s family would have a meeting with him.

Jason nodded, “I know it’s weird,” He went on, “I would usually try to say no, but my parents are agreeing on something! Plus, I think the meeting is just to establish connections…not anything serious.”

He had a huge smile on his face, “I don’t know, it’d just be refreshing to see, you know?”

“Then yea!” I agreed, “You should totally go. Though I don’t get why it’s called a family meeting.”

Jason shrugged at this, “Me neither,” He said, “I knew that Synth guy needed some of my family’s backing, but I didn’t think he was trying to get personal.”

Jason began to walk away, but turned around halfway across the sidewalk, “Actually, I think he has a daughter!”

I gave him a thumbs up, which he returned as he ran towards Draxon.

I tried to tell myself I hadn’t been necessarily ditched...just pushed aside until a later date. It was kind of coincidental that Jason and Selina had to go do something at the exact same time. But I couldn’t make any sense of it, so I decided to head home and wait for an hour. Maybe I’d just play Fight4Life or something.

----Perspective swap: Jason Cole-------------

Turns out the meeting would be held at my house, So it wasn’t too far. I ran past the Bagel shop, across the intersection, then turned on Draxon. As I strolled towards my house, I thought about the idea of my family and the Morgan’s sitting down and having tea. It was honestly really disgusting, but as long as my parents were happy, I was happy. I smiled as I walked into the house, shutting the door behind me as I called out,

“Mom! Dad?!”

Mom came charging down the stairs, fixing the silver designs on her black dress with one hand while placing an earring on with the other. She was also slipping on her High heels with her free foot.

She was doing this on the stairs, mind you, which was a testament to the entire attitude of my mom.

“Hey Jason!” She yelled, hitting the floor with both heels and earrings on, “Set the table, will you?”

I nodded, “For uh...how many?”

She stopped and began to count on her fingers, “Advisor...daughter...Synth guy...three extra!”

I laughed a little as she faded away somewhere. As I went to grab table napkins, Dad busted out of his office next to the kitchen carrying three file folders. Inside his office you could see his computer, more papers, and his infamous weapons collection on the wall. My favorite was the roman axe on the far left.

He smiled upon seeing me,

“Heyyy! Setting the table?” He noticed, nodding at the napkins in my hand. I nodded back, “Y-yeah..uhh..This won’t take too long, right?”

He laughed, “You’ll still be able to go to the party, if that’s what the rush is about.”

I laughed with him, “Yea, I just don’t want to miss this...I have to make fun of Damien and his girlfriend.”

He stopped, placing his hand on my shoulder. He hadn’t been happy enough to give me this much attention in a while, so it took all of my willpower not to smile weirdly,

“I think Mr.Synth’s daughter also wants this to hurry up, so you’re not alone.”

I nodded, “I hope so...there’s uh...this girl I wanted to-”

Dad gasped, “Reaaaally now?” he laughed, “You’ll have to tell me how that goes.”

Once the main parts of the table were set up, the doorbell rang.

I couldn’t help but feel a little bit nervous, making sure that everyone’s plate of spaghetti was all...spaghetti looking and stuff before resting my hands at my sides.

After all, I was meeting one of the most successful people in existence.

Synth Morgan’s company had made billion dollar breakthroughs in tech, and was the leading force in Laser Development. I heard from Damien’s dad that all they needed to do to win the International Science Award Competition was to figure out how to stabilize one of their engineered chemicals. It was the Electricity Regulating Liquid actually, the same thing that Damien apparently had stuck into his back or something.

Mr.Andre’s exact words were that it would, “Crush Energis’ chances almost as fast as I can beat Damien in basketball.”

My parents went to get the door,

“I wonder if Mr.Synth’s daughter is nice.” I thought to myself, readjusting some of the silverware. I heard the door open, gulping as I found my seat on our huge table. I always sat to the side of Mom and Dad when we had guests over, and the guests would sit next to them. If the guests had kids, they would sit next to me.

It was this whole thing...

I took a sip of water from my glass, looking up to see who our guests wer-

WHAT?!

My jaw dropped.

Dad and Mom glared at me as they took their seats, but I was too focused on the Morgans. There was Mr.Synth, standing next to what I assumed was his advisor. But what surprised me was who was next to her. There, walking in the dining room,

was Synth’s daughter…

Selina Morgan.

Selina tripped when she saw me, but Synth caught her,

“It would appear both our children are rather clumsy today.” Mr.Synth declared, glaring at Selina as his bald head glistened against the light of the kitchen chandelier. My mouth hung open as the Advisor ushered Selina next to me. Her eyes widened as she sat down.

A couple of awkward seconds,

“Son?” Dad said pointedly, “Aren’t you going to introduce yourself?”

I coughed, “O-oh yea..my name is Jason Cole..” I said to Mr.Synth. He was a scary bald man with navy blue eyes and a heavy German accent. He was dressed in a black suit, and was wearing a billion dollar watch on his wrist.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you...Jason.” He responded.

I quickly sat down, but my mom nodded towards Selina, “And her..?”

Selina stepped in, “Oh no worries Mrs.Cole, I’m uh..friends with Jason at school.”

I began to sweat, “Y-yea,” I whispered, “though I didn’t know that she...was your daughter.”

I struggled getting the words out, my gaze shifting towards Mr.Synth.

Mr.Synth stared at Selina, “Yes,” He started, clearly angry, “She doesn’t like to mention her heritage all that much...though I’m surprised she has any friends at all besides Hiru, of course.”

It just occurred to me that no one had touched their food.

Selina noticed this too and immediately started to pick at her plate with a fork, “Well, telling everyone you're rich is not how I plan on making friends.”

This caused silence to plague the room.

I quickly stuffed a noodle into my mouth.

Synth’s eyes narrowed, “That’s an absurd accusation-”

“A-actually,” I butted in, swallowing my food before I spoke, “It is pretty hard to make friends when everyone thinks you’re stuck up. All you usually get is fake people who want money.”

Selina glanced at me, a thankful smile on her face,

“Exactly.” She agreed, both of us nervously looking back at our parents.

I had said too much. The adults hadn’t even really introduced themselves yet.

Click.

Creaak!

Suddenly, our front door opened, breaking the silence as we heard it shut from beyond the kitchen.

I gasped, realizing who the only other human being who had a key to my house was-

“Hey Jason!” I heard Damien yell from the front, trying to find us, “Are you still busy!? Do you think Selina would like a black tie or a red one?!”

Everyone froze.

Crap.

“Did he just say Selina?” Synth asked, turning towards his advisor.

She just shrugged, “Sounds like it.” She murmured honestly.

“Uhhhhh” I coughed.

“Is that Damien?” My parents wondered aloud.

“Well Jason,” Selina said, stabbing a piece of meat and sticking it her mouth, “We're officially screwed,”

Damien casually strolled into the Dining room, not having the slightest clue as to what he was walking into, “Okay so I have this suit and-?!”

He froze mid stride, scanning the room to try and make sense of the situation. He was wearing a nice, expensive looking black suit, but with no tie.

Despite the silence, Selina got up, walked over to Damien, and began checking him out.

“I think red would look nice on you.” She stated, sitting back down. She laughed at the silence as sweat visibly rolled down her forehead, “You know, assuming we all make it out of this alive.”

-

Damien went red, “Um...I thought...Why is Selina..”

“Are you the boy Selina was talking to on the phone?!” Synth interrogated.

Damien coughed, “Uhh...M-my name is Damien Reyes.. And you’re-”

“Synth Morgan..boy.” He interrupted, “Selina’s father.”

I had stayed silent this far, but I didn’t like how this guy was talking to D,

“Um Sir?” I said, “He’s my friend..and he said his name was-”

“Jason!” My mom glared, “Damien, dearest, would you like to take a seat?”

He slowly nodded. Me and Selina scooted over a Chair, and Damien took my place next to Mom.

Damien shot me the, “What’s Selina and Synth doing here” look. So I shot him the “Selina has been lying to us this whole time and is actually his rich daughter” look, which caused Damien to choke on solid air.

“How did you two meet?” Mr.Synth asked D, rage embedded into his voice.

Damien cleared his throat, “She’s in my physics class.” He replied.

Synth raised his eyebrow, “Oh really?” He said, “To keep up with my daughter is most impressive.”

“Yea he’s great!” Selina exclaimed, knowingly annoying her father.

Synth huffed, “And you’re taking him to the dance?”

I I rolled my eyes absently,

“His name is Damien.” I stated.

Everyone wore shocked expressions. I was even surprised at what I had said, even more shocked that everyone had heard me.

“I know his name, son..” Synth spoke, his voice threatening.

“Cállate.” Damien shot quickly, nudging my shoulder slightly.

Synth 's eyes narrowed at Damien, “Hablas español-con fluidez, ¿v-eo?”

He had said it quickly with little stuttering.

Damien glared at Synth, “Probablemente mejor que tú.”

He said this even faster than he did, a little smirk on his face as he watched Synth’s tightening expression.

Synth suddenly chuckled, “Damien just might suit you darling.” He said, “But since we are obviously not getting any work done, would it be okay to send the children off to their party now?”

I shivered a breath of relief.

Mom nodded, “Yes,” She agreed, motioning at me to leave, “That would probably be best.”

As I led my friends outside, I heard Synth call for Damien to stay for a bit.

He gave both of us a look that clearly said the words Help Me before disappearing back in the house.

Me and Selina stood on my porch, finding comfort in the silence of the darkening sky and the constant chirping of the awakening crickets scattered about my huge front yard.

Even when Damien came back out, we didn’t really say much until the three of us reached the sidewalk, far out of earshot of the adults.

All of us stopped and looked at each other as the sounds of car horns and speeding cars filled our ears. A common New York Saturday night.

“So who first?” I asked, breaking the tension.

“How come everyone but me is rich?” Damien wondered, looking down at the concrete and scratching his head, “And how come it’s just my friends who are…”

Selina coughed, “I-uh..wanted to tell you guys..but uh-”

“This actually makes a lot more sense now.” I realized, thinking back on the times that she had ditched.

“Look, I’m sorry, okay?” Selina blushed, “I didn’t know..how you guys would react.”

I gave her a smug smile, “Yea right,” I laughed, “I’m rich- so you knew how I’d react, you just didn’t know how Dami-ow!”

She smacked my arm.

Damien sighed, “Do you think we can still make the normal bus?” he asked, clearly still disturbed as he checked his phone.

I nodded, “Probably, but what did Synth say back there?”

He just shrugged, “He basically told me to stop by Synth industries every now and then if I wanted.”

“Well, whatever you do, don’t do that,” Selina cautioned, “He probably just wants to keep his eyes on you.”

Damien stuck his hands in his pockets, “Yea...I figured as much..Let’s go?”

We all nodded, heading down Draxon.

“By the way Damien,” Selina said, walking up to his side, “I think you look very cute in your suit.”

She then skipped ahead of us towards the intersection.

Damien froze, a smile he didn’t realize was on his face threatening to illuminate the night.

I laughed as he stared ahead, his eyes wide.

“Why are you even surprised at this point,” I shook my head, “You two should just make out already.”

Damien instantaneously snapped out of it, about to kick me when Selina called for us from down the sidewalk.

“Are you idiots going to keep standing there, or are you coming to the party?!” Selina shouted from the bus stop, “Don’t tell me my Dad is what’s going to make you chicken out!”

We both resumed walking, Damien still not seeming able to stop smiling.

My thoughts were on my crush too, except I had no idea what was going to happen. In any case, the one undeniable truth was very clear at this point.

Tonight- was going to be fun.

----------Perspective Swap: Damien Reyes--------

“WHOOOOOOHOOOOO!” A random freshman yelled, running around the cafeteria while waving two cookies around.

The cafeteria had been cleared out to make room for the dance. All the tables had been pushed back against the walls, in its place lying a wide serving booth which possessed all sorts of junk food on it. There were club sign up opportunities hosted on tables in the back of the cafeteria, and the dancing floor was shrouded by a disco ball at the front. The whole place was crowded with people, which shocked me since I didn’t think this many kids would actually show. I mean, we were all just freshmen.

Of course, quite a few parents made up the population as well, all acting as chaperones to make sure their child didn’t go rogue.

I was just thankful my parents didn’t show.

Specifically my mom...I-in case that needed to be clarified.

Right now- me and Selina were off in a corner, awkwardly waiting for Jason to bring us back some food from the serving booth like he had volunteered to.

Selina was dressed in a Sky blue slip dress, and was wearing a golden colored bracelet with blue diamond looking things engraved into it. She was wearing it back at Jason’s house, but I hadn’t really got to admire her because of...well, obvious reasons.

I looked at the jewelry she was wearing.

Now that I knew her ‘heritage’, the bracelet could very well be gold, and the ‘diamond looking’ things could actually really be diamonds.

“You look.” I stuttered, realizing that I should probably say something, “R-really nice.”

Ten points for me.

She smiled, “Thanks, you too.”

“Heyyyyyyy lovebirds!” Jason greeted, walking up to us whilst carrying three plates of food. One in each hand, and one balancing on his head.

“The top one’s yours D,” He said.

I shook my head with a grin as I took it off of him,

“That’s actually impressive.” I admitted, Selina taking the plate in his left hand. Jason had gotten me chocolate chip cookies, some kind of sweet bread, and sliced watermelons. He had just gotten Selina fruit, and his own plate was just piles of cookies.

“What’s up with this?” Selina asked, slapping Jason’s shoulder.

Jason rubbed his arm, “That is what you get for not telling me that you’re rich!”

Jason raised his hands in the air, dropping one of his cookies in the process,

“You know I’m an only child right? I mean, we could’ve been rich siblings!”

Selina laughed at this, taking one of his cookies, “Well, now we can be.”

Jason glared at her, “M-my cookie.”

I took one of his cookies too, despite having my own, “What’s wrong with normal siblings?” I asked.

Jason became irritated, “I didn’t think anything was, but I guess I was wrong.”

Me and Selina laughed, each taking another cookie from his plate.

Jason stormed off to go get some more.

Before the awkward silence once again plagued the two of us, Selina suddenly grabbed each of our plates and threw it in a nearby trash can,

“Hey!” I yelled, “My cookies!”

Selina rolled her eyes and dragged me towards the west side of the cafeteria.

“Where are we going?” I asked, still longing for my cookies.

“You’re dancing with me Dami.” She replied, “Because, as you may or may not have realized, this is a dance.”

All thoughts of cookies vanished, “uh-WHAT? I don’t know how!”

Another eye roll, “Yea, but neither does anyone else!”

She pointed at the dance floor. The most sensible thing there seemed to be couples sliding with each other while a mountain of sweat rushed down their necks.

“See?” Selina kept pointing, “Let’s just do that, okay?”

I complained but complied.

I had never been to such a social event like this before- the sheer size of the crowd was almost making me regret showing up.

Once we were on the dance floor however, Selina took my hands nonchalantly, causing me to start fidgeting as everyone and everything else became background noise.

Selina blew some hair out of her eyes, “Dude,” She said, raising her voice to speak over the music as she stood only inches away from me, “I can hear your heartbeat from here!”

I laughed, “W-well..you are pretty close!”

Just then, the DJ put on a slow song.

I stared into Selina’s eyes for a minute, hands still clasped around her own as I wondered what the heck to do next.

“What do I do?!” I was almost panicking, which may seem absurd to you pros out there, but I was honestly confused. I had never gotten this far into a teenage romance movie, so my knowledge on what to do wasn’t exactly complete. The awkwardness was killing me, and I didn’t know how to fight it back. It got to the point where I was almost sorry for Selina. I mean, I liked her a lot and I really wanted to dance with her, but there was just...so many other people around and I kinda just thought maybe-

“Oh my gosh Damien.” Selina suddenly laughed, shaking her head as she maneuvered my [totally not sweaty] palms around her hips,

“These go here.” She said, grinning as I developed an embarrassed smile.

Selina and I started to sway with the music as she placed her hands around my shoulders. At first, I did everything with deep care, since I didn’t want to mess up right now, but as time went on I found myself becoming more and more comfortable.

A couple of minutes in, I spoke, “Uhh Selina?”

She looked up at me, her arms still draped around my shoulders, “Yes?”

I coughed, thinking about how to tell her this.

“I uh..like you.” I said, not entirely sure as to what I was doing.

She smiled, “I like you too?”

“No,” I took a deep breath, knowing this was possibly the hardest thing I had ever done, “I mean..I like like you.”

Her smile got even bigger, but she stared at the floor,

“I like like you too.” She whispered.

Okay, now I would understand if she could hear my heartbeat. I thought my heart was about to crawl out of my chest with the way it was hammering.

“R-really?” I asked, not sure if I was dreaming.

Selina temporarily let go of one of my shoulders to punch me,

"That’s what I said idiot.” She muttered, "Don't rub it in."

I smiled brightly as we resumed our simplistic sway.

Suddenly, something caught my attention from the corner of my eye. Still swaying, I looked to the left to see Melissa Embers sitting by herself. She was fiddling with a doughnut.

That picture was more than wrong… I glanced towards the snacks and locked eyes with Jason.

He gave me the, “What should I do?” look. So I glared and gave him the, “What do you think idiot?” look. I saw him take a deep breath as he slowly trotted over to where Melissa was sitting. I smiled and tapped Selina’s shoulder, motioning towards Jason,

“Don’t wanna miss this.” I whispered.

Selina nodded and pulled out her phone, a sly smirk on her face as she began to record. Jason was standing in front of Melissa, saying a few words. He was as red as a tomato, and Melissa was blushing as well.

Everything was all very slow, when suddenly, out of nowhere at all, Melissa got up and kissed Jason.

Jason looked shocked at first, but eventually, he started to kiss her back.

How the...

My mouth dropped while Selina started cracking up.

Was this a perk of being rich or something?

Did rich kids just kiss anyone?

Can I be that lucky?

Now Jason was going to tease me forever. He got kissed by a girl in his freshman year!

Injustice.

After watching them for a bit, Selina stopped recording and turned me around.

"Back to dancing?" I asked, smiling.

Selina smiled back, but instead of taking my shoulders like before, she gently grabbed the sides of my face.

Selina stared into my confused eyes, the bright blue of her Iris cradling something that felt like fear as she leaned forwards.

“Erm,” She whispered as we grew closer, “I-I have no idea what I’m doing, but here it goes.”

"Uh," I blushed, "What are yo-mmmmm!"

Fireworks went off in my mind as Selina stopped me with a kiss.

That’s right, Selina Morgan was kissing me...on the lips.

But before I could enjoy it any longer, she pulled away, embarrassment written all over her face.

"S-sorry Damien." She spoke, rubbing her temples, "I was in the mom-mmmm!"

This time, I stopped her with a kiss….on the lips.

Like a total boss.

She kissed me back, which made me even more happy.

I had no idea if I was even doing it right, as I was relying solely off of movies, but it wasn’t like any adults were around to judge us.

...

We got to stay there for about..one... more second before a familiar shriek pierced the air. I immediately pulled away and swung my head to the left.

There stood my mom, a sticker labeled "Chaperone" on her black jacket and her mouth hanging open. The music in the background slowly turned off, everyone now staring at my mom whose scream had halted the entirety of the dance.

After a few seconds of awkward silence, the DJ started the music back up and everyone started to dance again. Through the crowds of people though, I could still see my mom, marching towards me with the fury of a hawk.

I looked back at Selina, who gave an apologetic smile,

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow," she said, "Assuming you make it that far."

She started to leave, but I grabbed her shoulder, causing her to turn around,

"Uhh Damien I don't really want to meet your mom-"

"I know I know," I interrupted, "I just wanted to ask...does this mean we're...you know."

Selina grinned ear to ear, "I would like that."

I smiled as she slipped away into the crowd. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted Jason and Melissa dancing,

"I knew it." I said to myself, happy with my prediction.

Just then, the back of my head was slapped,

"Ow!" I yelped, turning to face my mom.

It's hard to describe an angry hispanic mother- except for the obvious fact that there is no escaping them.

"Mijo!" She yelled over the music, "Tell me you did not just kiss that girl!"

I coughed, still wondering how in the world she had gotten in here. From my knowledge, one had to sign up before the party to chaperone. It wasn’t until I eyed the chaperone badge, however, that I realized it had been scribbled onto a blank sticker from an arts and crafts box she had in her room back at our apartment. Mothers were a different species, I was sure of it now.

"M-mom- I can explain-"

"You had better!" She shouted, slapping me again.

I looked down at my dress shoes, "It's actually kind of hard to explain here.."

She laughed, "OF COURSE IT IS. That is why we are going home at this instant!"

I didn't even try to complain,

"O-okay I'm going to go say bye to Jason."

Mom nodded, "I'll be in the car."

She walked off.

All things considered that didn’t go too terribly. But then again, it would probably be a lot worse once I got home.

“Hey dude!” Jason greeted, stepping away from Melissa for a second, “You were right!”

I laughed, “Of course I was,” I said, happy for him now that I had also received a kiss, “But uh..I have to leave now.”

Jason frowned, “Why?”

“My mom saw...me...kiss Selina.”

A pause,

“HEYYYY Congratulations!” He exclaimed, shaking my shoulders, “I mean, you might die, but congrats!”

“Thanks,” I rolled my eyes, “And have fun.”

--

The car ride home was 80 percent my Mom yelling at me, and 20 percent...well...

Actually, I lied.

it was probably 100 percent my Mom yelling at me.

“WE LET YOU GO TO ONE PARTY AND YOU KISS SOME RANDOM GIRL?!”

I coughed, ‘Well..she’s not random..she’s my friend from school.”

“NIIINE MONTHS I CARRIED YOU.”

I sighed, “Here we go,”

“NINE. NUEVE!”

“B-but-”

“I DIDN’T CARRY YOU AROUND THAT LONG JUST FOR YOU TO BE ACTING A FOOL!”

I blinked, “Mama, por favo-”

“WAIT TILL WE GET HOME AND TALK TO YOUR FATHER!”

I gulped, knowing that my father wouldn’t have the reaction my mother would expect. He probably didn’t even know she had come..

-

“He did what?!” Dad choked on some water he had been drinking from the couch. He was watching football, but turned off the TV when Mom announced the news.

Mom nodded, “Yep, he kissed a girl...on the lips!”

Dad looked at me with a wide grin, “EYYYY, nice one-!”

My mom threw a slipper at Dad, “ANDRE!”

Dad’s eyes widened.

The only thing my Dad was scared of was my mom.

He coughed, “I-I mean how could you do this?!’

I couldn’t help but give a small chuckle, earning a slap from my Mom.

“Tell me now, Damien,” My mom started, taking off her other slipper and pointing it at me, “Do I have any Nietos running around?!”

I choked, “W-wha no!”

Like...so many things were wrong with that question.

So many things.

“Look,” My dad stepped in, “Now I agree, maybe you shouldn’t have kissed her...but all in all.. did you have fun?”

My mom’s jaw dropped, but she didn’t say anything.

I cleared my throat, “Y-yea.”

“Then can’t he go to bed?” Dad asked my mom, since it was entirely up to her, “A-and babe, how the heck did you even get in the building?”

She didn’t speak for a bit,

“I climbed.” She whispered.

Say what.

I would say the tension was “So thick you could cut it with a knife” but I didn’t think that would be accurate.

A chainsaw couldn’t even do the job.

Mom finally sighed, “Fine.” she conceded, “Take off your suit before heading to bed.”

She stomped away, muttering something about nine months and Hormonal Teenagers.

After mom left, I looked at Dad,

“Uh,” I scratched my head, “will she be mad at me forever?”

Dad shook his head while laughing,

“No, she’s just getting used to the fact that you’re growing up. Though kissing her was a bit...dramatic.”

I blushed, “Y-yea sorry. We were both in the moment...b-but I’m kind of worried it will all like..disappear or something. M-maybe she’ll pretend like it didn’t happen tomorrow.. Or when we go back to school she won’t be there...or-”

Dad sighed, “Ah, lover’s stress...I felt the same way about your mother.”

I rolled my eyes, “I-I’m not a lover-”

“Look,” He interrupted, “You know what I always say..”

I slowly nodded, preparing for the familiar questions.

“Were you grateful for what you had?” He asked, referring to the party.

I smiled, remembering the couple of seconds before Mom broke into the building, “Definitely.”

“Can you live with what you have?” He moved on, motioning around our apartment.

I looked around, “As long as mom doesn’t murder me.”

Dad clapped, “Then don’t worry about what’s ahead, because-”

“If you’ve taken care of the first two,” I went on, “Then everything will work out just fine.”

I had heard this quote from him like... a million times,

“Th-thanks Dad.”

He gave me a thumbs up, “No prob, but tomorrow we are playing basketball. You owe me.”

I smiled brightly, “Prepare to get beaten then. I’ll make sure to bring that ball you got me for Christmas.”

Dad laughed even more, waving my threat off,

“In the morning, I want all the details about that girl.”

I laughed with him, already heading towards my room, “O-okay. Just don’t be weird.”

I heard him say “No promises” as I closed the door.

After I had undressed and hung up my suit, I couldn’t help but smile.

Despite everything that just happened, today was still too good to be true.

I went to bed thinking about Selina, and that thought couldn’t have made me happier.