Coming to the dance hadn’t been on the top of either of their todo lists. Jaden’s foster parents were always nagging him to be more involved, and Charlie’s mom would probably kill to have a daughter who was more of a girly-girl. So, going together was the solution to please all parties. But, as Jaden and Charlie had anticipated, the dance was not really their scene. Too stuffy and formal, too much petty high school drama. They were begging for escape after only about fifteen minutes.
Which is how they’d found themselves here, in the theater department’s prop barn, passing the time until it would be “acceptable” to go home after the dance. Jaden had found it to be the perfect place to ditch to. It was still on campus, but far enough away to forget about school. No one came looking out here unless they were nearing a production date. And best of all: there was furniture perfect for napping on.
Of course there were also props and costumes, and while Jaden was content to lounge, feet tapping in the air along with the beat of the music that wafted out from the gym, Charlie was playing. It started simple: a cowboy hat and a Howdy Partner, then a boa draped artfully around her neck. From there it escalated. A nun’s habit left over from The Sound of Music, the boots, vest and sheriff’s badge that went long with the original cowboy hat, a Thing 1 costume.
It had been a few minutes since her last appearance and their giggles had died down. He was pretty sure he’d heard the zip of her original dress being put back on, and he was ready to sit and relax with her now. The song that floated in now was slower, Jaden didn’t know the words and only barely recognized the tune, but the thought of being back in the gym and holding Charlie close in her arms brought a smile to his face.
“Can I have this dance?” he heard her say then, a slight accent to her tone as a proper woman of society would. Jaden turned his head, expecting another silly outfit, but his mouth dropped in awe instead. She’d looked gorgeous all night long, but this green dress, despite dragging the ground with her short stature and being a little loose while her original dress had snugged her body in all the right places, was exquisite. The color reflected in her eyes and played off the tone of her skin and hair. He’d never be able to pinpoint exactly what it was but he only had one word.
“Wow,” he breathed, eyes trailing from head to toe, then back up to meet hers. “I’d be honored.”
