Everybody gasped. But I showed off my smile.

Mr. and Mrs. Danos had concerned - no, worried - looks. Why was that? Were they afraid that their daughter was finally sticking up for herself and embarrassed of themselves?

I would say so.

"T-that is enough!" Mrs. Danos ordered.

"Eleanor Pier is the definition of a friend," Dejah continued. "That is why she is my friend! You need to stop judging for her skin color." She glanced at me and smiled back. "Eleanor has shown me that there are still good people in the world who are just waiting to shine. She has also taught me that you should never judge a person by their looks. It is what is on the inside that counts."

"But—" Mr. Danos began, but my friend did not give him the time of day.

"She really wants to be friends with me, and I really want to be friends with her. And we will be." She glanced back at her mom and dad. "We will be the best of friends, whether you like it or not." She returned to my side and put an arm over my shoulders. "And so you know, I am pulling out of the religion that you have forced me to believe for years and will be learning and doing new things."

The crowd, Dejah, and I stared at the parents, waiting to see how they would react. Mr. and Mrs. Danos surveyed the crowd, and then back at us.

"Fine," Mrs. Danos said. "We respect your wishes."

"You may stay and have fun at the dance," Mr. Danos added. "But be back by midnight. Please?"

Dejah's smile grew wide. "Will do." She squealed and hugged me tightly as her mother and father quietly exited the gym. "Did you see that?"

I hugged her back. "I saw every move and heard every word," I complimented. "I am proud of you."

When it was all over, the students and teachers went back to what they were doing before as if nothing interesting happened, and a few minutes later, more students entered the gym. The boys wore attractive suits, and the girls wore gorgeous dresses. The gym was soon covered with a ton of people, and a woman walked onto the stage and to the microphone. She spoke into it.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming. It is fantastic that so many young ones decided to attend this year's dance. I am Ms. Hayley Taylor and will be making an important announcement before the dance can begin! So please. Take a seat at the tables."

The teachers and students did what she said and scurried to the tables. Dejah and I giggled as we hurried over and sat at the same table. When everyone was seated, Ms. Hayley Taylor made her announcement.

"This year's dance is extra special, and that is because this dance is to celebrate people who unfortunately have been diagnosed with cancer. Any type of cancer. But do not be sad. Be glad! I, the one and only, have recently found the cure to cancer!"

Seriously? Was that lady telling the truth? Or was she lying?

She brushed her hair back. "That is right! Do not let your ears deceive you. I have found the antidote to cure cancer of all types. It has been tested and will be used to cure everyone who has cancer."

The audience cheered and clapped. Even Dejah. But not me. I had my suspicions.

"As a matter of fact, the first person who will be receiving the treatment will be our own Jorgie Special! The girl who cannot do anything!"

Jorgie Special? Why did that seem familiar?

She backed away from the microphone, and a girl with a guitar climbed onto the stage and scrambled to the microphone. The girl spoke into it.

"Hi. I am Jorgie Special. I have every disease and disorder that exists. But I am happy to say that I have defeated the odds mentally." She began playing the guitar. "I will play and sing a song for all of you, so let the dance begin!" Then she sang.

All the boys had dates and asked their girls to dance. Of course, all the girls happily accepted, and the boys guided them to the dance floor. Dejah and I stayed in our seats and chatted. But it did not last long.

A boy was in front of our table and had his hand out.

"You must be Eleanor," the boy commented. "Would you like to dance with me?"

I was a bit surprised by his offer and looked at Dejah. She giggled and patted my back.

"Go ahead. I will be on the dance floor soon enough."

I also giggled. "If you say so." I looked back up at the boy and blushed. "Let us dance."

I took his hand, and he led me to the dance floor. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and he wrapped his arm around my waist, and we danced.

It was magical. He was so nice to me.

But...he seemed familiar.

"...Tippy?"

He chuckled. "You guessed right."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa." I tried to stop dancing, but my body would not. It was flowing with the music.

Tippy winked. "Surprised?"

"Uh, yeah! How...how are you a human?"

"Remember that I am a special puppet. A puppet who can turn human and has a crush on you."

I did not know how to respond to that, so I shifted gears. "You...were right."

"Hmm? About what?"

"About...James. He...he was not what I thought."

"I would say that I told ya, however, I want to be a gentleman."

"Too late." I then felt a sharp stab on my arm. "Oh..." I let go of him and held my arm...

...and we suddenly heard a scream.

"I need help!" a girl panicked. She wore a long, golden dress with golden earrings. "Please! Caleb has been shot! My boyfriend has been shot!"