Daphne settled into a chair in the kitchen, the rotary phone wedged between her ear and shoulder as she dialed Tina's number. The line clicked and Tina's voice came through with its usual vibrancy.

"Hey Daph! What's up? Did you hear about the new trends for this season?"

"Hey Tee! Not much. I've heard a bit. What's the scoop?"

"Well, it's all about oversized blazers and high-waisted jeans. Also the mini skirt is back!"

Daphne laughed. "I've noticed that too. It's great."

"Totally! And don't get me started on the neon colors. You know I'm all about that," Tina said with excitement.

Daphne grinned. "Yeah, neon's definitely having a moment. I was actually thinking of grabbing a bright pink jacket for myself."

"Do it! It'll look amazing on you. And, by the way, how's everything going with Billy? You two are practically inseparable these days."

Daphne hesitated slightly before responding. "We're good. It's been a bit intense with everything, but he's been really supportive. I guess we're making it work."

"That's great to hear. You deserve someone who's got your back. Besides, he's kind of a big deal around town now, isn't he?"

"Yeah, he's definitely made a name for himself. It's been a ride, but I think we're figuring things out," Daphne replied, her tone reflective.

"Well, if anyone can pull off this whole new fashion trend, it's you and Billy," Tina said with a chuckle.

Daphne laughed. "Thanks, Tina. I'll definitely keep that in mind. I'm excited for tonight—it'll be good to see everyone dressed up and having a good time."

"I hear you. Oh have you heard from Carol? She hasn't spoke to us since the Halloween party."

"No, I haven't. I guess she's pissed for what I said to her that night, but honestly, it's not that big of a loss. As long as I have you, I've got everything I need. Anyways I've got to go, thanks for the chat. See you around, Tee!"

"You're right and you know you can call me anytime, Daph. Have fun tonight!"

After hanging up, Daphne walked into the living room where her mom was helping Will practice his slow dance. Jonathan was filming the moment with a camcorder, capturing every step and twirl.

"Yeah, you got it. See?" Joyce encouraged as she adjusted Will's stance.

Will, slightly embarrassed, muttered, "Mom!" Joyce laughed, beaming with pride. "Wow! Look at you, Will. You're going to be the star of the evening."

Daphne chuckled, "Let me tell you, Willy, you're going to be the best dancer there."

Will turned to Jonathan, who was adjusting the camera. "Do you always have to be filming everything?"

Jonathan grinned, "No, just the good stuff." Will then asked Joyce, "Are people still dancing like this?"

Joyce nodded reassuringly. "Yeah, it's just the style these days."

Will looked at Daphne. "Daph, is it really what's happening? You're the trendy one."

Daphne smiled. "Yep, you'll be the best dancer at the Snowball. Now I've got to run to Max's place to help her get ready. Johnny, are you giving Will a ride?"

Jonathan gave a thumbs-up. "Yep, you're all set. See you tomorrow."

Daphne raised an eyebrow. "How do you know I'll spend the night out?"

Jonathan chuckled. "It's kind of obvious."

Joyce, giving Daphne a warm smile, said, "Be safe, honey. Don't do anything too wild. And if you do—"

"Do it safely, I know. Bye, guys. Have a great time, Willy!"

"Thanks, Daph. Bye!" Will said as he prepared to leave.

Daphne stepped outside, her thoughts drifting as she drove to Max and Billy's place. With everything feeling so settled, it was nice to focus on something as ordinary as getting ready for a school dance.

When Daphne arrived at Billy and Max's house, Billy answered the door, wearing a blue shirt that was decidedly unbuttoned. He flashed her a charming grin.

"Hey there, Your Highness," he said, leaning in to give her a quick kiss. "You're right in time. Max is screaming in pain because Susan can't get her hair right."

"Let me handle it," Daphne replied with a smile. "Walk me to her room, please."

"Of course!" Billy said, leading her upstairs. They held hands as they made their way to Max's room, where Max's frustrated voice drifted through the door.

"Ow, that hurts. Where is Daphne when I need her?"

"Right behind you!" Daphne called out as she opened the door. "Hi, Ms. Mayfield. I can take it from here."

Susan, who was struggling with Max's hair, looked relieved. "Hi Daphne! I hope she'll listen to you or at least be steady. She's been moving since I started here."

Max, clearly irritated, said, "Mom, you were hurting me. Now go."

Daphne smiled at Susan as she shooed her out. "Okay, your mom was doing great. A small lateral braid with your wavy and long hair would look awesome."

Billy, leaning on the doorframe and munching on a cookie, watched as Daphne worked her magic. He eventually wandered off to his room.

Daphne glanced over her shoulder and asked Max, "Are you two still ignoring each other?"

"Kind of," Max admitted. "We talk just when we need to. We don't have anything to say to each other."

Daphne sighed. "Max, come on. I'm not saying you have to forgive him, but he promised not to bother you or the others, so just... talk to each other. You're brothers after all."

Max shrugged. "We'll see about that."

Daphne finished braiding Max's hair and said, "I'm done. Are you sure you don't want to wear a dress? I bet Lucas would love that."

Max rolled her eyes. "I'm not getting ready for him!"

Daphne smirked. "Yeah, sure. I see how you two look at each other. Stop lying to yourself."

"Okay, fine," Max conceded, "but I'm still not wearing a dress. It's not my style."

"I figured that," Daphne said, standing up. "Well, let's go. I'll call Billy and let him know we're ready."

Daphne headed to Billy's room, where she found him adjusting his outfit in front of the mirror. "We're ready to go," she announced.

Billy flashed a grin and gave her a thumbs-up. "Awesome. I'll grab the keys."

Max appeared at the door, giving her mom a quick hug. "Bye, Mom!"

"Have a great time, Max. Be safe," Susan said as she waved them off.

Billy, Daphne, and Max climbed into Billy's Camaro. Max took her place in the backseat, and Billy slid into the driver's seat. As he started the engine, Can't Live Without You by Scorpions began to play on the radio.

Daphne turned to Max. "You ready for tonight? Just have fun and be yourself."

Max nodded, a little anxious but excited. "I'll try. Thanks for helping me get ready."

"No problem," Daphne replied. "It's going to be a great night. Just remember, no matter what happens, you've got this."

Billy glanced in the rearview mirror and grinned. "Ready to rock this Snowball?"

Max laughed. "Definitely."

As they drove toward the middle school, the Camaro filled with the upbeat sounds of the Scorpions, and the anticipation for the night ahead built in the air.