Author's Thoughts: make sure to listen to the song linked above! I think it fits the chapter. Oh my gosh. I really hope you enjoy this update. Like, ugh. You don't know how long I've been waiting for this. I don't know how to feel. Comment and vote if you guys want, okay? Welcome to my new readers as well! Yes, above are the dresses the girls wore. Surprised? Me toooooo. Butttttt are you ready for this? Here we go!

Playing Damsel in This Dress

Like a mindless zombie, Ethan flips through the channels, his eyes occasionally flitting over to the window. The curtains have been drawn back so that he has an unhindered view of the midnight-blue house stationed on the other side of the street. The truth is he isn't interested in watching anything. How could he when his thoughts are running amuck? He's just trying to make himself look distracted.

Had he made the correct choice in rejecting Willow's invitation to the homecoming dance?

The sun has already been swallowed up by the horizon, the moon and stars now sitting in its place up in the sky. Ethan's heart feels a little suffocated and no matter what he does, he can't seem to make the disquiet sensation disappear. He has a hunch as to why his blood-pumping organ is acting like this, but he's not certain if he wants to acknowledge the reason or not yet.

Perhaps he should go out and do something that would take his mind off of a distinctive brunette with a brusque aptitude and hypnotizing olive-green eyes.

Hearing the engine of a car approaching, along with a pair of headlights illuminating the road, the boy glances out and spots a familiar figure. Unknowingly, his grip on the remote control tightens, the color in his knuckles turning white. His jaw is clenched and he quickly averts his eyes. What's he doing? Why is he spending his Friday night at home alone? He's never done such a thing before!

Hayden kills the ignition and exits the Highlander wrapped in a nice charcoal suit. A violet corsage settled in a transparent box is in his possession. He rings the doorbell and waits patiently for someone to answer. Ian opens the door, clad in a black tux of his own. "The girls are still upstairs," he says, stepping to the side so that Hayden could enter.

"Are they almost done yet?" he questions.

"Who knows?" shrugs the older boy. "We still have a lot of time though. Are your parents going to drop by and take pictures with us?"

"I don't think so. They're busy with other things," he answers hesitantly.

"Do you want something to drink while we wait?" Ian offers. "I got the good stuff up in my room."

Hayden flashes him a perplexed smile. "No thanks. I'm going to be driving."

"Suit yourself." Shrugs Ian before he laughs. "Get it? Because you're wearing a suit." Hayden nods politely as he takes a seat. He couldn't wait for Charlie to come down.

The first and last time Charlie had ever worn a dress was for her eighth grade graduation. Her school made it a requirement for the girls to wear dresses while the boys sported a nice pair of khakis and dress-up shirt. It was pointless, and not to mention severely uncomfortable in her opinion! She couldn't even sit with her legs spread apart!

She figured the administrators all carried a personal vendetta against her. Why? Because it was the first time they had ever enforced such strict dress-code regulations for a graduation! Could it have been a mere coincidence? Charlie sure as hell didn't seem to think so. They were obviously trying to punish her for all of the hilarious pranks she had pulled on them while she was there. Petty, old bastards.

Charlie smooths out her hair and then wraps it into a neat and low bun. She doesn't want it to get in the way when she eats. She would have tied her hair into a ponytail, but Jillian wouldn't allow it. So this is the only other option. Next, her fingers gingerly graze the dazzling crystal rhinestones embellished on the dress as she stares at her reflection.

Adorning her body is a sleeveless white dress, which cascades down to middle of her thighs. It has a beautiful crewcut neckline that is see-through thanks to the floral lace overlay it has, giving the design two separate layers. The fabric cinches around her waist, revealing what minute curves she has. The material allows her to breathe without a problem and she nods her head in approval.

She doesn't even want to think about how constricting the skin-tight, crimson red tube-top dress Jillian had picked out for her the other day would have been. Jillian didn't necessarily hate the dress Charlie selected. She just thought it was a tad bit tacky at first, especially with those rhinestones. Also, the color didn't seem like it would complement Charlie's already pale skin. She changed her mind, however, when Charlie told her why she had to have this particular dress.

It resembles the dress her mother had worn for the impromptu marriage ceremony she shared with her father ages ago. She remembers staring longingly at those photos whenever she missed her. It's not like Charlie was intentionally searching for a similar style. Rebecca's wedding dress never even crossed her mind until her eyes caught a glimpse of this dress in the thrift shop.

And luckily, the dress does compliment and accentuate the girl's features.

In the bathroom, Jillian is putting the final touches on her appearance. After applying a coat of lip gloss, she smacks her lips together and scurries back into her best friend's room, her dress billowing behind her due to the momentum. "I knew that dress was a keeper!" she sings, clapping her hands. Charlie quirks a brow, but the action is ignored. "Are you sure you don't want me to do your makeup? We have the same complexion and everything."

"I'm positive," replies Charlie as she walks over to her bed and takes a seat. "I have never used makeup before and I never will. Who knows what it could do to me? You know I have sensitive skin."

Jillian rolls her eyes and slips into her gold stilettos. She is donned in a sleeveless chiffon dress that is dyed a subtle blue, sea glass color. The neckline is high with a keyhole detail in the middle and beaded straps. The flowy and light material is cool against her skin and sinks down to her knees. "It's not going to be the end of the world," she says.

"Tell that to all of the animals those cosmetic companies test these products on," Charlie counters brilliantly.

"At least put on some chapstick, would you? Your lips are all cracked. Oh and here are your shoes." She tosses a pair of silver heels to her and Charlie receives them in her arms. She groans quietly, scrutinizing the shoes as though they are extraterrestrial creatures. Let the suffering commence.

"We're coming down!" Jillian hollers from the top of the staircase. Hayden and Ian shoot up from the couch and join Charles, Cameron and Alexander, who are already waiting for the girls to appear. Gracefully, and ever so elegantly, Jillian reveals herself. The sight of her has Ian's heart somersaulting as he holds his breath. He must have been a saint in his past life to be able to have such a gorgeous girlfriend.

He extends his hand out for her to take once she reaches the bottom, and with a shy smile, their palms kiss. Hayden furrows his brows at their interaction, but brushes the thought aside. Maybe Ian is Jillian's beard like how Hayden is Charlie's?

"Charlie! We're waiting for you!" her father bellows, snapping the boy out of his train of thoughts.

"Hold on! I'm trying not to fall down and break my neck!" she shouts from the top. Carefully, Charlie takes one step at a time, using the railing to help her. Hayden finds himself chuckling silently as he watches her with a tender expression on his face.

"You look nice," he praises once Charlie finally descends the steps. It's not her fault she's not accustomed to these death-traps girls liked to call heels. How could anyone survive in these things? She could already feel the blisters beginning to form.

"Yeah, whatever. I look weird," she grumbles.

"Charlie," Mr. Whitmen whispers gently. His daughter shifts her body in his direction, and her eyes widen when she sees the tears welling up. "You look just like your mother. Absolutely breathtaking."

Charlie tries to smile.

"All right." The man coughs as he claps his hands together. He doesn't want the kids to witness a waterworks show. Tonight is supposed to be filled with good and happy memories. He doesn't want to spoil their dance. "Let's get a photo of the four of you in front of the furnace."

The girls are positioned in the middle while the boys stand beside their respective partners. Ian has an arm coiled comfortably around Jillian's waist, no space separating them at all. With one quick glance, it looks like the two of them are glued together!

Charlie and Hayden, however, have a gap as huge as the Grand Canyon between them (not literally, but you get the picture). Charles doesn't mind the space though, and counts down from three. A blinding flash goes off. For a couple of seconds, their visions are littered with black spots before everything becomes clear again.

Mr. Whitmen approves of the photo and sends them out the front door. He stops Charlie on the way out, unexpectedly enveloping her into his arms. "Your mother would have loved seeing you in this dress," he says, his expression softening at the mention of his late wife.

"I know," she mutters as they break the embrace.

"I want you to have fun tonight, okay? But also, please remember to be responsible."

His daughter grins broadly, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I'll try my best, but no promises."

"Charlie," Mr. Whitmen states in a firm and assertive tone.

"I'm only pullin' your leg, dad. Don't worry. I know what I'm doing," she guffaws.

Her laughter puts him at ease. "See you in the morning?" he inquires.

Charlie bobs her head up and down once. "See you in the morning."

With his gaze set on his neighbor's house and the television on mute, Ethan can't help but notice how Charlie is moving at the pace of a slug. Her knees seem to be trembling, too. They look like they're about to give out on her at any second, and he shakes his head. Go figure. Of course she's never tortured herself in a pair of heels before.

If she knows she's not going to be comfortable wearing heels, she should have slipped into a pair sneakers or something. Why would she put herself through such unnecessary pain that could easily be avoided? Does she want him to get silver gray hair worrying about her getting injured? Wait, why should Ethan care what she decides to do with her life? She has her perfectly, flawless boyfriend who probably does that already.

Next, his eyes skip over to Hayden, who is smiling amicably. He has just shut Charlie's door and is now walking over to the driver's side. A minute later, the car roars to life and they vanish from Ethan's line of sight. His lungs feel like they're being constricted as he forces himself to turn back towards the silent commercial. He's supposed to be out there, living his life. He should be creating unforgettable memories right now; memories which he would be able to cherish until he takes his last breath.

So... what is he doing?

. . .

As Hayden closes her door, Charlie steals a glimpse across the street. She sees the curtains are drawn and spots the grayish-blue eyed boy lounging on the couch. Her breath hitches when she realizes he is looking in her direction. Several thoughts start to whirl around in a flurry as she attempts to tame the wild possibilities and questions running awry in her brain. Unknowingly, Charlie clutches onto the hem of her dress, the fabric suffocating in her grasp. Wait, why does she care if he saw her or not?

"Ready?" Hayden starts the car, and his presence snaps the girl back to reality.

"Sure." The reluctance in her voice goes undetected and her date sets off towards the venue. The trip there is filled with songs and advertisements from the radio, but no words from the two of them. Half an hour later, they arrive at their destination. Charlie doesn't wait for Hayden to open the door for her and hops out on her own. Jillian and Ian decided to go in a separate vehicle in case they want to go somewhere after. With Jillian's slow driving, they probably haven't even gotten off the highway yet.

"Here, hold onto me." Hayden takes her arm and loops it around his.

"It's cool. I can walk by myself." She attempts to detach herself, but he keeps her in place.

"I don't want to risk you getting hurt. Charles would hunt me down if you scrape your knees." Charlie doesn't want to argue with him and allows him to escort her safely inside.

The two of them enter the building, which is called Eros, after Cupid, and hand in their tickets to the senators from the student government, who are stationed at the entrance. Homecoming works on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are only 550 tickets available for sale because having a room stuffed with over 1500 people is pretty dangerous.

Eros is an enormous banquet hall that is popular for wedding and formals. However, even they have their capacity limit. If Charlie remembers correctly, Highland's homecoming has always been held here. Apparently, the owners are alumni and are more than happy to give them a discount. And since Hayden has been nominated for homecoming prince, he received two complimentary tickets, which means they didn't have to waste a single dime! At least she didn't have to use her own money just so she could drown in her own tears.

From the main lobby, where the bar is located, Charlie can hear the loud music blaring and prepares herself for a splintering migraine. The students, who are taking pictures and selfies, stop and blatantly stare at the couple as they walk by. Charlie glares at them, and they immediately go about with their own business. Those participating in the homecoming court are required to sit with each other and are assigned tables ahead of time.

Hayden and Charlie step into the ballroom, which is decked out in white, gold and burgundy décor, their school's colors. At the center of each table, dressed in a shimmering white table cloth, with alternating burgundy and gold napkins, are floral centerpieces that also have the same color scheme. It's obvious that a lot of time and money has been invested into this event.

After introductions, dinner is served. Jillian and Ian had arrived ten minutes after Principal Mallard's opening speech and are now sitting at the table next to Charlie and Hayden. The two of them showing up hand-in-hand definitely caused a commotion. But it has also been made clear to everyone that they're a couple. Although some people are devastated, the pair has been getting plenty of positive feedback throughout the entire night.

Hayden is making conversation with the other nominees, but Charlie isn't interested in engaging in small talk. The dance floor is opened and people flock towards it, grooving towards the beat of the music. Everyone at their table has abandoned them as well. "Do you want to dance?" Charlie turns to look at Hayden and takes a sip of her Coke. The night's been a bummer. Neither one of them are having a good time.

"I don't dance," she states flatly.

"But this is a dance..." he points out. Suddenly, Hayden's heart comes to a halt when he catches sight of Cecilia emerging from the crowd. They lock eyes from across the room and he finds himself climbing to his feet. Charlie traces his line of sight and purses her lips.

"Did you know she was coming?" she asks.

"No. But she looks beautiful," he mutters in a daze.

"Go to her then."

Hayden stares at her with wide, doe-like eyes. "But I can't leave you alone."

"Nobody's going to be notice. Just try not to get caught," Charlie warns. Conscious of his surroundings, Hayden weaves through the sea of people and makes it over to Cecilia without raising any red flags. The two of them look around before they sneak off to who knows where.

Charlie scratches her neck and glances around. And then there was one. Not sure of what to do, she decides to shoot a text to the only person she knows who is most likely enjoying his Friday night, unlike her. She doesn't have to wait long to get a response from him.

Ethan Morindozo: Wow. This is unexpected. I thought you'd be having the time of your life right now.

Charlie smiles and rolls her eyes.

Charlie Whitmen: Are you serious? I didn't even want to come to this shit.

Ethan Morindozo: So why did you?

Charlie Whitmen: Because it would've looked bad for Knight if I rejected him in front of all those people.

Ethan Morindozo: Well, that's your problem. What do you want me to do about it?

Charlie Whitmen: I don't know. Save me?

That is the last message that's sent. For the past forty minutes, Charlie has been waiting anxiously for Ethan to distract her from this misery, but he hasn't. She checks her phone for the umpteenth time. Still nothing. Could he have fallen asleep? But it's barely ten o'clock. Great! How is she going to keep herself entertained now?

Charlie is so engrossed with the thought of Ethan, that she doesn't realize the homecoming court, which includes her so-called boyfriend, is currently lined up on the stage. Everyone is planted in front of them, with the exception of yours truly, anticipating the results.

"This year's homecoming prince and princess are Hayden Knight and Tracey Petoskey!" Nicole Emerson, the president of the senior class, declares. The crowd cheers as the two winners step forward and get crowned. "Now, for the homecoming king and queen, please give a warm welcome to Ian Whitmen and...Matthew Lombardi?"

A bunch of guys start hooting and hollering as the two boys step forward with wicked grins plastered across their faces. "Oh my god! Who did this?" Nicole screeches, infuriated before she throws the card down and stomps off. Ian and Matt high-five each other as their peers swarm them with rambunctious laughter and thunder-like applause.

Charlie's phone starts ringing and due to the noise, she steps out into the lobby to answer it. "Come outside," instructs a familiar voice.

"And now, will the homecoming court please grab their partners and start us off with the first slow song of the evening?" Cheryl Howards, the second in command of the senior class, requests.

Charlie frowns, confused. "What? Why?"

"Just do as I say and you'll see."

Hesitantly, she exits the building and her jaw drops to the ground. Ethan is still on the line. A gazillion thoughts flood her mind this time.

"You asked me to save you, remember?" The corners of his lips twitch upwards, and he smiles handsomely at her with an arched brow. Then, he hangs up and tucks his phone into his pocket.

"So here I am. What are we waiting for?"