ch. 11
On the dance floor of Daleside High’s renowned Fall Ball, the atmosphere was a swirl of colors, laughter, and bright lights dancing in time to the music that thumped through the air. The decorations, while deemed tacky by the more cynical attendees, radiated a certain nostalgic charm with glittering streamers and air-filled balloons. The excitement in the air was infectious, and three groups stood out on the vibrant dance floor: Emma and Liam, Hayley and Layla, and Mason and Crystal.
Emma floated across the polished floor in her mint-green wrap dress, its soft fabric hugging her figure while the hem gracefully swayed with each step. The dress had delicate lace details at the sleeves, adding an air of elegance that shimmered under the dance floor lights. Liam, clad in a fitted navy suit that accentuated his tall frame, held her hand with a boyish grin, guiding her with a playful confidence.
“Right this way, milady,” he said with a mock bow.
“Thank you, milord,” Emma replied with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with delight.
“So, this is the famous Daleside High Fall Ball?” Liam observed, scanning the vibrant scene as they stepped further into the exuberant crowd.
“Yes, it is! First impressions?” Emma asked, her grin widening as she took in the atmosphere.
“It’s certainly... atmospheric,” he replied, feigning contemplation.
Emma laughed. “You don't have to pretend to be impressed, Liam! One of the things us Dalesiders love about the Ball is its tackiness. They’re the same decorations every year—the Ball is always a lot of fun, but most of us are here ironically. Except for Hales, of course—she still thinks it’s the most romantic event of the year.”
“Hey, I never said it wasn’t romantic. Fancy dancing to some bad music with me, Emma?” Liam teased, winking at her.
“I’d love to,” she giggled, feeling like the night was bursting with possibilities.
On the opposite side of the dance floor, Mason and Crystal were in the midst of their own dance. Crystal looked striking in a crimson gown that hugged her curves perfectly, the flowing skirt flaring out majestically with each spin. Her hair was artfully styled into cascading curls, sparkling silver earrings catching the light as she moved. Mason, looking sharp in a classic black tuxedo, couldn’t help but glance over at Emma and Liam, his attention snagged by the growing connection they seemed to share.
"I wasn't expecting it to be this lame," Mason murmured, fighting a hint of disdain as he tried to engage with Crystal.
"I mostly go because everyone else does," Crystal replied with a slight shrug. “People expect me to make an appearance, and I’d have to disappoint. We're going to—Mason? Mason, are you listening to me?”
Mason barely noticed her, his face holding a distracted expression. Frustration pushed through her polished exterior as she followed his gaze. “Umm... Why are you staring at Emma?”
“Oh, I... Was I? Who's that guy she's with?” Mason asked, his curiosity piqued.
Crystal followed his line of sight and smirked. “Duh. That's Liam Emerson. Her boyfriend. Can we bring the conversation back to what I was talking about, please?”
“Sure. Sorry,” he forced out, turning his attention back to her but missing the glimmer of intrigue displayed on his face.
Meanwhile, Hayley and Layla twirled energetically beneath the disco lights, Layla’s flowing black skirt swirling around her as she danced in her sleek black crop top, while Hayley gleamed in a bold emerald-green dress that contrasted beautifully with her vibrant curls.
“Heyo, did you see that? Mason was totally checking Emma out! Do you think he's falling for her again?” Hayley speculated, a knowing smile crossing her lips.
“Hm. None of my business. You gonna spend all night worrying about them, or are you gonna dance with me?” Layla shot back playfully, her tone teasing.
“Option 2, please! I can't believe I finally have a date to the Fall Ball! I've been dreaming about this since I was a freshman,” Hayley exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over.
“#RelationshipGoals. You have some funny dreams, Hales,” Layla said with a smirk as they glided together.
“I’ve been dreaming about you since I was a freshman, too,” Hayley added with a hint of a blush.
“I take it back. Some of your dreams are okay,” Layla replied with a laugh.
Amidst the cheerful chaos, Emma was breathless, her laughter mingling with the upbeat music. “This is more exercise than I’ve had in weeks! I think I’ve earned a snack, don’t you?”
“I do indeed. I’ll do the honors. Any snack in particular you’d like?” Liam responded, raising an eyebrow in playful challenge.
“Ooh, I thought I saw some chips over there earlier,” Emma suggested, her eyes twinkling.
“Your wish is my command,” Liam joked, turning to weave through the crowd.
“Hey, Emma! Enjoying the ball?” Madison's voice suddenly broke through, bringing a wave of unexpected interaction.
“Yes, I am, Mads. You can quote me on that if you’d like,” Emma replied, her tone light but slightly guarded.
“I don’t need to. Everyone can see you and Liam dancing—you guys are so sweet together!” Madison exclaimed, genuine delight marking her features.
“Thanks! So, can I help you with anything, or...?” Emma asked, her curiosity piqued.
“I just wanted to chat with you—we never talk!” Madison blurted, her hands fidgeting.
“Um... okay. Are you having a good time?” Emma inquired, cautiously trying to steer the conversation.
“Oh, totally! Crystal is ignoring me, as usual, but I saw Kevin and Amy kissing in the cloakroom earlier—scandal, am I right?” Madison said, a mischievous grin plastered across her face.
Emma laughed awkwardly, not knowing how to respond with the growing uneasiness, but it was short-lived as Liam returned, carrying snacks and drinks. “I’m back, with gifts of lemonade and chips!” he announced jubilantly.
“Anyway, great to chat, Emma—see you later!” Madison added and darted away into the throng.
“Bye, Maddy!” Emma called somewhat confusedly, watching as Madison dashed away. She turned to Liam, her expression puzzled. “Well, that was weird.”
“What happened?” He was visibly curious, noticing her puzzled demeanor.
“Madison came over and said she wanted to chat, stayed five minutes, and then left,” Emma explained.
“She probably saw something gossip-worthy happening somewhere else,” Liam deduced, popping a chip into his mouth.
“Yeah, I guess so,” she murmured, a hint of uncertainty shadowing her eyes.
“So do you wanna stay here for a bit, or head to the after-party? I think a bunch of people are heading out to Club 07 soon,” Liam proposed, glancing toward the exit.
“Is it that time, already? I totally lost track! I should probably go home. Mom wanted me back by midnight,” Emma replied, a tinge of reluctance in her voice.
“Or your coach will turn into a pumpkin, right?” Liam quipped. “No problem, I’ll grab your bag.”
“It’s okay, I’ll get it.” Emma was already making her way to the cloakroom when she suddenly halted. “Oh my God! Liam! Liam, come over here!”
“What is it?” he asked, concern etching his features as he rushed over.
“I think someone’s been through my bag! Look—my stuff is all over the floor!” Emma gasped, panic rising in her chest as she knelt down to assess the scene. The contents of her bag were scattered like fallen leaves, everything from lipstick to her notebook, and her heart raced at the sight.
“Oh God. All my things are in there. My wallet, my phone... I really hope nothing's been taken.” She inhaled sharply, adrenaline fueling her urgency. “Would you give me a hand, Liam? I need to check that everything's still there!”
---
The morning sun peeked shyly through the curtains, casting warm rays across Hayley’s bedroom, which was adorned with posters of movies and bands she loved. The furniture was a mix of vintage and modern, with vibrant throw pillows scattered chaotically on her bed. Hayley adjusted her glasses, their thick frames accentuating her friendly smile as she sat cross-legged on the floor, glancing at Layla, who was perched on her desk chair, crossing her arms in thought.
“So, why do you think Emma wanted to come over this early?” Hayley asked, curiosity dancing in her eyes.
“I don’t know. The text just said ‘emergency,’” Layla replied, her own expression mirroring Hayley’s anticipation, a slight frown creasing her forehead.
“Emergency as in ‘emergency post-ball gossip session,’ or ‘emergency! I'm on the run from the cops’?” Hayley questioned with a wry smile, trying to lighten the increasingly tense atmosphere.
“Well, she did leave pretty quickly last night, and she didn’t say goodbye—which is starting to become a bit of a habit with her,” Layla said, annoyance creeping back into her tone.
Just then, the door swung open, and Emma stepped in, her features drawn and anxious, her light floral dress swirling softly around her knees, contrasting sharply with the tension in the room. “I know, I know! I bailed again, and I’m really, really sorry about it,” she confessed, running a hand through her wavy hair.
“Well, go on then—what's your excuse this time?” Layla asked, leaning forward intently, willing to listen.
“I was about to head out with Liam,” Emma began, her voice shaking slightly, “but when I went to the cloakroom, someone tipped everything out of my bag—my stuff was all over the floor! Liam and I managed to find most of it again—but there was something missing.”
“What was missing? Come on, Emma. You’re worrying me,” Layla urged, her initial annoyance fading, replaced by concern.
“My memory stick. And that’s not the worst part. It had all my work in it. My college application essays, my class assignment—everything!” Emma’s voice trembled with the weight of her realization.
“But you have another copy, right? I mean, you must have backed it up somewhere!” Layla interjected, her brow furrowing.
“Duh. I backed it up on my desktop at home. But that’s been broken for like, over a month. All the files on it are really out of date. I’ve still lost weeks of work!” Emma sighed, frustration and despair mingling in her heart.
“And you never emailed it to yourself? What were you thinking?” Layla asked gently, her tone laced with concern.
“I never thought something like this would happen!” Emma snapped, emotion bubbling to the surface.
“But what HAS happened? Em, do you think someone... stole your work?” Hayley pondered, her voice quiet but urgent.
“I don’t know... Liam told me that I’m overreacting. He thinks I probably just left it at home. But I turned the house upside down yesterday. And can’t find it anywhere!” Emma exclaimed, her voice filled with desperation.
“Don’t you always bring your work with you to school?” Layla inquired while wringing her hands.
“Yeah, since my desktop broke, and Liam knows that!” Emma replied, the anger flaring.
“Was Liam with you the whole time last night?” Hayley pressed on, her intuition sharpening.
“Uh... yeah. Apart from when he went to get us drinks and snacks. Hales, what are you implying?” Emma responded defensively.
“Oh God, oh God, oh God. I should’ve seen this coming. I should’ve WARNED you!” Hayley’s voice trembled.
“What is it, Hales?” Layla questioned, unease creeping into her voice.
“Emma, I’m so sorry! I should have said something sooner! Then this might have never happened!” Hayley blurted, panic seeping from her words.
“Said something about what, Hales? You’re freaking me out!” Emma’s eyes widened as anxiety took hold.
“Oh God, please don’t hate me! I think Liam might have stolen your work.” Hayley finally admitted, her voice shaky.
“What?!” Emma almost shouted, her heart racing.
“I didn’t want to say anything because it was a long time ago, and I was hoping he’d turned a new leaf! In middle school, he was almost expelled for doing pretty much the same thing. He was really close friends with this girl—top of her class in history. The rumor was he offered to watch her laptop while she went to the bathroom, and then he copied her entire end-of-year project,” Hayley confessed, her face pale.
“Oh, Hales. Why didn’t you tell us this before?” Layla asked cautiously.
“Good question. This would have been useful information, like, a month ago,” Emma snapped back.
“I’m really sorry, Emma. I wanted to give Liam a chance, but if I’d known this would happen—” Hayley stammered, her guilt pressing heavily on her, but Emma cut her off.
“There’s no point dwelling on it now. What’s done is done,” Emma replied, a resolve hardening inside her.
“So, do you think Liam did it?” Hayley ventured quietly.
“I hate to admit it, but it makes sense. It would explain why he never bothered doing any work on his own application. He was always asking me about my work, and he knew that all my work was on that memory stick because I told him my desktop was broken. He also knew I was planning to leave my bag in the cloakroom yesterday. As for what we can do, I don’t know. We need more evidence,” she concluded, her voice rising in urgency.
“You said that Liam was only out of your sight when he went to get you drinks and snacks. I guess he would have done it then—maybe somebody saw—” Layla added thoughtfully.
“Guys, I have an idea! I don’t know if anyone saw Liam. But I do know that Madison was acting strange last night. She came up and chatted with me for like five minutes while he was away, then vanished the second he got back. Maybe he put her up to it—she might know something,” Emma suggested, her heart pounding with newfound determination.
“Well, it’s a start. And it’s exactly the kind of thing I’d expect from her. We’ll talk to her tomorrow. In the meantime, Em, what are you going to say to Liam? I mean, you two are still dating, right?” Layla asked.
“I’m not going to say anything to him yet. We still don’t know what happened for sure or if he’s the thief. I’ll find out what Madison knows, then decide,” Emma replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.
“I’m so sorry this happened, Em. I know you really liked Liam,” Hayley said, a note of sympathy creeping into her voice.
“It was not that much. I just feel like such an idiot! I really believed that he cared about me,” Emma admitted, frustration and hurt etched across her features.
“So did we! He conned us all. It’s not your fault he’s a jerk,” Hayley assured her.
“Plus, Hales and I never liked him anyway,” Layla added.
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