Jesus, look at this place – Its sonot high school. Taylor was in shock from the massive makeover the yearbook kids had given the gym, a place where Taylor often went to shoot hoops. Did you ever see so many freakin streamers? Her voice lilted with excitement.

Jenny was nervous. Not for herself, but for Taylor. She eyed the crowd, searching for any shady looking characters. Well, the coast is clear, she assured herself out loud.

Huh?

Oh, uhnothing.

They walked to a table, then both scanned the crowd. A young man, probably Taylors age, walked towards them. Jenny held her breath. She had a can of pepper spray in her hand bag if worse came to worst.

Whos that? she asked as he made his way to their table.

Its my buddy Ron. Hes so cool, Jenny! Taylor stood to greet her friend. Ron, hey manIts good to see you. Ron gave Taylor a loveable hug, and Jenny could tell right away that he was *****. Some might call it gaydar. She just called it obvious. Ron, this is Jenny, my date for the evening.

Rons eyes moved to her gown. He seemed pleased. That is a beautiful dress. Jenny glanced down at herself as he said it. Oh, thank you. She extended her hand. Any friend of Taylors is a friend of mine.

Ron smiled, flashing a set of pearly white teeth. Pleased to meet your acquaintance. He kissed her hand. Jenny pulled it away, slightly flinching. She wasnt used to such pleasantries.

Ron whispered into Taylors ear when Jennys head was turned away to once more, inspect the suspicious looking crowd of teenaged hormones. Shes a keeper, he said, then winked and floated away.

Charming, Jenny commented.

Isnt he though? Taylor seemed to be warming up to the new surroundings fairly quickly. Which was a good thing, of course.

Lets dance, Taylor announced as she jumped up from her chair and extended her left arm. What say we show these amateurs how its really done?

Jennys lips curled into a sly smirk. She accepted, and they headed towards the mass of swaying student bodies.

From the sidelines, a trio of young men in all matching black tuxedos and black ties were huddled together, as if about to make a really big play in a football game.

Hey Frank, see those two chicks over there? A blonde kid with spikes for hair pointed.

What? Where?

There, see? Ones wearing a suit. The third kid spoke up, Oh yeah, thats Taylor. She was in my trig classshes cool.

The other two guys looked at him simultaneously.

Shes a ***** *****, Harry!

Harry didnt like his tone or slang. Hey, man. Shes cool, alright? Leave her alone. She hasnt done nothing to ya.

Frank, Harrys right. She aint done nothing to ya. Dont worry bout it. Well snag em by the end of the night.

The blonde one nodded in agreement.

Youre right Joe. Well get em, soon enough.

Harry looked worried.


The musics tempo had slowed, moving from a hip – hop beat to a sappy love song. Taylor and Jenny continued to dance. Jenny was impressed by Taylors courage. She had come out here, obviously in drag and of course, making the ultimate statement of lesbianism by doing so. She had to hand it to her, the girl had guts.

Are you having a good time?

Taylors voice, so close to Jennys ear, startled her a little. Oh, yes. Im having a wonderful time, Taylor. Thank you for asking me to come.

They moved in unison, making the same tight little circle with their feet.

I want to tell you something, but Im afraid itll scare you away. Taylor whispered much more softly now, into her ear.

Why would it scare me away? Jenny asked.

Taylor wasnt sure how to answer her question without giving herself away.

Jenny egged her on, you can tell me, I promise I wont go all Cinderella on you.

Taylor leaned into Jennys ear again, as close as she could without letting her lips touch.

This is the best night of my life.

Jenny felt a rush of warmth envelope her body. She rested her head on Taylors shoulder, pulling herself closer to her partners body.

Taylor was having the best night of her life, and it was largely due to Jennys presence. Shed never felt so loved. It just might be the best night of her life, too.

Punch? Taylor pointed to the refreshment table.

Why dont you go grab our table white I get us a couple drinks? Jenny had noticed the three young men whispering and watching the two of them the entire time. She had pretended not to care.

Dont be absurd, Im the gentleman here, and I have to get the punch and bring it to you, Taylor insisted.

Jenny knew it was a lost cause. She didnt want to start an argument on Taylors special night.

Ok, you get the punch. Just hurry back.

Taylor was starting to think that there might be something wrong with Jenny. Whats the matter? Why do you keep looking at that group of guys over there? Do you know them from somewhere?

Jenny shook her head vigorously. No, I definitely do not know them. I think theyre trying to mess with us, though. I dont want you to get hurt.

Taylor turned again to glance at the trio in black. Theyre just a bunch of knuckle – head goons. Dont worry, baby. Ill be fine.

We dont really need punch do we? she protested a final time, Im not thirsty.

But Taylor wouldnt have it. Oh, come on. Its just punch! What could go wrong? And with having said that, she turned to head to the table across the room.

Jenny held her canister of pepper spray tightly in the palm of her hand.