AeGuk's Dilemma

AeGuk had a problem. He had to break up with Fedora.

He liked Fedora, she’s never done anything wrong and is always so nice to him and she liked him back. It was perfect and it still would be if Allie wasn’t in the picture.

After his first encounter with this roommate’s cousin he found out that both him and Allie were majoring in the same thing, and they had a whole bunch of classes together. So they spent a lot of time together.

Allie was close to perfect, not only was she fluent in Korean which meant they could speak Korean together, but she was gorgeous. But she didn't flaunt it. She had the same body as Fedora, but she was a lot shorter. And she always wore huge sweaters because she was used to the blistering heat of Arizona, and she looked ridiculously cute.

He realised there was a problem when Allie asked him if he had a girl friend. He didn’t want to say yes. Of course he didn't lie, he told the truth but just that he even thought of lying showed that something was wrong.

So mix the fact that AeGuk thought that Allie was close to perfect and that he didn’t want her to know that he had a girlfriend, it all amounts to one thing; he had to break up with Fedora.

A month into the school year and Fedora had invited herself over to AeGuk’s college for the day. AeGuk was nervous the whole week before the day she was supposed to arrive, because one; he had to break up with her and two; she was gonna meet Allie. He contemplated trying to keep Fedora away from Allie, but figured it was pointless anyway.

“What’s up with you?” Roshawn asked the day before Fedora’s visit. They were studying in their room, and had been completely silent up until then.

“W-what?” AeGuk asked.

“You’ve been jumpy all week,” Shawn said.

“Have I I?” AeGuk asked.

Shawn shot him an incredulous look, “yes. You have. Just now you jumped when you heard the sound of someone passing our door.”

AeGuk blushed, he hadn’t noticed that he had reacted. “S-sorry,” he said.

“Hey, no need to be,” Shawn said, “Just tell me what’s up?”

“F-fedora’s coming here t-t-tomorrow,” AeGuk said.

“Your girlfriend?” Shawn asked.

AeGuk nodded.

“Why are you so nervous then?” Shawn asked.

AeGuk wondered if he should just tell Shawn about his breakup plan. Maybe it would help.

“I’m excited to meet her,” Shawn said.

AeGuk frowned, “Y-yeah?”

“Yeah, what? Is she mean?” Shawn asked.

“N-no no,” AeGuk stuttered, “Sh-she’s wonderful.”

“Then what’s up?” Shawn asked, impatience slipping into his voice.

“I-i-i’m gonna b-break up...” AeGuk paused, his stutter made it a lot harder to just say something, “with her”

Shawn was silent for a second, obviously shocked.

“Why?” He finally asked.

AeGuk frowned, he did not want to explain. He was already tired of talking.

Shawn started to say something then stopped and stared at AeGuk. AeGuk looked away, he hated it when people stared at him.

“This doesn’t, perhaps, have anything to do with Allie, does it?” Shawn asked, his voice oddly level.

AeGuk didn’t want to say anything about Allie, but his face gave it all away as he could feel it heat up and he knew he was bright red.

“Foreal?” Shawn asked jumping a bit, “You like my cousin?”

AeGuk shrugged.

“That is so weird,” Shawns aid, “And oddly cute. You guy’s look good together.”

AeGuk felt like his face was on fire.

Shawn laughed, “Man, your face looks like a tomato.”

Now AeGuk glared at Shawn and made a point of turning back to his homework.

“But seriously dude, good luck.” Shawn said after a minute of silence. “I had to break up with a girl once, and it was tough.”

AeGuk just hoped he would actually go through with it.

--

The day of Fedora’s expected arrival AeGuk was freaking out, he couldn’t even talk, as Shawn discovered when he asked him if he wanted to get some quick breakfast before Fedora arrived.

They walked the whole way with Shawn holding up the entire conversation.

“Dude, why aren’t you talking?” Shawn said as they sat down with their food.

AeGuk couldn’t even speak, he kept thinking about Fedora being in his room later meeting Shawn and Allie. And having to break up with her

“You really need to chill,” Shawn said, “You look white as a ghost.”

AeGuk frowned.

Shawn shrugged and took a bite of his breakfast sandwich, “at least eat something.”

But the food in front of AeGuk just made him feel sick, just looking at it. So he pushed it away and shook his head.

“Man, you need something in you to get you through the day,“ Shawn said, pushing the food back towards AeGuk.

AeGuk glared at Shawn, and picked up the food and headed towards the garbage cans.

“Where are you going?” Shawn called.

AeGuk dumped the food out and walked back to Shawn.

“Hey, I could have eaten that,” Shawn said, “And now you wasted it. What about the starving Africans?”

AeGuk rolled his eyes.

“Fine, let’s go,” Shawn said, finishing up the last of his sandwich and gulping down his juice.

And they went back to their room.

AeGuk almost passed out when they opened the door to find Fedora’s already there and laying on AeGuk’s bed.

“Hey!” Fedora exclaimed, jumping up from the bed and tackling AeGuk with a hug.

“I missed you!” Fedora said, pulling away from the hug with a big grin on her face.

AeGuk nodded, not sure what to say and even if he could talk right then.

“And who’s this?” Fedora said referring to Shawn and so far not noticing AeGuk’s lack of words.

“I’m Shawn, AeGuk’s roomie,” Shawn said.

Fedora eyes widened, “Woah, AeGuk never told me you were black!”

Shawn eyes widened but he laughed, “Can’t believe he left that out!”

Fedora laughed along with him, then turned back to AeGuk, “so you have to show me around the place.”

AeGuk nodded, knowing he probably had the same look of shock on his face as he had when he first saw her in his room.

And Fedora noticed it obviously, because she looked at him a second longer and frowned.

“You okay?” Fedora asked, “You haven’t said a word since I came here, and you have this petrified look on your face.”

AeGuk tried to say something just as Allie appeared in the doorway mid sentence, “Is she here-” she was saying until she saw Fedora.

“Oh, hi!” Allie said.

Fedora looked at Allie and turned back to AeGuk, “Who’s she?”

AeGuk wanted to disappear.

“Allie’s my cousin,” Shawn said.

“Allie,” Fedora said, laughing a bit, “Such a simple name. Well nice to meet you, Allie.”

“You too,” Allie said, “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Really,” Fedora grinned, “Probably all good stuff, I’m sure.”

“Oh, a few bad things here and there,” Allie joked.

“Of course, nobody’s perfect,” Fedora said. “Now can I get some time alone with AeGuk?”

Shawn and Allie shared a look and shrugged,

“We’ll be out of your hair,” Allie said.

“See you later, man,” Shawn said.

Then they were gone and it was just AeGuk and Fedora. AeGuk wished he could have left with Shawn and Allie, but he was stuck here with Fedora and an inability to talk.

Fedora went over and sat on AeGuk’s bed, “So what’s up?”

AeGuk shrugged.

“Since when were you mute?” Fedora asked.

AeGuk shrugged again.

“Is something wrong?” Fedora asked.

AeGuk couldn’t talk, and was actually happy for an excuse to not say anything.

“Come on, just say something,” Fedora said, sounding annoyed now.

“I-i-i-i-i-,” AeGuk tried.

Fedora frowned and asked again, “Is something wrong?”

“I-i-i-i-i’m,” AeGuk tried again. “S-s-s-s-s-s-...soooorrrry.”

Fedora stared at him with wide eyes, “What’s up?”

AeGuk frowned, it felt like saying those two words had taken up all of his energy. He didn’t think he could say another word.

Fedora frowned, “I think we need to get you to the nurse.”

“W-wha-?” AeGuk said, confused.

“This isn’t normal,” Fedora said, jumping up from the bed, “What if you’re having a stroke!”

Aeguk shook his head, “I-i-i-I’m F-f-fiiine.”

Fedora raised an eyebrow, obviously not believing it.

AeGuk sighed, “R-reeeally.”

Fedora sat back down, ‘Then what’s up, why’re you so nervous? That’s why you’re stuttering so bad right?”

AeGuk knew he should just tell her. But he didn’t think he could. He wanted to just spit it out, but that’s impossible for him.

Just then Shawn and Allie came back into the room.

”Is everything okay in here?” Allie asked.

“Yeah,” Fedora said, “I guess.”

AeGuk sighed, glad that Fedora was just gonna let it go for now.

“Let’s get this campus tour started then,” Fedora said, standing up.

AeGuk smiled at her, thinking a campus tour would be easy and hopefully loosen up his nerve.

“You guys can come and fill in whatever AeGuk misses,” Fedora said to Shawn and Allie, “And I want to get to know you guys too.”

“I’m down with that,” Shawn said.

---

During the tour AeGuk slowly found his voice again and was talking like normal again. They went to the cafeteria for some lunch and AeGuk found himself actually having a good time.

“And then I hear my name and I’m like, what?” Fedora said, talking about her homecoming queen win from a few years ago. That was when her and AeGuk got together.

“That was also the night me and AeGuk started officially dating,” Fedora said, grinning and putting an arm around AeGuk’s shoulder and pulling him close.

AeGuk blushed and Shawn raised his eyebrows at them.

“Me and Allie have to go,” Shawn said suddenly, giving AeGuk a long look.

AeGuk frowned and begged with his eyes for them not to go.

Allie looked confused but stood up along with Shawn and said, “yep. Places to go, people to see.”

Then they were gone and it was just AeGuk and Fedora.

“Wanna go back to your room and hang out?” Fedora winked

AeGuk felt his face go red and shook his head.

Fedora frowned, “why?”

“I-I-I,” AeGuk tried.

“No, not again,” Fedora groaned, “Just talk please. You obviously have something to say.”

And AeGuk knew she knew what he had to say, so why wouldn’t she just say it for him?

“Come on,” Fedora said, crossing her arms.

AeGuk sighed, “I-I-I-I... w-want to b-b-break uuup.”

Fedora frowned, looked at him for a long pause and said, “okay.”

She stood up and started walking away then stopped and turned back.

“Is this because of Allie?” she said.

Aeguk cannot lie, his face tells it all.

Fedora laughs, “Really! She’s so cute, that’s ridiculous.”

AeGuk looked at Fedora, not sure what to say.”

Fedora walked back over and sat down, “you’re breaking up with me because you want to date this tiny little Asian. Please see the irony in this.”

Aeguk just shrugged.

“Look at me!” Fedora said, opening her arm out wide, “I’m the opposite of that!”

AeGuk still wasn’t sure how to respond.

Fedora shook her head and laughed, “well good luck. I hope she likes you back.”

AeGuk did too.

Or else this was all for nothing.

And just like that AeGuk had broken up with his girlfriend of more than two years, and now he had the new problem of what to do about Allie.

But that’s for another day.

Homecoming pt 6: The Dance.

The week before the dance felt like it went forever for DaeRi. Though it was a lot easier with a friend, and she was secretly thankful that Shae hadn’t listened to Ella and ditched DaeRi. Instead they started spending a lot of their time together.

But still DaeRi was relieved when she woke up Friday morning knowing that after tonight this homecoming mess would be over and she can move on to something else.

It also happened to be spirit day. DaeRi owned very few orange things, it just wasn’t one of her fave colors. But she managed to find a orange cardigan to put on over a royal blue dress.

On the bus she took her usual seat near the front, put in her earphones and tuned everyone out until Shae took the seat next to her.

“Hey,” Shae said. DaeRi looked over at Shae and tried not to laugh, Shae was covered in in orange and blue. She was wearing orange shorts with a blue t-shirt, blue knee high socks, and orange converse.

“Wow you take spirit day very seriously,” DaeRi said.

“Aren’t I supposed to?” Shae asked.

“Of course,” DaeRi said, gesturing to her own outfit, “But wow that’s a lot of orange and blue. Did you just have all of that in your closet?”

Shae shook her head, her eyes wide, or as wide as they could get, “No way. You should have seen my closet before, it was all neutral colors. I had my mom take me shopping for these, plus I made a pact to dress more colorful this year, in my attempt to stand out instead of blend in.”

DaeRi nodded, “Alright. I respect that.”

Shae continued to tell her about how when she saw the orange converse she just knew that she had to have them.

DaeRi just nodded when she was supposed to.

Then they were at school and they joined the big orange and blue stream of people in the hallways. DaeRi could hear the excited voices surround her, the talk of the dance and homecoming queen and king.

Shae joined Mariah at her locker and DaeRi was on her own to her locker where she was shocked to find Tamarai waiting.

“Hey,” DaeRi said, suspiciously.

“Are you going to the dance?” Tamarai asked, looking nervous.

“Yeah, of course,” DaeRi said.

Tamarai smiled, “Good, just wanted to know. I’ll see you then.”

Tamarai hurried away leaving Daeri wishing she could hate her but really Tamarai was just an innocent bystander caught in all of this popularity mess. It was sad really.

The day went by as usual, except with a pep rally just before school let out early. Shae found DaeRi and they sat together and watched the cheerleader bounce around. Then the band came out and did a song. And, just for kicks really, the football team went out and waved to them. Then it was over and everyone swarmed out of the gym and towards the parking lot, in a hurry to get home and prepare themselves for the dance.

“I’ll see you at the dance?” Shae said before getting off the bus at her stop.

“Of course,” DaeRi said. She contemplated inviting Shae over to prep with her, but didn’t get the chance as the bus pulled away, leaving Shae waving to her on the sidewalk.

Shae was sometimes obnoxious but it was nice to have a friend again.

--

DaeRi’s mom wasn’t home, as usual, and DaeRi went straight to her room. Staring at her dress she tried to build some enthusiasm for getting ready, but it wasn’t the same without Harriette and Tamarai.

Right now Harriette was probably helping Tamarai get her hair done, or maybe doing her makeup. And maybe those girls were with them, swapping makeup application tips and how they got their hair to have such a natural looking bounce.

DaeRi shook her head, trying to get these negative thoughts to leave her alone. She should have invited Shae over, but it was too late now. DaeRi went to her bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror.

“Okay, DaeRi,” She said to herself, “It’s time to get some makeup on and into your dress, alright?”

DaeRi nodded to herself and started applying her makeup. Nothing too much, since it was just homecoming. Then she went back to her room, slipped on her dress and contemplated what shoes to wear. She went with a simple pair of black heels.

Next on the agenda was her hair.

It was currently in a ponytail, the way she wore it everyday. She took it out and brushed it, watching herself in the mirror as she did. She brushed it all over one shoulder and smiled at herself. It looked cute. She got out a silver flower barrette to keep it there. And she was done.

She looked at the clock, saw that it was still early and sat on her bed wondering what to do. And suddenly a bigger dilemma hit her, how was she gonna get to the dance?

She stood up abruptly. This was a problem. A big problem.

She started pacing back and forth, considering her options. She could call Shae and ask if her mom could drop by and pick her up, but would that look lame?

“It would look even more lame if I didn’t go,” DaeRi said to herself.

And she was right so she called Shae.

“Hi,” Shae answered.

“Hi, it’s me DaeRi,” Daeri said, “I have a problem?”

“Oh? what’s wrong?” Shae asked.

“I need a ride to the dance,” DaeRi said.

“Your mom isn’t taking you?” Shae asked.

“She’s not home,” DaeRi said.

“Oh,” Shae paused, “So you got ready by yourself?”

“Uhm, yeah,” DaeRi said.

“Oh,” Shae said, again, “I’ll ask my mom to swing by and pick you up.”

“Thanks,” DaeRi said.

“Well you have to get to the dance somehow,” Shae said.

“Well, yeah,” DaeRi said, “I’ll see you then.”

“Okay,” Shae said.

After she hung up DaeRi went out to the kitchen to get something to eat. She saw that the rice cooker wasn’t on and turned it on for her mom, who would surely call sometime later tonight to ask if it was on. Then she got out some crackers and ate them slowly, wondering what Tamarai and the others were up to right about then.

And wishing she was with them.

--

Tamarai listened to Ella tell Harriette about how her mom told her the “right” way to curl your hair. Tamarai didn’t care, she missed DaeRi. She hoped that DaeRi was at least getting ready with that Shae girl. She was so happy to see that DaeRi was hanging out with someone, she at least deserved someone to spend her time with.

Tamarai didn’t want to be worrying about DaeRi right then though, she had been right about the cute editor asking her out to homecoming and he could be there any minute now. She tried to focus all her energy into being excited about that.

She had been happy to hear that DaeRi was going to the dance, as she had been worried that Daeri would just not go. She didn’t want DaeRi to miss her last homecoming.

And there she went worrying about DaeRi again.

She tried to pay attention to Harriette who was now saying that Ella’s mom was wrong and Ella looked like she was trying to both agree and not agree at the same time.

“What does it matter anyway?” Mariah said to Tamarai suddenly, “I mean, I like talking about hair just as much as any other girl but can’t we just agree to disagree.”

Tamarai laughed, “That looks like what Ella is trying to do.”

Mariah hid her laugh behind her hand, something she always did, “She’s just trying to butter Harriette up, and at the same time stand her ground. She told me all about it.”

“Hm?” Tamarai asked.

“Oh, she’s got this whole plan,” Mariah shrugged, “Suck up to Harriette while being independent at the same time. So that no one will think she’s just Harriette’s lacky.”

“But she is,” Tamarai said.

Mariah looked at Tamarai, cocking her head to the side a bit.

“I mean we all are,” Tamarai said, “Not in a bad way, but we’re just side character to Harriette’s story.”

Mariah frowned, “Don’t you like Harriette.”

“Of course, yeah,” Tamarai said, “But I know that she only started hanging out with me to help her with the whole popularity thing. And I don’t really care, I accept it.”

Mariah nodded, “Yeah. I’m just standing around for Ella.”

Tamarai nodded, looking over at Harriette. She really did like Harriette, Harriette was nice and generous and never wanted to hurt people. She was a genuinely nice person, but she was just a girl. And she had accepted her into the family with wide open arms.

She had imperfections, like everyone else and one of them was that she was a tad bit self centered. It didn’t hurt anyone.

---

Shae’s mom pulled into DaeRi’s driveway right on time and soon they were off to the dance.

“You look gorgeous,” Shae said.

In the dark car DaeRi couldn’t get a good look at Shae so she just said, “Thanks, I’m sure you do too.”

“Thanks,” shae said.

It wasn’t long until they were in the school’s parking lot and Shae’s mom was saying that she would pick them up at ten on the dot and Daeri was leading the way into the the decorated gym.

As usual for the homecoming dance the gym was covered head to toe with orange and blue. DaeRi didn’t take long to admire the decor, she just walked straight over to the table against the wall that was covered in cookies, chips, and punch. As she sipped a cup of punch and stared out at the dance floor she started to wonder what exactly she was doing here. She wasn't gonna have any fun, that was for sure. But she did have to show everyone that she wasn’t gonna shy away from big events.

She looked towards the door and wondered if Tamarai had arrived yet and suddenly there they were. Harriette standing in the center with Collin right beside her, and the twins and Tamarai surrounding them.

Tamarai looked gorgeous in a fire-y orange a-line dress that had a high low hem line. It was gorgeous and so Tamarai. The twins were wearing matching  dresses, Ella’s was a tight baby pink dress and Mariah was wearing a cropped tank top and a aline skirt, also in baby pink. Then There was Harriette wearing a powder blue dress with an empire waistline lined with pearls and flowing down to just above her knees. And of course she looked gorgeous.

Then DaeRi noticed the guy that Tamarai was holding hands with. DaeRi didn’t know that Tamarai was dating someone. He was really cute, dark skin, a crew cut, and he had an amazing smile. Plus a nice sense of style as he was wearing some nice jeans, a black t-shirt and a blazer with a flower in the pocket.

DaeRi caught Tamarai’s eye and smiled, hopefully showing that she noticed the cute guy and her arm. It must have worked because Tamarai blushed and smiled sheepishly back at her, before following the rest of her group to the dance floor.

“What are you looking at?” Shae asked.

“Just Tamarai,” Daeri said, “She’s got a date. It’s sweet.”

Shae nodded, “you still like her? Even though she chose Harriette over you.”

DaeRi shrugged, “Yeah, I guess. She’s nice, and it’s not completely her fault. She didn’t really have an option.”

“But she did,” Shae said.

DaeRi shrugged again, “Maybe.”

“Shae!” Suddenly a guys voice broke through their conversation.

DaeRi looked over to see a basic looking guy coming there way, followed by the girl DaeRi had spit the cookie on.

“Matt,” Shae said flatly.

Matt must be the other friend Shae talked about, and judging by the tone of her voice she didn’t care much for him anymore.

“I didn’t think you would come,” Matt said.

“Well, I couldn’t miss my first A.L. High homecoming,” Shae said.

Matt grinned, “Yeah. We never used to go to dances.”

Shae frowned, “Yeah, but times have changed.”

“I never thought you would change,” Matt said.

“Yeah well you did, so...” Shae said, then she turned to DaeRi, “Let’s go dance, DaeRi.”

Daeri shrugged, “Sure.”

Shae looked back at Matt once more before she and Daeri walked through the crowd dancing.

“So you don’t like him?” DaeRi asked as they danced.

“I’m kind of mad him,” Shae said.

“Yeah, because he ditched you, right?” DaeRi asked.

Shae frowned,” Yeah.”

“So you weren’t a dance kind of person before?” DaeRi asked.

“Yeah,” Shae said, “We used to just sit around alone. We weren’t people people, but he changed and I didn’t.”

“Then what are you doing here?” Daeri asked.

“I wanted to show him that I could change,” Shae said.

“That’s really cute,” Daeri said.

“Cute?” Shae asked.

“Yeah, so do you still like him then?” Daeri asked.

“Maybe, it’s not the same though,” Shae said, “I don’t think it ever will be.”

“Okay, enough of this sad stuff,” DaeRi said after a moment of silence, “This is a dance and we’re gonna have fun.”

DaeRi grabbed Shae’s hand and pulled her to the center of the dance floor where the Populars always danced.

And there they were, Tamarai, Tamarai’s date, Harriette, Collin, and the twins dancing in a circle with everyone surrounding them. DaeRi couldn’t help but feel a  pang of sadness that she wasn’t with them, like she used to be. She didn’t know what she thought this was a good idea.

It was like seeing them there, without her, having fun made it all seem so real. For the first time Daeri could see and feel that she really honest to god was not popular anymore, and it hurt.

Tamarai looked back and caught her eye, frowning a bit. DaeRi turned around and pushed her way back through the crowd. Shae called back to her but DaeRi didn’t listen and soon enough she was outside. Alone.

---

Tamarai watches as DaeRi slipped through the crowd, just a second after seeing the hurt on her face. Tamarai excused herself from her friends just as a voice rang out through the gym.

Harriette put her hand on Tamarai’s arm and said, “They’re about to announce homecoming king and queen!”

Tamaria bit her lip, she was split between going out and consoling her best friend or staying in and hearing what was sure to be her name announced as prom queen.

“DaeRi just ran out,” Tamarai said.

Harriette frowned, “DaeRi’s here?”

Tamarai nodded, “I gotta go.”

“And now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for!” the announcer said just as Tamarai turned from Harriette and started towards the door.

“The crowning of homecoming king and queen!” they went on, “I think we’ll start with queen! as you know our nominees are Honey Bell and Tamarai Brown!”

The crowd cheered.

Tamarai was at the door but looked back at the stage, she had to be quick or she would miss it. Couldn’t they do king first?

“Oh, I just heard that you guys would like to hear king first?” the announcer said, sounding a tad bit confused, “So let’s go!”

Tamarai grinned, she just knew that Harriette had given her time to go see DaeRi. Tamarai quickly left the gym and found DaeRi sitting on the curb with her her chin resting on her hand.

“You okay?” Tamarai asked.

DaeRi looked at her, she didn’t seem too surprised to see Tamarai, and said simply “No.”

Tamarai sat next to DaeRi, “What’s up?” she asked.

“It’s just hitting me that I really messed up,” DaeRi laughed bitterly,”I’m really not popular anymore.”

“I’m sorry,” Tamarai said quietly. She heard the crowd in the gym go crazy and she knew she didn't have much time left.

“Don’t you have to go get crowned?” DaeRi asked.

Tamarai shrugged, “I guess. But only if you come in too.”

“So you can rub it in my face that I lost another one of my dreams?” DaeRi asked, shaking her head, “No way.”

“No, so I can share this moment with my best friend,” Tamarai said.

“Shut up,” DaeRi said, but she smiled a bit, “I’m still your best friend?”

“Of course,” Tamarai said.

DaeRi sighed and stood up,” Come on, you can’t miss it.”

Tamarai smiled up at her, “Thanks!”

“Get up,” DaeRi said, trying to hide her smile.

Tamarai stood up and together they went into the gym just as Tamarai’s name rang out through the crowd.

With one last look at DaeRi Tamarai walked through the crowd and up to the stage where she was crowned. She smiled out at all the happy faces, catching Harriette’s eye and smiling extra big for her. Thanking her for the extra time.

Then it was over and Tamarai was walking off the stage and getting hugs, high fives, pats on the back, and other forms of congratulations  on her way to DaeRi who was standing in the back with that Shae girl.

Daeri frowned and shook her head, “go, hang out with Harriette. I’ll call you later.”

“But I wanna hang out with you,” Tamarai said, “And what happened to hi and congratulations.”

“I’m not gonna congratulate you for stealing my crown,” Daeris aid, but she was smiling as she said it.

Tamarai gave her a sudden hug, almost knocking her over, “I’m so sorry!”

She didn’t even notice the shocked stares from everyone else, and the sad look on Harriette’s face as she watched Tamarai hug the most hated girl in school.

--

DaeRi spent the rest of the night dancing with Shae and Tamarai, and Tamarai introduced her to her handsome date.

“This is Kyle,” Tamarai said, “He’s the editor for the newspaper.”

“And her boyfriend,” Kyle said.

Tamarai was most definitely blushing even if no one could see it in the dark.

When the night was over Tamarai hugged DaeRi goodbye and told Shae that it was so much fun getting to know her. Then she left with her boyfriend and Harriette. Harriette didn’t say a word to DaeRi.

The whole ride home Shae talked about how this was actually the most fun she had ever had, and how she was so happy that Tamarai had hung out with them.

“She was obviously disregarding the whole “do not hang out with DaeRi” rule,” Shae had said.

And finally they were in front of DaeRi house, and she could see that all the lights were out which meant either her mom was out super late or already asleep. DaeRi forgot to feel embarrassed of her small house, instead feeling embarrassed of the lack of that family warmth that was supposed to be in a house.

As she said goodbye to Shae and her mom, she hoped they didn’t notice the lack of lights on in the house. But they probably did.

They didn’t pull away until she was safely inside. Once inside DaeRi checked her mom’s room and saw the familiar figure sleeping in the bed, then tip toed to her own room where she changed into some comfy pajamas and crawled into bed.

She was still in a daze from the whole night that had ended nothing like she had expected.

She was just glad that homecoming was over and done with.