Homecoming.

The night all girls have been waiting for since the beginning of the year... well other than Prom. Every girl except Soul, even her older sister Sarah was excited for her Senior Homecoming Dance.

"Come on Soul, you have to go, it wouldn't be the same without you." Sarah gushed. "You know, the dresses, the decorations, the dates. It's so much fun, remember last year, you had a blast."

"Sarah, that was you." Soul said, laughing lightly. "Remember, I stayed home with Sully and watched marvel movies."

"Oh, right." Sarah said looking down, before a smile crept onto her face. "Exactly! You didn't go last year so you should go this year. We can all go together and it can be our last dance together before me and Sam graduate. Remember, you were the one that said we needed to hang out as much as possible before me and Sam leave. This is a perfect time, our last homecoming dance and Sully's first high school dance."

"You're really going to pull that card on me, really?" Soul questioned, causing Sarah to nod her head with a big smile. "How about this, I'll think about it and I'll get back to you in 3 to 5 business days."

"But the dance is tonight." Sarah said, as Soul began walking backwards down the hall.

"Looks like you're a little late." Soul said, sending her sister a big smile. "Should have asked earlier."

"Soul watch-" Sarah said.

It was already too late, Soul had accidentally ran into a person, that person being Carlos.

"Oh..Um, hey Carlos. Sorry about that, I wasn't watching where I was going." Soul said, awkwardly.

"It's totally fine." Carlos said, sending her a big smile. "I was actually looking for you, so about tonight -"

"Um, I can't make it. I'm actually going to Homecoming..." Soul trailed off, looking around the hallway before she saw a familiar red head walking past. "... with Ricky. Yeah, I'm going to Homecoming with Ricky."

"What?" Both voices say, one confused and the other excited.

"Yeah, right Ricky?" Soul asked, looking over at the red head with pleading eyes and a smile.

"Right, we are going to Homecoming together." Ricky said, looking over at Carlos smiling , causing Soul to let out a silent sigh of relief.

"That's great. I was going to tell you we couldn't hang because I was going to Homecoming with Seb, but since you're going I guess I'll see you guys there."

Before she had the chance to say anything else he quickly walked away, causing Soul to turn to Ricky with a slight smile.

"Thanks for that... even though it kind of backfired." Soul said, letting out a giggle as he laughed too.

"Yeah, it's no problem." Ricky said with a smile. "So the dance... are you actually going?"

"Um, I wasn't planning on it. Sarah wants me to go but I'm not sure," Soul said, shrugging. "Are you going?"

"Um, yeah. I'm supposed to be going with Big Red." Ricky said, nodding. "If you were to change your mind, would you maybe want to go with me?"

"I mean, I wouldn't want to impose on your date with Big Red." Soul said, causing them both to laugh.

"Haha, very funny." Ricky said, smiling.

"Um, yeah sure." Soulsaid, smiling with a nod. "I would love to go to the Homecoming Dance with you."

"Yeah, okay cool." Ricky said, his smile grew even bigger. "I guess, I'll see you there."

"Yeah, I guess you will." Soul said, smiling as she turned and walked away , sending one last wave before turning the corner.

Soul quickly made her way into the bathroom, when she saw Nini holding what looked like a Homecoming dress that was dripping wet over one of the toilets along with Kourtney standing behind her by the stall door.

"Um, hi..." Soul said, looking between them and the dress confused. "What's going on in here?"

"Nini was just trying to flush her Homecoming dress down the toilet." Kourtney explained. "Along with all her feelings for guys."

"You know what I need. Like actually need?" Nini said, as she put the dress in the sink. "A girls night!"

"Uh, didn't we do face masks and The Bachelorette last night?" Kourtney asked, smiling at the girl.

"No, I'm talking about like a night on the town." Nini explained, with a giant smile. "I miss my besties."

"Mmm. So, it's like an anti-Homecoming Homecoming?" Kourtney asked, high fiving Nini. "I'm down."

The sound of a toilet flushes and out comes a smiling Miss Jenn.

"I'm in." Miss Jenn says.

"Okay... Anyways, what about you Soul?" Nini asked, turning away from Miss. Jenn. "Are you in?"

"As much as I may like a girls night out, I kind of already promised Ricky I'd go with him." Soul told her, causing Kourtney and Nini to look at each other smiling. "What?"

"Ricky, huh?" Kourtney asks, with a big smile.

"Yeah.. Well, Sarah asked me to come too." Soul explained.

"But Ricky asked you to go with him?" Nini asked.

"Yeah. Well technically, at first I lied to Carlos and told him me and Ricky were going together and then he asked me." Soul explained, causing the two of them to squeal. "What?"

"Ricky totally likes you, sis." Kourtney says. "You can tell by the way he looks at you."

"Um, I wouldn't say that." Soul said, confused.

"He tots has a crush on you." Miss Jenn says.

Soul, Nini, and Kourtney all looked at each other before busting out laughing.

....

There were only 2 hours until the dance and Soul still had no idea what to wear. She had looked through all of the dresses she owned and none of them were good enough in her eye for homecoming. It has come down to the last option; asking Sarah for help.

Soul walked 2 doors down to Sarah's room and before she even had the chance to knock she was pulled into the room and was met with a grinning Sarah.

"I heard from Seb, who heard from Carlos that little Soul has a date to Homecoming." Sarah said, teasingly. "I'm glad you changed your mind."

"Me too." Soul said, smiling. "I was wondering if you had a dress I could borrow? None of my dresses are good enough for Homecoming."

"I have just the thing for you!" She excitedly said, running into her closet and coming out with a box with a bow on it.

"What's that?" Soul questioned, eying the box.

"Well Dad knew how much you loved going to dances, so before he died he asked me to help him pick out a dress for you, but he died before he had the chance to give it to you." Sarah said, handing over the box. "I thought it was the perfect time to give it to you."

Soul looked down at the box, as she pulled the bow off and opened it to see a beautiful pink dress. She pulled it out causing a card dropped out, She picked it up to see her father's familiar handwriting.

It read:

Hey Sweetheart, I know how excited you are for your first High School Dance so I decided to get you this beautiful dress (with the help of your sister, of course) that I know will look fantastic on you. I know you will have such an incredible time with your friends. Love You Forever And Always, XOXO Dad

Soul wiped away the tears that fell and quickly pulled Sarah into a tight hug.

"Thanks it's perfect." Soul said, smiling as she grabbed the box and headed back to her room to finally get ready.

Before she knew it, the four Walker siblings were already in line at the dance ready to go in.

"Next." Mr. Mazara called as the four all stepped forwards. "Ah, well if it isn't the Walker Quad."

"Good to see you too Mr. Mazara." Sam sarcastically said, earning an eye roll from the teacher.

"Samuel it looks like you are at table 4 with the jocks, Sullivan you're at table 7 with the AV kids, and Sarah and Souline it looks like you are at table 10 with the other theatre kids." Mr. Mazara said, looking at his list before handing over the tickets. "Snap a photo on your way in."

After they all thanked him, they made their way into the gym and let's just say it looked incredible.

"Come on, let's take some pictures!" Sarah excitedly said, grabbing Soul and Sam by the arms, causing Soul to grab Sully.

After taken their photos, some as a group and others with 2 and some alone everyone decided to look for their respective tables.

"There goes my table." Sam says, seeing a table full of jocks and cheerleaders. "Save me a dance or two."

"Wouldn't miss it." Soul said, smiling, causing him to smile back. "Go! Have fun, you're only a senior once!"

Sully soon made his way over to his table that was only surrounded by his best friends; Carter, Georgie, Wyatt, Mara and Zak.

Sarah and Soul weren't far from there table so they could easily tell who was there. At table 10 there was Carlos, Ashlyn, Big Red and Ricky along with a standing Gina that had her arm looped with Ej's.

"Hey guys." Soul greeted them once the duo finally reached the table.

"Well don't you look amazing." Gina said, pulling her into a tight hug. "You look like a Princess!"

"Me? You look absolutely stunning!" Soul said, looking at her rainbow dress.

"Hey." Soul heard a voice say from behind her, causing her to turn to see a smiling Ricky. "You look incredible."

"Thanks." Soul said, blushing. "You don't look too bad yourself."

Soul took a seat between Ricky and Big Red, while Sarah took a seat between Ej and Carlos.

"What's with the sad Carlos?" Soul questioned, looking at Carlos. "Where's Seb?"

"He hasn't shown up yet." Carlos said, letting out a sigh.

"He'll show up, okay?" Ashyln said, putting a hand on his arm.

"Yeah, maybe he just hit traffic." Soul said, sending a small smile.

"We live in Salt Lake City." Carlos explained. "There hasn't been traffic since the 2002 Winter Olympics."

"Don't assume Seb stood you up." Sarah said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Maybe something happened on the farm."

"Like a farming accident." Ashlyn suggested.

"Not helping." Carlos said, sadly as he turned to look behind him.

"Could you get me some punch babe?" Gina asked, putting her hand on Ej's shoulder.

Out of the corner of her eye Soul could see the smile on Sarah's face drop a little as she watched the two.

"Sure, babe." Ej hesitantly said, as he stood and walked towards the punch table.

"Hey, not to intrude on your date night, but you can do better than EJ." Ricky said, sliding into the seat EJ was once sitting. "That guy, that guy's bad news."

"Ricky, what are you doing?" Soul asked, causing him to look over at her.

"You're not exactly one to give relationship advice." Gina shot back, causing both of them to look her way. "And when I want your opinion, I'll ask."

"Well, I'm giving it anyways 'cause I sorta thought you were classier than this." Ricky said.

"Ricky." Soul called again, with a more serious tone.

"But, hey, maybe you really are what people say you are." Ricky said, ignoring Soul's call.

"And that is?" Gina asked, giving him a look.

"Dude." Big Red called, Ricky still ignoring us.

"Just a little too ambitious for your own good, or anyone else's." Ricky answered, looking straight at Gina before taking a sip of his drink.

The entire table went quiet for a few seconds, before Gina stood up and walked away towards the direction EJ went.

"What was that, Ricky?" Soul yelled, turning to the red headed boy, who just sat there in silence. "You do know she has feelings right and she is one of my best friends?"

Ricky just sat there in silence while the rest of the table watched the two with worry.

"At least tell me this. Was that just about her being here with EJ or does this have something to do with Nini?" Soul asked, as he looked over at her in the eyes.

"Soul I..." Ricky started, but she cut him off.

"That's what I thought." Soul said, looking down letting out a light laugh, before looking back up at him. "I guess things never change, huh?"

Soul quickly stood up and looked down at Ricky and said, "Now I remember why I started to hate dances in the first place."

"Soul." Ricky called, but she had already walked away looking for one of the few people who could cheer her up, her siblings.

Since Sarah was still at the table, she looked for the next best thing; Sully. Soul made her way to table 7 and noticed that he wasn't there but all of his friends were.

"Hey, guys." Soul said, smile slightly at the group as they all looked over at her. "Where's Sully?"

"He went to grab some punch." Georgie said, causing Soul to turn to see Sully talking to Gina smiling by the punch bowl.

"Oh, he looks like he's having fun." Soul said smiling, as she looked at him before looking back at the group. "I guess I can look for Sam."

"Maybe we could help you with whatever you need." Mara said, as the rest of the group nodded.

"I was going to see if he wanted to dance since the person I came with isn't acting like himself." Soul explained, shrugging her shoulders. "But you guys don't have to do -".

"Carter would love to dance with." Wyatt said, quickly cutting me off. "Isn't that right, Carter?"

"U-um, Yeah." Carter said, stuttering as he turned red.

"You would dance with me?" Soul asked as he nodded, causing her to smile. "Well then of course I would love to dance with you."

"Really!" The entire table asked at once.

"Yeah." Soul said, letting out a laugh before sticking her hand out for him to grab. "Shall we?"

He quickly looked at his friends who were all smiling and nodding, before he turned and grabbed the girl's hand, standing up as they made their way to the dance floor.

"So, how do you like High School?" Soul asked, wrapping her arms around the shoulders of his tall figure, as they swayed to the music. "Is it what you thought it would be?"

"Um, it's cool, I guess." Carter said, shrugging as he stood tense.

"Loosen up would you?" Soul said, laughing as he chuckled and he seemed to relax. "So any girlfriends?"

"N-no, w-why do you ask that?" Carter asked, stuttering and turned a little red.

"Then what's going on with you and Georgie?" Soul asked, noticing the girl watching them from the table with a sad smile.

"Nothing, I mean I always thought she was beautiful." Carter explained, looking over at the girl with a smile.

"Well then why don't you ask her out?" Soul asked, as they stopped swaying and she looked up at him. "I mean it seems like you both really like each other."

"You really think so?" Carter asked, looking down at her with hope in his.

"Absolutely!" Soul said, with a big smile. "You're an amazing guy, any girl would be lucky to have you as a boyfriend."

"Do you mind if I cut in?" Said a voice from behind, causing Soul to turn around to see a smiling Sam.

"Y-yeah." Carter said, nodding as he stepped back. "Also, thanks Soul... you know for everything."

"Of course, if you ever need anything you know where to find me." Soul said, pulling him into a tight before kissing him on the cheek. "Now go get your girl."

"Y-yeah, bye..." Carter said, as his face turned red and he quickly walked back towards his table.

"May I have this dance?" Sam asked, sticking his hand out with a grin.

"Why of course." Soul said, smiling, wrapping her arms around his neck.

They both just sat there and swayed to the music for a while, until Sam spoke up.

"You know I'm proud of you right." Sam spoke, with his chin on the girl's head.

"What do you mean?" Soul asked with her head laying on his chest.

"You've grown into such an amazing person no matter how much stuff you've been through, you still push through and I know that you'll be great after I leave.' Sam said, making a smile spread across her face. "I mean you and Sully. He's a pretty tough kid too even though he doesn't act like it, he's incredibly strong."

"You're pretty great too." Soul said, as they stopped swaying and she looked up to him. "I got pretty luck in the older brother department."

"I guess I got lucky too." Sam said smiling, causing her to lightly punch him causing him to laugh. "I'm kidding, you're an amazing little sister."

Soul was soon pulled into a tight hug, but she quickly let go when a familiar song came on.

"I need to go find Carlos!" Soul said, as she walked backwards. "Love You."

"Love You Too, Dork." Sam said, shaking his head causing them both to smile.

Soul quickly turned around and spotted him in front of the punch bowl, still looking sad. As soon as she reached him, she wrapped her arm around him smiling, he quickly looked over and a smile formed.

Don't need a king
I got my crown
Don't need a hero to come and lift me off the ground
I built this heart
it's beating loud
Won't let no bad blood ever bring us down

Keep flying higher
Fight like a fighter
What if I'm everything that I will ever need
A queen messiah
A strong survivor
Even the word days won't get the best of me

Once the chorus hit the duo started skipping to the middle of the dance floor, arms still linked.

'Cause I was born to be brave
I know who I am inside
And I won't apologize
Made my mistakes
And they gave me wings to fly
To my castle in the sky

They continued to dance as they laughed as Carlos sang the next verse alone, as Soul danced around Carlos.

I use to feel
Like i was lost
Its like my phones navigation was turned off
But it's the road
I stumbled on
That led me right to the place where I belong

As they continued dancing to the song, Ashlyn joined and as the bridge of the song came on everyone on the floor from the musical gathered together and started jumping as we all screamed the lyrics.

Bosses and Queens, stand up on your throne
Know who you are, this is your kingdom
Legends at heart, Individuals
Go make your mark be original

For the rest of the night, Soul had a blast with her family and friends and even became closer with some of the dancers from the musical. The thing that would have made this night even better was if Gina and Ricky were still here.

🎥

Soul, East High Junior

' I hope Ricky apologized to Gina, because I care about them both so much! I wonder where they could have gone?'

🎥