"Cory."

Courtney's name said in a forceful voice was accompanied by a smack on her leg. Sleep had a stronger pull than the stinging in her leg but the want to know the identity of her abuser was stronger than both. Prying one eye open, Courtney peered into the face of her offender.

Despite proof she was no longer asleep, Miles hit her leg again. "Get up."

Courtney closed her eye, sinking back to her bed. Never become a doctor, Miles. You have no comforting bedside manner. Your manners are in fact quite violent. She reached up to rub her eyes, but Miles snatched her wrists before she could.

"You'll ruin your makeup," Miles said. "You have to get up. Lynn's been calling you and she called me. You need to get to Homecoming. They are going to announce Homecoming Court."

That all sounded urgent but Courtney rolled from her back to her side, stretching. "Calm down. I'm not late. I set an alarm."

"If you did you slept through it, you dumbo," Miles said. "It's eight-thirty."

Eight-thirty. Funny. Eight-thirty. It was still light outside. Courtney tilted her head to inspect her window, just to confirm this fact. At the completely dark sky, she jolted upright.

"It's eight-thirty!" she said. "I need to be at Homecoming. They're going to announce Homecoming Court now."

Miles stared at her. "You don't say."

Courtney snatched up her phone, seeing the evidence of Lynn and others trying to reach her. She'd missed it all. Swearing, Courtney called Lynn as she hurried into her bathroom as fast as she could on sleepy legs and a braced ankle.

"Where are you!" Lynn shouted through the phone.

Courtney winced but not at her friend's justifiable exclamation but at the state of her once nicely blow-dried hair.

"Mr. Scholar said they are going to announce the Court winners. I'm asking him to hold off for you."

Courtney stood before the mirror in her comfy outfit, her makeup still intact but her hair frazzled. She was in no state to go to Homecoming like that. But after the exhaustion, physical and emotional, of the last week she found she didn't care. What did Micah always tell her: be real. This version of her was as real as she could be in the moment.

"I'm on my way," Courtney said. "Ask him to wait ten minutes."

"Okay. But move your butt, girl!"

Ending the call, Courtney quickly tied her hair back in a half-decent ponytail and dashed, again in the sense that there was urgency in her movements if not complete speed, back to her room. Tugging on a pair of battered cheer sneakers, she grabbed her car keys. Though she wanted to race down the stairs, self-preservation and weeks of ankle pain, kept her from that level of stupidity.

Only when she sat in her car, navigating the roads to school at a pace that was parent-approved and not at all breaking any speed limit laws, did Courtney fully register her impulsive decision. At a stop light, she took at her outfit. Though comfy and marginally cute, what she wore wasn't fit for the dance.

Worst off, what would Micah think if he saw her like that? That was if he was there. He would be there, wouldn't he? They hadn't shopped for a Homecoming outfit but that was only because he said he had one. Would their break keep him from showing up?

Part of her didn't think it would. On the phone, he hadn't sounded like he hated her. If he came to Homecoming they could finally talk and sort everything out. He has to come. He will come. He will be there. I know he will. It will be fine.

The light changed and Courtney drove on, focusing on getting to school and leaving her worries over Micah at the intersection. Though it seemed they had wings because when she pulled into the parking lot, they landed around her like ugly vultures.

Courtney:
I just parked.

Lynn:
Hurry. We had to start.

Mentally yelling at the vultures to stay away, Courtney hurried to the gym. Inside at the entrance, the school secretaries sat behind a table collecting tickets. That had been their main objective but with the dance in full swing, they were gossiping. At Courtney's appearance, they abruptly stopped.

"Courtney, sweetie, are you alright?" Cheryl asked.

An unsettling question, implying that the marginally cute outfit was not even marginally cute in the least. Not a good sign.

"Overslept," Courtney said.

The two ladies exchanged a look but unless they possessed some secret hidden magical ability to transfer her outfit into a ball gown, there was nothing to be done.

"Your senior Homecoming Court King is..."

"Hurry, sweetie," Cheryl said, shooing Courtney. 

Courtney entered the gym as Principal Rice announced Aiden as Homecoming King. The mass of finely dressed students cheered as Aiden hopped up on the raised stage at the other end of the gym.

"Cory!" the hissed yell came from nearby but Courtney couldn't locate the voice. But the effect of it rippled through the students until it reached Lynn and she rushed to Courtney. Her rush was a decidedly more rushing rush than Courtney's had been due to her two working ankles.

"I'm glad you made it," Lynn said, hooking her arm around Courtney's.

"And now, your senior Homecoming Court Queen is..."

Lynn politely nudged people out of the way as she guided Courtney towards the stage. Not a necessary need since Courtney could have found her way, but the support was appreciated.

"Courtney Hart!" Principal Rice said, eliciting cheers and pats on Courtney's arm.

When she reached the stage, Aiden held out his hand and she gratefully accepted it, there was no need to reenact the dramatic fall from weeks ago. On stage, Principal Rice smiled at Courtney as Miguel held the crown out, not smiling, his gaze analytical.

"This is unexpected," he said, as he lifted the crown to her head.

"I'm being real."

"Symbolic?"

"A little."

"Okay. Well done."

Miguel backed away as Courtney faced the gym. Though aware of hundreds of people watching her, she didn't notice the mass of faces but the creation overhead.

In her hurried state, she hadn't fully taken in what had been accomplished that day. Despite the setbacks, it had been achieved: the magical setting of a New England fall. The gold chiffon lit from above set a golden haze over the zigzagging lines of leaves that fluttered from the a/c. Finished off with the set pieces painted by Juan and Sophie and the covered columns acting as tree trucks, the gym looked unrecognizable.

She had done it. No, that wasn't right. By herself, she would have been helpless. This had been achieved by the people who'd helped her.

"Can I say something?" she asked Principal Rice.

After a seconds thought, she handed Courtney the mic.

"Hi everyone," Courtney said. "You might not recognize me, I'm Courtney Hart, your senior class president."

Laughter bounced around the mass of people.

"First, I'd like to say congratulations to all the winners. You look amazing. I do not but that's okay. For everyone, the formal dress code still stands for future dances. I will hold to it next time as well." She smiled. "I promise this won't take long but I have to say thanks to everyone who turned this gym into a magical place."

Courtney ran through the list of names she had in her head, trying to find each of them in the crowd as she called them out.

"Micah Jackson," Courtney said. She scanned the dimness for him but couldn't find him.

That was okay, he was probably in the back. Somewhere. She simply couldn't see him.

"If you know anyone I just mentioned please tell them thank you, twelves hours ago this place wasn't close to looking like this. They made it happen. Have a fun night everyone! Now let's watch as Homecoming Court awkwardly slow dances for everyone."

With everyone smiling at this, Tommy the DJ, who Courtney was relieved to see, hit play on a song and the students in front of the stage backed up, clearing an area. Like at the football game, when Courtney turned to find her partner, Aiden was waiting. He looked a little abashed but she held out her hand to him.

In the newly created space, Aiden slid his arms around Courtney's waist and she rested her arms around his neck. They set the example for the rest of the Court and the other couples mirrored them.

"I would take this moment to say you look beautiful but I'm not sure you'd believe me," Aiden said.

"Definitely not."

"So comfy clothes... is there a reason?"

"Overslept, Miles woke me up, had to rush here."

"Ah."

A part of her wanted it to be a small act to Micah, to show him that she could be real, that she didn't always hide behind her smile, jokes, or put-together appearances. But as she searched the watching students, she couldn't find him.

"Dancing with me but looking for another man," Aiden said dramatically.

"Sorry."

He smiled at her playfully but she saw some part of what he said wasn't teasing.

"Your cousin showed up," Courtney said. "I won't lie to you, I did have my eclectic playlist at the ready.

Aiden cringed. "Remind me to hug my cousin then."

Courtney smacked his arm. "My playlist isn't that bad."

"No, but eclectic is the right word for it, you'd have us dancing to some great upbeat song than all sobbing on the floor the next second."

"True. Remind me to hug your cousin."

"I think you should leave the hugging to me, don't want to make that boyfriend of yours jealous."

"No. Don't want to do that."

At her less-than-perky response, Aiden swiveled his head about then focused on her.

Ah, a trace of puzzlement, came to the same realization that my boyfriend does not seem to be here? Well, that makes one and a half of us, part of me is still hoping he'd hiding in a corner somewhere.

"It will be okay," he said.

Courtney nodded but didn't go beyond that to accept his reassurance. At this point, she wasn't sure what to think. If he was hiding in a corner was that a good or bad sign? If he wasn't, what did that mean? How could he not be here? And she'd shown up looking like an average girl just for him! How dare he not be there to admire her display of normalness.

The song ended and Aiden let go of her, backing up a step.

"I don't know what to say," he said.

"Don't worry. You don't have to say anything."

The song shifted to something upbeat and the surrounding students grabbed hands, turned to each other, or escaped as the real dancing began. Some of the football players encircled Aiden, jostling him and teasing him about looking pretty in his crown.

Using the distraction, Courtney slipped away. Though she knew it wouldn't change what she already sensed, she wound her way around the gym, looking. In the end, she found no corner occupied and no Micah.

"Courtney."

At her name, Courtney made a slow rotation trying to find the source. Max cut around a cluster of girls, stopping in front of Courtney. To Courtney's surprise, the all-black, leather rebel girl wasn't anywhere to be found. Instead, a girl dressed in a simple dark blue dress stood before her.

"You look pretty," Courtney said.

Max looked embarrassed at the compliment but smiled. "Thanks. I wanted to let you know, Micah isn't here."

"Oh."

That was fine. He didn't have to come. It was okay. It just-

Be real, girl, at least with yourself.

Fine. It sucks. Really sucked.

Courtney wanted him to be there so they could clear up their issues then spend the rest of the night slow dancing like an old couple who just sways so she could lay her head on his shoulder. That's what she wanted but it wouldn't happen because he wasn't there.

"Are you okay?" Max asked.

Oh, scrutinizing face, definitely was silent for too long.

"Yeah," Courtney said. "Actually, not really. I wanted him to be here. Do you know why he isn't?"

"No. Everyone's been texting him but he hasn't responded."

"Everyone?"

Max twisted around then stopped and pointed to a small huddled group. "They decided to come."

Courtney didn't know if she should take Micah's friends showing up, dressed nicely, for Homecoming as a compliment or not. But since Micah wasn't with them and they didn't know why not, she didn't dwell on the unexpected development.

"Did Trina and Damon tell you what happened?" Courtney asked.

"Yes, but since I'm working on not judging without knowing all the facts from the original sources, I'm reserving my judgment."

Tear, they grow up so fast.

"I could hug you right now," Courtney said.

"I'd prefer it if you didn't."

Courtney smiled as someone nearby caught her eye. "Okay, I'll show my gratitude in another way."

She walked away, trusting Max to be like any normal human being and curious enough to follow without asking. Though when Courtney took them over to Blake, Max's eyes were filled with questions.

"Max," Courtney said, after tugging Blake's attention away from his phone. "This is Blakeney."

Max widened her eyes in surprise while Blake swore at Courtney. Reasonable reactions to the revelation.

"Cory," Blake hissed. "You promised you'd never share that."

Courtney waved this away. "Blake was named after the character Percy Blakeney from The Scarlett Pimpernel. His middle name is even Percival. His parents are big bookworms."

Max turned her wide eyes onto Blake who didn't look like his bad boy persona but like he wanted to try being a puddle on the floor for a time. The tinge of color in his cheeks reminded Courtney of the bashful boy she'd known.

"Blake," Courtney said. "Max is not actually the rebel as she likes to appear. You are not, okay some part of you is at this part, just the bad boy persona. You both have this in common. Talk for five minutes. If you don't like the more true versions of each other then walk away and that's that."

With her rousing encouragement said, Courtney retreated a step. Max let go of her shock and smiled a little though Blake still looked as if he was contemplating a liquid form.

"So..." Max said. "Blakeney?"

"I will never forgive my parents."

"It could be worse."

"Oh yeah? How?"

"Your first name could be Percival."

Blake smiled and Courtney turned away, knowing it was a more true smile than he usually used. Who knew, maybe that cliché would happen, the Rebel and the Bad Boy. Even if those personas weren't exactly who they were.

"Cory."

Lynn broke from the blob of fancy outfits, looking flustered. "He's not here."

"I know. I did my own search and Max confirmed it."

Lynn made a face of sympathy. "I'm sorry."

"It's fine-"

And the sympathy is replaced with sternness. Right, gotta be real with my best friend. Hard habit to break.

"I'm disappointed."

"I'm sorry."

Courtney felt her phone buzz against her leg and her heart give a hopeful squeak. Was that a cause for concern? If it was, she'd deal with it later.

Unknown:
Heard you won Homecoming Queen
Congrats!
You should know your King is actually an idiot.

Despite not knowing the number, Courtney knew exactly who had sent the message. Because only a sister like Felicity would send a message like that, along with a photo of Micah sitting on a couch on his phone with a movie playing in front of him.

Courtney smiled. Because none of that evidence that he could have come but didn't, didn't bother her. How could it? He was wearing a salmon-colored button-down shirt. He'd worn it for her.

"Why the smile?" Lynn asked.

Seeing the photo didn't have the same effect on Lynn. In fact, she frowned and looked like she wanted to take up defense for her best friend. An endearing trait.

"He should be here," Lynn said.

"True. But it just seems that this Wise Ole Sage will have to go get her Idiot Adventurer."

"I have no idea what any of that means, but okay. Let's go."

"You're coming with me?"

"Of course."

"Okay."

Both girls headed for the exit, only to be intercepted by Rosa. Before she could speak, Courtney took hold of her hands.

"Do you hate me Rosie for winning?" Courtney asked.

"No. I will simply take this rejection and let it fuel my creativity later on."

Laughing, Courtney hugged her. "You writers are so weird."

"Yes, but without us the world would be a duller place. Wait, are you leaving?"

"Yes, I have an Idiot to go rescue from a tower."

Rosa grinned. "I always like a strong female character going to rescue her love. Now get your man, girl!"

As Courtney and Lynn hurried to their waiting steeds, normally known to the world at large as their cars, their path was once again blocked. But this was common when the heroine needed to rescue someone, there are always obstacles. This time the obstacle came in the form of her former boyfriend.

"Are you leaving?" Aiden asked.

"Yes, and I will slay you right here and now if I must," Courtney said.

Aiden gave her a puzzled look. Which felt fitting since she'd never used slay in that context before. But she was the heroine of this story right now and nothing would stop her from getting to her Idiot in a tower.

"Micah didn't show," Lynn translated for Courtney, as a trusted adviser would. "We're going to get him."

"But who am I going to dance with?" Aiden said.

"Literally anyone here," Courtney said. "You're the King, I'm sure many maidens are vying for your hand in a dance."

At this, Aiden just looked at Lynn for another translation.

"Rosie called her a strong female character and I think the main character status is going to her head." Aiden made a sound of understanding, even if his face wasn't as convinced. "And you'll be fine. If it makes you feel better, we will be back and I can dance with you, your majesty."

Aiden bowed and waved his hand toward the door. "Thank you, my lady."

"Oh, now who is being the weird one?" Courtney said.

"Idiot to rescue, remember?" Lynn said, taking Courtney's hand and tugging her out of the gym.

They escaped the confines of the magical forest and were on track to reach their steeds, to race to the rescue. As they cut towards the parking lot, in a manner that was swift though still keeping in mind one of them had a damaged ankle, Courtney noted the dessert truck making good business.

Though it was gratifying that their choice was well received, it wasn't what she noticed most. What she saw was Miguel with Kimber in a secluded spot, sharing a large cookie. He didn't wear a smile, instead stared at Kimber with an intent look of concentration, an expression he only wore for things that interested him.

Oh! I'm definitely going to be smug about that tomorrow. Also, I will be the one making the wedding toast and saying, 'you're welcome. Told you, Miguel'.

"My car," Lynn said, forcing Courtney to make a mental note about her right to smug and put it away.

"I can drive myself."

"No point, Micah will drive you back here and you can take your car home then."

In Lynn's car, neither spoke the excitement of their valiant journey keeping them both silent. But when Lynn turned into Courtney's driveway and not Micah's, Courtney knew her question needed to be spoken.

"Might seem like a dumb question but why are we at my house?"

"Because I know you were going for symbolism with your current outfit, but a knight shows up in armor.  A heroine shows up looking flawless and stunning. Let's go."

Though the delay felt unnecessary, Courtney decided to trust her adviser. With Lynn's efficiency and Courtney's eagerness not to put off the rescue for long, the change of appearance took less than ten minutes.

Amidst the fairy-godmother transformation montage, Courtney thanked her past self for doing a lace-up design for her dress's bodice since she wasn't in peak fighting shape, or cheer shape as she had been when she started the design. 

"Do you know the gate code?" Lynn asked as they sat in the car before the tall imposing rot iron gate.

Was this to be her final test? She had to vanquish the dragon that was the gate? Could she scale it? In a dress that was layers of varying shades of pink making her look like she wore a rose, it didn't seem advisable. Silk tore far too easily.

Also if anyone saw her on the cameras that would be... disastrous. But calling Micah and asking him to open it felt like having a magical wizard appear and solve all her problems.

Though maybe she could do a wizard adjacent.

"Hold on," Courtney said. She pulled out her phone and called the unknown number.

"I tried, I really tried but he's not only an idiot but stubborn too," Felicity said instead of hello.

"I'm at your gate," Courtney said.

"Oh. Not sure he's worth it but I'm letting you in."

A second later the gates swung open and Lynn reared their mighty steed back and galloped through. Okay, she drove the car through at a pace that wouldn't cause concern or put anyone in danger but the sentiment was the same. As she pulled the car around to the front stairs, the front door opened, Felicity outlined in the light.

"Thank you," Courtney said, looking at Lynn.

"Of course. What is a heroine without her warrior sidekick?"

Courtney removed the plastic crown, not sure why she hadn't left it at her house until that moment. She set it on Lynn's head.

"How about I be the sidekick?" she said. "And you be the queen, it seems to fit you better. After all, a true royal thinks of the people around them. You didn't let go of me when I shut you out."

"Are you sure?" Lynn asked.

"Lynn, it's a plastic crown."

"Are you now downplaying my title as royalty," Lynn asked. "After that moving speech?"

"No, it's symbolic."

"Okay. Go rescue your damsel. I'm going to go save a King from being overtaken by the many maidens."

"As a queen should. After all, the king is powerless without the queen."

"You've now shifted this from a fantasy monarchy-type metaphor to one of chess."

"I can be versatile."

"Fine. Now go."

Courtney climbed out of the car and hurried up the steps to Felicity.

"Oh wow! Did you make that? Looks amazing! You look like you're wearing an upside-down rose. I like it. I still don't think he deserves all the effort. I mean, he's still in the living room watching something and being stupid."

"Thanks for the directions but I have no idea where that is, can you show me?"

Felicity did, talking the whole way though Courtney's heart hammering in her ears made it difficult to hear exactly what it was she said. Why her heart had moved to her ears instead of remaining in her chest where there was a lot more room, she wouldn't understand. Maybe the rent was too high. Maybe this thought process was extremely weird.

When she stepped into the living room and rounded the back of the couch to face Micah, he glanced at her, back at his phone, then snapped his head to her again.

Aw, a double take. What every girl hopes to experience. The utter astonishment might be for my stunning dress but I'm guessing it's simply for my appearance in his living room.

"Cory," Micah said, sitting bolt upright and dropping his feet to the ground. "What are you... I mean... I didn't go and... I thought that you would be with-"

"Say it real quick in one breath, My Idiot."

At his rightful title, one that was not condescending but filled with memories and affection, Micah took a breath.

"I didn't think you'd show up here. Not after I didn't come to Homecoming. I didn't go because I didn't know how I could. I saw how Aiden understood what to say to help you. Then I saw you at the football game and it made sense for you two to be together. Compared to him, what am I?

"A guy who can't get his words out. Needed your help to even get close to a girl he liked. I couldn't help you with Homecoming and I got dressed tonight but realized that even though you said that day that you didn't think Max deserved me, that I don't think I deserve you."

Micah ended with a glance at Courtney but found the floor more fascinating to stare at. Which she would not take as a comment on the hours she put into her dress.

"Do you know why I'm here?" Courtney asked.

"Because you wanted to confront the person who promised to take you to Homecoming but failed?"

"No, because you're wearing a pink shirt."

Ah, knew that would get your attention, my Idiot. Courtney smiled.

"Wearing a pink shirt was something you said you wouldn't do only two weeks ago. But you're wearing one now. I know you didn't own one before because I've seen your closet. So that means you went out and bought it for me. To me, that shows me I don't deserve you. Someone considerate, who will wear something for me even when he might not feel confident."

She moved closer to him and Micah tilted his head back, keeping his gaze locked with hers.

"Yes, Aiden knew what to say to help me figure out how to deal with Homecoming. But you were the one caring about me, not Homecoming. You wanted to know how I was doing. And I should have told you. I should have been honest. I should have been real with you, instead of shutting you out. And I really hope you can forgive me for shutting you out."

Micah stood, shifting their balance so Courtney was the one looking up at him.

"Can you forgive me for being insecure and not keeping my word of being your date tonight?"

"Yes. You know you don't have to be insecure, I chose you."

At this, Micah broke their eye contact and reached for his curls but made a fist before he could. Reaching out, Courtney tugged his curls for him.

"Okay, we'll both be a work in progress," she said. Micah covered her hand with his and brought it down, holding their linked hands between them. "You can still have moments of being insecure and I'll still have moments of struggling to be real. Deal?"

"Deal," he said. "By the way. Why aren't you in your cheer sweatpants and t-shirt?"

"How did you know I wore that?"

Ah, still blushes. That's the Idiot I know and love. Love in the sense that it is an endearing quality that I am drawn to. Love is not on the table. Not yet at least.

"I was seeing what everyone was posting. You accepted Homecoming Queen dressed in sweats."

"Half of it was because I fell asleep and had to race to get to school on time, the other part of being symbolic for you about being real."

"But now you're dressed up?"

"Because I can be real and beautiful for you too."

Micah kissed her softly. "I'm glad. I would feel really overdressed if you showed up in sweats. Now we match."

"You do and it's a little sickening how cute it is," Felicity said.

Both Courtney and Micah jerked their heads towards the door where Felicity lounged happily.

"What?" she said. "Did you honestly expect me not to see how everything turned out?"

"Go away, Fee!" Micah said.

"No."

Micah moved to chase her, but Courtney pulled him back. "Leave it. She let me in, she earned the right to know how everything turned out." 

"Thank you!" Felicity said. "Also Micah without my help, Cory wouldn't have shown up. I sent her a picture of you looking pathetic on the couch and she left Homecoming to come here. You're welcome."

Micah scrunched up his face in embarrassment. "Right. I'm sorry you had to leave. It looked really beautiful. Uh... do you want to go back? We are dressed for it."

"Honestly?" Oh how I've missed those beautiful brown eyes. "I don't. I'm tired. This week was exhausting. I want to sit on this couch with you, watch whatever this movie is, and possibly eat something."

"Great! I'll make popcorn," Felicity said.

"Fee! You're not invited."

"My house too, you know! Also again, the reason you have Cory."

Micah sighed.

"Sounds like you don't have to do any work and you can sit with me," Courtney said.

He grinned. "You make a good point."

Kicking off her heels, Courtney curled up on the couch beside Micah, all the eagerness and excitement of rescuing her Idiot gone, leaving only the whiffs of the emotions and a lot of tiredness.

When Felicity returned with two large bowls of popcorn, Destiny and Isiah in tow, the siblings argued for five minutes about what to watch, eventually landing on an action movie. The only requirement Courtney had voiced was sitting next to Micah. Since that was already in place, no one denied her. 

The movie began and with it commentary from Isiah who had insider knowledge from an informational deep dive he'd done, questions from Destiny, and jokes from Felicity.

And off to one side were a quiet Wise Ole Sage and Her Idiot Adventurer.

"I didn't tell you earlier, but you look beautiful," Micah whispered to Courtney.

"You do too," Courtney said. "You should wear pink more often."

"I think I have to. I once had a Wise Ole Sage tell me I'd look hot if I did."

"I did not say hot."

"It was implied and now it's fact."

He grinned at her. What are the facts? Micah looks good in pink. And I have my Idiot back.

She snuggled down on the couch and rested her head against his shoulder.

"Are you going to fall asleep on me?" Micah asked.

"Probably it was a rough and long day."

"Then why are you smiling?"

"Because this is a perfect ending."

**********************************************************************

Hello, my cheery cheerios!

If you are saying aww, you are correct. That is the answer. 100 points to you!

If you are some form of liquid due to the gushy sweetness of this, that is also the correct response.

Wow you're really nailing it on all sides! Go you!

Why not nail it once more by telling me your thoughts! I know it's hard to type while in melted form but you can do it! 🗯💬💭

In case you were convinced by that last line that this is the last chapter I'm telling you now it's not. It would be too cliché to end on such a sweet moment and on Homecoming Night.

Nope, it's been done before, got to end it on a different day or else all my cliché breaking would be for not.

This chapter didn't go at all like I expected, which is funny considering this entire book hasn't gone as planned! I guess I'm like Cory in that way, I plan one thing and other things happen.

I like that it didn't follow the usual flow of dance chapters in books. Because it doesn't matter how much you plan or want something, life usually have other plans.

Wow, why is this thought just coming to me: Cory chooses Micah over Homecoming proving his friends wrong. Yeah, hadn't thought of that at all. HAHA! Being a writer is weird!

Anyways, one more chapter to go then an epilogue-ish type dealio.

Vote, comment, follow, go team!

This is what happened with Mason in Open Case File