บท 3: Eric, Jen, and Marie
The dance is about to start. The students are settled with their dates at their respective tables. Then I realized I should be with Norman by now. But where the hell is Norman? He should be looking for me. And Eric should be looking for Marie too!
" Aren't we supposed to be with our dates right now?" I asked Eric awkwardly. I feel awkward having to feel his hands holding mine. He is really holding my hand!
"I think it's not a good idea to be looking for our dates in this crowd..." Eric whispered amidst the growing noise.
Music and chatter filled the air. The dance is starting, but Norman is still nowhere in sight, and so is Marie! I begin to worry. Why is Eric not worrying for Marie?
The students began to crowd at the dance floor. Eric pulled me to the side. I feel my hand sweating on his sweaty palm. He was surprised when I pulled my hand back.
"It's sweaty, and so are yours." I smiled feebly. Why am I explaining?
Eric, then, escorted me outside the hall. The night is beautiful. The stars are extra bright, seemingly reminding me that tonight is a special night. Without a word, Eric got his cellphone, and started to call someone.
"Marie! I'm so sorry for not showing up at your house... Are you here in school now?... Oh, so you're with Norman... Okay, I'll see you later.. Bye."
"Marie is with Norman right now. They're inside, dancing. Shall we go back in?" Eric offered his arm.
We went back inside the hall. I can't explain what I'm feeling at this moment. I want to spend the whole night with Eric. But I am supposed to with Norman, and Eric is supposed to be with Marie. So my eyes started to wander around the hall to try and search for Norman with Marie. But, then, Eric pulled me and held me close.
"Jen, suddenly I feel that I want to spend the whole night with you. But Norman is waiting... There he is." He pointed where Norman is standing and escorted me in his direction, but I did not see Marie. Does Eric feel what I feel? It gives me the creeps, the way he is acting tonight. I felt sad when he handed me to Norman. Then he disappeared through the dancing crowd, to look for Marie I guess.
Norman asked me to dance. It was a quick one, but I am the kind who perspires easily. So, Norman suggested that we go back to our seats so we can rest. He offered me his handkerchief when we were seated, to wipe the sweat running down my cheeks.
"Jen, where do you want to go after the dance?" Norman asked. I wasn't expecting this. I thought he had plans already. "I don't know. Where do you like to go?"
"Do you want to go to the new seafood restaurant? I know you love seafood, Eric told me." Seafood. Eric. Right.
"Yes, I love seafood. But I don't think we should be going there tonight. Lots of couples will be going there after the dance, I bet. Why don't we go to the steakhouse instead?"
"Eric had that restaurant reserved, just for two couples...exclusively."
"Eric??" I was surprised. Eric rented the whole place? Knowing his dad and the way he supports Eric on anything that he wants to accomplish, I wouldn't be surprised at all. He is the kind of son any parents would dream of having, the best there is. I am just wondering why he is doing this. I didn't have the slightest idea he'd do this. We are best friends, but he kept this from me. Why, Eric?
"Yes, he did. Since he will be taking Marie, he suggested I take you there too." I don't want to be in that seafood restaurant with Norman and Marie. I only want to be with Eric... "It's a great idea, Jen. A double date." Norman is looking at me intently. So Eric made plans and talked to Norman about me, without even telling me.
"Okay, we'll go." The words came out before I could decide. No, I don't want to go!
Too late. I've agreed already. There is no turning back now.
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