Episode 12:DANCING AND DRAMA
437 Words
The Maplewood College Spring Gala was in full swing. Fairy lights sparkled above the garden, music floated in the air, and the smell of cupcakes and punch made Amina wish she had skipped lunch.
She clutched her purse like it was a lifeline, scanning the crowd nervously. “Zuri, what if everyone’s talking about us?”
Zuri rolled her eyes dramatically. “Then let them talk. I care more about dancing with you than their gossip.” She grabbed Amina’s hand and tugged her toward the dance floor.
Amina stumbled a little. “I’m not great at dancing!”
“Neither am I,” Zuri whispered with a grin. “We’ll look awkward together. Awkwardness is cute.”
Amina rolled her eyes but let herself be pulled onto the floor. The band started a slow song, and the world melted into warm lights and soft music… until a familiar voice cut through the air.
“Well, well… look who’s flaunting it now!”
Amina turned to see Lena, glammed up and dripping with jealousy, holding a punch cup like a shield. She winked at Zuri with way too much confidence. “I didn’t know Maplewood allowed such… bold displays of affection.”
Zuri arched an eyebrow. “Bold? Sweetheart, you should see us when we’re sneaking snacks at midnight.”
Amina snorted quietly. Lena’s jaw tightened, clearly offended by the playful jab.
“Careful,” Lena hissed. “Not everyone thinks this is… appropriate.”
Zuri laughed, spinning Amina gently. “Oh, I think it’s very appropriate. Especially when it makes someone this bitter look ridiculous.”
Amina giggled, almost tripping on her heels, and Zuri caught her effortlessly. “See?” Zuri whispered. “Perfectly safe. Nobody’s pushing you around.”
From the side, Lena muttered something about “show-offs” and stormed off, only to bump into a student carrying a tray of punch. Liquid flew everywhere, and she shrieked dramatically as her shoe slipped in a puddle.
Amina and Zuri couldn’t hold it together. They laughed until they were both breathless, heads bent close together, the jealousy drama dissolving into comedy.
Zuri leaned down and brushed her lips against Amina’s temple. “See? Nothing can ruin our night. Not rumors, not jealous classmates, not spilled punch.”
Amina smiled, heart pounding. “Yeah… we make a good team.”
“Best team,” Zuri whispered. “Awkward dancing, spilled drinks, and all.”
And for the first time that evening, Amina realized that even Maplewood College’s gossip and jealousy couldn’t touch them, as long as they faced it together… preferably while laughing at it.
- Writer
