Between Planets

"Do you have a date for the dance in five months?" Gabriel teased, his voice carrying over the intercom. Emma rolled her eyes and shook her head, even though he couldn't see her. Her cheeks flushed with color as she hesitated, not wanting to admit that she didn't have anyone in mind. "Yes, I have a date," she fibbed, hoping that her shaky voice didn't give away her lie. "I'll introduce you to him when he gets back." "Sure," Gabriel laughed, not buying her story for a second. "So what's the mystery guy's name? Or is that something I'll have to find out when he 'comes back?'" Emma's eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape. Her gaze settled on her mom, who was calling her into the kitchen with an expectant wave of her hand. She seized the opportunity and signed off the call. "Yes, Mom, I'm coming now. Sorry, my mom is calling me. Dinner is here." She said quickly, ignoring the teasing note in Gabriel's voice as he tried to get the supposed name of her date. "Emma, don't you dare ha–" Gabriel's voice cut off abruptly as Emma ended the call. She released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding and slumped back in her chair. Not only had she lied to her best friend, but she'd also hung up on him. Desperate to distance herself from the conversation, she pushed the guilt down and ventured into the kitchen. The savory scent of roasted chicken wafted through the air, and she found herself thanking whatever deity might be responsible for her mother's impeccable timing. She slid into her seat at the table and reached for a well-seasoned drumstick. As she chewed on a piece of chicken, she couldn't ignore the nagging thought in the back of her mind. The dance. It was only five months away, and she hadn't even thought about who to go with, let alone actually ask someone. Everyone already seemed to have their dates, like Xander, who had been asked out by a girl from their class. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Xander even as her mother discussed her day with her father. She and Xander had been inseparable since they met in the third grade – a bond forged over a mutual love of science fiction and ongoing arguments over which planet was the best. But as they grew older, their friendship had evolved. Their playful arguments had shifted to discussing the reality of human colonization on other planets and the practicality of terraforming. The warmth of his brown eyes and the way his dark hair framed his face were more distracting these days than she wanted to admit. Yet asking him to the dance would mean changing the easygoing, comfortable dynamic of their friendship, and she wasn't ready for that. "I can't believe the dance is in five months," her mother said casually during the dinner conversation. "I remember my first dance; it was so exciting!" "Were you and Dad a couple back then?" Emma asked with a sigh, focusing on her plate. Her father chuckled, shaking his head. "No, we didn't start dating until later. We were just friends." "Just like you and Xander, huh?" Her mother's eyes twinkled as she glanced knowingly at Emma. Emma tensed as an embarrassed flush crawled up her neck. It seemed like the universe was conspiring against her today. "Yeah, just like me and Xander," she mumbled, pushing a piece of carrot around her plate.