This Means War - Ch. 15: An Old Friend

“Yes! Let’s give a round of applause for our first pair of dancers! Andrew and Stacia!” The DJ said as we passed the dancers.

“COLEY?” Said a shrill voice, as we approached the rival dance team. I turned to see the girl who keeps pestering my friends, as we were walking to the dance floor. There’s only one person that ever called me that, and that was a very long time ago.

“Um…yes?” I said cautiously to her.

“It’s me! Stacia!”

“Uh… How do we know each other?” I said, only think of one Stacia I’ve ever met in my life, and hoping the similarities between the two were just coincidences.

“It’s me! Stacia Simpson!” She said with wide arm gestures.

Oh…no. I could practically feel my face turn white. “What is it?” asked Nya.

“Uh. Um…Stacia was…um…” I coughed. “M-my old dance partner…” I whispered quickly. How could I have not seen this earlier! She’s been walking around the dance club all day and I was so busy I didn’t even notice?

“Well, if it isn’t Stacia Simpson,” I smirked. “Uh…Wow, Stacia, you look really different…” I barely recognized my old dance partner. She has the same annoying voice and terrible taste in music, but her appearance was much different. She used to be something of what we would classify as a ‘nerd’ at the Marty Oppenheimer. Now, she dresses much more confidently and walks around with much more gait and boastfulness. I was shocked it was the same girl.

“Why yes! Of course I’ve changed! Thank you for noticing! I’ve had a little work done.” She said, flipping her hair and patting her face. “I had no idea you were here in Ninjago City! It’s been such a long time! You should have told me sooner! We could’ve been dance partners.”

“Ha! Right! Like I would ever be your dance partner again!” I laughed at her. “You were the WORST dance partner ever! And as I can tell, you haven’t got much better.” I turned up my nose at her and started to walk away.

“Haha!” She giggled, confidence unbroken. “Yes, well, good luck with your dance partner…. Hehe….” She said, scoffing at Nya.

“Just ignore her,” I told Nya, who was looking much more nervous.

What am I getting myself into?

-

Yep. Just me and Cole. Just me and Cole. I kept in my mind what he had told me earlier.

When we were practicing I kept worrying about getting stage fright, which was certain to come. He told me to just remember the time when we were dancing together, all alone, in our little corner of the dance floor. It’s not like there’s over a hundred people watching us, judging us on how we dance and comparing us to the other dancing duo.

Nope.

Just me and Cole.

When the music started I felt so much better to back in Cole’s arms. So strong and firm…and reassuring. Even though we weren’t really slow dancing, it still made me feel safe.

The song Cole picked was upbeat, but it wasn’t cheesy or pop-music-ey. And actually, after listening to it more, it really was a wonderful song. Kind of dramatic-but-also-up-beat-ballroom-dance-ey. Even though I was so focused on our dance, I was able to catch some of the words.

By the knowing look in Cole’s eyes, I couldn’t help but think……Cole chose this song on purpose.

But, no time for thinking anymore. Time to focus on dancing.

Cole was so strong and sure, whirling me around the dance floor. I never wanted it to stop.

The time came for the lift. I braced myself as Cole put his hands around my waist and lifted me high into the air. I felt like I was flying. The flashing lights and pounding music, it was truly amazing. The crowd went wild. When I couldn’t help but laugh and smile with happiness, all my stage fright was gone.

Then I spotted Jay. Until now I hadn’t even thought of him. I saw the hurt look on his face and immediately felt bad. What was I doing, doing all this stuff with Cole? Jay and I are supposed to be together.

Oh yeah… Now I remember. He was flirting with a girl named Stacia. That’s why I’m doing this, I thought grimly.

As Cole brought me down I looked at his face and smiled, letting him know we can do this. He smiled back.

We whirled and spun across the dance floor, breathing fast, but feeling unstoppable.

The moment finally came.

When Cole does the Triple Tiger Sashay. My stomach plummeted.