Splicing of Changes (Editing)

Chapter 30

Homecoming.

It is the day of the dance.

I have never really been a fan of these high school dances. I know how it sounds from a sixteen-year-old. But when you have a messed up leg and no real friends to go to these things, you tend to despise them. And that is exactly how I feel or maybe felt about it. Before this year that is. Everything is changing this year and I can't seem to keep up. First the new town, new friends, well true friends to be honest. A group of them nonetheless. Then Tori and Liz. Diane, my girlfriend. Wow, it makes me feel giddy just calling her my girlfriend but then the sadness slaps me. I don't want it to overwhelm me. Not today, not now. So, I am just going to focus on the fact that I am going to the Homecoming dance. My first high school dance and Tori is helping me get ready. Now that is about the best thing there is. My sister, Tori, as I have always dreamt of this moment. Guess this new thing is not that bad huh?

There is a slight buzzing in the air as I get ready, giddy for my first dance, giddy and excited to see Diane in her dress. Well, she did not show me, in fact, she pretty much took Amy with her that day at shopping so that I would not see her dress. Why I do not know but I did not complain. I am not too well versed in dance dress shopping etiquette. So I let Charlie guide me and help me select the best one. And now that I am dressing in it, I am surprised by Charlie's choice actually. She chose well, I did not expect it to be so perfectly fitting. Especially now that Tori is doing my hair and Liz my make-up. Yes, it seems to be a full family affair. Except James is missing. Alex is busy staring at me from my bed and playing a game on my phone.

I smile at Tori, looking at her through the mirror as her eyes tear up. Shaking my head, I jerk my head to her, asking what's wrong. Tori shrugs as Liz squeezes my cheeks.

"Kris' first homecoming dance. I can't believe it." Liz says as Tori nods. Her voice seems to be choked with emotions.

"Yeah me neither." I smile as Liz hugs my head lightly before Tori scolds her with her eyes. After all, she is doing my hair.

This week has been a little odd. I suppose that is a given after all it was cut short till Wednesday half day. And with the nervousness of this dance and the game yesterday everyone seems to be on edge. Mark and Jeffrey play football for our school team. I thought Jake was considering June staying back after school before they started dating and Alice joined me. Although Alice never told me it was because of Jake, her cousin stayed back. Anyway, their game yesterday was interesting. It looked good for a person who does not really follow Football. I went because Diane invited me and why would I ever turn down an opportunity to see my girlfriend in her dark blue and gold cheerleader costume with the skirt being extremely tiny? She was looking rather sexy and I let her know that. Diane became instantly shy. She is so shy that anyone not knowing her would be confused and think she has been body-swapped.

My friends were confused when I showed up to the game yesterday, especially after they realized I did not know much about football. They tried to explain it to me but then they themselves got caught up and forgot about the explanation. And during halftime, I was preoccupied with watching Diane and the rest of the team. Well, Diane more specifically. They did ask about why I was sitting with them and not being with my team, after all, I am part of the cheerleading team as far as anyone knows. I just waved my hand saying I was extra and they didn't further question me. I know they did not believe me but Jeffrey kind of getting attacked, followed by Mark doing a touchdown took their attention from me. And I gladly let it. The match ended with us winning and the team went out to celebrate. We did too just not together and ours ended up in the same place as them except we were much quieter. Then again that is to be expected from a bunch of teenage guys celebrating their win.