This is an excerpt from one of my works in progress.
CHERI’S SECRET
To help set up the scene, Cheri, Aaron, Kate and Alan are at the Senior Prom.
We took our pictures and danced until my feet began to hurt. Alan and I sat down at one of the tables and watched Aaron and Cheri spin around the dance floor gracefully.
“You know he’s quite good at dancing, for a jock,” I said.
“Babe you gotta stop with the jock shit. It makes him feel stupid when you bash him like that. That’s why he was so pissed earlier.”
“I’m sorry, I can’t help it. This is the first time I’ve ever seen him like this. Usually he’s all about football and how much weight he lifted that day. Why the sudden switch in personality?”
Alan grinned and leaned close to my chair. “He’s hoping to sweep Cheri off her feet tonight and use that room he got.”
It all made sense now, the restaurant, the fancy dancing, and even the way he helped her in and out of the limo. He was trying to show her he was capable of being a gentleman. I felt terrible for making fun of him all night. He was just trying to impress Cheri and I was poking fun at him every chance I could get.
“God, I’m such an idiot. You think he’ll forgive me?”
Alan smiled and kissed my neck. “How could anyone stay mad at you?”
Suddenly Aaron and Cheri stopped dancing. They were standing in the middle of the dance floor, facing each other. I could hear Aaron’s angry voice from across the room. I stood up and stalked toward them; intent on finding out what was going on.
“Am I not good enough for you or something Cheri? I mean shit, I’ve waited for over a year and you still act like we just met. Most guys would have dropped you a long time ago for holding out so long.”
“Aaron, please, can we not do this here? I’m sorry, but I just don’t think I’m ready for that.”
He crossed his arms over his chest and huffed loudly. “Well when will you be? When you’re 80 and no one wants you anymore? I should have known you would flake out on tonight. You’re nothing but a tease Cheri and I’m through with being teased.”
I rushed to Cheri’s side and wrapped my arms around her shoulders as she began to sob.
“Hey chill out Aaron, it’s not the end of the world or something. You should be glad she’s not easy, that she has some self respect.”
He dug in his jacket pocket and pulled out the room key his brother had given him. “Yeah, right, says the whore that gave it up after only what, one week? I’ve wasted enough time on you Cheri. I need a girl that can satisfy all of my needs. Since you’re not ready to, I’ll find someone that is.” He shoved the key into Alan’s hand as he walked away. “At least I know it won’t go to waste if I give it to you.” He grumbled.
I watched after him in shock. Cheri was trembling in my arms and I realized the entire dance floor had seen and heard everything. They stood there gawking at the three of us.
“What are you looking at? Mind your own business.” I snapped as I led Cheri to the bathroom.
I shot Alan an angry look and nodded my head toward where Aaron had stalked off. “You need to handle your boy. He’s out of control, he knows better.”




