The Gossip Web (14 page)

“Let’s go in,” I told him boldly.

Trace nodded and flashed me a white grin. As we advanced towards the doors, he grabbed hold of my hand, and our fingers laced together nicely. This was it…there was no turning back now. I squeezed Trace’s hand tightly and ignored the racing of my heart as we headed inside West Havenbrook High’s gymnasium.

17

WE ARRIVED AT THE DANCE
just as the DJ started playing the first song of the night. I was breathless when Trace led me into the gym; it truly felt like I was in a dream. All of the beautiful decorations sparkled like stars above our heads, and for a split second I was lost in them, surprised that West Haven’s usually filthy gymnasium could be turned into a work of art. I also wondered how in the world someone reached the ceiling to hang all of the metallic hearts and balloons in the first place. Trace’s charming voice pulled me out of those insignificant, fleeting thoughts.

“Jade, do you want something to drink?” He asked me sweetly.

I was still so overwhelmed that all I could do was stare back at him and nod. He walked towards the buffet table set up near the bleachers and I watched him depart with a grin. I still couldn’t believe that I was here, with him of all people! The past few days seemed unreal, and we’ve spent so much time around each other lately that I couldn’t shake the feeling that something real was growing between us. This wasn’t just some childish fling…our feelings for each other were real. When I saw Trace emerge from the crowd around the food, holding two cups in his hands, I knew nothing could spoil this night.

“I got you punch, is that okay?” Trace asked me as he handed the cup over carefully. “They didn’t really have a wide selection over there.”

I smiled at him and replied, “This is great. Thank you.” I was completely mesmerized by how handsome he looked. Compared to each and every guy here, he was the most dazzling; no one else stood out the way he did.

There was an awkward silence between us while we sipped our drinks, and as we both stared shyly at each other, we weren’t daring enough to say a word. I wanted him to tell me something--- anything to break this strange aura surrounding us. He didn’t though. Instead, Trace daringly reached out his hand to tuck a red curl behind my ear. I couldn’t help but blush at his bold move.

Finally, Trace shattered the quiet and said, “You look really beautiful tonight, Jade.” His cheeks had turned a shade darker after speaking, and I couldn’t help but think how adorable it was. I loved to see him blush.

“Thank you,” I mumbled happily.

He seemed strangely nervous as he stammered, “I know I told you earlier, when we were at your house, but you really are, do look beautiful…that’s all.” Trace’s blue eyes quickly averted towards the floor, as if he was afraid to look at me any longer.

I smiled and stepped closer to him, thrilled from his compliments. I raised my arm timidly, and just as I was about to bring it down onto Trace’s shoulder, I saw Gloria move towards us. My eyes sparked at the sight of her.

             
“Trace!” Gloria called out to him. Her voice was loud and bubbly, and it irritated me. Trace turned his head in her direction, but faced her without a smile. I considered that a good sign.

             
“I thought that was you!” Gloria barely gave me a glance as she wedged her body between him and I. She was so rude! I wisely held back my urge to attack her.

             
“So, what’s the deal, Trace?” She asked him curiously, batting her long fake lashes at him. “Why aren’t you over at our table?”

             
I noticed that she placed direct emphasis on “our table” as she pressed closer to him, her short red dress rising up in the back; it was the same slutty dress I saw her with at the mall. My blood boiled but I did nothing to stop her, only looked away in pain as my throat burned with anger. Did she really have to rudely interrupt our moment like that? Of course she did. She was Gloria Malone. I sort of expected Trace to ditch me and come up with some lame excuse in the process…but what he said next truly surprised me.

             
“I came here with Jade, Gloria. She’s my date for tonight.” His voice didn’t even falter when he told her. That took some guts.

             
Gloria finally acted like I existed, looking me up and down with a disgusted expression painted across her face. “Oh, really?” Gloria replied slowly, as if she didn’t or couldn’t comprehend what Trace had just said.

             
I smirked at her, remembering when she and Camille confronted me in the hall the other day. Now she was the one in denial. After listening to him tell her the truth, I was granted a slight rush of power, and after swallowing the spit that had collected inside of my mouth, I put Gloria in her place for the first time.

             
“Yes, really. He’s with me, Gloria…so leave us alone.”

             
Saying she seemed shocked would be an understatement. Gloria looked as if I had just slapped her across the face. Trace even seemed stunned that I had said anything to her. Actually, so was I. I hadn’t planned on it…I just couldn’t stand for her to ruin this night for me when she had already taken so much. I deserved a nice memory for once.

             
After my witty comeback, we all just stood there in silence, until Gloria flipped back her blonde hair and regained her snooty posture.

             
“Fine. Whatever,” she replied hotly, narrowing her eyes at me. She sashayed away from us without another word, and I glanced up at Trace when we were left alone once more. I frowned when I noticed his blue eyes watching me closely.

“What?” I asked him anxiously, afraid he would reprimand me for being mean to her.

But he didn’t. Instead he said, “I’m proud of you, Jade.”

I didn’t expect that to come out of his mouth. “Huh?” I whispered.

Trace nodded and grinned. “You stood up to her, Jade. That’s great.” After giving me a wink, he added, “I’m glad you're finally maturing.”

I rolled my eyes and replied, “Thanks. You just had to ruin the moment, didn’t you?”

He dipped his head closer to mine and asked slyly, “Oh, we were having a moment?”
             
I grew a little hot from how near he was to me, and I could barely breathe as I mumbled, “Yeah, and it was a good one too.”

Trace frowned at my statement. “I’m sorry…but I think I know how to make it up to you.”

“Really?” This should be good.

“Yes,” he replied, taking my hands in his. “Dance with me,” Trace said gently.

His request gave me goose bumps, and I was breathless as he led me out onto the dance floor where all the other couples were grinding up on each other to some fast tune. After glancing around at them all, at the girls and boys who were “getting down”, I stared back at Trace. I shook my head when I noticed the large grin that took over his face.

“You just wanted to get me out here so you can put your hands all over me,” I told him knowingly, placing my hands firmly on my hips. “That was your plan all along, wasn’t it?”

He shook his head at me and smiled even wider. “Nope.”

Without another word he grabbed me and pulled me into a waltz stance, just as a slow song drifted out from the speakers. Most of the people surrounding us left the dance floor, leaving enough room for the two of us to twirl around openly. I laughed as he spun me fast and caught me with ease. Even after knowing him half my life, Trace still managed to surprise me.

“How’d you learn to dance like this?” I asked him curiously, impressed by the way he moved. Not a lot of guys knew how to waltz---or even cared to learn.

“My dad taught me,” Trace replied softly, and twirled me around once more.

I laughed as Trace abruptly dipped me over his arm; my red hair almost touching the gymnasium floor. “Really? That must’ve been awkward,” I said, and he raised me back to my feet.

Trace looked off suddenly and I wondered if I’d upset him. “That’s right. You don’t know,” he whispered.

I frowned. What didn’t I know? “What is it, Trace?” I asked him.

“My dad…he---” Trace began, but his voice broke off. His face was ashen as he fought to breathe, and I almost gasped when I noticed the tears in his eyes. “He died, Jade,” Trace finished weakly, struggling to remain strong.

I frowned, completely shocked by his admission. I hadn’t heard about his dad passing until now, and I didn’t know how to react. Trace’s dad had always been so nice to me, despite the fact that his son’s best friend growing up had been a girl. I felt a sudden rush of emotions, and I had to fight back tears.

“I’m sorry,” I told him softly, raising my hands up to rub his shoulders. “I’m really sorry, Trace.”

I wanted to say something else to comfort him since I hadn’t had the chance until now, but when I opened my mouth to further my condolences, Trace shook his head and flashed me a knowing smile. I realized he must‘ve come to terms with his father‘s passing already, and didn‘t need me to fawn all over him---even if I wanted to. He was probably sick of being pitied.

“It’s alright, Jade.” Trace shrugged and added, “Don’t be sorry. I’m not. He’s in a better place now.”

“But what happened?” I asked him gently.

“He had…a rare type of skin cancer.”

Trace explained to me why he left after seventh grade; his family needed to move closer to a hospital that had specialized in the kind of cancer his father had. I felt terrible after realizing how poorly I had misjudged him when came back. I didn’t know about his family’s horrible misfortune…but I was supposed to be his friend! How could I not see that he was in pain?

“I’m really sorry, Trace. I didn’t know.”

“I know that, and I should’ve told you,” Trace replied. “I mean, you were my best friend...but when I came back it felt like before---when my dad wasn’t sick. I just couldn’t deal with his death, so I…took it out on you.” He frowned at his remark and whispered, “I know that’s no excuse, but it just hurt so much to lose him, Jade.”

I nodded slowly as I stared into his grim blue eyes. “I understand, Trace.” As soon as I said those words I thought of my mother, and how I could honestly relate to him. I didn’t want to tell him that story right then and there, though. I’d save it for another time; I figured we’d had enough sadness for one night.

Trace smiled at me suddenly, and my grief evaporated. “I‘m glad you‘re here with me tonight, Jade,“ he told me as we returned to twirling along the floor. “After being such a jerk to you, I would’ve understood if you said no when I asked you.”

I returned a smile and replied, “I wanted to come with you, remember?”

“But why? How can you forgive me for treating so badly?”

             
I shrugged and laid my head onto his shoulder. I knew why, but I wasn’t going to tell him it was because I loved him. He was definitely not ready to hear that. Besides, I wasn’t that confident with our relationship yet.

             
He set his chin on top of my head and softly asked, “Do you forgive me, Jade?”

             
I didn’t know how to respond. I knew what he wanted me to say, but I knew that it wasn’t what I felt. Even though I wanted to please him, I couldn’t lie to his face. I had to be true to myself and to him. Seconds turned into minutes, and my silence seemed to say what I couldn’t.

             
“I see…” Trace looked off suddenly, as if he were embarrassed. “I’m sorry I asked you that, Jade. I had no right.”

             
“Trace, it’s okay---” I began to say, glancing up into his blue eyes; he gave me a stern look that shut me up.

             
“No, it’s not, Jade. It’s not okay.” He replied firmly. “I screwed our friendship up---me! How do think I feel knowing that?” Trace stared off before he muttered, “I hate myself for it.”

             
I bit my lip and sighed. What could I say? He did screw everything up. I studied his face closely, noticed the remorse in his eyes; he was beating himself up over what he did. It did matter to him that he hurt me, and he was sorry. I believed he truly was. Trace deserved a second chance, and tonight I was going to willingly give it to him.