October 2023 Flash Lit 11 - Buckle Up

“I hope you’ve got your hair well fastened on?” he continued, as they set off.  Through the Looking Glass, Chapter 8

 

 

 

Helena had no idea what possessed her to say yes.  She shot a glance over at Bobby.  His hair was shellacked in place, but one side of his collar had rucked up.  There was no time to fix it.

 

Ms. Wayne, the vice-principal, tapped the microphone.  “Is this on?”  Naturally, there was feedback and everyone in the gym covered their ears.  Ms. Wayne frowned.  Or her habitual frown deepened:  she was always frowning.  “Students may continue to dance until they are tapped on the shoulder by one of the judges.  If you are tapped, you must leave the dancefloor immediately.”

 

Helena popped her gum.  Bobby squeezed her hand nervously.  Helena’s friend Alex nudged her from her other side and whispered, “Wanna get tapped on the dancefloor?”

 

Helena shook with laughter, but managed not to make sound.  Alex had already leaned into Ken, her boyfriend.  Helena saw the very tip of Alex’s tongue touch his earlobe.

 

Ms. Wayne was still talking.  “…no lewd motions.  We want good clean fun.”

 

“Like hell we do,” Alex muttered.

 

“And go!” Ms. Wayne said.

 

The deejay started the dance mix and everyone surged into motion.  “Just like we practiced,” Bobby said.

 

Helena’s skirt swirled around her as Bobby twirled her.  The dress had been a major thrift shop score.  The vintage pleats reacted to every movement.  Bobby pulled her in close for a dip and Helena had a momentary view of the mirrored ball rotating high above her.

 

Space opened around them as Ms. Wayne and her minions eliminated couples.  Alex looked radiant and determined as the competition thinned.  Soon it was just Alex and Ken, Helena and Bobby.

 

“We can do it,” Bobby hissed in Helena’s ear.

 

“I don’t know…” she whispered back, but it was too late.  He was already starting to do the lift.

 

Helena felt his hands slip on the slick fabric of her bodice.  Then she fell, light glinting on her rhinestone buttons, on her silver charm bracelet, on the buckle of her character shoe.

 

Automatically, she pointed her toe and posed as if this was all the way it should be.

 

Alex and Ken won the trophy.