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By Kate William Submitted by Misti Date: 2002 Apr 20 Comment on this Work [[2002.04.20.22.48.4279]] |
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The first thing Elizabeth heard about as she left the Oracle office was about the Big Love Scene between Todd and Jessica on the bench in the center of campus. "Wow," Winston Egbert hooted, stopping Elizabeth as she came out of the school building. "The temperature went up about fifty degrees here a little while ago." "What happened, Winston?" "A certain beautiful cheerleader and a certain handsome basketball captain went into a clinch right out in front of the world, and the mercury soared!" "Oh," said Elizabeth. Her heart ached. "I thought Todd was going after you, but now I see it's Jessica. Boy, talk about showing your feelings in public." "Why are you so surprised, Winston? You of all people. You've been in love with Jessica since fifth grade. She's fantastic, and you know it." "Oh, I know she is, but so are you!" "Oh, well..." "Who are you going to the dance with?" "Good question, Winston." They walked down the steps. There, at the foot, Bruce Patman was gliding up to them in his black Porsche. "Well, well, well," Bruce said to Elizabeth. "If it isn't Roadhouse Rhoda." Elizabeth froze. "Listen, I never thought you were such a fast number until now. But from what I hear, I've decided you're my type. I'd like to take you to the dance." "Is that so?" Elizabeth snapped. "Sure. I can't stand most of these wimpy girls. We can put in an appearance at the dance, then head for someplace where we can have some real fun." All the pent-up fury suddenly burst from her. All the anguish and the hurt and the pain caused by the snickering and whispering and innuendos spilled out. "Bruce Patman, I'd rather stay home for the rest of my life than go anywhere with you! But, as a matter of fact, I have a date." "Yeah? Who with?" "Me!" Elizabeth spun around. There stood Winston Egbert, looking shocked at the sound of his own voice. "You?" Bruce Patman laughed."You, the joke of the school?" "Yeah? Well, maybe I'm a joke, but you're an insult." Bruce Patman started to climb out of the car, his face flushed and mean."You stupid nothing, I'll fold you up and stuff you in the trash can!" Elizabeth stepped between them. "Never mind, Bruce. It happens to be true. Win and I are going to the dance." She linked her arm in Winston's and led him away, leaving Bruce Patman sitting in his car with his mouth open in astonishment. "Listen, I'm sorry," Winston said when they were out of earshot from Bruce. "I just got so mad! I won't hold you to it." "Wait a minute. What is this, Win? Are you standing me up?" "Huh?" "You asked me for a date, didn't you?" "Well-I-aw, Liz, I just couldn't help it." "Pick me up at seven-thirty, ok?" Winston Egbert stared at the beautiful, popular, intelligent Elizabeth Wakefield and almost fainted. "OK!" he said, astounded, then turned and raced madly across campus, screaming like a deranged chimpanzee. For the first time in ages, Elizabeth laughed long and hard. |