I Still Think About My High School Crush
[big][b][i]The Happiest/Saddest Night of my Life: Part 7[/i][/b][/big]
[sep]
[i]I recommend you reading the previous parts on my profile, before starting this one.[/i]
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[b][i]A Familiar Face[/i][/b]
I had gotten an email from Cassidy. She told me that I would sit at Table #4, at the party. She explained that Table #4 would have her closest friends sitting with her. As you can probably assume, I wasn't exactly a party guy. I've always disliked crowded and loud places... parties were usually both. But I knew if I wouldn't go to Cassidy's Sweet 16, I would regret it forever.
The party was a formal one. I grabbed a tuxedo, tuxedo pants, and combed my hair. As of this point, I only had a driver's permit, so I wasn't allowed to drive without a guardian... And so, my mother drove me to the party.
The party was taking place inside the largest building I've ever, personally, seen. I would describe it more like a castle. The building's color was a dull yellow, almost gold colored. Upon entering, there was a small billboard next to the front desk. It had a picture of Cassidy, with a sign saying "Cassidy's Sweet 16". There was a sign-up sheet for the party on the front desk. I started writing my name. Right as I finished writing my signature, I heard a voice to the right of me:
[c=#004A59]"Are you Charlie?"[/c]
As I turned to the voice, for an instant, I believed I saw Cassidy in front of me. It wasn't her, but a woman with a striking resemblance to Cassidy.
[i][c=#800000]Could she be...?[/i][/c]
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Me? Yes, I'm Charlie."[/c]
A huge smile came across her face.
Woman: [c=#004A59]"Oh, hi Charlie! I'm Cassidy's mother, Daniella. I've heard so much about you!"[/c]
My confidence level sky-rocketed. The goddess' mother has acknowledged me... that had to be like... a new undiscovered level of accomplishment, haha. I was absolutely speechless. I remember not having any idea how to respond to that moment.
Daniella: [c=#004A59]"Thank you for being such a good friend to Cassidy. I hope you enjoy the party!"[/c]
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Th-Thank you, you too!"[/c]
She was on her way, but an obvious question came to mind.
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Oh! Uhmm..."[/c]
I had no idea whether to address her as Daniella or Mrs.[Cassidy's last name]. She turned to me in response.
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Where should I go?"[/c]
She showed me into the largest room I've ever seen, to this day. It was much larger than the gym at our school... by a landslide. This is where the party would take place. I'll call this: The Big Room.
[b][i]Table #4[/i][/b]
[u]Layout of The Big Room[/u]
Left and right side: There were a bunch of tables with friends and family of Cassidy's.
Center area: This space was completely empty. It was just a lot of free space people would walk through.
Front side: This is where the host of the party was usually at, with a mic in hand. Next to him was a DJ with his "DJ-ing technology" and whatnot.
Back side: There were tables with different drinks for anyone to pour themselves.
Daniella pointed me to a table at the right side of the room.
Daniella: [c=#004A59]"That's your table over there."[/c]
[i][c=#800000]Table #4...[/c][/i]
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Thank you very much! It was nice meeting you!"[/c]
Daniella: [c=#004A59]"You're welcome! You, too!"[/c]
I started making my way there. Each table was relatively large, allowing for 8 people to sit around it, comfortably. There was even a name plate in front of each seat, on the table, to outline the seating arrangement.
[i][c=#800000]Damn, they really went all-out on this...[/c][/i]
As I approached the table, I started to take notice of who I'd be sitting with. I knew most of them:
Sitting on my left was Andrea. Andrea was Cassidy's childhood friend. She didn't go to the same school that we did, but she always kept close contact with Cassidy. Next to Andrea was an empty seat, but labeled "Cassidy". Next to Cassidy's seat was Andre.
[i][c=#800000]Well, damn... if he's still going out with Cassidy, that's gonna make my confession kinda weird.[/c][/i]
Next to Andre, opposite to my seat, was Cassidy's 2 best friends from school: Sharon, followed by Krystal. Next to Krystal was Matthew.
[i][c=#800000]Oh sh*t, Matt's here?! He was a much better friend to her than I thought![/c][/i]
The last 2 seats were girls I've never met and didn't know. I didn't interact with them, so you won't hear from them in this story 😢
[b][i]A Questionable Choice of Appetizer[/i][/b]
I wasn't really sure if I should walk up to each of them to greet them or just sit down in my chair and greet someone if our eyes locked on. I was having a mini-heart attack just questioning myself about this. Luckily, Matthew was the first to speak up.
Matthew: [c=#7700B2]"Hey, Charlie! How's it goin'?"[/c]
Charlie: [c=#BF0000]"Hey! I'm good, you?"[/c]
Matthew: [c=#7700B2]"Couldn't be better!"[/c]
That short exchange caught the attention of the rest of the table. Sharon and I locked eyes and we both exchanged smiles. Andre and I nodded at one another in acknowledgment. And Krystal waved at me.
I haven't really mentioned this before, but I've always considered Krystal to be a "secret friend". Krystal was probably the most energetic friend Cassidy had. I would rarely ever see her, in school, and we'd barely ever talk... but she always seemed aware that I liked Cassidy. In the very few instances I would cross by her in school, she would always speak to me about Cassidy, hinting at the fact that she could use a close friend by her. It almost appeared as though she would try to go out of her own way, even change a subject entirely, just to talk about my friendship with Cassidy. Even as Cassidy would date whoever she'd date, Krystal would always seem to be pushing me together with Cassidy.
Everyone was at the table... everyone except for Cassidy. I turned to my left, towards Andrea.
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Hey! I've heard many great things about you!"[/c]
Andrea: [c=#665D00]"Same as you!"[/c]
We spoke for a bit. It didn't take long before we were brought appetizers. And a weird choice of appetizers, at that. Broccoli, carrots, and milk...
I've never seen anything quite like it. Maybe this is rather normal to others reading this story, but I'm a hell of a picky eater. To me, appetizers were like hot-wings, nachos, garlic bread, etc. Add this with the very idea of a party and the last thing I'd expect was brocolli, carrots, and milk. And why milk? Such a strange choice of beverage... I imagined as the party was being set up, someone had asked:
[c=#804600]"Do we serve them water?"[/c]
[c=#804600]"Nonsense, water is overrated. Give them milk!"[/c]
But I had just remembered... Cassidy was vegetarian. Could this be a regular vegetarian appetizer? It was no use dwelling on all this. But if I would want to be with Cassidy, I would have to accept the whole package. They didn't serve much, it was just a small portion. And so I stabbed a broccoli and piece of carrot and ate it. I hated the taste of it. It was just as terrible as I thought it'd be. I quickly went for the glass of milk.
I'll tell ya this, milk was the correct choice of beverage... it really helped wash the taste down. In hindsight, it probably looked a bit weird taking a bite of broccoli and carrot, then drinking it down with milk, every second. I'd soon find myself with little milk left and a lot more broccoli and carrots.
[i][c=#800000]I need more milk![/c][/i]
By the time I finished, I felt like a winner. I managed to do what I haven't been able to do for many years... eat some goddamn vegetables. I'm not sure if Andrea caught me making a slightly disgusted face while I was eating, but when I was done, she asked:
Andrea: [c=#665D00]"Was it good?"[/c]
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Delicious."[/c]
Cassidy walked into The Big Room. I don't think I've ever seen anyone so beautiful, as I saw her that day. She wore a long light blue dress and she wore it like it was specifically made for her. She walked over to her seat, as Andre pulled it for her.
[i][c=#800000]Damm*t, he's a gentleman.[/c][/i]
She said hello to us all and we all began to talk to one another.
[b][i]Happy Feet[/i][/b]
About half and hour must have passed. The host grabbed onto a mic and told everyone to walk to the center of the room. The partying was about to begin. I felt so nervous... I didn't know how to dance, whatsoever. Everyone walked to the center of The Big Room and moments later, the DJ started playing some music. Everyone was dancing. I just sort of moved my body left and right. It was embarrassing. Cassidy took notice of me.
Cassidy: [c=#003BB2]"Don't be nervous, you're fine!"[/c]
I let out a nervous chuckle. Easy for her to say! Cassidy loved dancing. She would watch shows like So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars.
Me: [c=#BF0000]"I don't know how to dance."[/c]
Cassidy: [c=#003BB2]"Most people here probably don't, either. Come on! Show us your moves!"[/c]
I could never put my finger on it, but she could always create a very friendly environment, just like the first time I ever met her. And so, I tried to make the entire experience as a joke. At around this time, being "Rick-Rolled" was starting to become a thing. And so I started dancing like Rick Astley from his song "Never Gonna Give You Up"
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ]
But please, if you are imagining me pull off his sweet moves, so easily, you aren't picturing the story correctly. My dance moves were probably more like this.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO5iOc3Y188]
Cassidy was smiling from ear to ear. I just kept doing what I was doing, since I thought it was giving her a good laugh. Many times, when we'd speak online, Cassidy would share with me videos of professional dancers.
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Am I a professional, yet?"[/c]
Cassidy: [c=#003BB2]"You're the best dancer here, I'll say that! Keep it up!"[/c]
The nervousness I once had had disappeared. Who knew that making a fool out of yourself in front of your crush could feel so liberating? At this point, I would feel even weirder if I just stopped dancing altogether, so I kept at it. I would slowly sneak in a new move or two in my dance. My hips would slowly rock left and right. I started adding the smallest jump into the dance (Yeah, it was weird).
I was focused so much on picking the right dance moves that I had failed to notice my environment... Everyone was turned towards me in a circle... and I was in the center of it. Everyone started clapping to the music, cheering me on. They were all laughing. Even Andre was applauding me and cracking up. I could tell everyone found my dancing absolutely hilarious, but I loved it. I was making everyone happy. That was something to be proud of. At that moment, I completely abandoned Rick Astley's dance. I was only bouncing up and down, and flinging my arms everywhere... and everyone loved it.
The moment the song ended, I stopped dancing and screamed out, "I need a drink!", while making my way out of the circle. Everyone applauded and started yelling "WOOOOO!!!" "YEAH!!!!!" "GO, CHARLIE!!!!"
I got some water and went back to the table to rest. I sat there for a few songs. After a while, Sharon and Krystal started making their way towards our table... but they passed their seats and were coming towards me. Something about their smiles looked mischievous. They both stopped right behind me and I didn't really know what to say. They both looked at each other and they both grabbed onto my arms and pulled me away from the table. Now, I'm not really used to being physically touched, so when they both grabbed hold of my arms, I had no idea what was going on. They were dressed formally, but they were acting like they usually act in school. They pulled me out of my chair.
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Hol- Wait! What's going on?"[/c]
Krystal: [c=#BF6900]"We need you on the dance floor, STAT!"[/c]
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Oh! Ok, I'll be right there!"[/c]
They let me go and Krystal ran back to the dance floor. Sharon walked back, like a normal person would. I pulled in my chair and followed suit. Krystal and Sharon looked like they were waiting for me. Especially Krystal. She kept saying:
Krystal: [c=#BF6900]"Go! Go! Go! Go! Go!"[/c]
It was an interesting experience. Usually, people are embarrassed of being seen as a fool or messing up or anything along those lines. My dance moves were terrible. I knew that. Everyone did. Nonetheless, that's what Krystal wanted to see. That's what [b]everyone[/b] liked to see. I've always wanted to be acknowledged by others... and in that very moment, I didn't have to try hard, at all. As long as I danced, no matter how ridiculous... people would love it. There was no chance of me screwing up because everyone loved me FOR screwing up my dance moves. As long as I would go crazy, fling my arms everywhere, and hop like I was Tigger on crack, I would make everyone happy. And so I did. Everyone took notice almost immediately. And the circle formed around me once again. And a ridiculous one, at that.
[b][i]Sharing My Secret[/i][/b]
The host declared it was time for the Father-Daughter Dance. Everyone cleared the center of The Big Room for Cassidy and her father. I stood at the back of the room, in front of the drinks. Matthew came by to get a drink, which I was mistakenly blocking.
Matthew: [c=#7700B2]"Excuse me, Charlie."[/c]
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Oh, sorry!"[/c]
I gave him some room and he poured himself a drink. I think it was coke. He turned and stood next to me. We both watched Cassidy slow dance with her father. It was like something from a movie. It was incredibly selfish of me, but I couldn't help but imagine myself in her father's shoes. I wanted that, so badly. Would it be wrong of me to tell her how I've felt about her? When should I? And where? Why didn't I think this through? I can't find the right moment to tell her. There's never a right moment. This is her party, so she's always the center of attention... how can I tell her?
As the music steadily kept on, my heart raced. I couldn't keep still. I had to say something. Anything. I just couldn't look at Cassidy and stand still... I felt Matt would be someone I could come clean to.
Me: [c=#BF0000]"... I have a crush on Cassidy."[/c]
Matt: [c=#7700B2]"You do?"[/c]
We were far enough from the center of The Big Room for Cassidy not to hear us.
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Yeah..."[/c]
Although I was speaking to Matt, my eyes wouldn't abandon Cassidy.
Me: [c=#BF0000]But she already knows that. I had already confessed to her... but I never really [b]fully[/b] confessed."[/c]
Matt: [c=#7700B2]"What do you mean?"[/c]
Me: [c=#BF0000]"She only knows that I like her. But that's all she knows. There's so much more I want to tell her. I wanted to say it all, today, but I don't know when or how. I don't mean to get between Cassidy and Andre... He seems like a great guy. She can choose whoever she wants to be with, but I can't stay silent forever. I'll regret it, if I do."[/c]
I remember Matt stood silent for a moment... We continued to watch Cassidy dance with her father.
Matt: [c=#7700B2]"Well... You've always seemed like a great guy to me, too. I wish you the best of luck, man."[/c]
I'm not sure if he realized how much those words meant to me. I was beginning to question if I could even go through with it. His words gave me hope.
The music came to an end. And everyone applauded Cassidy and her father.
[b][i]Losing Time[/i][/b]
The next half-hour or so, everyone was doing their own thing. Some people were sitting at their tables and talking, some were in the center of the room dancing, and some had left The Big Room. I was one of the many to leave The Big Room, as I had to use the restroom... Probably due to all the milk I drank when forcing vegetables down my throat. On my way there, I felt my phone vibrate. It was my mother.
[quote][center]MOTHER
I'll be coming to pick you up, soon.[/center][/quote]
[i][c=#800000]Damm*t... I haven't told her how I felt... not now...[/c][/i]
There was still another 3 hours left in the party. I texted her back.
[quote][center]ME
Can you pick me up at a later time?[/center][/quote]
I entered the restroom, did my business, washed my hands, and started making my way back to The Big Room. My phone vibrated in my pocket.
[quote][center]MOTHER
I need to wake up early tomorrow, so I need to go to sleep soon. I'm picking you up in about 45 minutes.[/center][/quote]
The only other option I thought of was if someone else could drive me home, but my mother would fight me on that. She was very overprotective and I knew that would be a losing battle.
[i][c=#800000]I need to find Cassidy, now...[/c][/i]
[b][i]The One[/i][/b]
I got to The Big Room. I looked at the left, right, and back side, but couldn't see any sign of Cassidy. The only other place left for me to look for her was the center, where everyone was dancing. Cassidy was rather short, so maybe she was engulfed in the crowd. I made my way through the center, slithering through all of the dancers. Suddenly, I felt 2 quick pats on my shoulder. I turned. It was... the host of the party?
Host:[c=#359E00]"Hey! We're looking for Cassidy. Can you find her? You're the man for the job, right?"[/c]
The music was loud and the sounds of everyone speaking and dancing was drowning out what the host was asking of me. Did I hear him correctly?
Me: [c=#BF0000]"I'm sorry, can you repeat that?"[/c]
The host of the party put his left hand on my shoulder, leaned over to my ear, and spoke loudly.
Host:[c=#359E00]"Can you find Cassidy for us? You [b]are[/b] the man for the job, right?"[/c]
Maybe I was thinking too much into it, but why these choice of words? Why did he ask me of all people? Why not any of the others who crossed by as he was making his way into the center of The Big Room? Why didn't he just call for Cassidy using his mic? "The man for the job"? Was he getting me confused for Cassidy's boyfriend? But we look different in absolutely every way... How would anyone confuse us? Despite all of these questions, one thing was clear... he needed to find Cassidy for the next event to take place. I nodded.
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Yeah, sure... I'll find her."[/c]
He patted me on my back.
Host:[c=#359E00]"Thanks!"[/c]
He started making his way to the front of The Big Room, as if he felt content with me searching for her.
[i][c=#800000]Lucky for you, I was looking for Cassidy, anyways.[/c][/i]
From what I could see, Cassidy wasn't in the center of The Big Room, either. Besides, the host of the party probably looked for her as he was making his way through the crowd. This probably meant she wasn't here. And if she wasn't in the left, right, back, or front side, where the host was... then she wasn't in The Big Room, at all.
I had to hurry. The party was waiting for her and I was running out of time to find a moment I can speak to Cassidy, alone.
[center][b][i]To Be Continued: The Finale...[/b][/i][/center]
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[i]I recommend you reading the previous parts on my profile, before starting this one.[/i]
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[b][i]A Familiar Face[/i][/b]
I had gotten an email from Cassidy. She told me that I would sit at Table #4, at the party. She explained that Table #4 would have her closest friends sitting with her. As you can probably assume, I wasn't exactly a party guy. I've always disliked crowded and loud places... parties were usually both. But I knew if I wouldn't go to Cassidy's Sweet 16, I would regret it forever.
The party was a formal one. I grabbed a tuxedo, tuxedo pants, and combed my hair. As of this point, I only had a driver's permit, so I wasn't allowed to drive without a guardian... And so, my mother drove me to the party.
The party was taking place inside the largest building I've ever, personally, seen. I would describe it more like a castle. The building's color was a dull yellow, almost gold colored. Upon entering, there was a small billboard next to the front desk. It had a picture of Cassidy, with a sign saying "Cassidy's Sweet 16". There was a sign-up sheet for the party on the front desk. I started writing my name. Right as I finished writing my signature, I heard a voice to the right of me:
[c=#004A59]"Are you Charlie?"[/c]
As I turned to the voice, for an instant, I believed I saw Cassidy in front of me. It wasn't her, but a woman with a striking resemblance to Cassidy.
[i][c=#800000]Could she be...?[/i][/c]
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Me? Yes, I'm Charlie."[/c]
A huge smile came across her face.
Woman: [c=#004A59]"Oh, hi Charlie! I'm Cassidy's mother, Daniella. I've heard so much about you!"[/c]
My confidence level sky-rocketed. The goddess' mother has acknowledged me... that had to be like... a new undiscovered level of accomplishment, haha. I was absolutely speechless. I remember not having any idea how to respond to that moment.
Daniella: [c=#004A59]"Thank you for being such a good friend to Cassidy. I hope you enjoy the party!"[/c]
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Th-Thank you, you too!"[/c]
She was on her way, but an obvious question came to mind.
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Oh! Uhmm..."[/c]
I had no idea whether to address her as Daniella or Mrs.[Cassidy's last name]. She turned to me in response.
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Where should I go?"[/c]
She showed me into the largest room I've ever seen, to this day. It was much larger than the gym at our school... by a landslide. This is where the party would take place. I'll call this: The Big Room.
[b][i]Table #4[/i][/b]
[u]Layout of The Big Room[/u]
Left and right side: There were a bunch of tables with friends and family of Cassidy's.
Center area: This space was completely empty. It was just a lot of free space people would walk through.
Front side: This is where the host of the party was usually at, with a mic in hand. Next to him was a DJ with his "DJ-ing technology" and whatnot.
Back side: There were tables with different drinks for anyone to pour themselves.
Daniella pointed me to a table at the right side of the room.
Daniella: [c=#004A59]"That's your table over there."[/c]
[i][c=#800000]Table #4...[/c][/i]
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Thank you very much! It was nice meeting you!"[/c]
Daniella: [c=#004A59]"You're welcome! You, too!"[/c]
I started making my way there. Each table was relatively large, allowing for 8 people to sit around it, comfortably. There was even a name plate in front of each seat, on the table, to outline the seating arrangement.
[i][c=#800000]Damn, they really went all-out on this...[/c][/i]
As I approached the table, I started to take notice of who I'd be sitting with. I knew most of them:
Sitting on my left was Andrea. Andrea was Cassidy's childhood friend. She didn't go to the same school that we did, but she always kept close contact with Cassidy. Next to Andrea was an empty seat, but labeled "Cassidy". Next to Cassidy's seat was Andre.
[i][c=#800000]Well, damn... if he's still going out with Cassidy, that's gonna make my confession kinda weird.[/c][/i]
Next to Andre, opposite to my seat, was Cassidy's 2 best friends from school: Sharon, followed by Krystal. Next to Krystal was Matthew.
[i][c=#800000]Oh sh*t, Matt's here?! He was a much better friend to her than I thought![/c][/i]
The last 2 seats were girls I've never met and didn't know. I didn't interact with them, so you won't hear from them in this story 😢
[b][i]A Questionable Choice of Appetizer[/i][/b]
I wasn't really sure if I should walk up to each of them to greet them or just sit down in my chair and greet someone if our eyes locked on. I was having a mini-heart attack just questioning myself about this. Luckily, Matthew was the first to speak up.
Matthew: [c=#7700B2]"Hey, Charlie! How's it goin'?"[/c]
Charlie: [c=#BF0000]"Hey! I'm good, you?"[/c]
Matthew: [c=#7700B2]"Couldn't be better!"[/c]
That short exchange caught the attention of the rest of the table. Sharon and I locked eyes and we both exchanged smiles. Andre and I nodded at one another in acknowledgment. And Krystal waved at me.
I haven't really mentioned this before, but I've always considered Krystal to be a "secret friend". Krystal was probably the most energetic friend Cassidy had. I would rarely ever see her, in school, and we'd barely ever talk... but she always seemed aware that I liked Cassidy. In the very few instances I would cross by her in school, she would always speak to me about Cassidy, hinting at the fact that she could use a close friend by her. It almost appeared as though she would try to go out of her own way, even change a subject entirely, just to talk about my friendship with Cassidy. Even as Cassidy would date whoever she'd date, Krystal would always seem to be pushing me together with Cassidy.
Everyone was at the table... everyone except for Cassidy. I turned to my left, towards Andrea.
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Hey! I've heard many great things about you!"[/c]
Andrea: [c=#665D00]"Same as you!"[/c]
We spoke for a bit. It didn't take long before we were brought appetizers. And a weird choice of appetizers, at that. Broccoli, carrots, and milk...
I've never seen anything quite like it. Maybe this is rather normal to others reading this story, but I'm a hell of a picky eater. To me, appetizers were like hot-wings, nachos, garlic bread, etc. Add this with the very idea of a party and the last thing I'd expect was brocolli, carrots, and milk. And why milk? Such a strange choice of beverage... I imagined as the party was being set up, someone had asked:
[c=#804600]"Do we serve them water?"[/c]
[c=#804600]"Nonsense, water is overrated. Give them milk!"[/c]
But I had just remembered... Cassidy was vegetarian. Could this be a regular vegetarian appetizer? It was no use dwelling on all this. But if I would want to be with Cassidy, I would have to accept the whole package. They didn't serve much, it was just a small portion. And so I stabbed a broccoli and piece of carrot and ate it. I hated the taste of it. It was just as terrible as I thought it'd be. I quickly went for the glass of milk.
I'll tell ya this, milk was the correct choice of beverage... it really helped wash the taste down. In hindsight, it probably looked a bit weird taking a bite of broccoli and carrot, then drinking it down with milk, every second. I'd soon find myself with little milk left and a lot more broccoli and carrots.
[i][c=#800000]I need more milk![/c][/i]
By the time I finished, I felt like a winner. I managed to do what I haven't been able to do for many years... eat some goddamn vegetables. I'm not sure if Andrea caught me making a slightly disgusted face while I was eating, but when I was done, she asked:
Andrea: [c=#665D00]"Was it good?"[/c]
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Delicious."[/c]
Cassidy walked into The Big Room. I don't think I've ever seen anyone so beautiful, as I saw her that day. She wore a long light blue dress and she wore it like it was specifically made for her. She walked over to her seat, as Andre pulled it for her.
[i][c=#800000]Damm*t, he's a gentleman.[/c][/i]
She said hello to us all and we all began to talk to one another.
[b][i]Happy Feet[/i][/b]
About half and hour must have passed. The host grabbed onto a mic and told everyone to walk to the center of the room. The partying was about to begin. I felt so nervous... I didn't know how to dance, whatsoever. Everyone walked to the center of The Big Room and moments later, the DJ started playing some music. Everyone was dancing. I just sort of moved my body left and right. It was embarrassing. Cassidy took notice of me.
Cassidy: [c=#003BB2]"Don't be nervous, you're fine!"[/c]
I let out a nervous chuckle. Easy for her to say! Cassidy loved dancing. She would watch shows like So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars.
Me: [c=#BF0000]"I don't know how to dance."[/c]
Cassidy: [c=#003BB2]"Most people here probably don't, either. Come on! Show us your moves!"[/c]
I could never put my finger on it, but she could always create a very friendly environment, just like the first time I ever met her. And so, I tried to make the entire experience as a joke. At around this time, being "Rick-Rolled" was starting to become a thing. And so I started dancing like Rick Astley from his song "Never Gonna Give You Up"
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ]
But please, if you are imagining me pull off his sweet moves, so easily, you aren't picturing the story correctly. My dance moves were probably more like this.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO5iOc3Y188]
Cassidy was smiling from ear to ear. I just kept doing what I was doing, since I thought it was giving her a good laugh. Many times, when we'd speak online, Cassidy would share with me videos of professional dancers.
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Am I a professional, yet?"[/c]
Cassidy: [c=#003BB2]"You're the best dancer here, I'll say that! Keep it up!"[/c]
The nervousness I once had had disappeared. Who knew that making a fool out of yourself in front of your crush could feel so liberating? At this point, I would feel even weirder if I just stopped dancing altogether, so I kept at it. I would slowly sneak in a new move or two in my dance. My hips would slowly rock left and right. I started adding the smallest jump into the dance (Yeah, it was weird).
I was focused so much on picking the right dance moves that I had failed to notice my environment... Everyone was turned towards me in a circle... and I was in the center of it. Everyone started clapping to the music, cheering me on. They were all laughing. Even Andre was applauding me and cracking up. I could tell everyone found my dancing absolutely hilarious, but I loved it. I was making everyone happy. That was something to be proud of. At that moment, I completely abandoned Rick Astley's dance. I was only bouncing up and down, and flinging my arms everywhere... and everyone loved it.
The moment the song ended, I stopped dancing and screamed out, "I need a drink!", while making my way out of the circle. Everyone applauded and started yelling "WOOOOO!!!" "YEAH!!!!!" "GO, CHARLIE!!!!"
I got some water and went back to the table to rest. I sat there for a few songs. After a while, Sharon and Krystal started making their way towards our table... but they passed their seats and were coming towards me. Something about their smiles looked mischievous. They both stopped right behind me and I didn't really know what to say. They both looked at each other and they both grabbed onto my arms and pulled me away from the table. Now, I'm not really used to being physically touched, so when they both grabbed hold of my arms, I had no idea what was going on. They were dressed formally, but they were acting like they usually act in school. They pulled me out of my chair.
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Hol- Wait! What's going on?"[/c]
Krystal: [c=#BF6900]"We need you on the dance floor, STAT!"[/c]
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Oh! Ok, I'll be right there!"[/c]
They let me go and Krystal ran back to the dance floor. Sharon walked back, like a normal person would. I pulled in my chair and followed suit. Krystal and Sharon looked like they were waiting for me. Especially Krystal. She kept saying:
Krystal: [c=#BF6900]"Go! Go! Go! Go! Go!"[/c]
It was an interesting experience. Usually, people are embarrassed of being seen as a fool or messing up or anything along those lines. My dance moves were terrible. I knew that. Everyone did. Nonetheless, that's what Krystal wanted to see. That's what [b]everyone[/b] liked to see. I've always wanted to be acknowledged by others... and in that very moment, I didn't have to try hard, at all. As long as I danced, no matter how ridiculous... people would love it. There was no chance of me screwing up because everyone loved me FOR screwing up my dance moves. As long as I would go crazy, fling my arms everywhere, and hop like I was Tigger on crack, I would make everyone happy. And so I did. Everyone took notice almost immediately. And the circle formed around me once again. And a ridiculous one, at that.
[b][i]Sharing My Secret[/i][/b]
The host declared it was time for the Father-Daughter Dance. Everyone cleared the center of The Big Room for Cassidy and her father. I stood at the back of the room, in front of the drinks. Matthew came by to get a drink, which I was mistakenly blocking.
Matthew: [c=#7700B2]"Excuse me, Charlie."[/c]
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Oh, sorry!"[/c]
I gave him some room and he poured himself a drink. I think it was coke. He turned and stood next to me. We both watched Cassidy slow dance with her father. It was like something from a movie. It was incredibly selfish of me, but I couldn't help but imagine myself in her father's shoes. I wanted that, so badly. Would it be wrong of me to tell her how I've felt about her? When should I? And where? Why didn't I think this through? I can't find the right moment to tell her. There's never a right moment. This is her party, so she's always the center of attention... how can I tell her?
As the music steadily kept on, my heart raced. I couldn't keep still. I had to say something. Anything. I just couldn't look at Cassidy and stand still... I felt Matt would be someone I could come clean to.
Me: [c=#BF0000]"... I have a crush on Cassidy."[/c]
Matt: [c=#7700B2]"You do?"[/c]
We were far enough from the center of The Big Room for Cassidy not to hear us.
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Yeah..."[/c]
Although I was speaking to Matt, my eyes wouldn't abandon Cassidy.
Me: [c=#BF0000]But she already knows that. I had already confessed to her... but I never really [b]fully[/b] confessed."[/c]
Matt: [c=#7700B2]"What do you mean?"[/c]
Me: [c=#BF0000]"She only knows that I like her. But that's all she knows. There's so much more I want to tell her. I wanted to say it all, today, but I don't know when or how. I don't mean to get between Cassidy and Andre... He seems like a great guy. She can choose whoever she wants to be with, but I can't stay silent forever. I'll regret it, if I do."[/c]
I remember Matt stood silent for a moment... We continued to watch Cassidy dance with her father.
Matt: [c=#7700B2]"Well... You've always seemed like a great guy to me, too. I wish you the best of luck, man."[/c]
I'm not sure if he realized how much those words meant to me. I was beginning to question if I could even go through with it. His words gave me hope.
The music came to an end. And everyone applauded Cassidy and her father.
[b][i]Losing Time[/i][/b]
The next half-hour or so, everyone was doing their own thing. Some people were sitting at their tables and talking, some were in the center of the room dancing, and some had left The Big Room. I was one of the many to leave The Big Room, as I had to use the restroom... Probably due to all the milk I drank when forcing vegetables down my throat. On my way there, I felt my phone vibrate. It was my mother.
[quote][center]MOTHER
I'll be coming to pick you up, soon.[/center][/quote]
[i][c=#800000]Damm*t... I haven't told her how I felt... not now...[/c][/i]
There was still another 3 hours left in the party. I texted her back.
[quote][center]ME
Can you pick me up at a later time?[/center][/quote]
I entered the restroom, did my business, washed my hands, and started making my way back to The Big Room. My phone vibrated in my pocket.
[quote][center]MOTHER
I need to wake up early tomorrow, so I need to go to sleep soon. I'm picking you up in about 45 minutes.[/center][/quote]
The only other option I thought of was if someone else could drive me home, but my mother would fight me on that. She was very overprotective and I knew that would be a losing battle.
[i][c=#800000]I need to find Cassidy, now...[/c][/i]
[b][i]The One[/i][/b]
I got to The Big Room. I looked at the left, right, and back side, but couldn't see any sign of Cassidy. The only other place left for me to look for her was the center, where everyone was dancing. Cassidy was rather short, so maybe she was engulfed in the crowd. I made my way through the center, slithering through all of the dancers. Suddenly, I felt 2 quick pats on my shoulder. I turned. It was... the host of the party?
Host:[c=#359E00]"Hey! We're looking for Cassidy. Can you find her? You're the man for the job, right?"[/c]
The music was loud and the sounds of everyone speaking and dancing was drowning out what the host was asking of me. Did I hear him correctly?
Me: [c=#BF0000]"I'm sorry, can you repeat that?"[/c]
The host of the party put his left hand on my shoulder, leaned over to my ear, and spoke loudly.
Host:[c=#359E00]"Can you find Cassidy for us? You [b]are[/b] the man for the job, right?"[/c]
Maybe I was thinking too much into it, but why these choice of words? Why did he ask me of all people? Why not any of the others who crossed by as he was making his way into the center of The Big Room? Why didn't he just call for Cassidy using his mic? "The man for the job"? Was he getting me confused for Cassidy's boyfriend? But we look different in absolutely every way... How would anyone confuse us? Despite all of these questions, one thing was clear... he needed to find Cassidy for the next event to take place. I nodded.
Me: [c=#BF0000]"Yeah, sure... I'll find her."[/c]
He patted me on my back.
Host:[c=#359E00]"Thanks!"[/c]
He started making his way to the front of The Big Room, as if he felt content with me searching for her.
[i][c=#800000]Lucky for you, I was looking for Cassidy, anyways.[/c][/i]
From what I could see, Cassidy wasn't in the center of The Big Room, either. Besides, the host of the party probably looked for her as he was making his way through the crowd. This probably meant she wasn't here. And if she wasn't in the left, right, back, or front side, where the host was... then she wasn't in The Big Room, at all.
I had to hurry. The party was waiting for her and I was running out of time to find a moment I can speak to Cassidy, alone.
[center][b][i]To Be Continued: The Finale...[/b][/i][/center]
SW-User