AJ glanced around and peeked into the office. Good, no one was in there. He was going to be able to carry out his mission. He looked down at the CD in his hands, something called “Razorblade Romance,” whatever the heck that meant. Sounded really emo, music to cut yourself by or something. But whatever.

He snuck into the office, looked around again, making sure no one was coming. All alone. No one would catch him.

He found a boom box and put the CD into it. Then, AJ grabbed the microphone for the PA system, switched it on, and said, “This is for Ophelia.”

Then, he switched the boom box on and set it to play the last song on the CD. After making sure the microphone was close enough to the boom box to play the music over the intercom system, he turned around and found himself face to face with the principal.


“Uh, I was just leaving,” AJ said nervously.

“Detention for you, mister,” the principal replied sharply.



AJ sat in detention, looking sulky. He thought to himself, “And she’s not even going to bother to show up and flash the teacher so I can sneak out, after I embarrassed myself? How ungrateful!”


Emily sighed and leaned against the locker. Ophelia looked over at her, concerned.

“What’s wrong, Em?” she asked.

“Well, you know the dance that’s coming up?”

“The one they just randomly announced the other day and said it’s this coming Friday?” Ophelia asked.

“Yeah, that one.”

“What about it?”

“Well, I really want to ask Louie to go to the dance with me,” Emily said.

“So go ask him,” Ophelia replied.


“I can’t just do that!” Emily cried.

“Well, why not?”

“Ophelia, don’t you know how dating works? Women can’t just ask guys out on dates!”

“Why not? I’ve done it already.”

“Oh really?” Emily asked. “Who?”

Ophelia glanced to the side. “It was a long time ago.”

“Do I know him?”

“Just drop it, okay?” Ophelia snapped.

Emily nodded and changed the subject. “Besides,” she said, “I have no chance with him.”

“Why do you say that?” Ophelia asked.


“Because I heard that Phoebe O’Reilly is planning to ask him to go with her.”

Ophelia thought a minute. “Who’s that, again?”

“Red hair, glasses, hangs out with Andi Mercato, dresses in bright colors…”

“Oh, yeah, that one!” Ophelia replied. She thought a moment. “Emily, you have nothing to worry about.”

“I don’t?”

“Look, do you like this guy?”

“Yes…” Emily responded.

“Then go for it. Phoebe isn’t half the woman you are. The worst he can do is turn you down.”

“You’re right!” Emily replied. “I’ll do it!”

“Good, because he’s coming this way,” Ophelia responded.

“What?! Where? Oh God, I can’t do this!” Emily cried out. She turned to hurry away and ran right into Louie, sending books flying everywhere.


“Funny running into you here,” Louie quipped. He and Emily knelt to gather the scattered books.

“I am so sorry, Louie!” Emily said. She could feel her cheeks burning from blushing so much.

“It’s no big deal. I wanted to start my day off with a bang anyways. Are you okay?” he replied.

“Fine. Are… are the books okay?” she asked, mentally slapping herself for her stupidity.

“I think they’ll survive. They were built for clumsy people like me who drop everything.”

“That’s good.”

Ophelia watched, amused. “Come on,” she thought. “You can do it, Em!”


“So, I was wondering--” Emily began.

“Hey, Emily, do… uh… do you want to go to the dance with me?” Louie blurted out.

Emily looked over at Ophelia, astonished. Ophelia gave Emily a big grin.

“Sure!” Emily replied excitedly.

“Great! I’ll pick you up on Friday. We can work out all the details at lunch, okay?” Louie said.

“Sounds good,” Emily remarked.

“Great. I’ll see you later,” he said. He gave Emily a grin and nodded at Ophelia, then turned and walked away.


As soon as he was out of hearing range, Ophelia and Emily hugged each other.

“Oh wow, this is such a big deal!” Emily squealed.

“I know! We have to get you a nice outfit and stuff. After school today, I’ll let you go through my closet and see if you can find something you like,” Ophelia replied.

“Oh really? Wow, thanks, Ophelia! You’re the best!”

"Well, what are friends for, right?" Ophelia responded.