Courtney wants a word

It was Noah's turn for his face to drop. Jacob was giving him the opportunity to escape the bizarre scenario he found himself in. He nearly leapt for joy at the possibility of rescue until he brought his attention back to Jacob. The look of concern hung on Jacob's face, twisting Noah up inside.

"Would they let you back in?" Noah asked exploring the idea.

"Doesn't matter," Jacob waved his hand as if to slap the question away.

Inside, Noah wanted to scream in frustration. Why did his best friend have to be so freaking nice? Noah wanted nothing more but to leave but he knew he couldn't now.

Already kicking himself, he looked up through his mascaraed lashes with big eyes and whispered, "I'd like to stay here...with you."

Noah didn't intend it to sound like there was anything else behind that statement but the smile that found its way onto Jacob's face told Noah that he needed to be careful not to accidentally lead Jacob on.

It was then that the song changed again to something slower, but not quite a slow dance. Courtney's date, Pari, appeared suddenly beside them, slightly out of breath. "Mind if I cut in? My date's gone to the bathroom."

Noah stepped back quickly, grateful for the interruption of his accidental flirtation. "Of course! I need some more awful punch, anyway."

Noah made his way back to the punch bowl, his heels clicking against the polished floor. He watched Jacob and the girl in lavender move to the music, grateful for the moment to collect his thoughts. He was already regretting turning down his way out as he tried to scratch his scalp. His hand grazed the flower that Jacob had called pretty. He looked down into the red punch bowl to once again see his reflection. His mind drifted to a stray thought of how the flower wasn't the only thing Jacob called pretty.

"Having fun?" came Courtney's voice beside him, making him jump.

"Oh! I... yeah, actually." Noah poured himself more punch, noting how his manicured nails gleamed against the ladle.

Courtney leaned against the table, studying him. "You know, you remind me of someone."

Noah's heart skipped. He didn't realize but somehow he had relaxed enough to the point of forgetting to worry about being recognized. Courtney's scrutiny suddenly brought it all back to the forefront again, however.

"I do?" he squeaked.

"Mmhmm. Can't quite put my finger on it though." She twisted her lavender corsage thoughtfully. "You don't go to public school, right?"

"No, homeschooled," Noah repeated his cover story, trying to keep his voice high and steady.

"Must be nice, getting to skip all the regular high school drama," Courtney mused as she grabbed a paper cup and held it out to Noah. "Though I guess you miss out on some new experiences."

Noah laughed nervously as he poured her some punch. "Trust me, I'm getting plenty ... new experiences tonight."

"Jacob's a good guy," Courtney said suddenly, her tone serious. "Like, genuinely good."

"I know," Noah replied softly, watching his friend spin Courtney's date around the dance floor. The weight of guilt pressed tightly against his chest again, tighter than the corset.

"Do you?" Courtney's eyes narrowed slightly. "Because earlier..."

"I panicked," Noah cut in. "It wasn't about him. I just... this whole thing is really overwhelming."

Courtney's expression softened. "Is this prom your first dance?"

Noah nodded, relieved she'd provided the excuse. In a way it was true. This was Noelle's first dance.

"And last," he silently told himself.

"Well, you're doing better than I did at my first. I was new and I didn't really know anyone yet. On top of that, I've got sensory issues but I left my earplugs at home because I was afraid of being looked at weirdly. Well, the combination of overstimulation and nerves was just too much I threw up in the decorative plants." She smiled, though still a little embarrassed by the memory, "The theme was 'Enchanted Forest' too, so... really added to the ambiance."

Noah couldn't help but laugh, remembering that night. He and Jacob had helped her clean up and brought her ginger ale. Courtney didn't appreciate Noah giving her the nickname Suds after that, but they still all became good friends very quickly.

Noah felt Courtney's hand on his arm, "Just... be gentle with him, okay? He is one of my best friends."

"Believe me, I do not want to hurt him," trying to put her at ease.

It was then that Becky came swinging by grabbing Noah's hand, "Hey Courtney! I love how you and Pari matched your color theme. Super cute. I gotta steal the new girl, okay?"

Courtney just smiled and waved, "Thank you and, sure. Take her. I'll talk to you later Noelle."

Caught off guard Noah called back as he was dragged away, "Later Suds."

Courtney was in mid-sip when she realized what she had just heard the cute girl in the red dress just said.

"...Noah?"