Lady in Red Ch. 25

Paula had a huge buffet prepared and the kids dove into as soon as everyone had enough photos. Diane and Will dropped in and took even more pictures. Everyone agreed that the evening had gotten off to a great start.

The dance was scheduled to start at eight PM. By seven-thirty, the parking lot was almost filled and Charlotte's estimate of over two thousand attendees was looking quite accurate.

Gwen, Jordan, Charlie, and Steve joined the rest of the band on stage fifteen minutes early to warm up. The principal took the stage to lay down the rules for the evening. It was a school sanctioned event so students, and everyone else attending would be ejected for drinking or smoking.

"Essentially, the same rules apply here that apply in school," warned the principal. "With the exception that tonight the Spartan Nation celebrates its senior prom, as well as it's survival of the terrorist attack a couple months back. We want everyone to have a good time, stay safe, and enjoy the music.

"Right now, I ask everyone to bow their heads for a minute of silence in loving memory of our three students that died that terrible day."

After the minute of silence, the principal left the stage and Gwen asked everyone to stand. Once again, she and Jordan sang the national anthem a cappella. The crowd was roaring it's approval when the band began with it's opening 'We Will Rock You'. This time, however, they did not immediately launch into 'We Are the Champions'.

"I want the players, coaches, assistants, statisticians, water boys, and cheerleaders to come front and center for this next song," urged Gwen. This one is for you. You are the champions!"

The band immediately began 'We Are the Champions' as everyone asked by Gwen made their way to the front. The crowd loved it as their first and only state champions were honored.

Charlie had used some of the bands' TV money to purchase wireless microphones, so Jordan, Gwen and Steve were able to sing while on the dance floor. After seeing how popular it was at the first prom they played at, the trio spent a lot of time dancing and singing with their classmates and friends. Jordan even managed quite a few dances with Charlie.

After the first break, the prom king and queen were named. Once again the principal climbed on stage to reveal the results of the voting. A roar went through the crowd when it was announced that Billy and Charlotte were chosen. A stunned Charlotte and a blushing Billy went up on the stage to be crowned. They took to the dance floor to lead the crowd in the next dance. For the occasion, Steve sang 'Can't Help Falling in Love' as he took Gwen in his arms to join the crowd on the dance floor. It was one of those moments that the parents that attended would talk about for years to come. Gwen sang backup as they danced. Tears flowed freely.

Gwen and Jordan delighted the crowd by singing 'Dancing Queen' to perfection. Steve played the piano and sang background while the girls were front and center doing their best Abba impersonation. The song was so popular the group would be talked into performing it twice more before the evening was over.

Paula and Ted beamed with pride as they watched Gwen, Jordan, and Steve perform and Kate and Stephanie dance. Like all good chaperones, they even found themselves on the dance floor quite often. Steve grabbed Kate and sang 'Slow Dancing' by Johnnie Rivers as they danced. Kate clung to Steve while displaying a huge smile.

A short while later, Steve led Stephanie to the center of the floor and sang 'Here, There, and Everywhere' as they danced. Like Kate, Stephanie melted against Steve and smiled brilliantly as she moved with him.

It was after eleven when Steve made an announcement after a break, "The administration and the school board have agreed to let this party last another hour, at least. Be sure to thank them, as well as Community Bank for the use of this great building tonight!"

Gwen and Steve didn't realize it at the time, but that evening would set the framework for big events in Sparta for many years to come. It would become tradition that when the Spartan Nation had a special event and Gwen and Steve were available, the event would be memorable.

It was just after one AM when the music finally ended to a huge round of applause. Once they had the equipment packed away, Gwen, Jordan, Steve, and Charlie headed for Marsh's Landing to join Kate, Stephanie, Mike, Tyler and dozens of others for a late night meal.

Charlotte was still wearing her crown when the group entered the restaurant. "This is the coolest thing that's ever happened to me. I don't know who counted the votes, but I have to thank them. I heard that I had nearly a crap load. I think Jordan and Gwen split the 'Babe' vote and all the nerds voted for me, so I squeaked in."

The group enjoyed an early leisurely breakfast and then headed for Summit Lake. It was a long standing tradition that the morning after the senior prom, the prom goers would change clothes, gather at the public beach area, light a bonfire, and watch the sun rise over the lake. Kids would take walks with their dates around some of the darker paths while waiting for the sun to make its appearance.

Kate approached Steve half an hour before sunrise. "We're thinking that we'll ride with Sara's date over to the arcade in Benton. He has that cool van with enough room for Tyler and Stephanie and Mike and me. We can meet you here in a couple hours, or back at home."

As Steve listened to Kate express her plans, he turned his gaze to the boy standing with Kate's friend, Sara. He studied him for a few seconds and then turned his attention to Tyler, Stephanie, and Mike, who were standing behind Kate while she explained their intentions.

Steve looked at Tyler and simply shook his head slightly. Tyler immediately understood and led Stephanie back toward the lake. Steve turned his attention to Mike and soon determined that he had also picked up on Steve's decision. Mike simply nodded back.

"Kate, you're not going anywhere with Sara and her date. You guys rode here in with us and you'll ride home with us. I promised your folks that I'd keep you safe and I intend to do just that."

"Are you kidding?" asked a stunned Kate. "You're not going to let us go with them? We just want to ride over to the arcade and see what's going on. It's no big deal. We'll be real careful."

"You're not going, Kate," stated Steve calmly. "The others have accepted it. Let's just hang here and watch the sun come up. We're having a great night. Let's keep it that way."

"Who do you think you are? You're not my father. We don't have to listen to you!"

"Actually, you do," replied Steve evenly. "I promised your folks that no harm would come to you, and that we'd be responsible for your safety. Don't make a big deal out of it. You're out on a date with a great guy. Just enjoy it."

"I never knew what a pompous ass you are! This power is going to your head. You're just doing this just to prove that you can tell me what to do," suggested Kate.

"Kate, you're way out of line," cautioned Gwen. "Steve has his reasons and you should know by now that he's usually right. We promised Mom and Dad, and we're keeping that promise. You're creating a scene."

"God forbid that the great Gwen Anderson and Steve Hammer should be part of an embarrassing scene! Tell you what. I'll put an end to the scene. I'm leaving with Sara and her date!"

Sara and her boyfriend were watching the confrontation. When they made eye contact with Steve, they saw him shake his head. While Sara's boyfriend was from a different school, he had seen and heard enough about Steve Hammer to know that he wasn't going to dispute Steve's decision.

When she turned to her friends, Kate quickly realized that they were not willing to go against Steve's will. They both looked down and avoided her gaze. That reaction only served to anger Kate further.

She turned back to face Steve as she swung her hand around hard. The loud crack of her palm connecting with Steve's cheek was heard by everyone that had been watching the scene unfold.

"I hate you!" spat Kate, as Steve rubbed his cheek with one hand and restrained Gwen with the other.