Patricia fluffed out her blue brocade gown and ran her fingers through her long blonde hair. The four of them posed in front of the sofa. Linda’s mother aimed the camera. “Now everyone say cheese!” Ralph got out of the car, held the officers and advisors in the long line. When Linda and Ralph reached ithe end of the line, they waited for Randy and Patricia. “My hand feels like an electric drill from all that hand-shaking,” Randy whispered. The foursome walked around the gym and looked at the decorations. The white ball that was hung in the center of the room provided the only light, and the cheesecloth ceiling billowed out. They walked to the ‘other end of the gym and walked slowly through the patio scene. “I’m glad ithis patio turned out so well,” Linda thought. “The white picket fence, the artificial grass, the red geraniums look much better now than they did this afternoon when we decorated. And I especially like that fountain.” “Isn't this neat, Linda,” Patricia said. This is my first Prom and I think it's too much. The decorations are really swift.” She turned to Randy. “Right?” “Right,” Randy kidded. “But then everything our Junior Class does is strictly way out.” Randy jammed his hands into his pockets and stared jingling some coins. “We should have a real blast tonight. Right, Linda?” “You never know. We should, POR Os) Ralph pulled Linda closer to him. “But what, Linda?” He grinned. “You and I are going to have a swell time, if I have anything to do door, and extended his arm to Linda. Linda slid over the car seat, care- fully raised her feet over the doorsill, and stood up in the school parking lot. She straightened her white cape and pulled up her long gloves. She smiled and leoped her hand around Ralph’s elbow as Randy and Patricia walked towards them. “Well,” said Randy nervously. “Shall we go?” The four of them walked up the steps, between the two rows of curious parents that were lined all along the aisle. Linda smiled at her friends and looked affectionately at her date as she walked to the door of the ym. “I felt like an animal in a cage with all those people staring at me,’ Linda said when they were inside the school. Patricia nodded. “Everycne waits for someone to trip.” Ralph took Linda’s cape and gave it to the coat-check boy. Then the foursome started down the hall to the gym and took their turn in the reception line. While they waited, Linda looked at the far end of the hall, where the backdrop for the pictures stood. A picture of an ocean with a jutting mountain and a moon, half-hidden by black clouds, hung down from the blue satin backdrop. “Hello, Linda,” the President of the Junior Class said. He introduced his date and then shook hands with Ralph. Linda nodded and smiled. She walked forward, while Ralph reluctantly shook hands with the other with it.” “I just bet we will,” Linda commented silently and moved away from Ralph. “Well, well see you two lovebirds later,’ Randy called back as he and Patricia walked onto the dance floor. “Come on,’ Ralph whispered. “Let’s see what the other side is 22 like.” He put his arm around Linda's waist! Linda moved to the side and cupped her hand in his elbow. “All right,” she said. They ambled over to the other corner, where the refreshment passed in back of them. “I’ve got to make them think I’m having a - ball, even if I’m not. Well, I'll give Ralph one more chance to socialize, but if he doesn’t, I’m not respon. sible for my actions.” When the music stopped, she took Ralph’s arm and led him over to a group of her friends. We're going to get our pictures taken, now, One of the boys said. “Why don’t you two come and get yours taken with us?” Linda looked up at Ralph and waited for him to answer. “Okay,” he mumbled. They walked out in the bright hall and stood in line, waiting for their turn. Linda and her friends exchanged the latest school gossip and tried to drag Ralph into the conversation. “Don’t you agree, Ralph?” one oi the boys questioned. Ralph looked up from the floor and his white socks, and put his arm around Linda. “Oh, er, yeah,... table was set up. The drape at the side of the gym blew and nearly knocked over some paper cups on the table. “Ralph, let’s go on the other side to sit, it’s too chilly here.’ “Okay,” Ralph agreed. He put his arm around Linda; she moved away again and put her hand in his elbow. When they reached the other side of the gym, they sat in the middle of the horseshoe beside the band. Ralph didn’t speak; he just sat there Staring at something across the room. He mumbled one word answers to any questions Linda asked him. “That music is good,’ Linda thought. “But as far as I’m concerned, there isn’t any music-not if I can’t dance to it. When I agreed to be polite to Ralph, I didn’t agree ito sit out the whole dance. Oh, honestly why does he insist on putting his arm around me. I can’t stand it. And anyway, his hands are like ice.” Ralph bent closer to Linda and asked her to dance. Linda stood up, shocked. Ralph got up and ‘they walked out on the dance floor. Ralph held her tight; he kept trying to pull her closer, but she kept pushing away. “Oh brother,” she thought. “Now I know what it feels like to have a boa constrictor wrapped around me. I don’t know how anyone can have three left feet, but he does. sure,’ he stuttered. “Oh brother,’ Linda muttered. “Next,” the photographer boomed. Linda and Ralph followed him and stopped on the X that was marked on the blue tile floor with tape. The photographer told Ralph to put his arm around Linda and to smile. Ralph didn't need any encouragement. She smiled and thought of somethink pleasant: she woul!dn’t have to talk to Ralph after Prom night. After the last dance of the Prom, Randy and Patricia joined Linda and Ralph. “Are you two ready to go?” Randy said. Linda nodded; Ralph said, “I guess so.” “Let’s go to the Legion for the post-Prom dance. It’s only midnight.” Randy glanced at Patricia I sure let myself in for an _ event-filled evening. One dance and I’m a cripbe, She smiled an instant, fake smile at Randy and Patricia, who just 23 »