The school day whizzed by like some kind of mad snail on speed. Sebastian hardly even noticed choir first thing in the morning. Precal and physics found him making up song lyrics rather than taking notes. History melted into chemistry melted into biology. A bell sounded somewhere off in the fog, and students sprang from their desks like startled gazelle. Same as always.

The lockers. This was where the inane chatter took place, where every day Sebastian had to fight the urge to kick the girls applying makeup or the jocks with their arms plastered nonchalantly around their cheerleader girlfriends’ shoulders. Same as always.

Shove books into the backpack. Slam the locker. Retreat. Same as always.

Almost run into that hot punk girl in history. That’s something new. Rebecca, that was her name. She had pink hair today, and was wearing a really low cut shirt.

“Hey, Sebastian.”

“Oh, uh, hey Rebecca.” Her left ear was pierced at least four times.

“You know, you’re really clueless. Really clueless. But I think it’s kinda sweet.” She laughed.

“I, uh…what?”

“C’mon, dummy. Yesterday when I said that I hadn’t found a date yet for homecoming, I meant I hadn’t found a date yet for homecoming. I’d really hate to have to go all by myself…” Pouting. She wore tangerine lip gloss.

“Oh jeez, I’m sorry Rebecca, I didn’t mean — I mean, it’s not like — I woulda —”

She laughed again and patted him on the face. “Dance is next Wednesday, Sebastian. I’ll be ready at seven. Call me, kay?”

And as quickly as she was gone, Terry and Jamie were there, grinning, grinning. “Oh my god, Jamie, do you know the Heimlich maneuver? I think Sebastian’s choking on something!” Sebastian felt as if his ears were going to spontaneously burst into flames.

“Oh, shut up, Terry. So, Sebastian…Rebecca Lancet. How’d you do it?”

“I didn’t! She just came up to me and, uh, gave me a time to pick her up at her place for the dance. I, um, didn’t really get a choice. Oh shit, that means I’ll have to buy tickets.”

“Well, have fun at homecoming.” Terry grinned. So did Jamie.

“Oh, hell no. Don’t do this to me! You guys are coming, too. I’m gonna end up screwing things up if you guys don’t come.”

“What, did you hear that, Jamie? Sebastian still needs his friends, even though he was able to seduced Rebecca with his dashing good looks and personal charisma?”

“Arrrgh! I’m gonna kill you guys! How many times do I have to tell you…!” He could feel his face burning again.

“Heh. See you round, Romeo.”

“Later, Sebastian.”

Sebastian fingered the scar on the back of his hand and sighed.