ACT 2, SCENE 1

WHOEVER INVENTED SEMI-FORMAL SHOULD BE EXECUTED. Formal or casual? Easy. Yet semi-formal had no reasonable rules, an impossible converge of the two. How did anyone determine what was formal enough but not too formal? 

Smoothing out his collar, Aarav straightened his glasses and examined his reflection. He was clad in a crisp black dress shirt with a deep green vest and black slacks. If he had it his way, he would've skipped homecoming. But as luck would have it, attendance to school dances was a necessity in his friend group. Iris wouldn't stop annoying him about it. To top it all of, he'd been having migraines on and off all day. 

His phone dinged with a text notification from Jackie. 

Can I get a ride?

Why was she asking so last minute? He groaned and rolled his eyes.

Why don't you ask Madison? 

She ditched me.

How typical. Massaging his temples, Aarav cursed the headache that had plagued him all day. 

Be there in ten minutes.

The sound of footsteps and the door opening made him look up. Giggling, Aadhira bounced into his room, one hand clutching her stuffed elephant. Dangling around her neck was the green tie that had disappeared earlier. 

"Anna!" She ran over to him and hugged his arm while dragging him backward. Stumbling, he clung to the edge of the bookshelf to avoid falling over. 

"What are you doing with my tie?" Aarav raised his eyebrows and adjusted his glasses.

"Oh yeah, Amma told me to give it to you. It came back from the dry cleaners earlier."

"So that's where it went." He patted his sister's head and looped the tie around his neck. He reached over the desk to grab his jacket hanging off the chair. 

"Can me and Flappy come with you?" 

"Flappy and I," Aarav corrected. "And no, homecoming is just for high school." 

Aadhira scowled and crossed her arms. "But—"

"Hey, I'll take you to see the play this weekend, promise?" 

Immediately, her expression brightened. A wide smile spread across her face. "Okay, if you promise."  

Running a hand through his hair, he sighed and jogged down the stairs. Well, that was one thing settled. Now all he had to do was survive the rest of the night. 

At 7:47, Aarav pulled up at Jackie's house. Out the door came Jackie in a simple red dress, black hair pulled half-up, who got in the car at 7:48. Laced through a braid, her usual red ribbon was tied behind in a bow. Aarav caught a whiff of her warm floral scent—jasmine and rose. For a few moments, he tapped his fingers against the steering wheel then drove off when it was 7:50.

"You look nice," he commented. 

"You too. Thanks for picking me up. Madison didn't want me with her friends in the limo." 

"Glad to know I make an excellent chauffeur."

"I like riding around in a Lexus." Soft and lilting, her laugh filled the air, pouring from her the way bubbling champagne would from elegant wine glasses. "Besides, I'm wearing heels so I can't exactly go to school on foot."

"Why wear shoes you can barely walk in?" 

"They're pretty and they match my dress."

He scoffed and rolled his eyes. Leave it to Jackie to be impractical. 

"So what were you waiting for earlier?"

"I like doing things in multiples of fives. Bothers me when the time isn't." Where the habit stemmed from, Aarav didn't know. He'd been that way for as long as he could remember. 

"Of course it had to do with numbers." 

"What is that supposed to mean?" Slowing to a stop at the red light, Aarav tapped his fingers against the steering wheel. Sleek sports cars displayed in cobblestone driveways, manicured lawns and custom mansions—he'd seen the same streets and houses all his life.

"You're like a math god. Anyone who struggles with it should construct a temple in your honor." 

Despite his headache, a smile tugged at his lips. "What if I refuse? Or they offend me?" 

Jackie shrugged. "Turn them into some animal. The Greeks did it all the time." 

After a beat, she asked, "Do you believe in a god?" 

"That's a random question."

"Well I had a random thought. So tell me. I'm curious." Jackie tugged on his sleeve.

Shaking off her hand, Aarav tightened his grip on the steering wheel. "I'm atheist. But my parents are Hindus."

"Is there a reason why?"

"Not really. I just don't adhere to religious doctrine. My parents' beliefs aren't my own, but I go along with their customs."

"What if there's an apocalypse that destroys everything so people can only find sanctuary in temples devoted to who they worship? Then you don't have a god."

"What kind of question is that?"

Come to think of it, Jackie did have a habit of sprouting nonsensical questions. He remembered one lunch hour where she'd come up with a bunch of random things to ask him. 

"A writing prompt I found online."

Typical Jackie. He almost laughed. "I'll worship myself. If I'm the math god, the  I'll find a temple devoted to me."

"That's... the most arrogant thing I've ever heard."

Aarav shrugged. To him, it was a simple and practical solution. 

"I'm not really sure I believe in god either. My mom does. She's Buddhist." A laugh escaped her lips. 

"Maybe I don't believe in a god," Jackie continued. "But I believe in miracles our there."

"That's a nice sentiment." Aarav glanced at her from the corner of his eye. There it was again, that unbridled smile. A wonder she could grin so unapologetically in spite of everything. 

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."

He rolled his eyes. "The stars are further than the moon. And if you do land on them, you'll be incinerated."

"Stop being a buzzkill. You know full well what I meant." 

Aarav stifled a laugh. He scanned the area for a good parking spot while he pulled into the school parking lot. There were already cars filling up spaces; apparently people had arrived early. Finally, he managed to snag one near the front since Jackie had mentioned it was hard to walk in heels. 

"Well, we're finally here," he told her.

The girl climbed out, unsurprisingly wobbling in her shoes. In small steps, she moved forward, wholly concentrated on balancing. 

Rolling his eyes, Aarav held out an arm to her. "You really should've worn flats."

"I'm walking perfectly fine!" Jackie stumbled suddenly and he lunched forward to catch her. He sighed and steadied her upright, offering his arm again. She reluctantly took it and the two headed inside. 

Of course, Westminster went all out with the decorations this year. When did the school not? Being a private academy gave it money to burn. The ballroom was decked out in blue and gold with sparkling lights. Already, there were a couple people on the dance floor while others congregated with friends.

"A ballroom. Why am I not surprised?" muttered Jackie, eyes widening while she took in the scene. Aarav had to remind himself that this was a luxury unfamiliar for her. Strange that the things he took for granted were foreign to someone else. 

"Don't all schools have a ballroom?"

"Normal schools host dances in the gym."

"That seems rather improper."

A particular blond came into view, one ostentatiously dressed with gelled hair and whitened teeth. Already he had wormed his way into a group of girls by flashing them his usual smile. 

"There's Liam," Jackie squeaked beside him, cheeks colored pink.

Aarav raised his eyebrows. "Are you going to talk to him?"

"Not yet." She twirled the end of her red hair ribbon and gnawed her lip. "What exactly is his type anyway?"

"I am not condoning this." Sighing, he adjusted his glasses and leaned against the wall, one foot propped up against it. Playing matchmaker between Liam and Jackie would only worsen his night. Not to mention that he'd have to deal with her flighty tendencies and idealized expectations. 

"Tell me one thing," she begged.

For god's sake, why wasn't he a hermit already? 

Aarav asked, "You want a fairytale romance, don't you?" 

She nodded emphatically.

"In a perfect love story, shouldn't the other person like you for you?" Aarav didn't have much experience with romance but that seemed like common sense. Not for the first time, he was glad. As a bystander, it was easier to keep a more level head than someone tangled in the mess like Jackie. 

"...yes." 

"So shouldn't you just be yourself?"

She shook her head. "He won't like me the way I am."

"Then find someone else." Aarav pinched the tip of his nose bridge. Why Liam of all people? Exactly what did she see in him, other than his golden boy looks? 

"Well, he's sweet and charming," Jackie argued. 

"You don't know him like I do. He's not the perfect guy you fantasize about in your head."

"So help me get to know him."

He groaned. If Jackie was anything, it was determined. Tipping his head back against the wall, he massaged his temples, trying to ease the headache away. The only way the night could get any worse was if he ran into Madison.

"I can't believe you came!" said a high-pitched voice.

Speak of the devil. Madison Aster herself sauntered across the ballroom. Clearly, there was no rest for the wicked. Jackie squeaked and inched behind him. Aarav cast a glance over his shoulder at her and raised an eyebrow. 

"Well?" Madison's gaze settled on Aarav and she smirked. Her face held a perpetual smugness to coordinate her prideful demeanor. Unfortunately, Little Miss Perfect took every opportunity she could to annoy him. If he had to listen to her voice any longer, he might just pull a Van Gogh and cut off his left ear. Maybe he'd swallow yellow paint too, see if that made him any happier.  

"Don't you have anything better to do?" he asked tightly. 

In a show of nonchalance, Aarav slid his hands in his pockets. The dull agony in his head intensified, the headache made no better by the pounding music. He bit back a silent curse and smoothed his features into an indiscernible mask. Why of all days did he pick this one to skip coffee? 

Oh yeah, it ran out. 

"Well, wouldn't you like to know?" A hand set on her hip, Madison raised a brow and tilted her head, cold green eyes sweeping over him. Her upper lip curled. "Why do you always wear black? Like seriously, who are you mourning?" 

"Your dignity and my sanity." He poured himself a cup of punch and half-considered dumping it on her. Not that he'd actually risk a detention on his record, but the thought grew more tempting by the minute. 

Pushing back his shoulders, he set the pitcher down and shot her an accusatory look. "Seriously, why are you here? Go hang out with your usual clique." 

Aarav scanned the room for someone—anyone—to interrupt. Fortunately, Iris did. She glided over to them, almost floating across the shiny floor in her shimmery silver gown. Her caramel blonde hair was piled on top of her head in elaborate curls, and sparkly eyeshadow highlighted her dark monolids. 

"He does have a point, Maddie," Iris cut in cheerfully to diffuse the tension. At Madison's side in seconds, she kissed the other's cheek and looped an arm through hers. Never once did Iris' smile falter. "Our friends are probably wondering where we went." 

"Hm, I can see when I'm not wanted." Giving him a honeyed smile that bared her whitened teeth, Madison patted Aarav's shoulder. "Have fun at Homecoming," she said and flicked him on the forehead before stalking off with Iris at her heels.

Aarav tilted his head to look down at Jackie, who'd been hiding behind him the entire time. "You've been uncharacteristically quiet." 

"She's intimidating."

"Intimidating?" He snorted. "Annoying, yes, but Madison's basically harmless. She's about as threatening as a bunny." 

"I'm pretty sure bunnies can kill you if they try hard enough." 

He laughed softly and swallowed a mouthful of punch before cringing. It was sugary sweet with a bitter undertaste. Sucking in a sharp breath, he set the cup aside, allowing it to become mixed in with the rest of the forgotten red solos. 

Aarav set his hands on the table and looked at Jackie for a moment. "What about Liam?"

"What about him?" 

He craned his neck to look at the blond. "Well, Liam's free right now. You can ask him to dance."

"What? No, I can't do that! I can't just dance with him either." 

"You did multiple times during rehearsals."

"None of that was real. It doesn't count!" Jackie shook her head, causing her hair to go flying. "Besides, you don't approve." 

Rolling his eyes, Aarav grabbed the girl's wrist and tugged her over to Liam, whose eyebrows raised when they approached. "Jackie has something she'd like to ask." 

"Really?" An easy grin spread across Liam face and he leaned closer to her. "Now what would that be?"

The girl's mouth opened and closed like a goldfish with only splutters coming out. Sighing, Aarav folded his arms and explained, "She wants to dance with you."

Ignoring her glare, he nudged her closer to Liam. "There's your chance, so don't blow it," he hissed into her ear before striding away. 

Eyes squeezed shut, head bend forward, he pinched the bridge of his nose. Another problem solved. Now Aarav and his migraine had to survive the rest of Homecoming.

. . .

If Jackie could strangle Aarav, she would've. Except she was a mere five feet and had no upper body strength. And being the varsity cross country captain, he'd easily outrun her.

What a jerk, leaving her alone with Liam. She looked up into his glittering blue eyes and gulped, her posture stiffening. Her tongue flailed hopelessly, rough and scratchy like sandpaper, her stream of words running dry. 

"Dance with me?" Liam extended a hand to her, palm facing upwards. She accepted it, letting her own be engulfed by his warmth. His fingers were long, lissom with round manicured nails.

"Did you come to Homecoming with anyone?" she blurted, the words spilling from her lips before she could stop them. She didn't want to be taking attention away from a date. 

"Just a couple of friends. Believe me, they don't mind." Liam's eyes focused entirely on her, which sent a tingle through her body. Her stomach did somersaults at the sight of his smile.

Contrary to her jittery movements, Jackie tried to walk with  grace and elegance, wincing when her ankle wobbled. She rubbed her neck and looked away before forcing herself to continue contact. "I've never done this before," she whispered.

"What, dancing? You mean you don't remember our play rehearsals?" 

"This is different."

Liam laughed in response. A soft, slow melody played in the background. Jackie was acutely aware of the press of his fingers against the small of her back, her own hand set on his shoulder. Blue eyes twinkling, he guided her with ease, his smile never once faltering. 

"You're so tense," he told her. "Just relax."

"It's just not like the play." Plays came with scripts and directions, a path to follow. Without a guide, Jackie was free-falling through a series of decisions and actions.

"Come on, you're thinking too much. Follow the beat." 

"I do better with choreographed dances, you know, with me being a klutz and all." 

"Nah, you're not that clumsy." 

"I literally fell off the stage one rehearsal." 

"True, you had everyone pretty worried." Liam tapped Jackie's head. "Lucky you didn't get a concussion." 

Her cheeks flushed. She inclined her head, causing her hair to fall over her red-tipped ears. "Okay, well what about you? Surely you have some mishaps." 

"Doesn't everyone?" Deftly, he spun her around before tugging her close again. Jackie let out a tiny yelp and let him pull her into the warmth of his embrace. 

"I remember one from last year," he continued. "Wasn't just me. There was a time when we all skipped over an entire scene, and no one—not even Aarav or Mr. Wilson—realized until it was too late." 

"Seriously?" Jackie bit her lip to keep from dissolving into a fit of giggles. "How did that even happen?" 

"No one has a clue." Liam leaned in conspiratorially. But someone did say the name of the Scottish play earlier." 

"I knew it!" she declared triumphantly. "The curse is definitely real."

"After that, Mr. Wilson had us all do a cleansing ritual to ward off the evil the play's name brought on."

"Let's hope nothing like that happens opening night."

"I'm pretty sure Westminster is paying to get the video professionally recorded so we can submit it to Center Stage." 

"So if I mess up, it'll be documented for all of eternity." Jackie swallowed hard and glanced briefly at her shoes before looking back up at Liam. The butterflies swarmed in her stomach, half from nerves and half from Liam.

"Hey, focus on the moment, Jackie." 

And then he was pulling her in and twirling her around. She laughed when she was spun around in a circle, her heart hammering in her chest, feeling as though she could reach out and take flight. In that moment, all she knew was Liam and the best of the music. When the song ended and Jackie stepped back, he tugged her close and lifted her in the air. Mouth falling open, her arms tightened around his neck. 

"Don't drop me!" 

Liam set her down safely on the ground. "I would have never dreamed of it."  

When the music started up again, he clasped her hand and asked, "Ready for another dance?" 

And Jackie smiled so hard it felt as though her face would break. She floated through the rest of the night like in a giddy dream.