90 LASTING LOVER

Mariah calls an impromptu meeting of all volunteers for the Sadie Hawkins dance. For the past week, Paris, and to an extent, Mariah, have been trying to convince me to come but I'm firm on my resolve of not going. I'm not interested in participating in a sexist tradition.

''Couldn't Mariah have held this meeting on any other day? It's Friday and I want to go home. Who likes to be stuck in school longer than necessary on a Friday? No one.'' Paris groans. The meeting is being held in Mrs Gomez's classroom so that's where our boot clad feet are currently dragging to.

Rolling my eyes at Paris' complaint, I comment. ''You were the one who volunteered us-volunteered Theo and I involuntarily. If anything, I'm the one who's supposed to be complaining because I'm not going.'' What's the point of volunteering for something when you're not even going?