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She pointed down the street “At the high thchool … the gym”

Before he had tiirl’s hand and led her down the street The crowd hushed, then parted for them

“Angel!”

He heard his naent and friend, was standing alongside Rubber Dress They were both waving at hiarette into the street “They’re waiting for you inside”

Angel grinned That was the greatest thing about fa, he led the awestruck girl across the street Together they slipped into the gymnasium The place was decorated hat e, the band was pounding out a horrible rendition of Madonna’s “Crazy for You”

He heard people gasp as he led the girl onto the dance floor Fingers pointed, drinks fell, giggling stopped But he didn’t look around He looked at the girl, only the girl “May I have this dance?”

She opened her h-pitched squeak

He took her in his ar, and when it was over, he drew back

Feeling surprisingly good, he strode fro their new queen

“How very touching,” drawled a voice from outside

Angel forced a grin “Eleven to seventeen,” he said harshly “It’s my audience”

Val clapped Angel on the back and pulled hi on “Hard Copy,” for God’s sake, and teenaged girls sending you invitations to the prom”

“Yeah, yeah I kno, let’s get to the goddamn party I need a drink”

They raced back across the street Angel’s date was standing exactly where he’d left her, in the rain For a split second he wished he’d brought someone else—someone who mattered—but he couldn’t think who the hell that would be

Irritated by the thought, he grabbed the woether, ducking fro and clihting pushed through the old amidst the shadows Upstairs, a heavy metal band rocked the floorboards Dust filtered fro the far wall, a led annabes and slurped up booze