The school gymnasium was alive, transformed into a glittering wonderland for the annual dance. Strands of fairy lights crisscrossed the ceiling, and colorful streamers swayed gently in the breeze of ceiling fans. Students milled about in their finest clothes, their laughter and chatter blending with the upbeat tempo of the band on stage.
Kara sat on the edge of her bed, twisting a loose thread on her pink, fluffy dress. Tonight was supposed to be magical. Her first official date with Cole, the boy every girl seemed to adore. And yet, she couldn't shake the unease that had been building all day.
"Stop fidgeting," her mother called from downstairs. "He's a nice boy. You're going to have a great time."
Kara forced a smile she didn't feel. Nice wasn't the word she'd use for Cole. Charming, maybe. Handsome, definitely. But "nice" felt... too simple.
