Chapter 5 Envys Green Eyes

Grant Middle School – The Winter Dance

Sade’s Point of View

December 2010 brought snow-dusted streets, holiday lights on every corner, and the highly anticipated winter dance at Grant Middle School. Sade and Isla stood in Isla’s bedroom, putting the final touches on their looks for the evening.

“Your ponytail came out so good!” Isla said, fluffing the curls in Sade’s high ponytail.

“Thanks. I’m glad my mom let me wear it like this,” Sade replied, brushing a hand over her white sweater.

Isla gave her a look. “She made you wear the sweater over your dress? It’s a dance, not Sunday school.”

Sade rolled her eyes. “You know my mom. She thinks I’ll ‘look too grown’ without it.”

“Well, at least she let you wear light makeup.” Isla dabbed a little gloss on her lips and smiled at her reflection in the mirror. Her dress, a shimmery blue with silver accents, sparkled every time she moved.

Sade’s outfit, a deep red holiday dress with white tights and matching flats, was festive yet modest—especially with the sweater. “I think we look good,” Sade said, grabbing her coat.

A car horn sounded from outside. “Girls! Let’s go!” Isla’s dad, Kevin, called from the car.

They grabbed their coats and hurried out, piling into the warm car. As Kevin drove them to the school, he glanced in the rearview mirror. “Now, remember, I’ll pick you up at 9:30 sharp. Be outside waiting, understood?”

“Yes, Dad,” Isla said with a smile.

“We’ll be there,” Sade added.

The girls jumped out of the car as soon as he parked, yelling, “Bye, Dad!” before racing into the building. The school gym had been transformed for the night. Twinkling lights hung from the ceiling, holiday decorations lined the walls, and the faint sound of music filled the air.

“Tamara!” Isla squealed, spotting their old bully-turned-friend near the entrance.

Tamara turned, her face lighting up. “Hey, y’all!”

Beside her was Star, another one of their friends, who was just as excited. The girls screamed and hugged, their energy buzzing as they headed to the coat check.

As they handed over their coats and received their tickets, Star eyed Sade’s sweater. “Why are you wearing that?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Sade sighed. “My mom doesn’t want me to ‘look too grown.’”

Star smirked. “Girl, is your mom here?”

“No…”

“Then take it off!”

The group laughed as Sade hesitated before finally slipping off the sweater and handing it to the coat check. She suddenly felt more confident, her red dress now on full display.

“Much better,” Isla said with a grin.

They walked into the gym together, where the music was louder, and the energy was electric. The refreshment stand caught their eye, and they headed over to grab cups of punch.

As Sade sipped her drink, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Dre, one of their classmates, standing there with a nervous smile.

“You look really cute tonight,” he said, his cheeks turning a little red. “Uh…do you wanna dance?”

Sade blinked in surprise but nodded. “Sure.”

Dre grinned and took her hand, leading her toward the dance floor. At the same time, Paul, one of Dre’s friends, walked up to Isla.

“You’re really pretty,” he said shyly. “Would you…uh, like to dance?”

Isla smiled and nodded. “Okay.”

Paul offered his hand, and Isla took it as they joined Dre and Sade on the dance floor. Meanwhile, Tamara had found a boy from another class, and Star was already spinning and laughing with someone she’d just met.

The gym was alive with the sound of a popular up-tempo song, and the floor was packed with students dancing and laughing. Sade felt herself relax as she and Dre moved to the beat.

“This is fun,” she thought, glancing over at Isla, who was smiling brightly as she danced with Paul.

Sade laughed as Dre attempted a spin but tripped over his own feet. “Careful! You’re going to take both of us down!” she teased, steadying him.

“Hey, I’m new to this whole dancing thing,” Dre admitted, his grin sheepish.

“Clearly,” she shot back with a playful smirk.

Across the floor, Isla and Paul seemed to be in their own little world. Paul wasn’t the best dancer, but Isla didn’t care. She was having fun, and that was all that mattered.

The song ended, and the DJ switched to a slower tempo. Couples began pairing up, and Dre glanced at Sade nervously.

“Uh, do you… want to keep dancing?” he asked, rubbing the back of his neck.

Sade hesitated, but before she could answer, Isla grabbed her arm.

“Bathroom break!” Isla announced, pulling Sade off the dance floor.

“What was that about?” Sade asked as they walked into the restroom.

“I was saving you,” Isla said, leaning against the sink. “You looked like you didn’t want to slow dance.”

Sade laughed. “Thanks, I guess.” She adjusted her ponytail in the mirror. “But it wasn’t that bad. Dre’s actually kind of sweet.”

Isla raised an eyebrow. “Sweet, huh? Do I sense a crush?”

“Absolutely not,” Sade said quickly, though her cheeks turned slightly pink. “He’s just a friend.”

“Sure,” Isla said, drawing out the word with a knowing smile.

As the girls regrouped near the refreshment table, Tamara stormed over, her hands on her hips. “Where the hell did you guys go?” she demanded, her sharp tone cutting through the music.

Sade raised an eyebrow. “We were just dancing. What’s your problem?”

“My problem?” Tamara huffed, rolling her eyes. “I’ve been looking all over for you two, and you’re out here playing ‘Love and Basketball’ on the dance floor?” She shook her head. “What the fuck, Sade? You’re supposed to be my wingwoman!”

Isla smirked, trying to hold back a laugh. “We didn’t realize we were on babysitting duty tonight.”

Tamara glared at her but broke into a grin. “Whatever. Just don’t ditch me again. I swear to God, if I have to hang out with Star and her weird obsession with taking selfies one more time, I’m gonna lose it.”

Sade laughed. “Relax, T. We’re not going anywhere.”

“Good,” Tamara said, grabbing a cup of punch. “Now, where’s that Dre guy you were dancing with, huh? Or was that just a one-time thing?”

“None of your business,” Sade shot back, feeling her cheeks warm.

“Uh-huh.” Tamara smirked, sipping her pop. “Keep playing shy bitch. We all know you’re about to give him your number. Just don’t let him ghost you, girl.”

Sade’s eyes wandered toward the benches near the edge of the dance floor. Marco sat there, flanked by two others—a boy she recognized from class named Jordan and a girl she thought was named Kim. Marco leaned back, his arms draped casually over the bench, but his eyes were locked on her, the green of them practically glowing under the gym lights.

“What’s his problem?” Sade muttered under her breath.

Isla followed her gaze and frowned. “Who cares? Let him stare. He’s weird like that.”

Still, something about Marco’s intense focus made Sade uneasy. She quickly turned her attention back to the music.

The girls rejoined Tamara and Star at the refreshment table.

“What you two hoe's talkin' bout?” Tamara asked, sipping on a soda.

“Girl talk,” Isla said, winking at Sade.

“Oh, spill!” Star said, leaning in eagerly.

“There’s nothing to spill,” Sade insisted, sitting down.

Just then, Dre walked over, his grin as bright as ever. “Hey, Sade. Wanna dance again?”

Sade glanced at Isla, who nodded encouragingly. “Sure,” Sade said, standing up.

As Dre took her hand and led her back to the dance floor, Isla noticed Marco watching again. His green eyes narrowed slightly, and Isla felt a pang of jealousy she didn’t understand. She shook it off, focusing on Paul as he returned to their table.

Paul grinned at Isla. “You’re not just gonna sit there all night, are you?”

Isla laughed. “Maybe I’m taking a break.”

“Well, if you’re done with your break…” He extended his hand to her, his expression hopeful.

Isla smiled, accepting his hand. “Fine. One more dance.”

After a few more songs, the group returned to the table, laughing and catching their breath. Paul draped his arm casually over Isla’s shoulders as they talked, leaning in close to hear her over the music. She didn’t seem to mind, and Sade gave her a knowing look, which Isla pointedly ignored.

Meanwhile, Dre leaned toward Sade. “Hey, before the night’s over, can I get your number? You know, for dance advice.”

Sade rolled her eyes playfully but handed him her phone. “Only if I can get yours too. Fair is fair.”

They exchanged phones, quickly typing in their numbers. Dre handed hers back with a grin. “Saved under ‘Dre the Dancer.’”

Sade laughed. “That’s what you’re going with?”

“Hey, you won’t forget me now,” Dre said confidently.

“I doubt I could,” Sade replied with a smirk.

From his spot on the bench, Marco watched the interaction unfold, his expression darkening. The way Dre leaned toward Sade, the easy smile on her face—it all seemed to bother him.

Kim nudged him. “What’s up with you tonight? You’ve been weird ever since we got here.”

“Nothing,” Marco muttered, but his eyes remained on Sade.

By the time 9:30 rolled around, the girls were exhausted but buzzing with excitement. They grabbed their coats from the coat check and headed outside, where Kevin was waiting in the car.

“How was it?” Kevin asked as they climbed in.

“Awesome!” Isla said.

“Best dance ever,” Sade added with a grin.

But as the car drove through the snowy streets, Sade found herself glancing out the window, her thoughts drifting back to Marco. His green eyes, filled with envy, lingered in her mind, and for the first time, she wondered if there was more to his jealousy than she realized.