Tia felt a pang of sadness knowing she wouldn't be entering the ball on Xavier's arm. He had called earlier to explain that he'd accidentally spilled shoe polish on his suit and would have to join her later once he found something else to wear. She was uneasy about showing up without a date—it wasn't her first time in that position, but she had truly hoped this night would be different. Her biggest fear was that he wouldn't show up at all, especially since rumors claimed Xavier never attended campus events. She eventually went with Clara, whose date, Tyler, was already waiting at the venue.
The moment they stepped into the ballroom, the atmosphere shifted. Heads turned, conversations died down, and eyes widened as everyone began admiring their stunning dresses.
Tia giggled, leaning toward her friend. "We look so good the entire student body is staring," she whispered.
Clara sighed, though a small smile played on her lips. "I know I should be proud, but all these stares are making me uncomfortable."
"Just act like no one is watching. Personally, I feel like a celebrity."
Clara spotted Tyler waving from across the room. She felt a twinge of guilt about leaving Tia alone. "Why don't you stay with us until Xavier arrives?" Clara insisted.
"Oh, no. I wouldn't want to intrude on your night. I'd just be eavesdropping on your conversation, and that's not right."
Clara tried to pull her along. "Come on, Tia. Tyler won't mind!"
But Tia firmly pulled her hand back. "No, Clara. It's best if you two stay together."
"If you insist on waiting, just don't worry too much about Xavier. He'll definitely come. And stay away from Stella—don't let her ruin your dress."
Tia nodded. "Got it. Now go, you're keeping Tyler waiting," she said, giving Clara a gentle nudge.
"Fine, fine! I'm going!" Clara laughed, rushing off toward Tyler.
Tia found a seat nearby and checked her phone incessantly for a message from Xavier. But she saw nothing. She tried calling him, but he didn't pick up, and her nerves began to fray. Are you really coming, Xavier? Please don't disappoint me, she prayed.
Just then, Michael walked in. Tia tried to shield her face, but it was too late; he had already spotted her. He was momentarily stunned by how beautiful she looked. His only hope now was that Stella would look even better so he could parade her around with pride. Noticing Tia was sitting by herself, just like always, a smug satisfaction washed over him. "What's the point of looking that good if you don't even have a date?" he muttered. He chose not to approach her, fearing her sharp tongue, and instead waited for Stella to make her entrance.
Tia was equally relieved that he stayed away. She wasn't in the mood for any annoying conversations. "I wonder what's taking his precious date so long," she murmured mockingly.
Stella, meanwhile, expected to turn every head when she arrived. To her shock, nobody even glanced her way. She marched across the floor, making sure her heels clicked loudly to demand attention, but the result was total indifference.
Michael's jaw dropped when he saw her—not in a good way. He couldn't believe she had chosen something so ridiculous, and it stung that Tia looked far more appealing. Since no one was openly laughing yet, he tried to stay calm and convince himself the dress wasn't a total disaster.
"What on earth are you wearing?" Michael asked, struggling to keep his temper in check.
"A... dress?" Stella replied, her confidence wavering.
"Weren't there any better options? Why did you pick this? You look like a Christmas tree!"
Stella gasped. "Excuse me?"
But Michael was on a roll. "And I hate green! Even if you wanted to wear something eccentric, you should have picked red."
Stella was already regretting her decision to copy Tia, but she wasn't about to play the fool. She pivoted to her backup plan. "Michael, are you just going to insult me? What about Tia? She's the one who copied me!"
Michael paused, confused. "What are you talking about?"
"Tia copied me! she knew I was choosing this style, and I'm furious about it."
Michael pointed toward the far side of the room. "You mean the Tia sitting over there?"
Stella followed his gaze and froze. Tia was wearing a breathtaking pink gown—the very one Stella had almost bought before she'd decided to spitefully copy the green one. "It can't be... I saw her pick the green one! She went to the cashier with it!"
Michael sighed, exhausted. "Stella, just stop the drama. Just... don't let this happen again."
Stella didn't answer. Fuming, she marched straight toward Tia. Michael called her name to stop her, but she ignored him.
"You!" Stella spat, pointing a finger at Tia's face. "What is the meaning of this?"
"Here we go again," Tia said, rolling her eyes. "What's the meaning of what, Stella? Is there a problem?"
"Yes, a very big problem!" Stella hissed. "I saw you buy exactly what I'm wearing right now. Why did you change it just to make me look like a fool?"
"So, you're admitting you were spying on me yesterday? Oh, Stella, why would you degrade yourself like that?"
"Shut up! You might have a nice dress and look pretty, but the joke is on you." Stella let out a menacing laugh. "I'm looking left, I'm looking right, and I don't see anyone with you. I guess I was right—you're alone, and you'll always be alone. But look at me; I'm here with Michael. All you can do is sit there and watch us together."
Stella turned on her heel. "Sit tight and enjoy the ball."
Tia tried to suppress the rising sadness, but Stella's words cut deep. She didn't fight back because, deep down, she felt the sting of the truth. It seemed like no one else was coming through those doors. She told herself Xavier wasn't coming.
Stella stuck her tongue out at Tia as she and Michael began to waltz. Tia gave her a cold look and turned away. Looking around at the happy couples, she felt like the only person truly alone in the world.
She bowed her head, losing all hope. "Thank you so much for keeping me waiting, Xavier," she whispered to herself, preparing to leave.
Suddenly, the heavy doors flung open. Xavier walked in majestically, moving as if he owned the entire room.
"Oh my gosh, it's Xavier!" a girl screamed.
The music seemed to fade as students, including a stunned Stella and Michael, stopped dancing to stare. Everyone craned their necks to see who his date was, but Xavier didn't give them a second glance. He walked straight to Tia.
Tia crossed her arms, eyes narrowed. He cleared his throat, speaking with a calm, apologetic tone. "I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting. My suit was badly rumpled, and I had to iron it myself."
Tia stared at him for a long beat, torn between her lingering anger and her relief. "Don't ever do that again," she finally said.
Her voice was soft, signaling her forgiveness, and Xavier looked visibly relieved. "I promise I won't. May I have this dance?"
Tia finally giggled. "Sure." She placed her hand in his, and they stepped onto the floor, ignoring the shocked gasps of the crowd. Holding onto Xavier, Tia felt like she had stepped into a fairytale. She caught Stella's eye and didn't miss the opportunity—she stuck her tongue right back at her.