"This is great!" Liz shouted to Max, "I only wish Maria would get here."
"She'll be here." Max said, spinning Liz around.
The DJ that had been hired, was playing a Save Ferris song.
"Did I tell you how beautiful you are tonight?" Max said, pulling Liz closer. He leaned in, and kissed her softly on the lips.
"Maybe I should wear this more often." Liz laughed.
"Excuse me."
Liz turned around and smiled. "Maria, I'm so glad you made it!" She huged her friend.
"Max."
"Hey Maria. Glad you could make it."
"I had to make an appearance. So have you seen HIM?" She asked scanning the crowd.
"Not yet. He may not come."
"Well, I'm gonna go leave you two lovebirds alone."
"Be good." Liz said taking Max's hand.
"Don't you know it." Maria headed toward the punch bowl.
She poured her a cup, and turned back toward the dance floor. She stood there for awhile, watching the happy, dancing couples. She sighed and turned towards the door. Just in time to see Michael come walking in. He was gorgeous, dressed in a black tux, with his wonderful spikey hair.
"Oh God." She said, and turned around quickly.
Michael scanned the room looking for Maria. When he didn't see her, he walked toward the punch bowl. He hadn't expected to find her at the dance, but he had hoped. He fixed himself a cup of punch, and turned towards the crowd again. He searched the happy faces for Maria's. He sighed and turned, "I hate dances." He said to no one in particular.
"I know what you mean." Maria answered.
Michael turned toward her and dropped his cup. He had never seen Maria in a dress like this before. She was wearing a silver dress made of crepe-paper like material that clung to every curve. She had glittery make-up on that accentuated the dress.
"Maria..." Michael gulped.
"Michael." Maria replied.
"You look..."
The music changed to a slow song, and people started to move closer.
all you sinners,
put your lights on,
put your lights on,
Hey now all you lovers,
put your lights on,
put your lights on,"
"Michael what do you want?"
"I'm sorry Maria. I didn't mean...I mean I never..." Michael stumbled for the right words.
"You never what?"
Michael took a deep breath, "Maria I've never felt for anyone the way I do for you. All my life I've kept a distance. It's hard to break old habits."
"Michael..." Maria could feel the tears behind her eyes threaten to fall.
"No, let me finish....I reall don't know how to react to these feelings. I'm sorry Maria. I...if you hate me I understand. I love you." He hadn't meant to pour out all of his feelings, but he couldn't let her hate him.
all you killers,
put your lights on,
put your lights on,
Hey now,
all you children,
leave your lights on,
better leave your lights on,
'cause there's a monster,
living under my bed,
whispering in my ear."
"Michael...I'm sorry. I love you too.." She kissed him and then hugged him tightly.
"You look really beautiful." He whispered into her hair.
"You do too." She whispered back.
"Do you...want to dance?" He looked at her.
"I'd love to." She said taking his hand into hers.
with her hand on my hand,
she says I got nothing to fear,
and there's a darkness,
living deep in my soul,
I still got a purpose to serve,
Oh God don't let me lose my nerve,"
They started dancing. Each holding the other tight. Maria with her head resting on his shoulder, and Michael with his chin on the top of her head.
Maria looked up and saw Liz smiling at them. Maria smiled back, and rested her head back on Michael's shoulder.
with her hand on my hand,
she says I got nothing to fear,
She said we all shine like stars,
we all shine like stars,
and then we fade away."
THE END