38. Callie
Callie
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11TH
“ Y ou have fur all over your back.” Piper brushes her hand from my shoulder to my waist, trying to remove the offending animal hair. The school gym has been transformed into a Homecoming dance hall, and it’s packed with high school students, faculty, and plenty of other adults from the town who bought tickets to the War events.
“Thanks. Fettuccini decided the shirt was his new bed. I tried to get all the hair out with a lint roller, but that shit still weaves its way in somehow.”
“I honestly can’t believe you’re wearing this.”
“Hey, a bet is a bet. This is what he picked out for me.”
“Yeah, but did you have to let your class decorate it with puffy paint and feathers?”
“I think the real question is, why wouldn’t I let my class decorate it with puffy paint and feathers?”
My friend thinks that it’s somehow made the sweatsuit more offensive, but I think it does the total opposite. I’m a living piece of first grade art.
“Are those googly eyes on your butt?”
“They are,” I state confidently. “Watch what happens when I do this.” I shimmy around, stepping wide in a circle. “Are they moving? I bet they’re going crazy.”
Piper laughs and shakes her head. “You make it work, girl, good for you.”
From the shoulders down, I may be all sweatsuit and glitter glue, but let me tell you…your girl wanted to look hot from the neck up, at least.
Lily curled my hair and wrapped it so that it secured my tiara, and then she sprayed the shit out of it so it can withstand pretty much anything. I gave myself a nice, pin-up style makeup look, and Lexie did some great rhinestone work on my eyelids.
I’d prefer a cosmo in my hand to complete the look, but that’s not really an option at a school dance (even if it is also an unveiling for the Talon’s new scoreboard).
“Where’s Finn?” Piper’s voice holds some hesitation.
“He’s coming,” I promise. “Lexie told me he’s excited to rub his victory in my face.”
“I bet that’s not all he’d be excited to rub in your face.”
I laugh, partly because it’s funny, but mostly to cover up the inappropriate thought I’m having about what I like to do with Finn’s “victory” in my face.
“Seriously, though, you guys are back to normal now?”
“Um, normal feels like a strong word.”
“Holy hell, what did he do to you?” Ro emerges through the crowd, looking both stunned and stunning. She has her usual brown braids undone, falling in waves across her shoulders, and she’s wearing a form-fitting pink gown with lace across the bust.
I prop my hands on my hips. “This is an amazing outfit, and I refuse to hear otherwise. But nothing like yours, you look gorgeous! I won’t even hug you, I’d be afraid you’d get a stray feather stuck to you or something.”
“Thanks,” she nervously tugs at her hair.
“That’s what I told her,” Brody steps in, towering over both of us, before leaning in to give Ro a kiss.
“My, my, my,” I put my hand to my heart. “Aren’t you looking dapper? Where did you even find a suit that large?”
“It took some research,” he concedes. “And it’s still a little snug.”
“Well, you both look phenomenal, and also wildly uncomfortable. I’m loving every second of it.”
They both chuckle. “Eve will be pleased to hear you like her work,” Ro says.
Of course, it was Eve. “Man, I really need to hang out with her more.”
“Yeah, well, she’d die a thousand deaths if she saw what you’re wearing right now.”
“Is Finn coming?” Brody asks. I think he’s almost as eager to see Finn as I am.
“As far as I know, yeah, he’ll be here.” I don’t know why he’s not here yet, but it’s definitely not bothering me at all.
“Excuse me! Can I have everyone’s attention, please?” The microphone squeees out over the loudspeakers and Lexie’s voice quiets the gym. We all turn to see her standing on stage with Piper, Hazel, Asher, and the rest of the kids from Bird is the Word . “On behalf of the entire school, we’d like to thank everyone for participating in our first annual War of the Wild Turkeys.”
The room erupts into applause and cheers.
Piper steps up to the mic. “If everyone could please make some noise for two of our guests of honor. The founders of our new roller derby team, the Tuft Swallow Talons, please join me on stage, Team Captain Ro Swan and Team Coach Brody Flockhart!”
If the gym was loud before, it’s deafening now, as the crowd parts to let them through. Brody sweetly extends his elbow to Ro, helping her navigate up the stairs in the high heels I know she can’t wait to take off. “Thank you, Piper.” Brody has to nearly bend in half to reach the microphone. “Can we please get a round of applause for Ms. Longspur and this incredible group of students? They put together a truly spectacular fundraising event.”
More applause and whistling.
Ro steps in. “Brody and I, along with the entire Talons organization, want to thank you all so much for your support, and for embracing this new adventure. We are so excited to be able to hold try-outs, practices, and games here in the Eagle View gymnasium.”
“It’s our honor to stand here today,” Brody adds, “and unveil the brand new Tuft Swallow Talons home team scoreboard!”
A spotlight shines on the sheet being removed from the upgraded score keeper, which features the Talons logo and a digital read-out at the bottom. I assume they’ll use it for trash talking during the derby games, but for now it just says, “Thank you, Tuft Swallow!”
The cheering amplifies, and Brody wraps an arm around Ro. I know how hard they worked to get this team put together. I’m so excited to see it finally taking shape.
“And now, if I can have your attention for just one more moment before we turn it over to the DJ,” Ro smiles. “I’d like to welcome to the stage a woman who is not just a wonderful friend, but also an amazing teacher. The poorly dressed but always lovely Miss Callie Stavropoulos.”
I let out a loud laugh at my friend’s introduction and make my way up while everyone applauds. Standing on stage, I scan the crowd. But with the spotlights shining down, it’s hard to see anyone out there. Where the hell is Finn?
“Thank you, Ro. And thank you to everyone here who came out and supported these amazing events. I had such a great time, and this community is truly one of the most gracious, loving…” don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry. “I’m just really happy to be here, and I’m grateful to all of you for treating me like family from the day I moved to town.” I wipe a quick tear from my eye and continue. “Now, down to business. Where’s Coach Finnegan? I know he’s out there somewhere.”
Everyone is turning around, looking for Finn, but he doesn’t seem to be here yet. I look back to Lexie in question, but she appears just as confused as I am. “I know he’s here,” she insists.
“Boy,” I laugh into the mic. “You’d think he’d be more excited to get up here since I’ll be putting a crown on his giant head.”
There are some scattered chuckles, but still no Finn. Piper and I exchange glances, Ro and Brody are squinting, trying to see if they can spot him.
Then suddenly a pop comes through the speakers, followed by the opening notes of Can’t Get You Out of My Head . Everyone claps and whoops, but I still can’t see anything. I put my hand up to shield my eyes, and I can make out the crowd separating…so that he can dance his way up to the stage. Although I use the term “dance” loosely. He’s dressed in a full tuxedo, complete with a fancy black top hat. He looks sexy and ridiculous all at the same time.
Not that I’m really one to talk when it comes to looking ridiculous…
Piper runs over and hands him his own microphone. He takes me in from head to toe and smiles while the music fades out. “I’m here.” The crowd goes nuts.
I grin back. “Did you come from your live-action Monopoly game or something?”
“Ha ha,” he scoffs.
“Seriously, I think you might have dropped your monocle back there.”
“Make jokes all you want there, sweatsuit, but you’re the one crowning me, remember?”
The audience seems invested in our friendly bickering, and I guess it’s appropriate, since this is what started the War.
“Fair enough. Asher, may I please have the crown?”
Asher steps forward with a plastic gold crown on a cheap velvet pillow. It’s been decorated with large felt turkeys all the way around it.
“Coach,” I begin, “you were a worthy competitor. And I will let you enjoy your victory for now.” I practically put my mouth on the microphone to make sure my voice is even louder. “But I will take you down next year.”
Everyone whoops. I look at Finn, waiting to see if he understands what I just said.
It takes a second, but I see when it does.
I wink at him and turn to fully face the crowd. “I am so proud to be a teacher here at Eagle View. For this year and as long as they’ll have me. I’m excited to share with you all that I’ve accepted a permanent teaching position. Thank you so much for making it feel like home.”
A wide smile takes over Finn’s face, and Lex tackles me in a hug. “So without further ado,” I continue while she clings to me, “It is my honor and privilege to crown Coach Leo Finnegan this year’s reigning Wild Turkey. Now take off that ridiculous hat, Uncle Pennybags.”
Finn holds his arms out and steps back to make a big show of removing his hat. Using both hands, he lifts it straight up—to reveal a full head full of fluorescent purple hair.
Lex and I are both in shock, although I’m laughing and she’s…she might legitimately be in a state of shock, actually…
Finn walks back towards me and, with a flourish, puts one hand on his waist and bows while the other hand holds his hat outward.
“What is this?” I laugh.
He holds his mic up to his mouth. “This is what support looks like. Let’s give it up for Miss Callie, everybody!”
Everyone chants my name. I cover my face with my hands at the absurdity of everything that’s happening right now. And for the last three months.
With a giggle, I place the turkey crown on his head. Piper runs over and snaps some pictures of us together with Lexie. Then Finn makes a final statement to the crowd. “Thank you to everyone who made this possible! Now get to dancing!”
The PA speakers turn over to the DJ music, and Finn pulls me off to the side of the stage. Lexie follows.
“So you’re staying?” he asks me.
“Well, I got to name a cavy over at the Heavy Petting Zoo. And her new mate, Pork Chop. So, I couldn’t really leave them, you know?”
“I don’t understand most of what you just said,” he chuckled. “But that’s okay. Can I kiss you now? Or should we do that later?” He looks at my mouth and I can see his tongue barely slide over his lip.
My heart skips a beat. “Ooo, how about both?”
“Ugh, gross, seriously?”
“Lexie, go be with your friends,” Finn orders.
“Happy to,” she says. Her arms wrap around my waist. “I’m glad you’re staying.”
I hug her back tightly. “Me, too.”
She runs off and Finn doesn’t wait more than a second before kissing me like we’ve been apart for ten years.
“I can’t believe you did this,” I chuckle, not able to tear my eyes away from his neon hair.
“Yeah, well, I figured it was the best way to let you know I support you no matter what. And really make sure you know I mean it.”
I give him a quick kiss on the lips.
“I do, you know. I’m sorry if I was selfish before, but I?—”
“We both have some work to do,” I interrupt. “But we’ll figure it out.”
He takes my hand and squeezes it. “I’d like that.”
We keep our hands entwined, but turn to face the gym, everyone dancing to the music and laughing in their own groups of friends. Now that the lights have come up, it’s easy to see everyone enjoying themselves. I lean my head on Finn’s shoulders. “So was the hat just to cover up the purple, or were you honestly thinking that was a good look?”
“Pretty lofty talk from a woman who looks like a craft room threw up on her.”
“Fair enough. Man, that color is bright . Did Delilah bleach it first?”
“She did.”
“Damn, you were really committed to the bit on this one. How long does the purple stay in, then? Is it just the one wash kind or…?”
He turns to face me. “What do you mean?”
“Well, a lot of the temporary dyes are just one-wash, but some last for like eight shampoos.”
Finn just offers me a blank look.
I put my hand up to my mouth. “Oh my god.”
He whips his head around to the front of the gym and he does not need a microphone for everyone to hear him yell, “ This could have been temporary? ?”
Off to the side, I spot Jonah and Delilah. She’s grinning from ear to ear and waves her fingers at him.
I try not to laugh (but it takes effort). “I’m sure we can get it out, but…it’ll take time because we don’t want to damage your hair. Maybe Lily can…”
Finn gives me a look.
“No, you’re right, we probably can’t trust Lily to fix anything for you just yet.”
I don’t have the heart to tell him we may just be best shaving it all off.
“It’s fine,” he grumbles. “I knew it was permanent when she put it on. I just didn’t know there were other options!! ”
Delilah shrugs in the distance.
I laugh and pull him in by his lapels for another kiss. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of them. I lean in to his ear and whisper, “So is this like a rental, or…?”
His eyebrows shoot up. “You like the tux?”
“I may or may not have a James Bond fantasy I’d like to play out.”
“You are the perfect woman.”
“Come dance with me, 007.”
“After you, Madame Polyester.”