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How'd the assignment go for you?

I don't know. The reading was a bit . . . esoteric. 

Mr. Whitney laughed.

I don't think you'll find my paper very good.

He shrugged, Well at least you tried. 

Silence.

So the prom's about a week away. Are you going?

I don't know. Maria Clairite asked if I'd like to go. She's sweet, but it still feels like a pity invite.

I think you should. It'll be good for you.

She said the same thing. Yeah, maybe I will.

- - -

I felt bad for Maria. She didn't seem to be having as much fun as I'd hope she would. But then again, I wasn't really here to have fun.

And then I saw her. She was with her new boyfriend, whose name I now know. He's a nice guy. I feel bad for him getting mixed up in all of this. 

They sat down at our table. She was all over him. I didn't want to be there, so I got up and left to the bathroom. I wanted to cry, but couldn't. He should be here right now. With all of us. Having a good time. Even if I wanted to have a good time, I couldn't. I'd feel too guilty. I stood in the bathroom looking at myself until Tony ran in, laughing his ass off.

Oh my God, karma is a bitch!

Tony, I don't really feel like talking.

She just got sick! In the middle of the entire fucking dance floor! He gave me a pat on the back and went off, still laughing.

I felt bad for her. Even now, she didn't deserve this. 

I decided to leave. Maria was already waiting by one of the doors with our coats, I figured you'd want to go, she said. Before we got in my car I hugged her. She kissed me on the cheek.

Thanks for trying, I said.

Do you want to go visit him? I bet they'd make an exception and let us in this late.

Yeah. I'd like that.

- - -