I’m all ready for the kids to arrive when the Snow Ball begins. I watch the door in anticipation of their arrival. At two minutes until seven, Kookie and Emmie, flanked by Janna and Lyric, come striding through the open doors. They are followed a moment later by Melody, Harmony, and their dates.
Everyone in their group appears so happy. They’re either smiling or laughing. Each of them seems to pause to take in the grandeur of the ballroom. AKA the decorated gymnasium. I smile as I watch them. I’m hoping that this evening becomes a beautiful memory for each of them.
Briefly, I wonder if any of these couples will pass the test of time. Of course, they’re all so young. But Kookie and Emmie seem like a very real possibility to me. I can see them deciding to share the rest of their lives with each other. And so far, Lyric seems to be a very good match for Emmie. Of course, I have no way of judging if Jon is a match for Harmony, but Yoon and Melody seem to be hitting it off quite well.
My eyes travel across the group. The eight of them make a stunning picture. The boys all dressed in black and white, the girls complementing each other in burgundy, navy, green, and white. I glance at the girls’ dresses and smile in satisfaction as I recall a concern of Janna’s from earlier this afternoon. She was nervous about eating dinner in her dress. But it appears that her fear was unwarranted. Not only hers but all four of the girls’ dresses survived dinner without a single spot to mar them.
But something instantly occurs to mar the seeming perfection of this night. My gaze moves from Janna to Harmony momentarily. While I’m watching Harmony, her eyes travel across the room, and she suddenly starts. Like something surprised her. She looks quickly away, but a moment later, her eyes seem drawn to that same corner again. This time, I follow them.
And this time, I’m the one that’s startled. I’ve found him. Finally. My Jimin doppelgänger. And he appears to be mooning over Harmony. He can’t seem to take his eyes off of her.
Their eyes instantly collide, and a deep blush spreads across her face. He too seems riveted. To her.
My gaze travels from one to the other for a few silent moments. But then I find myself drawn towards her date. Jon appears oblivious to the sparks flying between his dance partner and Jimin’s lookalike. Uh-oh, trouble in paradise. He doesn’t know what he’s in for.
A moment later, I realize the whole group is headed my way. No one else seems to have noticed the way that Harmony is staring at the boy across the room. But as I see Jon’s hand reach for Harmony’s fingers a moment later, I realize that perhaps I was wrong. His eyes fly to her face. He appears to be looking for something in her countenance. But she fails to look at him until his fingers brush against hers.
Then, startled, she glances his way, breaking her eye contact with the alternate Jimin.
Jon’s fingers wrap tightly around her own, squeezing them, as her eyes careen into his. I watch as she swallows nervously. Jon bends towards her and whispers something into her ear. She nods at him as the group comes to a standstill before me.
“Mom,” Janna distracts me momentarily from the drama unfolding right in front of me.
“Yes,” I reply.
“Already working hard?” she teases me.
“Hey, I’ll have you know that serving punch is hard work,” I rebuke her lightly. “Hey, Nana,” I continue in an undertone a moment later as my eyes slide across the room. “Have you ever noticed how much that young man there looks like Jimin?”
“Oh, Mom, now you’re going to say that Melody’s date resembles Yoongi.”
“Doesn’t he?” I furrow my brow at her.
She shrugs. “Not really. At first glance, I thought so, but now the similarity is fading.”
“So, you really don’t think that guy looks like Jimin?”
She shakes her head.
“Do you know who he is?” I query, my eyes seeking out the face that so closely resembles that of the eldest maknae.
“His name is Jimmy.”
“No,” I respond in a deep and disbelieving voice.
“I know, right?” she responds quickly.
“Is he a friend of yours?”
She shakes her head. “No, but he…Harmony’s been in love with him for months.”
“Oh?” Clearly, she still is. “Why didn’t she come with him then?” I murmur into Janna’s ear.
“Because Jon asked her, and Jimmy never did.”
“Ah, young love,” I mumble.
“Exactly,” Janna asserts, “it’s a mess.”
We share knowing smiles before she turns towards Lyric. “Wanna dance?” she breathes.
He nods. “Mrs. Franklin,” he bows his head to me before offering Janna his arm.
She takes it, and he whisks her out onto the dance floor before spinning her around. As I watch her face, I have to admit that at least one person is enjoying herself tonight.
––
But Janna isn’t the only one enjoying herself. My eyes slide towards Kookie as he bows before Emmie with an engaging smile lighting up his face. He holds his hand out to her and gestures towards the dance floor with his free hand. I see her head bob up and down. She places her hand in his, and he leads her out onto the dance floor. Then Kookie pulls her into his arms, and they begin to sway back and forth as she threads her arms around his neck. I can’t see the look on her face, but the expression on his is priceless. He pulls her closer and closes his eyes as she pillows her head over his heart. These two are so sweet together.
A moment later, I’m distracted from their precious tableau by Jon and Harmony, who have just moved in between me and Kookie and are now blocking my view of my eldest son and his special friend. Harmony has her arms around Jon’s neck, but she’s not meeting his eyes despite the fact that his own are riveted to her face. She glances over his shoulder, and her eyes suddenly widen. Curious, I allow my gaze to move in the direction of her own.
Uh-oh.
Jimmy is headed their way. Several seconds later, he taps on Jon’s shoulder and says something that I can’t hear, but I can guess at his intent. He wants to dance with Harmony. Jon appears affronted for a moment, but he gracefully hands his date off to his nemesis. I see a crushed expression flit across his face as he takes in the excitement lighting up Harmony’s face. It’s a delight which she’s trying to hide. But she’s failing miserably, and Jon is clearly hurt by her true feelings.
A moment later, Jimmy whisks her away, maneuvering her across the dance floor. Probably in an attempt to get her as far away from Jon as possible. The rejected suitor wanders towards the punch table. Which, of course, is where I am. I watch as his eyes never leave her face even as he moves forward.
Seeing him a hairsbreadth from disaster, I call out, “Jon, stop! You’re about to run into the punch bowl!”
His head pivots my way as his feet pull him up just short of the table. In the nick of time.
“Oh! Sorry!”
“It’s okay. Perfectly understandable,” I assert. As my eyes study his own sympathetically, I offer, “Would you like some punch?”
“What I want doesn’t seem to be on the menu tonight,” he mumbles.
“If she can’t see how wonderful you are, then she’s not the one for you,” I murmur sagely.
His eyes touch mine. “Is it that obvious?” Now he looks really upset.
“Only to me. But I’m a mom, and I’ve had lots of experience with unrequited love.”
He sighs. “Does it ever get any easier?”
“It does.”
“When?”
“When you find someone who reciprocates your feelings.” I glance at my two eldest children. “That’s when things get truly complicated.”
“What?” They do?”
I nod my head.
“Why?”
“Because then the pressure’s on. When you both like each other, and you don’t want to upset the balance of peace. You want to avoid that first big argument. Then there’s the temptation to be somebody else. To try to be the person you think she wants. But my advice to you is: always be yourself.”
His lips quirk upward. “You think I need your advice?”
“Probably not.”
Now his face stretches into a full smile. “You’re trying to make me feel better, aren’t you?”
“Is it that obvious?” I murmur, biting back a grin.
But it seems to be contagious. His teeth suddenly flash at me as he chuckles. “Yeah. Yeah, it is.”
“Oh, well,” I sigh in mock disappointment. “And here I was supposed to be undercover tonight.”
I glance across the room. A pretty young lady with long blond curls is clearly checking Jon out. My eyes travel to his face again.
“Are you aware that there’s a cute girl hoping you’ll ask her to dance over there?” I nod in her direction without looking that way.
But Jon does. He grimaces. “That’s Bella.”
“You’re not too fond of Bella?” I ask curiously.
He shrugs. “She’s always following me around like a little puppy.”
“Mmm. She really likes you.”
“Yeah. A little too much.”
“Have you ever gotten to know her?”
“Not really. She’s a year younger than me, and she sits with a different friend-group at lunch.”
“You might be surprised if you give her a chance. You’ll never know unless you try.” I glance her way again as I feel my heart shift in my chest. I remember being that girl. Crushing on some older guy who had yet to notice me. Or worse yet, had noticed me but didn’t reciprocate my feelings. I really feel for her. My eyes collide with his again.
“Sorry,” I murmur. “I’m sure the last thing you want is some strange woman giving you advice.”
He tilts his head to the side. “You really think I should give her a chance?”
“What have you got to lose?” I gaze at him for a moment. “You don’t find her physically repulsive, do you?”
“What?” he snorts. “No.” He looks at her discreetly. “You’re right. She’s pretty cute.”
Just then, their eyes meet, and she drops her gaze quickly to study her own toes.
He sighs. “All right. I’ll give her a chance.” He starts to walk away, but then he stops to glance back at me. “Thanks, Mrs. Franklin.”
My lips tip upward in a faint smile. “I hope it goes well.”
He scoffs, “Me too.”
I glance back at Harmony and Jimmy. She’s gazing happily up at him. His expression mirrors hers. They seem quite content together. Why on earth didn’t he ask Harmony to the Snow Ball?
My gaze flicks back to Jon. I watch him approach Bella tentatively. She glances up, and I catch the expression of shock that ripples across her face as she realizes that the object of her affection is strolling towards her. Briefly, she glances behind her but discovers only an empty wall, so her head swivels back around, and her eyes meet his. She looks almost scared.
I see him smile sweetly at her. I assume he’s asking her to dance. Her eyes grow wide. That shocked expression is still lighting up her features.
Jon holds out his hand towards her. She glances down at it. Then she meets his gaze again. She reaches out to take his hand before he leads her towards the dance floor.
I smile. Mission accomplished. I hope they enjoy each other’s company tonight.
Suddenly, Yoon and Melody catch my eye. They’re clearly having a good time together. I watch him say something to her, and a peal of laughter instantly escapes her lips. I stare in wonder at her. I had no idea that she had that great a sense of humor. Yoon’s eyes are lit up with his obvious enjoyment of Melody. Perhaps this girl has met her match after all.
I’m still surprised he got the strait-laced Melody to laugh. What on earth did he say?
Just then, my attention is drawn towards a near corner of the room. I hear someone bawling. As I glance behind me, I see a darling girl with a burgundy bob. She’s leaning against the wall. Eyes closed. Tears streaming down her face.
I look down at the punch table. I’ve now poured enough cups to quench the thirst of a small army. Surely, I can evacuate my post for a few minutes. Especially, to help someone in need.
I wander over to the corner. Coming to stand in front of her.
“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?”
Her eyes pop open, and she meets my gaze. “Um, I’m fine.”
“Really? You don’t seem fine.”
Her face crumples. “My boyfriend just broke up with me.”
“Oh! I’m so sorry.”
“I’ve looked forward to coming to this dance with him all year. I spent a hundred dollars on this dress!” She tugs on the skirt of her sleeveless ball gown. It’s a pristine white. It’s covered in hundreds of sparkling snowflakes.
“It’s a positively stunning dress,” I breathe, “and so perfect for tonight.”
“Right?” She glances into my eyes again and smiles tremulously. “I thought so too. I don’t think Ethan even looked at it.”
“Well, Ethan is completely clueless then because you look absolutely beautiful.”
Her wide hazel eyes instantly beam at me. “Thank you. I thought I did, but then he ignored me from the moment he picked me up. We weren’t here for more than ten minutes before he ditched me to go hang out with his friends. When I confronted him, he said that he’s just not that into me.” She starts crying again.
“I think he’s probably not worth your time.” I glance around. “Are any of your friends here tonight?”
She shakes her head. “I don’t have that many friends. And none of them came tonight. The worst part is I don’t have a ride home. I rode with Ethan.”
“That’s not a problem. I can give you a ride home,” I offer.
Her gaze rises to meet mine again. “You’re really nice.” Her eyes grow wide. “I’m Harper, by the way.”
“Hello, Harper. I’m Mrs. Franklin. Janna and Jungkook’s mom.”
Her gaze strays towards the dance floor. “You’re Jungkook’s mom?” I catch the gleam of admiration shining in her eyes now. “He’s such a nice guy.”
I smile. I can tell she thinks he’s cute too. Who doesn’t? I glance at my adorable eldest son.
“Is he dating Emmie?” she asks suddenly.
“Um.” I’m not sure how to answer this question.
Harper meets my gaze again. “It’s okay. You don’t have to answer that. I take it they’re just figuring things out.”
“Do you know my children?”
“Not really. I’m just a sophomore. But I helped with the musical and got to know Janna a little. And, of course, Jungkook had the lead role. He was so amazing! He has a beautiful voice!”
Ah, Harper is such a nice girl. Now I’m considering inviting her over. But would such a circumstance be awkward for my kids?
Janna has never mentioned a Harper.
But just then, I see Janna and Lyric approaching us. Janna frowns as she glances at Harper’s face.
“Hey, Harper,” my daughter greets her friend. “Are you okay?”
Harper reaches up to wipe a tear off her cheek. She sniffs. “I’m fine.”
My astute daughter looks across the room for a moment before glancing back at Harper. “Why is your boyfriend over there? Isn’t he going to dance with you?”
“He’s not my boyfriend anymore,” Harper responds tearfully.
She’s trying valiantly to blink those persistent teardrops back, but they’re a little more stalwart than she would like, and two of them escape to slip down her cheeks. Ruthlessly, she swipes at them with the back of her hand.
“What?!” Janna asks, outraged. “How could that jerk break up with you at the Snow Ball?” Janna’s gaze peruses her friend’s form for a moment. “You look so gorgeous, Harp! What is wrong with that boy?”
Lyric shakes his head like he can’t believe any guy would be so rude to such a nice girl. “You want to hang out with me and Nana?”
Surprised, Harper glances at Lyric. “You want to hang out with me?”
“Sure!” Janna responds as she throws an arm across the girl’s shoulders. “What are friends for? I wouldn’t want you to be alone tonight.” She glances back at Ethan. “I still can’t believe he ditched you at the dance. What a dork! He doesn’t deserve you. Forget him. Come and hang out with us.”
Harper still seems overwhelmed by my daughter’s kindness. “Are you sure? I mean, you guys are here on a date, aren’t you? You don’t really need me tagging along, do you?”
Janna lets loose of a ripple of laughter.
Harper furrows her brow in confusion.
“Clearly, you didn’t see us arrive with three other couples. We are definitely not alone. Kookie and Emmie rode with us, and Lyric’s sisters and their dates tagged along. Although, I don’t think Harmony is with her date anymore.” Janna’s eyes travel across the room to where Harmony is dancing with Jimmy.
Lyric’s gaze follows suit. “That’s the guy I expected to ask Harmony to the ball.”
“I feel sorry for Jon,” Janna admits.
“I’m not sure that’s necessary,” Lyric intones. Then he tilts his head in Jon’s direction. Jon still has his arms firmly wrapped around Bella’s waist. The two of them appear to be deep in a delightful discussion. She’s beaming up at him, and he’s smiling down at her. He appears to be quite relaxed now. I think he’s having a good time.
“Mom, why do I have a feeling you had something to do with that?” Janna suddenly asks me suspiciously.
“Who? Me?” I query in mock innocence as I tap my sternum with my index finger.
“Yes, you. I saw you talking to Jon for a couple of minutes. Then he went and asked Bella to dance.” Janna quirks a dark eyebrow at me. “You know she’s been in love with him for three years, right?”
“Has she really? Three whole years?”
“Well, no. About two and a half. Pretty much ever since the first day of our freshman year. Jon’s a year older than us.”
“Like Lyric?” I clarify.
She nods. “But Jon has never shown the slightest bit of interest in her. Not until tonight.” She’s still gazing at me with her eagle eyes.
“I might have given him a tiny nudge in her direction,” I admit reluctantly.
Janna’s eyes fly wide open. “I knew it! Mom strikes again!” My daughter glances at her new friend. “Don’t despair, Harper. Give my mom five minutes, and she’ll find you a new guy.”
She surprises a snort out of me. “Janna! You make it sound like I’m a matchmaker!”
“She’s much better than that horrid one in Mulan,” Janna informs Harper. “My mom would only be impressed if you could catch and balance teacups on your fingers and feet. She would never throw you out.”
Harper frowns. “Janna, what on earth are you talking about?”
“Haven’t you seen Mulan?” Janna asks incredulously.
“Yes, but…oh! You mean your mom is my matchmaker?”
Janna nods vigorously. “She’s quite good at it too. I mean, look at my brother and Emmie. I’m pretty sure my mom encouraged him to finally wake up.”
Again, another snort. My daughter’s eyes collide with mine. “Oh, you are, are you?” I ask.
She bobs her head definitively. “I know you, Mom. Who was it that helped me and Lyric to make up?”
I begin to whistle as I glance out the window.
Janna leans towards Harper. “And she planned a whole party just to encourage Yoon to invite Melody here tonight.”
“You did?” Lyric turns his beautiful dark eyes on me. “Is that true?”
I clear my throat. Now I’m uncomfortable. Sometimes, my daughter is too perceptive. “I really didn’t have anything to do with that. They clearly admired each other before they came to our house.”
“Ah-ha! See? You planned it. I was right!” Janna crows. “I knew it! You wanted to give them another chance to talk.” Janna turns towards Harper. “Yoon asked Melody to the ball while they were hanging out together in our basement. He probably never would have asked her if you hadn’t thrown that party and invited them both, Mom.” Her gaze pierces my own again.
I shrug. “Perhaps,” I respond noncommittally.
Lyric is looking at me with the strangest expression in his eyes. “Thank you, Mrs. Franklin,” he utters suddenly.
“For what?” A deep cavern must be cutting itself into my forehead by now.
“For looking out for my sister. Especially after she tried to get me to stay home with her tonight.”
“Perhaps I just thought she’d be happier at the dance than she would be moping at home,” I announce as I try to remove their attention from my own self.
Lyric’s face instantly lights up as his boxy smile breaks forth once more. “You sure were right about that!” Then his eyes stray towards the snack table. “Hey, Nana,” he glances up at her friend too, “Harper, you guys want to go get a snack?”
Harper’s eyes begin to shine. “Yes! I’m starving!”
I wave goodbye to them and resume my punch table duties. It’s going to be a long night. At least, it’s looking up. Despite the various ways tonight’s couples have changed places. Are we playing musical dates here or attending a dance?
