Senior Captain Zeke Gingerich fidgeted nervously in his suit jacket and readjusted his tie. In his hands, he held a beautiful corsage in a clear plastic container. Beside him, Senior Captains Bryce Nisly and Nicholas Johnson shared apprehensive glances. They were at the front door of the Philippos’ house, where three XC girls were busily preparing for the 2024 FHS Homecoming dance. The boys could hear the flurry of activity going on inside---the shrill voices of attentive mothers giving their daughters some final touch-ups. His arm shaking with fear, Zeke reached out and jabbed the doorbell. Nearby, from the bushes, Coach Emily Van Winkle watched them. “Remember to give them compliments on their dresses…no matter what,” Emily whispered. “Right,” said Zeke. “And always address them as ‘M’lady,’” she added. The door opened, and an excited Mrs. Philippo greeted the boys. “Come in, come in! The girls are just finishing up their hair. They’ll be down in a minute,” she said, smiling and ushering the boys in. The boys shifted their feet and stepped over the threshold. “Thank you, M’lady,” stuttered Bryce, his voice cracking with fear. Behind them, the limousine driver revved the engine of the car. There was no turning back now.
The girls appeared at the top of the stairs, and elegantly descended to greet their dates. There was an exchange of corsages under the approving looks of the mothers, and the three couples said goodbye and got into the limo. “So, where are we going to dinner?” asked Hannah Niehaus. “Um…well, M’lady, tonight we are going to the Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse,” said Nicholas Johnson. He frantically felt his pocket to make sure that his wallet was still there. “Sounds delicious,” said Hannah. Suddenly, Zeke heard a voice coming through the tiny microphone in his ear. “Offer them the chocolate milk,” said Coach Mike Van Winkle, who was hidden in the trunk of the limousine. “Would you ladies care for some refreshment?” said Zeke as he opened the limo’s cooler. “I could offer you some cold chocolate milk.” “Thank you,” said Ava Lahmers, and she graciously accepted the proffered beverage. “So, what should we listen to on our drive?” asked Bryce Nisly. “Zeppelin? Or Rogan?” The girls consulted each other, and replied, “Definitely Rogan.” From the trunk, Coach Van Winkle smiled and breathed a sigh of relief.
At dinner, the talk moved from ancient alien civilizations to the XC season. “I don’t know,” said Elizabeth Philippo, “it’s been different without Rachael around, but I think we’ve done a good job of taking hold of the program. I’m excited to see what will happen in the coming months.” Bryce nodded, and added, “Things will definitely be different next year, in the real world. If the world is still here, that is.” Hannah Niehaus entered the conversation, saying, “I mean, I get why the Van Winkles are so focused, but sometimes, do you guys ever get the sense that they know more than they are saying? I mean, the fact that Vivienne knows what an apocalypse is, is a bit bizarre.” Defensively, Zeke responded, “It’s because they are farmers, M’lady. They have a different outlook and understanding of the world. We should probably just continue to listen and obey. I mean, so far, so good, right?” The group nodded in affirmation, and the small talk continued as the steaming plates of grilled beef came out of the kitchen.
With full bellies, the group got back in the limo for the drive to FHS.
The dance was a whirlwind of activity. Chaperones patrolled the dance floor, where over a hundred students hopped and bobbed to the popular hip-hop music. Suddenly, a hooded figure appeared from behind the stage curtains and approached the DJ table. The figure appeared to whisper something into the DJ’s ear, and soon, the opening chords of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” began bellowing out of the speakers.
The XC athletes understood the message, and they began swaying to the beautiful cadence of the piece. Other students gave them strange looks, but the XC teams ignored them and met at the center of the gym, where they formed a circle around the hooded figure. As a group, they sang in unison the lyrics to the song. When it ended, there was a flash of smoke, and the hooded figure disappeared. Soon, the next song began. It was “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers, and that meant only one thing: time for a slow dance. Zeke’s earpiece buzzed, and he heard a stern voice say, “It’s time.”
And that’s where we’ll leave them. To sort out all of the awkward drama inherent in these human situations. Ah! To be young again!