Chapter 21
SALEM HIGH
The gymnasium of Salem High was packed with students, and a handful of adults. The lights were dimming, and Mr. Woods walked up to a microphone on the stage.
WOODS: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the 2016 Last Blast Dance!
There was a loud eruption of cheers from the students.
WOODS: We're all gonna have a great time tonight. Please remember to sign up for the dance contest with either myself or Dean Faulkner. The contest begins in one hour. But, it's not about the contest. This night is about you guys. It's a celebration of this amazing year that we have shared here. And so, without further ado, let's dance!
The students cheered again, as the sounds of David Bowie's “Let's Dance” thumped from the speakers. Click
here to listen along. A large crowd of students got out onto the floor to start dancing. Ciara and Claire were getting some punch.
CLAIRE: This place is beautiful!
CIARA: It so is! I'm super excited that we're actually here!
CLAIRE: Me too!
CIARA: So, you gonna dance with anyone?
CLAIRE: I don't know. I might. I'm sure you and Theo will.
CIARA: Yeah. But, what about you?
CLAIRE: Who would I dance with? I mean, you've got Theo. Joey has Jade. Henri's dancing with his guy friends.
CIARA: What about Chase?
CLAIRE: What about him?
CIARA: You should dance with him.
CLAIRE: Really?
CIARA: Totally!
CLAIRE: I don't know.
CIARA: Come on, Claire. I've seen the way you look at him.
CLAIRE: What way? I don't look at him in any particular way.
CIARA: Yeah, okay. Sure.
Jade and Joey were among the couples that were dancing.
JADE: You did it, right?
JOEY: Yes, I did it.
JADE: Good boy. See, I knew I could count on you.
Jade kissed Joey on the cheek.
JOEY: What was on that flash drive, anyway?
JADE: I already told you: pictures. You'll see them later tonight. Now, stop worrying and keep dancing with me.
DIMERA MANSION
André sat at the chess board, looking over all of the pieces. Bart walked in, with Ernan behind him.
BART: The Irishman is here to see you, boss.
ANDRE: Thank you, Bart. That will be all.
Bart walked out of the room. André looked up and smiled.
ANDRE: Mr. Whelan, please, take a seat.
He gestured to the chair on the opposite side of the board.
ANDRE: Ever play?
ERNAN: I was never much for chess. Or games in general.
André smirked.
ERNAN: You summoned me here.
ANDRE: Indeed I did.
ERNAN: What do you want?
ANDRE: To inform you of the next phase of the plan.
ERNAN: Which is?
