Power Play, chapter 4

“Hello?"

"Robin, it's Liz Wakefield. Have you kept your promise?"

"What promise?"

"Have you asked Bruce Patman to the Discomarathon?"

Silence.

"Robin?"

"Elizabeth, how can you make me do this? I'll be totally humiliated."

"Now you listen to me, Robin," Elizabeth said sternly. "I happen to know that Bruce will take you to the dance. He told somebody he would."

First there was a stunned silence. Then, "Who told you that? Who was it? How could anybody say that? How could Bruce say that? Who did Bruce tell that to? Oh, it can't be true! It's totally bananas!"

Elizabeth broke into laughter at Robin's outburst.

"How can you laugh at me?"

“Oh, Robin, I'm not laughing at you. I'm telling you, Bruce will take you. All you have to do is ask him."

"I'll swim to Hawaii first!"

The phone went dead.

Elizabeth didn't see Robin again until Monday at school, when she spotted her nervously ducking into the biology lab in an obvious attempt to avoid any questions. Elizabeth was about to follow Robin when she noticed Bruce. He was swaggering along toward the cafeteria, and Elizabeth quickly caught up with him.

"Did she ask you yet?"

"Naw. Is this whole thing a gag, Liz?"

"No. She'll ask you today."

"You got that story written?"

Elizabeth patted her tote bag. "It's right here."

It wasn't until after school on Tuesday that the Great Explosion happened. Liz was in the newspaper office typing her "Eyes and Ears" column when the door opened and in burst Robin Wilson.

"Elizabeth!"

Elizabeth looked up at Robin, and she got scared. Robin was clutching the back of a chair for balance, her face was as red as a boiled lobster, and she seemed to be gasping for breath.

"Robin, are you OK?"

"Elizabeth!"

And then Elizabeth knew. Smiling broadly, she jumped up from her typewriter.

"Omigod! He said yes!"

Elizabeth threw her hands up in the air, and Robin immediately began hugging her wildly. Elizabeth almost felt smothered as Robin, laughing and crying at the same time, danced her around the news office.

"He said yes! He said yes! He said yessss! Bruce Patman is taking me to the dance!"

And before Elizabeth could say another word, Robin was gone, flying out the door and down the hall on wings of bliss.

From Tuesday until Saturday, the phone rang constantly for Elizabeth. It was always Robin, pouring out her gratitude and happiness. "They'll all accept me now, Liz. A date with Bruce Patman! I love you for making me do it." It was clear Robin felt her world was finally in its proper orbit.

And Elizabeth began to worry again. Walking into the Discomarathon on the arm of Bruce Patman would not be Robin's passport to popularity. Elizabeth was sure of that. But Robin couldn't stop fantasizing about it. Hoping for the best, Elizabeth decided to tackle one problem at a time. Besides, right now she wanted the satisfaction of seeing Jessica's stunned expression.

"Guess who called?" Elizabeth smiled at her sister. "Robin. Our new pledge-who, by the way, is going to the dance with Bruce Patman tonight."

"Oh, Liz, will you please shut up about it!"

"So, you know that our Pi Beta pledge has landed such a coveted date?"

"Oh, my head is going to burst into at least five hundred and thirty-seven pieces!" Jessica raged. "How could such an incredible thing happen? It's like science fiction!"

"Maybe you can figure it out while you're doing the laundry for me. You won't forget the ironing, will you?"

Jessica stormed out of the room.

That Saturday night in the Sweet Valley High gym, Elizabeth thought everything seemed too perfect as she danced dreamily in Todd's arms. Feeling his strong, athletic body so close to her always made her feel warm, excited, and utterly in love. When he began to rub her back as they danced, Elizabeth could barely remember where she was.

Suddenly she heard a few people near the entrance giggling. When she looked up, she saw Robin coming in with Bruce Patman. Robin's face was absolutely radiant with happiness.

She swept in grandly, wearing a prettier tent dress than usual, passing the stony faces of the three conspirators. Jessica, Lila, and Cara had all stopped dancing and were glowering with rage and disbelief. Elizabeth found herself relieved that it was over at last. Now all she had to do was turn in the feature story about Bruce Patman's prowess on the tennis court to her editor at The Oracle, and the bargain would be complete. Finally, she'd have more time for herself and Todd.

Bruce led Robin onto the floor, and, as though in a movie, the other couples made way for them. A little circle opened in the center of the floor.

And then it happened. There was a momentary lull in the music, and Bruce's voice could be heard clearly as he stepped away from Robin, leaving her alone in the center of the floor.

"OK, that's it. I brought you to the dance,kiddo. I've got better things to do now. Hey! Anybody want to steer the Queen Mary around the floor tonight? She's all yours!"

And Bruce walked out.