The following week went by event free. Not having a football game made the week drag, but by Friday, everyone was starting to get excited about our last game—not only a chance for an undefeated season, but also homecoming. Since it was the weekend of Halloween, the senior class had voted on a full out, classic ball theme and the morning announcements encouraged everyone to come in appropriate costumes.
Jason insisted that we go this year and although last year's private dance was all I really wanted, I'd agreed. To say he was thrilled was an understatement. We came up with the idea of me wearing one of my family's southern belle dresses, but Jason was very evasive about what he was going to wear. During the week, I discovered Elizabeth on the phone several times with Jason's mom. We'd done two fittings, but Elizabeth insisted I be blind folded both times. I wasn't worried though, I could tell it was one of her dresses. She was obviously just trying to spruce it up a little for the dance and I guess a surprise for me.
Thursday after class, the senior and junior classes decorated the gym—Cathy and I helped, but we'd been working on some of the decorations with Mrs. Snyder in Art class all week. There were ribbons, bows, streamers and twinkle lights everywhere. Finally, the school maintenance guys came in with one of those portable bucket lifts and the piece—well pieces—we'd been working on in class. It was like a giant jigsaw puzzle made out of gold, foiled Foamcore. Mrs. Snyder directed the assembly and then they raised the eight foot tall chandelier and connected it's chain to one of the overhead beams, centering the chandelier over the dance floor. Mrs. Snyder had wired in flicker lights that were battery powered and controlled from a remote. The janitors cut the harsh overhead lights and then she hit the button on the remote. The chandelier lit the room in a soft, romantic, golden glow. It was perfect. From the expression on Mrs. Snyder's face, maybe a little too perfect.