In the weeks leading up to Matthew heading back to school (junior year) Emmeline had remained aloof and a little distant. Matthew was too busy to truly notice, he was working seven days a week and Erin would come over occasionally as she was also busy with family activities. Unfortunately, his behavior only made Emmeline feel worse and more isolated.
By the time school did start Matthew was ecstatic to head back! School would be so much easier than the grilling work he had done all summer and he would actually be able to sleep in! He was able to put the money he made from the summer job aside so that he could do things with his friends. He needed new cleats for soccer as well as shinguards that fit appropriately (not the homemade ones he had from the previous year). He wanted to be able to go to the movies with his friends. He also wanted to take drivers training and get his license; he felt terrible that he always had to get rides from everyone if he wanted to go somewhere. Everything cost money and now he wouldn't have to beg Gregory!
Every school day Matthew headed down the long drive to where he would pick up the bus, but instead of riding the bus he would catch a ride with Erin. When she asked why not just pick him up at his house, he shook his head and declined. He stated that it was too much of an inconvenience but, truthfully he knew it would hurt Emmeline to see. Ania of course knew as she was sitting in the back seat invisibly. Ania wouldn't tell Gregory or Emmeline unless there was any 'funny business' that occurred, she knew riding with Erin everyday would possibly break Emmeline and she couldn't bare to do that.
When Erin could, she came to his games. He had difficulties making her tennis matches, but he always went to her tennis tournaments on Saturdays. Matthew didn't work during the school year because Gregory thought it would cause problems for his grades and thereby inhibit him getting into college. School was the most important thing because it was it was vital to attend college and get a decent paying job. Gregory knew Matthew would not always be at the Octagon House. So, when he went to the tennis tournaments it was always with his book bag in tow.
Erin and Matthew were one of the most unique and popular couples in the school. She was one of the most popular girls in school but she was also nice unlike her 'rivals'. Matthew while he initially had a tough time in school, this year was completely different. He was one of the star players on the soccer team and in fact made the varsity soccer team this year. Girls were jealous that he was a romantic, he carried her books and opened doors for her. The other girls would tell their boyfriends to do those things to as well but, it wasn't the same. Everyone wanted their relationship, they wanted to be her!
What Erin loved most about Matt was that he was sweet and shy. He didn't push her to do things she wasn't ready for. In fact she had to initiate all of their kisses. She was the one that taught him how to french kiss (later that day, Ania teased him relentlessly to the dismay of Matthew). Fortunately, Ania kept it to herself and didn't tattle on him.
Matthews soccer buddies at one practice were talking about the homecoming football game and dance and Matthew asked what that was. (Last year he had only just started school and didn't really have friends). After they explained to him he realized that he would need to ask her, so with a bouquet of wildflowers from the garden he asked Erin to the dance. Her friends gushed while she jumped up and down and held on to him firmly. She pulled him in close and he could feel her warm soft lips against his ear, sending a shiver of desire down his spine.
***
The couple attended the homecoming dance. It was Matts first time at a school dance. He dressed up in the nicest suit he had. He found a blue tie that would match Erin's dress. Gregory and Emmeline had taught him how to dance the Waltz, Tango, and Foxtrot but he was not prepared for this! The girls were dancing way too closely and it looked like chaos. He heard some of the music from the radio when he rode with Erin. During these moments he would watch Erin dancing with her friends and boyfriends. It wasn't until a 'slow song' came on that he could actually dance to. He escorted Erin to the dance floor and started leading her in the steps of the Viennese Waltz, she fumbled and he whispered close to her ear (the music was too loud he didn't mean anything sensual by the act) "Just follow my lead, I will take care of you." He touched her bare skin on the high part of her back. He supported her arm in hers. His movements were graceful as they danced.
Erin nearly swooned and her heart raced. She thought it was romantic and when she closed her eyes and just followed his direction, she found herself not just dancing, but dancing the Viennese Waltz well! Everyone cleared a wide berth around them just watching. When they were done and the music had ended the others clapped. Erin was flushed and Matt just guided her off the dance floor. He took her to a table and then went to get her a drink thinking she was thirsty due to her flushed face.
***
Erin found herself thinking about how wonderful homecoming was, she soon started to make her preparations for prom. When the tennis season had ended she asked her parents for ballroom dance lessons, she wanted to surprise Matthew being able to dance! She also wondered if she could borrow one of the dresses in that spare room at the Octagon House. She wanted to dress like Emmeline for prom because she was the epitome of class! Maybe she would ask her for help doing her hair and make-up. Erin plotted this all without Matt's knowledge.