calm before the storm

                                    

                                          
The VKs were strolling around campus when a group of girls giggled as they greeted Jay. 
"Hey, what's up?" Jay winked at them as he walked past.
Carlos, walking beside him with Dude, chuckled. "Why do you torture them? Just pick someone to take to Cotillion already."
Jay shrugged casually. "I'm going solo. That way, I can dance with all of them."
Carlos grinned at his friend's confidence. "Ah! You're the expert." He then grew more serious. "But, Jay... if you were gonna ask someone, what's the best way to go about it?"
Jay grinned and put a hand on Carlos' shoulder. "Simple—just look like me."
Carlos rolled his eyes, chuckling. "Oh, ha-ha."
As the group continued on, all of them were smiling, except for Mal and Elina, who were lost in thought. Jane walked towards them with a smile, calling out to the two girls. "Elina, Mal!"
Carlos, slightly nervous, stepped in front of Jane. "Hey, Jane."
"Hey," Jane replied, her smile softening.
Carlos fumbled for words. "I was wondering... uh, did you like the carrot cake last night?"
"I had the pumpkin pie," Jane corrected him gently, still smiling.
"Oh, cool. Um, uh—" Carlos stammered, only to be saved by Jay, who pulled him aside. "Smooth."
Lonnie joined Jane as Evie took a step forward, addressing the group. "I have an opening for a fitting at 3:00. Who wants it?"
"Me!" Lonnie exclaimed before catching herself and speaking more quietly. "Sorry."
"Perfect. I'll take you later," Evie said, nodding at Jane before walking away with Lonnie. Jane then turned her attention to the last two VKs standing, Mal and Elina.
"Elina?" Jane began, her voice tentative. "I hate to keep bugging you, but the decorating committee needs more answers. So, as much as I hate to, um... you know, um..."
"Bug her?" Mal finished for her, raising an eyebrow.
"Right," Jane nodded, looking a bit flustered.
Elina sighed, trying to remain patient. "Jane, I'd love to help, but I really need to get to class."
Jane stepped in front of her, stopping her in her tracks. "You know, just nod if you like it," she suggested, holding up her documents. Elina motioned to Mal to do that.
"Chair swags. Entry banner. Twinkle lights. Napkin design. Table bunting. And you still haven't picked the party favors yet," Jane rattled off, clearly overwhelmed herself. Mal, feeling the same way, looked up.
"Honestly, Jane, whatever you think—"
Jane interrupted, her voice rising with excitement. "I mean, we can do chains, key charms, pen toppers. I kind of love the pen toppers, but, I mean, we can do all three."
As Jane continued to talk, Elina rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. Mal's eyes flashed green as she felt overwhelmed but quickly composed herself with Elina's comforting hand in hers. Finally, Mal made a decision. "I say pen toppers."
Jane's eyes lit up as she ticked off the box on her list. "You won't regret it."
Evie and Lonnie returned, and Lonnie's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I can hardly wait to see what your wedding will look like!"
"Me, too. Wait! What?!" Mal exclaimed, her mind suddenly spinning at the thought.
Elina's eyes widened in shock, and she took a step back. "My what?!"