Screw Pile Developments

Autumn — Year 5

Another summer had come and gone, and the final year of high school for the boys in the upper class had begun. Along with the beginning of autumn, came Seb’s 18th birthday, another significant milestone, five years had now passed since a thirteen-year-old boy walked down the ramp of the Chasetail. For Seb, each year had presented its own unique challenges and triumphs, learning to fly a glider and going solo, his notebook, containing drawings of things that he could not express with words, unresolved grief that still surfaced at unexpected moments and new friendships forged with old ones strengthened.

However, the biggest challenge of his life so far still lay before him. Asking a girl to the high school formal.

Veldmeer High school — Canteen

This particular conversation had been going around and around in circles for days.

Toby called across the canteen to a group of girls sitting together.

There were several gasps, and giggles, but an affirming nod from the aforementioned Greta was forthcoming. He turned back to Seb with a conspiratorial look.

SWACK.

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Friday Afternoon, After School — Eisstein Creamery

At the end of the school week, several of the boys were down at Eisstein Creamery making short work of their orders. Seb was digging into his usual knickerbocker glory with extra strawberry sauce. The bell on the door gave a cheerful tinkle as the next group of teenagers came in. This time it was a group of girls, and not just any group of girls, it was — the — group of girls, the group that included — the — Miss Anja French. Seb watched out of the corner of his eye as the group made their way to a booth. This was probably about as good as it was going to get — there was simply no hope of getting Anja on her own. Seb ran his hand through his hair; it was now or never. Under the pretence of going to the bathroom, with his heart pounding and his shirt collar damp with sweat, Seb stood, and as casually as he could walked past the booth of girls. As he did so he passed a folded page torn from his notebook, and placed it in front of Anja, without breaking step.

Anja took the folded paper and opened it. On it was a pencil drawing of two pairs of formal shoes, one a larger pair of black leather lace ups, and another pair, small and feminine with a heel and a bow. Also, on the paper was a drawing of a scrap of lined paper with the words,

“Will you go to the formal with me?”

A few minutes later, Seb returned with what little composure he had left, and walked back past the booth of girls, not daring to cast even a glance. As he passed, a bout of giggles broke out from the group; as to whether that was a good sign or not, he had no idea. He returned to his seat, and finished the last of his dessert. Eventually, he managed to pluck up enough courage to look across to the girls’ booth and for the briefest of moments, he caught Anja’s eye. As he did so, she gave him the briefest of smiles and a small nod. Whether it was relief or terror now, it was, at least, mission accomplished.

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Mid Winter — Day of the Formal

The day of the formal had arrived, and it was time for all the boys to get dressed; it was quite the logistical exercise, involving weeks of careful planning by both Grandma Bella and Rupert, the latter of whom had taken immediate charge of the suit selection for each of the boys. Veldmeer Outfitters had outdone themselves sourcing tail-hole-free formal wear, for all twelve boys. In addition Rupert had personally ironed all twelve shirts, all with perfect creases down each sleeve and polished all twelve pairs of shoes until they were gleaming. Then came ties, bow ties, pocket squares, and for some, waistcoats. Raven had chosen against wearing a tie, preferring instead to wear his stone necklace.

Raven was also busy, photographing everyone getting ready with one of Grandpa Jake’s 35mm film cameras. Since taking an interest in Grandpa Jake’s old-school film photography, he had developed quite the talent for the hobby.

Raven continued taking photos as Rupert fastened Harry’s bow tie, Harry the only one outfitted in a full Prince Charlie jacket and kilt rather than a suit, wearing his family’s tartan with obvious pride.

Finally, all twelve boys were dressed and ready and had passed Rupert’s thorough inspection. They all assembled in the living room for a full group photo, Raven having handed the camera back to Grandpa Jake for the shot.

Twelve boys, fast becoming young men, each with their own unique story and journey from over the last five years since their arrival at Headwall.

It was time to load the Hundeerwagons. Daan and Marta, as usual, were acting as chauffeurs. Grandpa Jake, Grandma Bella, the pups, and Rebecca were all there to see them off.

Hamish bent down and re-tied Seb’s shoe lace.

At the mention of Anja, Seb blushed, but he simply gave Hamish a nod.

Rebecca was also waiting to give Seb her own final look over before departing, straightening his already straight tie and smoothing his already well-fitted jacket. Rebecca then opened a small box, taking out a cream corsage, which she carefully pinned to his lapel. 

She stood back and looked at him. The spiky hair, the large blue eyes, and the angle of his chin. She spoke quietly, but proudly.

Seb looked back, meeting her soft brown eyes.

Rebecca then gave Seb another small box containing a wrist corsage with the same cream flowers and powder-blue accent ribbons.

Seb took the box, nodded his thanks and with a small smile, he climbed into the back of the Hundeerwagon with the others.

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Veldmeer High School – Gymnasium

Outside the entrance to the school gymnasium, a marquee had been set up as an area for friends and partners to meet and greet before entering the main event. The gymnasium had been transformed into a winter wonderland grotto of soft lighting and a myriad of twinkling lights right across the ceiling, which looked like a galaxy of stars in the night sky. Boys awaiting their partners milled around in nervous groups waiting for their dates to arrive. There were also groups of boys who had elected to go stag and take their chances on the evening.

More groups began to arrive, and finally Seb spotted Anja. She was dressed in a pretty off-the-shoulder powder-blue ball gown, with delicate lace at the bodice and soft layers of flowing tulle that caught the light as she moved. Seb didn’t know too much about fashion, but on seeing Anja for the first time, he was mesmerised. She looked simply stunning. He breathed in once slowly through his nose and gently exhaled to steady his nerves. Crossing the floor, he greeted his date.

The layers of tulle at the back of Anja’s dress rustled slightly with the slow side-to-side movement of her hidden tail.

There it was again — Sebby, but somehow, hearing it coming from Anja was welcome and it stirred a pleasant sensation of warm familiarity, somewhere deep within, something he had not felt for a very long time.

Then, fumbling slightly, Seb opened the lid of the small box Rebecca had given him and carefully took out Anja’s corsage. He then tied it onto her wrist with the matching powder-blue ribbon of her dress.

Seb grinned sheepishly and laughed.

Anja laughed, stirring another warm feeling within Seb.

Seb then took Anja by the arm and led her inside.

The evening blurred into a pleasant social mix of music, dancing, and frequent trips to the refreshment table for more glasses of pink lemonade. Toby’s tie had long disappeared, its current whereabouts unknown. Timo may have known, but was not saying. Greta, for her part, bore Toby’s dancing with good humour, which, while certainly lacking in technique, was made up for with genuine effort and enthusiasm. Raven continued to take photos with the 35mm camera and had now gone through several films.

Seb managed to dance with Anja several times, and, most importantly, not step on the hem of her dress — a small victory in itself, by his own admission.

Somewhere between the second slow dance and the supper table, the noise of the room began to close in, and by unspoken agreement, Seb and Anja drifted toward the doors of the gymnasium and out to the marquee just outside the entrance. Small groups of chairs had been set up for people to talk away from the noise and heat of the main room.

There were a few moments of silence before Seb spoke again.

Seb paused a moment before answering.

Seb was quiet for quite a few moments before he spoke again.

Anja spoke quietly.

Seb suddenly looked up, surprised that Anja knew his name.

Anja moved her paw across to Seb and took his hand.

Seb simply nodded once, unable to say any more.

For a long time they just sat silently together, enjoying each other’s company and the cool of the evening.