Good Enough/Crossroads Chapter 9.5

Story by ragewolver on SoFurry

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#11 of Crossroads

A small snippet before the big date! Remember to look at my partner, Lupine Catastrophe


Chapter 9.5--The Day Before

"So," Chance asked Friday after the art club. Zack had walked with him towards the front of the school, where they were now waiting for Chance's ride to arrive. "Are we still on for tomorrow? I've been really looking forward to it."

"Sure," Zack answered. "I'm looking forward to it too."

"So, what's the plan? Just the play or...?"

"How about dinner and the play?" Zack offered. "Be a nice way to kick off the date."

"Okay! How should I dress? Should I just be casual or maybe a bit formal? Or maybe I should--"

"Chance!" called a voice. Michelle had arrived and Chance waved lazily.

"That your mom?"

"Stepmom. Just a sec, Michelle!"

"Who's this young man?" Michelle called.

Zack stepped forward. "Zack Bailey," he said, extending his paw. Michelle accepted the gesture kindly.

"I'm Michelle. I'm his stepmother. You're his date for tomorrow, aren't you?"

Zack didn't immediately answer, looking back at Chance. "Yeah," Chance said. "He is. We were just talking about tomorrow." He turned back to Zack. "So, what's the plan for tomorrow?"

"Let's say I pick you up around about five? We can go get dinner before the play," Zack said.

"Okay. Should I dress formal or maybe casual? Maybe I should wear a plaid shirt or--"

"Why plaid?" Zack mused.

"Or argyle?" Chance offered.

"Just be you," Zack stated. "Don't overdo it. Look, I gotta go, but I'll catch up with you tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay. Looking forward to it!"

Chance waved at Zack as Michelle began to pull away from the school. He sat back in his seat and smiled happily to himself, his tail wagging awkwardly beneath him. Michelle giggled. "So, that's the one?"

"It is."

"Tomorrow's a big day for you," Michelle remarked. "So, what're you going to wear? You've got to look spiffy for your first date."

"I've got some stuff I can--Where are you going? You missed the turn!"

"We're getting you some new clothes."

"But I... What's wrong with my clothes?"

"No offense but your clothes are dull and need to be replaced anyway," she said. "When was the last time you got new clothes?"

"It's been a little while," Chance admitted. "A year or so..."

"Okay, then you need some new clothes. Alright. Let's go."

"Go where?"


"Michelle... I don't think this is my style," Chance said, tugging absently on the sleeve of the button-down lime-green shirt Michelle had picked out. "I don't even like wearing green."

"It matches your eyes," Michelle noted, standing. She approached him carefully, smoothing out the wrinkles.

"But I prefer something a little less... neon-colored."

"Fine," she sighed. "Here, try this one." She handed him another shirt, this one plaid. He grimaced. "What's wrong with this one?"

"Why can't I just do a t-shirt and jeans?"

"Absolutely not," Michelle said warningly. "If it's a date, you have to make a great impression. You have to look your best!"

"I'll find something in my--"

"A nice sweater-vest," Michelle reasoned. "We'll try that. Or maybe a new polo or--"

"MICHELLE!" Chance said loudly. He immediately covered his mouth when he noticed other patrons of the store turning to look in their direction. Michelle, however, paid no attention, looking at him with intrigue. "Why're you trying so hard?"

"Because I want this to go well for you," she answered. "I saw how you looked at him and I know that look! I've had that look on my face so I know what it means. You like him. And I know how it feels to get that Prince Charming. Everyone who wants it deserves to have it."

Chance blushed beneath his fur, and looked down. "Thanks... I don't know what to say."

"Say that you'll take my advice. And for the love of God," she added, "don't wear these old jeans." Chance looked down; the jeans had been splattered with a bit of paint from the club, but they were old and frayed.

"Right... Okay," Chance said with a smile. "...Michelle, I have a favor to ask you."

"Ask away."

"Can you keep Dad busy when Zack shows up?" Chance asked uncertainly. "I really don't want him to know that Zack's the one I'm going out with on Saturday."

"Don't worry. We're going out tomorrow too," Michelle said.

"Really? Where?"

"Out," Michelle said. "Adult fun. Don't worry about it."

"Okay," Chance asked nervously. "So, what do you think I should wear?"

"I think you look good in green," Michelle said. "Let's see if we can find one you like."