It was an hour into the worst evening of Michael's life and he was desperate to leave.

He was in the most glamourous place he'd ever been, with the person he'd been dying to see for four years and yet he would rather be anywhere else. He glanced over at Debbie, who looked equally miserable. Coming to see Billy had been a terrible idea after all. After the beautiful kisses they'd shared in the dance studio, Michael had allowed himself to dream of what could be. But now he realised it had been futile. He was only kidding himself.

The group were in a smokey West End bar. The walls and floor were made of shiny black marble, flecked with silver. Bright spotlights darted round the room and everyone sat on bar stools or in booths with seats made out of zebra skin. The place was crowded with students from nearby colleges and universities, smart couples that had come straight from musicals and plays, and drunk young socialites fresh from the closest nightclub. No one, including the handsome bouncer at the door, had paid much attention to the group of teenagers sat in the booth farthest from the door.

Willow was draped over an uncomfortable-looking Billy, ignoring the flirtatious glances she was given from every man that passed her. Debbie was wedged awkwardly between Charlie and his sister Violet, trying hard to make conversation and simultaneously ignore Billy. Michael sat next to a silent Sara, who was constantly looking at him, drawing breath as if about to speak and then shutting her mouth again.

A good-looking young boy, about 17 or 18 years old approached the table, grinning at Willow. Willow turned away and ran her fingers through Billy's thick mane of hair. The boy's smile dimmed, but he turned to Violet and said,

'Do you want a drink?'

Charlie stiffened, and Debbie couldn't help smiling at his sweet, overprotective-brother attitude.

'Sure' said Violet, flashing her luminous smile. Charlie opened his mouth to protest, but Violet just winked at him and left with the boy.

'So,' purred Willow. 'How long are you two planning to stay?'

'Not long' blurted out Michael. Billy looked up, his expression unreadable. It was sort of a cross between hurt and apologetic. Michael could have bitten his tongue off.

'I mean, we wanna stay for a while, but I dunno when we're expected home and stuff, so...' Michael trailed off. Willow was still looking at him, waiting for him to finish, but they way she had snuggled up to Billy and pulled his arm over her, rendered him Michael unable to speak. Billy drew back his arm and hastily sipped at his drink.

Debbie could feel her eyes filling with tears. What is wrong with me? Any one of my mates would kill for a night out in London. And here I am, about to start blubbing! She swallowed the tears down and forced herself to look up at Charlie.

'How long have you been at the school then?' She said. Charlie jumped, surprised at her question, but mouth settled into a smile.

'Just over 5 years. I've always loved dancing though.'

'And you never got teased or anything?'

'Not really. Though I guess I didn't tell my old mates about it enough for them to tease me.'

'And your parents were okay with it?'

'Course.'

'They didn't think you was gay?'

Charlie looked confused. 'No. I mean, I understand why they would, a lot of the boys at the school are. But I told them I wasn't and they believed me. I guess it helped that Violet understood the appeal of ballet, and she could help explain it to them'

Debbie glanced over at Billy, who was gradually turning bright pink as Willow whispered into his ear. She turned back to Charlie, but his attention wasn't on her anymore. He was staring at something behind her. Debbie turned to see what it was. It was Violet, her blonde curls flying around her head as she danced with the boy who'd bought her a drink. She looked so happy that Debbie almost felt tearful again. I've never looked that happy, she thought. She looked at Charlie hands, which were clenching into fists as he watched the boy wrap his arms around his sister's waist. He looked furious. Debbie could feel herself smiling. She placed one small, slender hand on his wrist. Charlie jumped again and stared at her. His face seemed to change. Suddenly, he leant over and whispered in her ear,

'Go in there,' he nodded to a door across the room. 'I'll be there in 10 minutes'.

Debbie got up and walked through the door, heart pounding. Maybe this evening won't be such a disaster after all.

'Where's she going?' said Billy, leaning forward, away from Willow.

'Bathroom' shrugged Charlie.

'Looks like Violet's having fun' smirked Willow, gesturing to the dance floor.

'I guess'

'You're not going all protective big brother on her again are you, Charlie? You're 10 minutes older than she is'

'So?'

Willow rolled her eyes and leant back in the chair.

'How are you, Sara? Haven't seen you in a while' said Billy, desperately.

'Fine' Sara murmured. It was the first time Michael had heard her speak.

Silence, for another few minutes.

'Well, this is an eventful evening if I ever saw one' snickered Willow. Billy wanted to sink into the floor. 'Do you want to dance, Billy?'

'I'm fine, thanks'

'What's wrong? I thought that's what they all you. At least, that's what Devi calls you, isn't it? Dancing boy?'

'It's Debbie'

'What?'

'You said Devi. Her name's Debbie'

Willow gave a snort, then stood up. 'Well I'm going to have fun, even if you're not. Coming Charlie?'

'Nah' Charlie shook his head, glancing over at the door into which Debbie had disappeared.

Willow shook her head and walked away.

Debbie lean against a pink, fur wall, in a long corridor. It was lit only only by candles and it smelled like sweat and roses. The corridor was lined with red velvet curtains, most of them drawn, and behind the curtains came the sounds of lots of couples... having fun.

Debbie felt her cheeks get hot. She was a virgin and she'd only met Charlie a few hours ago. What on Earth did he expect from her?

The door she'd come through burst open. Debbie spun towards it, expecting to see Charlie. Instead, there, in all her beauty, stood Willow.

Willow strode up to Debbie, her mesmerising eyes on fire.

'Stay away from Billy. I don't who you are, or what you want with him, but you aren't going to get it. Billy deserves the best and you...' Willow looked Debbie up and down. 'Well, you will never be the best.'

Willow started to leave, but Debbie spoke up,

'Why do you need to tell me that?'

Willow stopped. 'What did you say?'

'I mean, if I'll never be good enough for Billy, then why even bother telling me? There's no need to. I'll just never get him, if I'm not good enough. You don't have to tell me.'

'You're a freak' said Willow, rolling her eyes and walking away.

'The only reason you're trying to intimidate me is because you feel threatened' Debbie carried on, even though her knees felt like they were about to melt.

Willow whirled round. 'Threatened? By you?' she cackled. 'Don't kid yourself'

If you didn't think I was capable of stealing Billy away from you, you wouldn't try and force me not to'

Willow face turned to stone and she spat at Debbie's feet. Then she left without another word.