Lisa looked to Dustin, and said, "I have an idea for how Ty can reveal his... abilities... to my parents, and you could participate if you like."
"Um, sure, maybe," said Dustin. "Do you really think I'd be useful with that?"
"Yes, definitely," said Lisa, "and I've seen that you've been trying to get Susan's attention. This might help you with that, too."
"Really? Wow!" Now Dustin was all ears.
Ty asked, "What would we do?"
"You've seen the posters in the halls for the upcoming talent show?" Lisa asked, and they both nodded. "Ty will sign up to perform as a magician." Looking at Dustin, she continued, "You and I will be his assistants."
Ty objected, "But I don't know how to perform any magic tricks!" Lisa and Dustin looked at him in surprise. "What?" he asked.
Lisa rolled her eyes, and looked at Dustin. "He doesn't know how to perform magic tricks," she said, deadpan. "So much for that idea."
Dustin busted up laughing. "Ty, you can perform better magic tricks than ANYONE!"
Ty said, dejectedly, "Oh. Those 'tricks'. But I don't want to publicly demonstrate those. I want to keep that secret."
Dustin laughed again.
"Don't you get it, Ty?" Lisa said. "You won't reveal anything that you don't want to. You will use your skills as a magician to perform typical magician 'tricks.' You'll be very good at them, except for one or two deliberate flubs for comedic effect. The audience will love it. We'll make sure my parents are there. In fact, we'll practice parts of the act for both our parents, before the actual show."
"Oh!" Ty exclaimed, finally understanding. "That will be great! Sure, I can perform 'tricks' quite well. I'll have to work on my showmanship, though."
"We'll help you work on that," Dustin said.
"You already took one step in thar direction with the use of arm waves," Lisa pointed out. "That's what got me thinking about the talent show in the first place."
"OK, I'm sold on it," Ty said. "But how does this help with your parents, in the big picture?"
"They'll start out knowing that you have a magic act," Lisa explained. "Over time, at my house, you'll gradually introduce them to things that are hard to explain as tricks. At first, when they ask, You'll cite the usual Magician's Code. But eventually, as the 'tricks' become more amazing, you'll break down and reveal your Big Secret."
"I see. Maybe that will work." Ty said. "Anyhow, I haven't come up with a better idea. Let's do it!"
"We'll have to come up with a stage name for you," she said. "Do you want to use your real name, like 'The Amazing Tyler'?"
"We can use that for now, unless we come up with something better," he said.
"We have to come up with it quickly," Lisa pointed out. "The deadline to submit your entry form for the show is in just a few days."
Ty said, "I'll ask my parents if you can come over tonight to start planning, and practicing."
"This will be awesome!" said Dustin. "See you after school!"
The lunch period was nearly over, so they stood up. Ty and Lisa kissed, and they carried their trays to the return, before heading to their separate classes.