Magnolia Lake

by Emily Paige Skeen

  Kayla frowned. “It kinda stinks they’re not here yet, though. We wanted some pictures in front of the limo, and now we may not have time.”

  Twenty minutes later my mother was frantic. “I’m gonna go call the limo company,” she informed us. “Maybe the driver had a flat tire or somethin’.”

  Chaos immediately ensued. People were talking over each other, discussing possible reasons the limo hadn’t yet arrived. Everybody had their own opinions. Some parents were angry, others worried. Val, Kayla, and I were trying our best not to freak out. The guys attempted to make us feel better with promises that we’d still have a great night and that nothing was ruined.

  “I can’t get an answer on the phone,” Mama announced a few minutes later when she came back into the room. “I can’t believe this!”

  “The kids need to leave now or they won’t have time to eat,” Val’s mom said, frustrated.

  “What are we gonna do?” Val asked.

  Troy’s mother spoke up. “They can take my van. It’ll hold everyone.”

  Great, a minivan for prom, I thought with disgust. But it was better than missing dinner.

  Voices grew loud again as other parents volunteered their vehicles for us to use. Finally, I nudged Mama. “Can you get this under control?” I pleaded, on the verge of a breakdown. I just wanted to get to prom.

  “Everybody, calm down!” Mama called above the noise. “It makes the most sense for them to use Mrs. Kraman’s van, since it’s the biggest and she volunteered first.” She paused, glancing at Troy’s mother. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”

  “Of course I’m sure!”

  “Good. It’s settled, then. Outside, kids. Let’s go.” She pushed us toward the door, and we rushed to the van. People took more pictures as we piled in—the girls careful not to rip dresses or mess up hair. Then we were off.

  Half an hour later, the guys waited at our table while Val, Kayla, and I primped in the restroom of Manhattan’s.

  “You okay?” Val asked me. “You seem kinda distracted. Are you not havin’ a good time?”

  I mustered a smile. “Sure, I’m havin’ a lot of fun.”

  Kayla and Val exchanged a look. “Come on, Cora,” Kayla said. “What’s wrong?”

  I turned away from the mirror and leaned against the cool, marble counter. “I just…I don’t know what it is, but I feel like somethin’s not right. This should be the best night of my life, but for some reason I’m not as happy as I thought I’d be.”

  “Do you think it has anything to do with Landon?” Kayla asked quietly.

  “I think…maybe.” I sighed. “As much as I hate to admit it, yeah. Not that I’d rather be here with him or anything. It’s just that he’s my best friend besides y’all, and I can’t even hang out with him at my senior prom. We’re not even talkin’ to each other. Before long, we’ll graduate and I’ll be off to New York. We’ll lose touch forever. I just…I wish…I don’t know what I wish.”

  Val put her arm around my shoulders. “Remember what you said at the beginning of the year? About this bein’ the best prom ever…no drama, right?” She paused and I nodded. “Look, I know you’re upset about your fight with Landon, but he’ll come around. You two will be friends again. There’s no question about that. So tonight, put him out of your mind and try to have fun. I promise it’ll be okay.”

  “You’re right. I know you’re right. Besides, it’s not fair to Rex. He deserves all my attention. Which makes me feel even worse…I feel guilty for hurtin’ Landon, and then I feel guilty for thinkin’ about that while I’m with Rex.” I groaned. My friends glanced at each other again, and I couldn’t tell if their expressions were sympathetic or annoyed.

  “I’m sorry, y’all,” I said. “Enough of my drama. Let’s go back out there and have a good time. No more Landon talk for the rest of the night.”

  “Are you sure you’re good?” Kayla asked, her brow creased.

  “Yeah, I’m fine…just needed to get that off my chest. Thanks for listenin’.”

  “Anytime. Now let’s get back to our dates!” Val replied. We all linked arms, pushed through the ladies’ room door, and walked back to our table, Kayla and Val giggling the whole time. I silently vowed to be as carefree and happy as the two of them for the rest of the evening.

  “Y’all sure took a long time in there,” Mike joked as we reoccupied our seats.

  “Sorry, my fault. I, uh, had a…makeup emergency,” I said, forcing nonchalance.

  Rex leaned over and whispered in my ear, “You’re gorgeous,” causing me to blush and grin—which certainly helped with my vow.

  The rest of dinner went smoothly. I put Landon out of my head, as Val had suggested, and focused on having a good time with my friends. Rex was a perfect gentleman, pulling out my chair when I stood, holding the door for me when we left the restaurant, and helping me into the van. He whispered sweet compliments in my ear all the way to the school, and I ate up every minute of it.

  The night had completely turned around, becoming magical and romantic like I’d always dreamed.

  The gym décor was breathtaking. With the bleachers pushed in, tables formed a semicircle and the middle of the floor was open for dancing. Covering the tables were pale lilac tablecloths boasting beautiful white roses as centerpieces. White lights lined the walls and hung from the ceiling, shimmering off the pink sparkles of my dress. There was a DJ booth set up on stage, where a red carpet led the way to a decorated podium designated for the crowning of Prom King and Queen. I was in a fairytale as I glided toward the dance floor on Rex’s arm.

  Rex and I twirled around the floor during a couple of slow songs before the DJ decided to liven things up with faster, hip-hop music. Then we joined Val and Mike and danced to a few hit-list songs. Kayla and Troy sat at a table—caught up in the atmosphere of romance—whispering and gazing into each other’s eyes. Kayla wasn’t much of a dancer. She claimed to have two left feet.

  “Whew, I’m wiped. These feet need a break,” Val huffed. “I need some punch.”

  “I’ll get it,” Mike said.

  Val grinned at me and raised her eyebrows. “Thanks, Mike.”

  “Are you thirsty, beautiful?” Rex asked, looking at me.

  “Yeah, thanks. We’ll wait for you at the table.” He and Mike headed to the back of the gym for punch while Val and I made our way to the table where Kayla and Troy sat.

  “Hey, you two love birds! Havin’ fun yet?” Val asked with a wink.

  Kayla smiled, blushing. “Yeah, it’s been a great night so far.”

  I nudged her elbow and smiled mischievously. “You know we’re gonna get you out on that dance floor before it’s all said and done, right?” I joked.

  “No way!” she exclaimed. “I really can’t dance! Please don’t torture me like that!”

  “Don’t worry, we will.” Val chuckled. “You might as well go ahead and get your torture shoes on.”

  Kayla groaned and we all laughed. Just as I was getting lost in the light-hearted conversation going on around me, I caught sight of Landon dancing with a cute girl in the middle of the floor. He twirled and spun her, and she clung to him as close as humanly possible, pressing her tiny body against his every chance she got.

  Chapter Twelve

  My heart stopped. I felt myself staring but couldn’t tear my eyes away from the scene. And they were definitely making a scene. It was like they’d rehearsed their routine with a professional. He even lifted her at the end of the song. Applause erupted as the music faded.

  How had I not noticed them earlier? Was I that carried away in my own world, my own perfect evening, not to see Landon with her? Or had they just arrived?

  I couldn’t answer these questions. I couldn’t process what was happening or what I was feeling. The stab of pain in my gut felt oddly familiar—like jealousy—but that was ridiculous. I was enjoying my night, my date, and my friends. I was happy. So why did the sight of Landon with that girl send me into mental hysterics?


  Something sharp pressed down on my foot, and I realized it was Val’s heel. “Get a grip,” she whispered. “Rex is headed this way, and he’s already watchin’ you. Quit lookin’ at them…and laugh or somethin’.”

  Uh-oh. I turned my head toward her dramatically and faked a giggle. “Was I that obvious?” I mumbled through a grin.

  “Just keep laughin’,” she urged.

  A few short moments later, Rex was in the chair next to me with his arm draped over my shoulders. He proceeded to kiss my cheek, as if he were showing off or trying to make a point. Either way, it frustrated me.

  “I’m goin’ to the ladies’ room,” I announced, pushing away from the table and Rex’s hold. Rex stared after me, dumbfounded. I could feel everyone watching me as I walked away, but I didn’t care. I needed some space. I strode faster toward the restrooms, bumping into a few people on the way.

  After what felt like an eternity, I finally reached my destination and pushed through the door. I exhaled and leaned against the wall. Luckily, I was alone. All I needed was a few minutes to regain control of my emotions and then I’d be fine.

  With a deep breath, I turned to look in the full-length mirror. As the air rushed out of my lungs, I noticed the strained expression on my face. I took a few more deep breaths and tried to smile.

  It didn’t look convincing, so I lifted my chin and tried again. That one was a little better. It would have to do. I stood there a little longer, taking in my appearance.

  The dress I wore hugged my curves in all the right places and showed some skin where needed. Modest enough but flattering. Bangs swept in an angle across my forehead, and curls brushed the tops of my shoulders. To my surprise, none of the curls had fallen out, despite all the dancing I’d already done. My makeup was still perfect…to match my perfect date and perfect friends.

  But what did it all matter? The hours I’d spent on hair, makeup, and nails. The weeks I’d spent picking out the exact right dress. The nights I’d spent dreaming of a fairytale prom. Every bit of it was rendered worthless by the ache in my heart.

  Snap out of it, I told myself. This is ridiculous. You’re here with an amazing guy and you’ve been having a great time. Get it together.

  I had no choice but to face prom night again. Straightening my shoulders, I resolved to make it through the rest of the evening with a smile on my face. Even if that smile had to be forced.

  I’d ignore Landon and his new friend. I’d dance with Rex and let his compliments and sweet gestures sweep me back into my fairytale evening. With that thought, I slowly made my way back to my friends, back to the happy night of ten minutes ago.

  When I approached the table, Rex stood and took my hand. “We need to talk,” he whispered. “Come dance with me.” A slow song began, and as far as everyone else was concerned, he and I were just going to dance. I appreciated his discretion but dreaded the looming conversation.

  Once we moved to a somewhat private spot on the dance floor, Rex put his arms around my waist and pulled me close. We swayed back and forth for a while, but tension hovered in the air between us.

  After what seemed like forever, he finally broke the silence. “So…is it all you hoped for?”

  “What?” I asked.

  “Prom. Tonight.”

  I managed to smile, hoping it looked genuine. “It’s been wonderful, Rex. Thank you for everything.” As I said the words, I knew they were true, even though my heart screamed conflicting messages. It really had been a great night, and Rex had done everything he could to make it perfect. He’d even surprised me with a dozen pink roses—my favorite—when he arrived at my parents’ house.

  “Cora, if I ask you something, do you promise to answer truthfully?”

  I stopped swaying and stared into his eyes. I had an idea of the question he wanted to ask, and I didn’t want to answer it. I didn’t know how. “Of course,” I said.

  “Well…” He hesitated.

  “What’s wrong, Rex?”

  He glanced at the floor. “Would you rather be here with Landon?”

  I blinked slowly and thought of how to word my response. “No. I’m glad I’m here with you. Sorry if I’ve been a little distracted tonight. It’s just that…this thing with Landon has more of an effect on me than I’d realized. But it’s not what you think.”

  He frowned. “Then what is it?”

  “Well, he’s one of my best friends. We grew up together, and now we’re not even talkin’. I just hate that I can’t hang out with him at our senior prom, you know? I mean, not as a date, but…as a friend. Does that make sense?”

  “I guess...”

  “Is there somethin’ else?” I asked.

  “Actually…” He sighed. “It’s just that I saw your face when he was dancing with that girl. I thought you’d lose it. It didn’t seem like the face of someone who just misses her friend. It seemed more like the face of someone who’s jealous. And longing for something she can’t have.”

  “What? No, I-I’m not jealous,” I stammered. “And I’m definitely not longing. I was just shocked because I didn’t know he was datin’ anybody. That’s all. It was just a surprise. That’s what you saw on my face—surprise, not jealousy.”

  “So, you’re telling me that you don’t have feelings for him? At all? Because I want you to be happy.” He gently brushed the bangs out of my eyes. “I refuse to be the reason you don’t find true love.”

  “Rex, what are you tryin’ to say? Are you…breakin’ up with me?” I whispered.

  “No, I’m not. Unless…unless it’s what you want. I’m crazy about you…I’m in love with you.”

  Whoa. We hadn’t said the “L” word yet. I had no idea we were at that point in our relationship. It felt rushed. I took an involuntary step back, but Rex didn’t release his hold on my waist.

  “I love you, Cora,” he murmured. “Do you love me?”

  I looked deep into his eyes, remembering the spark I’d felt the first day I met him and the times we’d spent together since. My eyes searched his face, but all I found was an attractive guy. A guy so attractive he could be a model, but that was all I saw.

  In that moment, I wondered if everything I felt for him was superficial. Was I only crazy about him because of his looks? Because he knew how to romance me? I’d gotten so carried away in his grand gestures—like the song he had written for me—that I’d lost myself. I was infatuated with him, but I couldn’t say for sure that I was in love with him.

  Wow.

  I shook my head. “No. I’m so sorry, Rex.”

  His face fell and he dropped his arms. “Oh.”

  “Don’t get me wrong,” I said quickly. “I really like you. And I’ve had a lot of fun hangin’ out…I just…I don’t think I can honestly say I’m in love with you. Not yet. It’s too soon. I’m so, so sorry.”

  He smiled wistfully and touched my cheek again. “It’s okay. We haven’t known each other that long. But I’m a firm believer that when you know, you know. I do wish you felt differently, but I don’t think you ever will. Your heart’s somewhere else, so I’m going to bow out gracefully.”

  I blinked back tears. Even though I knew he was right, it hurt to see our relationship end. “I’ll miss you,” I whispered.

  “Me too,” he said. Then he turned to leave.

  “Wait! How will you get home?”

  “I’ll take a taxi. Don’t worry about me, Cora. I’ll be okay.”

  “Are you sure? Because you’re more than welcome to stay. We can still hang out…I don’t want you to feel like you have to go. Let’s finish out our night.”

  He took a few steps back toward me. “I don’t belong here. This is your night. Go find your happiness, Cora. And don’t be stubborn,” he said. “Good-bye, beautiful.” He kissed my cheek and started toward the exit again. I watched as he disappeared in the crowd.

  I don’t know how long I stood there before Val’s voice startled me. “What’re you doin’? Where’s Rex?” she asked.

  “He
’s gone. We broke up,” I answered vaguely, still staring at the spot where he’d been swallowed by the throng of carefree students.

  “What? Why? Are you okay?”

  “Because I’m not in love with him. And, apparently, he’s in love with me. Or was…or… But I think I’m fine.”

  She looked confused. “Really?”

  I nodded and finally glanced her way, my mind in a jumbled fog from the events of the night. “Yeah, really. You know…I think he swept me off my feet so much with his romance, and music, and…I just got lost in all of it. I was in love with being in love, I think. Because when he asked me if I loved him, I just couldn’t say yes. And if you love someone, you should be able to say so, right?”

  “I…guess,” she replied slowly. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “I’m sure. It was actually the best breakup I’ve ever had. No fight, no cheatin’, no drama. Just old-fashioned honesty. It was refreshing. He really is a nice guy. I hope we can be friends. He wasn’t even mad or bitter toward me for not bein’ in love with him. He handled it really well.”

  “I’m…happy for you?”

  I came out of my trance enough to glance at her and smile slightly. “Yes, be happy for me. I’m fine, Val. Seriously.”

  “Okay, well, can we go back to our table, then? We look kinda silly just standin’ here in the middle of the dance floor, not movin’.”

  Oh, no. “Do you think everybody saw what happened? Are people talkin’ about it?”

  “No. Not yet, anyway. It’s too crowded for anybody to notice,” she assured me. “But if we stand here much longer, they’ll start to wonder what’s up.”

  “All right, let’s go sit down.” We moved through the pulsing bodies until we cleared the dance floor. Of course, my friends asked where Rex was, so I gave them the short version. I said we’d broken up and he went home, but that I was fine and we ended on good terms. The rest of them were just as confused as Val had been. Rex and I must have seemed perfect together.

  I sat for a while, not talking except to answer questions directed at me, watching all the happy couples and friends having the time of their lives. I was lost in my own head, wondering how my world had turned so upside-down in one night.