“I brought you out here to ask you officially to go to prom with me. I know that you have your own prom, but I’d like to go to my prom, together. If you want to go to yours too, we can.” I put my fingers on his lips to stop his mumbling.
“I only want to go to your prom. I won’t feel right going to mine.”
I didn’t feel like a student at Ridgeline anymore. Not because of what happened with Lily, but more so because I am only there for a half day. People hardly ever see me. I couldn’t really place the exact reason, but maybe it was because I left my heart at Alcott. I had felt more secure there. Even after I had made fun of all of the Alcott kids all of my life, I fit in better there than I ever did at Ridgeline.
There was something true to the feeling of being at home when you were standing somewhere surrounded by people who cared about you. At Alcott, I felt that way especially with Nolan and Kyleigh with me.
Nolan was not really at school much lately. He had his good days and his bad, but mostly he did his work from home. Our college class was now my class alone. He absolutely had to give that up, but it didn’t stop him from getting accepted to State. We had our lives planned out carefully. The tumor had only been a small bump that we went over, and we were staring at the road in front of us once again.
I leaned into him and kissed him. “This was the most romantic invitation to prom. I absolutely will go with you.” He kissed me back tenderly.
“I can’t wait to see you in your dress,” he half joked.
“Oh, I bet.”
I smacked him, and we tumbled onto the dock. It felt amazing to be free with him and feel like I wasn’t going to hurt him. The last few weeks had been hard, but he showed me I couldn’t break him. I watched him wrestle with Nash outside several times, and each time he went down, I cringed. Finally after one football game between his friends at his house, I couldn’t take the fear any longer.
I walked over to him and said, “I’m scared you’re going to get hurt, Nolan.” He looked at me and pulled me into his arms.
“Sadie, I’m not fragile. I’m strong. I can wrestle with Nash, and I can play ball with the guys. I’m not a glass figurine that belongs on a shelf. Can a figurine do this?” He lifted me in the air with his arms and swung me around the yard until we were both so dizzy we almost threw up. I just giggled and let him do his thing. All the while I saw that he was right; he wasn’t broken.
He scooped me up and pulled me into his lap. His kisses covered my neck down to my chest, and we forgot all about the food.
Twenty Three
I held up the blue dress with sequins high in the air so Kyleigh would notice it. The noise in the dress shop was astounding. She shut off her hearing aids because it was all a little too much for her. Every Alcott and Ridgeline girl was here today, of course. I wished silently that I would have waited until Monday afternoon to do this. Even going alone and telling Kyleigh what I got later was fine with me, but she insisted on being a part of this. So that was why we were there on a Saturday with every other girl.
“This one?” I shouted at Kyleigh. She took notice and shook her head. “Ugh.”
I was so frustrated. There wasn’t one dress I liked, or Kyleigh liked for that matter. The one I had my eye on online was sold out. At this rate I would be going to prom in shorts and a tank top.
“I’ve always thought you looked good in orange or pink.”
I turned around and was surprised to see Lily holding up a dress in each color she suggested. I had not talked to her since the hospital incident. She had come back to school, but with my schedule I never ran into her. I had given up on ever reconciling with her because once she threw that cup at me; it was pretty final. I heard from Nolan that Oliver was arrested and charged. He lost his license and had to pay a heavy fine. But to me that wasn’t enough. He wouldn’t change his ways unless it was a heavier punishment. If he kept getting away with things, he would continue to abuse people and abuse his so-called power.
“I like the orange one,” Kyleigh suggested, standing with me now. I hadn’t realized that I was staring a Lily with a blank face until then. I smiled, half-assed, and reached out for it.
“Thanks. I’ll try it.” It was hard to not grit my teeth or even take a defensive stance. At any moment she could strike, but instead of throwing things, she handed me the dresses.
“Can I see it … once you’ve tried it on?” she asked hesitantly.
It was weird for her to be talking to me and even weirder to want to be a part of anything that had to do with my life. Hadn’t she been the one to remark on how perfect my life was? Boy was she wrong.
“Umm, sure.”
I bit my lip and shrugged my shoulders staying cool and aloof as I stepped into the dressing room―I was lucky enough to snag one when I first got here. Other girls were trying dresses on anywhere they could find space.
I took a look at the orange dress and the pink one. I had to admit they were both pretty amazing, but I wasn’t going to tell Lily that. The orange chiffon gown had one shoulder that was encrusted with jewels. I tried that one on first. It fit me perfectly; leave it up to Lily to remember my size and the style I liked. That didn’t mean anything.
I walked out of the room and both girls looked up at me. Kyleigh wore a frown and so did Lily, I guess that meant orange was a no then. I stepped back into the room and shimmied it off.
What are they talking about? Are they even talking at all? I wondered.
I would probably take a guess that they were not talking, since Kyleigh didn’t have her hearing aids in, but I could have been wrong.
I slipped into the short, light pink dress and zipped it up on the side. I stood staring at myself in it for a bit; it was perfect. How I had not seen this style before?
It was strapless and the neckline dipped down just enough. The skirt was short in the front and fell in layers to the back. I sighed and stepped out, awaiting their reaction. As soon as I did, both of their eyes lit up. I smiled and walked to the big mirrors where Kyleigh followed. She stuck close to my side, and her smile said more than I needed in words.
“It’s perfect,” she said a little too loudly. I mouthed a thank you and turned to look at Lily. She beamed at me and clapped her hands together―that was a signature Lily thing. Whenever she got excited, she would clap her hands and squeal.
“Thanks for finding this. I actually love it,” I said surprised still.
“You’re welcome. I … I better go. My boss doesn’t like me to sit around.” I was confused.
“Your boss? Wait … do you work here?”
She nodded. So she was just doing her job then, not helping me because she wanted to. I nodded harshly.
“Well, tell your boss you did a good job finding the dress for this customer,” I spat and walked back into the dressing room. I hastily took off the dress and fumbled putting it back on the hanger. I once again was stupid in thinking she wanted to be friends again. Why was I constantly thinking things would get better with us?
I took a deep breath and left the dressing room with the dress in hand. I didn’t care. I wasn’t too proud. I was buying this damned dress even if she was the one to pick it out for me.
***
Nolan and I were sharing a Limo with Nash and Amelie for the night―It only made sense to go together. Why spend the money on two?―The Limo would be here in five minutes, and I was still just in my underwear. Cara sprayed my hair one last time with AquaNet and I hacked up a lung. That stuff will kill you if you’re not careful.
“Okay, done,” she announced. I looked in the mirror and nodded. The hair was perfect, the make-up pristine, now for the dress.
My mom held it up and helped me in it. I wobbled in my high heels, that I wasn’t used to wearing, as I stepped in the dress. She pulled it up and zipped it for me. I adjusted my boobs and smoothed it out. I suddenly worried Nolan wouldn’t like my dress.
“Sadie,” my mom said. “He’s gonna love it. He doesn’t care what you wear, sweetie
. He loves you anyway.” Moms always know what you’re thinking.
I sighed. “Yeah, but I want him to look at me and remember this night forever.” Sure it was foolish to want that, but this was a big night for us.
“It’s not your damn wedding, Sadie. It’s just prom,” Cara remarked.
I scowled at her negativity, and she flipped me off. Just because she thought prom sucked didn’t mean I would. I was going to an Alcott prom. They held theirs at the Laurel Resort, not in the gym like Ridgeline did. I had been going to the LR a lot more lately since being with Nolan. At one time I harshly judged it as a snobby retreat for the rich, but it was actually beautiful.
“Don’t be jealous that my prom will be better,” I snarled.
I heard the beep of a horn outside and peered out of my window. Nolan was getting out and adjusting his all white tuxedo. I blushed and couldn’t resist the smile on my face. He looked so gorgeous.
“Good lordy,” my sister remarked. “He looks amazing in a tux.”
“Hey, hands off!” I warned her. I knew she was teasing, but he was mine.
My mom was already opening the door and snapping pictures of Nolan. I came up the hall and watched him. He posed and smiled for all of her shots; he was such a good sport. When I came into the room, it was literally like time stopped. His eyes found mine and everything else fell away. He walked toward me with a certain swagger. His limp was gone; he was all back to normal, healthy Nolan, not that it mattered to me. I could see his confidence had returned. It showed in every step he took toward me.
My heart beat widely and a laugh escaped my lips as he got closer. I was giddy with excitement.
“You look … there are no words,” he breathed. He leaned in and kissed me, and in that kiss I knew he really liked my dress.
We somehow managed to get out of the house unscathed. Between my mom and his parents, who showed up to take pictures too, we were swarmed. I knew what it was like to be attacked by paparazzi now.
The LR was elegantly decorated for the prom. I sat at our table for a minute, just staring at my surroundings. I was so excited not only to be there, but to be there with Nolan. The time we’d had together had been so meaningful and special that it all seemed to come together on that one night. I knew it was just prom, but to me it was more than that. We had grown so much over the year, and it was soon coming to an end. Our high school careers were almost over and prom was really the last hurrah. Before long it was graduation and summer again.
“A dance miss?” he joked.
He held out his hand, and I took it, standing. He pulled me out on the dance floor where we swayed to the slow song roaring through the speakers. “I’ll never forget this night.”
I smiled because I felt the same way. I melted away in his arms, dancing slowly with him even through the fast songs.
Love is funny that way. You don’t seem to notice when life speeds up around you.
Twenty Four
I followed the processional line of Ridgeline students all the way to the football field where our loved ones awaited our graduation. I found my seat and felt the heat prickle up my back. There were a lot of students, and it would take a while to get to my name. I tried to get comfortable in the plastic chair and look for my parents and Nolan in the crowd. No luck. There were too many people.
“Sara Aires.” The first name was called, and I slumped into my seat. This would drag on forever. I faded into my own thoughts, dreaming about the party at Nolan’s that his parents were throwing for our graduation. Nash, Amelie, Nolan and I had all graduated, and they felt it was a great idea to throw a big bash. Hey, who was I to complain? I loved parties. Their parties, maybe not so much, but they promised to keep it low key.
“Liliana Chavez,” the announcer said. I looked up and saw Lily walk up the side steps while people in the crowd cheered for her. She looked good. She looked happy.
She took her diploma and smiled then walked off the stage. I watched her go and felt the familiar sadness in my chest. I fought it off and tried to pay attention to the other students.
“Sadie Peters.” Finally! I stood on wobbly legs and walked the steps. This was it. I was done with high school. Had I done all that I wanted too during these four years? No. If I really thought about it, I could have joined more clubs or played a sport. I could have been a better person. I could have been more social instead of quietly judging everyone from my corner. But it was too late now. I wouldn’t spend my life with regret. I would only spend it looking forward to what lay ahead of me.
I took the diploma and shook the principal’s hand. I heard everyone cheering for me. Nolan’s voice stood out; I could recognize it anywhere. I looked up at the crowd and waved. I saw him then, waving like a nerd―I loved his enthusiasm. I laughed and walked off the stage and found my seat once again. A few names later we moved our tassels and all at once cheered because we were finally graduates. Girls I didn’t know hugged me and cried. I hugged them back and felt the tears stinging my eyes. We were all so damn proud that we didn’t care who we were holding onto, just as long as we had someone to hold.
I walked out of the crowd with one thought in my mind, Find Nolan. As I edged my way through the sobbing and cheering students, I came face to face with Lily. We both stopped and stared at each other. Finally she stepped forward and threw her arms around me. I did the same. We stood like that, crying for what seemed like forever.
“I’m so sorry,” she cried. “For everything I’ve done and said. I was such an idiot.”
“Me too. I’m sorry.”
It was a moment of clarity for the both of us. We both made mistakes, she didn’t act alone, and it took all of this time for us to both see that and to apologize.
I pulled back and wiped my tear-stained face. Lily looked healthy and happy, Oliver free, I assumed―I had seen him at prom with another girl. She was better off without him. She looked like the old Lily, but different somehow.
“Sadie, I was such an idiot. I should have never let a guy get in between our friendship. I have been so lonely this year. And when you came to the hospital, I took it all out on you, and I shouldn’t have done that. I didn’t mean what I said,” she admitted.
“You don’t have to explain.”
She held up her hand to stop me. “Yes, I do. When I saw you at the dress shop, I was trying to say all of this then, but … I got nervous. I was scared that you didn’t want me in your life. And then Kyleigh told me that you could never have too many friends.” That was Kyleigh, always the optimist. “She was right. One can never have too many people around them.”
I thought back on that day, and I didn’t even give Lily a chance to say anything to me. I was so rude to her and jumped to conclusions. I didn’t even let her talk.
“She is right. She usually is; it’s so annoying,” I joked. We both laughed. That moment hung in the air forever, just two friends reuniting after a really bad year. We never stopped being friends, not fully. We had just gotten off track for a while.
“Listen, there is a party tonight at Nolan’s house. I want you to come,” I told her.
“Will Oliver be there?” she asked hesitantly. I could see the fear in her eyes. I wanted to ask so badly what he did to her, but I would let her do that on her own. She would have to tell me when she was ready.
“No. He isn’t invited.”
“Then I’d love to come.” She beamed.
Epilogue
Summer
We drove to the lake, taking the scenic route. It was the absolute best way to get anywhere in Laurel Lakes. The view alone made up for the extra traveling time. Lily was driving, I was sitting shotgun, and Kyleigh was in the back. Just three girls ready to celebrate the last summer together. We didn’t talk about the fact that in three short months we would all be going in separate directions. There was no need to discuss that now. This summer was for fun, not thinking about the things that got us down.
“Did we forget the music?” Lily asked, suddenly panicked.
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“Nope.” Kyleigh held up her iPod and Lily sighed. God forbid we didn’t have music. I just laughed and held my hand out of the window, letting the rushing air make waves over it.
We pulled into the lot and found our spot right up front. I grabbed the snacks, Lily the chairs, and Kyleigh had the music and magazines.
The boys waited for us patiently. Nash was already in the water splashing Amelie playfully. They had made it through the year, and I was happy they had. They were dysfunctional, but perfect for each other. Kyleigh ran up to Joel, who had fit in fast with our crowd. He was laid back and easy going just like Kyleigh. It was hard not to love them both.
Lily found a spot in the sand and plopped our chairs down. She sat and started rubbing on the sunblock. I helped her get it on her back.
“Thanks,” she said turning around. “Where’s Nolan?” I wondered that myself, but I didn’t say anything. I looked around and didn’t see him. I shrugged and said, “He’ll show. I’m not worried about it.”
“But what if I was in a horrible car crash? You wouldn’t be worried?” He asked sarcastically, sneaking up behind me. I let out a squeal as he grabbed my waist.
“I guess I would have been a little worried,” I teased.
He kissed my nose. “Come for a walk with me?”
I nodded and handed Lily the lotion. “Find me a good skipping stone?” she asked.
“Only the best for you, Lil.”
I grabbed Nolan’s outstretched hand and walked the length of the lake with him. Finally we came to a little grassy patch of land. I looked back at our friends, and they looked so far. Pretty soon they would be far away.
“Hey, none of that,” Nolan warned. Damn him and his always knowing what I was thinking. “Only happy thoughts, remember?” He sat on the grass and pulled me down into his arms. “Now, happy thoughts will commence.”
He kissed me with those perfect lips, and I fell into him just like I had the first time we kissed. Always falling, falling, falling in love with Nolan.
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