by Amy Clipston
“No, it’s not your fault. I just didn’t feel like a part of the team anymore. I’ve been going through some changes. I guess you could call it an identity crisis. I found myself not fitting in with the friends I’ve known since elementary and middle school.”
Coach Lori sat back in the chair. “I remember going through that when I was your age. You’re going to experience some big changes during the next few years. Where are you going to college?”
I hesitated. “I haven’t figured that out yet. I’ve been accepted at three. My mom is pressuring me to go to her alma mater, but I really would like to go to University with my cousin.” I almost said and my boyfriend, but I stopped when I realized Taylor and I weren’t even friends anymore. Now Emily and the superb teaching program were the only reasons I wanted to go to University.
“What’s your mother’s alma mater?”
“Kentwood University.” I said the words as if they were cuss words.
“Really?” Coach Lori’s eyes lit up. “I went there too! I loved it.”
“You did?” I sat up straight.
“Yes, I did. I met my husband there. It’s a wonderful school.”
“It is?” I’d never imagined Coach Lori, my favorite teacher and the most amazing cheer coach, had gone to the same college my mother had. This completely surprised me.
“Why do you look so shocked, Whitney?”
“I just thought that since my mom wanted me to go there …” My words trailed off. How could I tell Coach Lori I was simply turned off by Kentwood because my mom had gone there? The statement was so ridiculous and immature.
“Do you think Kentwood is uncool because your mother went there?”
“No.” I thought for a moment. “It’s not that it’s uncool, but I’m tired of my mother controlling my life.”
Coach Lori tapped on the desk. “My mother was the same way. She wasn’t happy I decided to be a teacher.”
“Really? How did you handle that?”
“I just told her I respected her opinion, but I wanted to live my life the way I saw fit. I’m very happy with my decisions.” She pointed around the room. “I love what I do. I love teaching and I love coaching.”
“And she respected that decision?”
“Yes, eventually.” Coach Lori crossed her legs. “You know, sometimes you have to follow what feels right in your heart and not worry about what other people think.”
“Yeah.” I thought about Taylor. “I hurt someone who means a lot to me because I wasn’t strong enough to stand up to my mother.”
“What happened?”
“My mom didn’t like my boyfriend.” I studied the top of the desk to avoid her eyes. “I lied to her and told her I was going to prom alone because I was too chicken to tell her the truth. He found out, and he was hurt. He broke up with me, and I can’t blame him. I really messed up. I should’ve stood up to my mom and not let him go.”
“If he’s a good guy, he’ll give you another chance.”
I looked up into her sympathetic eyes. “I hope so.” I sat up straighter. “So, tell me more about Kentwood.”
“Oh, I’d love to!” Coach Lori talked about the dorms, her friends, her sorority, and her favorite professors as I listened with interest. “Have you ever visited the campus?”
“I went once with my parents last spring. It’s nice, but it’s pretty far away.”
“It’s not that far away. You can make the trip home in one day.” She leaned over to me. “And Kentwood is a good option if you really want to put a little bit of distance between yourself and your mom.”
I paused for a moment, considering her words. “Do you think not finishing the year as cheer captain could reflect badly on my Kentwood application?”
Coach Lori smiled. “Not if I write you a glowing recommendation. After all, I did graduate magna cum laude from Kentwood.”
“Would you do that for me?”
“Of course I would, Whitney.” She stood. “Do you think you’ll consider going to Kentwood now that you’ve heard about it from an alumnus who isn’t your mother?”
I stood and lifted my backpack onto my shoulder. “I think I will consider it. I know it’s a good school, and my guidance counselor told me earning a degree from Kentwood is similar to earning one from an Ivy League school.”
“That’s true.” She walked me to the door. “It’s an honor to be accepted there. You should be proud of yourself for getting in, and you should really consider the school as a good choice, not as your mother’s alma mater.”
“Thank you,” I said. “I appreciate being able to talk to you.”
“Anytime, Whitney. And don’t give up on that boy.”
“I won’t.” I headed down the hallway wondering what my parents would say if I told them I was seriously considering going to Kentwood.
chapter twenty-one
Saturday afternoon I was thinking about my conversation with Coach Lori and surfing Kentwood’s website while sitting on my bed. Emily and Mom burst into my room, and I nearly jumped out of my skin.
“Whitney!” Emily gestured widely. “Why aren’t you dressed? We need to leave for our salon appointments. Zander is going to be ready to head out to the prom at five.”
I looked at my cousin and mom. “I wasn’t planning on going.”
Mom stepped into my walk-in closet and began poking through my clothes. “I bought you a gorgeous dress, shoes, and a purse. You’re going to prom if I have to drive you there myself. Let’s find you some jeans and a button-down shirt.”
Emily grinned. “We’re going to have the best time, Whitney! Oh, I can’t wait. Zander looks so hot in a tuxedo.” She fanned herself as if the temperature had shot up one hundred degrees.
I wondered what it would’ve been like if Taylor and I had double-dated with Zander and Emily tonight. Yes, it would’ve been perfect.
Mom tossed a pair of jeans and a yellow button-down shirt at me. “Get dressed, Whitney. We have to be there in twenty minutes. You know I don’t like to be …” She stopped speaking and stared at my laptop screen. “What are you looking at?”
“Kentwood’s website.” I watched her expression transform from frustration to delight.
“Really?” Mom crouched down and began pointing out buildings where she’d lived, had classes, and attended activities during her college career. She then studied me. “Why are you looking at this?”
“I was talking to Coach Lori yesterday, and she told me she went to school there.”
“Oh.” Mom’s expression was hesitant. “Does your sudden interest mean you’re considering it now?”
I closed my laptop screen and faced her. “Yes. I’m considering it.”
“Well, that’s good news.” Mom pointed toward the clothes. “We need to head out. We only have fifteen minutes now.”
“I’ll be right down.” I climbed off the bed.
Mom hurried through the door, but Emily lingered in the doorway. “We’re going to have a magical night, Whitney. I’m positive.”
“I hope so.” I watched her disappear and shook my head before dressing.
Late that afternoon, Emily and I stood in the family room dressed for the prom. Emily looked stunning in her green dress, with her brown hair falling in curls past her shoulders. Her makeup perfectly accentuated her emerald eyes, and her nails were painted bright red. She wore her mother’s pearl necklace along with the matching earrings my mother bought her. Uncle Brad couldn’t stop grinning while he snapped photo after photo of Emily and me as we posed like runway models in front of the fireplace.
I checked my reflection in the mirror above the mantel. My light-brown hair, which was now highlighted with golden streaks thanks to Casey, was styled in a french twist, and I wore my mother’s ruby necklace and matching earrings. I realized it didn’t matter how I looked, since appearances were what had driven a wedge between Taylor and me. I knew I had to stop worrying about what people thought and just be true to myself.
Uncle Brad tur
ned toward me. “You don’t have anything to worry about, Whitney. You look beautiful.”
“Thanks.” I fingered my little silver purse that matched my shoes. I could only fit my phone and a tube of lipstick in it, but it was so cute that I had to have it.
“Okay, girls.” Mom motioned to us. “One more photo before you go next door to Zander’s house.”
Emily and I stood together and gave our best cheesy smiles while Mom snapped another dozen photos. We then headed through the kitchen. Emily and Uncle Brad continued through the open sliding-glass door and out to the deck.
My father touched my arm and held me back. “Whitney. Don’t go just yet.” He rubbed my arm. “You look lovely. I just wanted to tell you I’m really proud of you. You’ve had a tremendous high school career, and I’m so in awe of all you’ve accomplished.” He kissed my cheek. “This is a special night for you. Have a wonderful time.”
“Thank you.” I held my purse in my hand while overwhelming emotions flooded through me.
Logan nodded. “You look really pretty for an irritating big sister.”
“Thanks, Logan. You’re okay for an annoying little brother.” I glanced at Mom, and I was certain her eyes were shimmering with tears. “I’m really sorry about everything, Mom. I never meant to hurt you, and I’m sorry for being so disrespectful. I appreciate all you do for me, and I know you’ve been pushing me because you love me and want what’s best for me. I can’t stand the silence between us anymore. I wish you would accept my apology.” I paused and sniffed.
“Of course I forgive you, dear. You’re my baby girl. I think I’ve been so hard on you because I’ve been afraid of losing you after you graduate. It’s going to be difficult not having you around after you leave for college. I’m really going to miss you.” My mom opened her arms, and I stepped into her embrace. “Now, don’t cry, dear. If you do, then your makeup will run. You don’t want to look like a clown at the prom.”
I couldn’t stop my laugh. Even during an emotional moment, Mom was most worried about my appearance. She handed me a napkin, and I dabbed it under my eyes.
“Go have fun, Whitney.” Mom pointed toward the door. “If you don’t hurry, Zander will leave without you. Take your time coming home. Your father and I will wait up for you, and you can tell us all about your evening.”
The four of us headed out to where Emily and Zander were posing for photos in the driveway next to the brand-new BMW sedan Zander’s father had bought.
“Whitney!” Zander opened his arms as I approached. “You look great.”
“Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself.” I stepped into his hug. “It’s good to see you.”
“Let me get some photos!” Mom immediately began directing us to stand together for another dozen photos.
“We’d better head out.” Zander gestured toward his father’s shiny sedan. “We don’t want to miss the dinner.”
“No, we don’t.” Emily gazed up at Zander.
I couldn’t help but wish Taylor was here. I was certain he’d look just as handsome as Zander looked in his tuxedo. I hoped Emily was right, and somehow Taylor would be inspired to come to prom and give me another chance to explain myself and also apologize. I hoped he missed me as much as I missed him.
I said good-bye to Uncle Brad, my brother, my parents, and Zander’s parents and then climbed into the backseat of the BMW. The scent of leather engulfed me as I buckled my seat belt and waited for Zander and Emily to join me.
After a few more minutes of talking to Zander’s parents, Emily and Zander finally climbed into the front seat, exchanging a brief kiss before buckling themselves in. I felt out of place, like a fifth wheel. I wished I had insisted on driving by myself, but I knew Emily would never have agreed to it.
“I love this car.” Emily glanced around. “I’d love to get under the hood and see what makes it tick.”
Zander chuckled while steering out of the driveway. “Yeah, I would too, but Dad won’t let me touch it.”
Emily ran her fingers over the dashboard. “It’s amazing. I hope I can afford something this nice someday. I’m surprised he let you drive it.”
“I didn’t think you two lovely ladies would want to climb into my Jeep Wrangler in your fancy gowns.” Zander glanced at me in the rearview mirror.
“Thank you. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.” I grinned at him. “Is Chelsea going to meet us there?”
“Yes. Her boyfriend had to work until three this afternoon, so they might be a little late.” Emily checked her reflection in the mirror, and I smiled. I’d never known her to be so concerned about her makeup in the past, but she seemed to enjoy how she looked tonight.
Emily asked Zander a zillion questions about school as we drove toward the ritzy Cavalier Hotel downtown. I stared out the window and wondered what Taylor was doing. Could he possibly be getting ready to go to the prom?
I was lost in my thoughts when I heard my phone buzz. I pulled it out of my purse and gasped when I saw Taylor’s number on the display.
“What’s wrong?” Emily spun and looked at me.
“It’s Taylor!” I said.
Emily grinned. “Answer it, silly.”
“Hello?” I asked, my hand shaking as I held the phone to my ear.
“Hey.” Taylor’s voice was unsure.
“Hi.” My voice was shaky. “How are you?”
“I’ve been better.” He paused. “How are you?”
“Yeah, I’m about the same.”
“Where are you?”
“I’m in the backseat of Zander’s car. We’re on our way to the prom. Why?” I held my breath.
“I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching, and I think we need to talk.”
“That sounds like a good idea.” Hope filled me at the possibility of working things out. “When do you want to talk?”
“Well, I just got off work. I took an extra shift so I could keep myself preoccupied after our argument. I was going crazy after our breakup. I can’t stop thinking about you.”
“I’ve been feeling the same way.”
“I wanted to call you all day, but work was nonstop. We’re having a big sale, and there were lines out the door. I can be at the hotel in a little while. I still need to get changed and take care of a few things. Maybe we can find someplace quiet to talk at the prom. Does that sound okay?”
“That sounds perfect.” My heart turned over in my chest.
“All right. I’ll see you in a little bit, okay?”
“I look forward to it.” I disconnected the phone and blew out a deep sigh.
“Well?” Emily asked with anticipation.
“He said we need to talk. It sounds like he wants to work things out. He’s going to meet me at the prom in a little while.”
Emily squeezed my hand. “I told you not to give up hope. God heard your prayers, and he’s answering them in his own time.”
“You were right all along, Em. Thank you.”
Zander pulled the car up to the entrance of the hotel, and a valet rushed out to meet him. After giving the man his keys, Zander moved around the car, opened the passenger door, took Emily’s hand in his, and helped her out. I started to open my door, but Zander yelled for me to stop.
He then opened my door and held out his hand. “May I help you?”
I took his hand. “You’re such a gentleman, Zander.”
“I try my best.” He helped me out of the car and then offered his arms to Emily and me. “I’m the coolest guy at the prom, since I have a beautiful date on each arm.”
Emily and I laughed as he led us into the hotel. I glanced around the stunning lobby decorated with three enormous crystal chandeliers, a fountain, colorful paintings, large potted trees, and elegant leather furniture.
We followed the crowd of well-dressed teenagers down the hallway and into the ballroom, where loud music boomed through speakers and reverberated off the walls. Students were already moving on the dance floor, which was in the middle of a sea of round
tables decorated with shimmering confetti, glasses featuring our school logo and year, and maroon, yellow, and white balloons.
Hoots and hollers drew my attention to the far side of the room, where Brett, Chad, Doug, Spencer, and a group of other football players were whistling and calling to Zander.
“Zander!” Chad hollered.
“Yo, Stewart!” Doug chimed in.
They motioned for Zander to join them, and he waved in response.
I dropped my hand from Zander’s arm and slowed my steps as Zander and Emily headed off toward the group of football players and their dates. While he was in high school, Zander played one year of football until he injured his knee. Although he couldn’t continue to play on the team, he remained good friends with the players. I understood why he wanted to visit with his friends, but I couldn’t bear the thought of standing there and listening while Zander talked with them.
I glanced around the room and looked for someone to talk to while Emily and Zander stood with my former friends. Not finding anyone to visit with, I stood by a table and pretended to be absolutely fascinated with the flickering LED lights and the shimmering glitter on the table.
“Whitney?” A voice sounded above the blare of the music.
I looked behind me just as Chelsea rushed up to me dressed in the most amazing navy-blue gown I’d ever seen. “Chelsea, you look breathtaking!”
“Doesn’t she?” Her boyfriend, Todd, placed his hand on her shoulder.
“Thanks, Whitney.” Chelsea beamed. “I took an old dress from my mom and updated it a bit.” She looked down and moved the shimmering skirt back and forth.
“You’re so talented.” I touched the dress.
“Thank you.” Chelsea pointed at my dress. “You look gorgeous, Whitney. I love your hair. The highlights look really nice.”
“Thanks. It needed to be brightened up a bit.” I pointed toward Emily, who was standing next to Zander while he laughed with his friends. “Emily and Zander are over there.”
Chelsea gestured toward the empty table. “Why don’t we sit?”
“Good idea,” I told her, raising my voice over the music.