The Perfect Prom Date

by Marysue G. Hobika

  “Why are you still here? Don’t you get it? I’m a loser!” I started to get up to run away again, but Brennan grabbed my arm and wouldn’t let me go.

  Fresh tears sprang to my eyes. I wasn’t crying because he was hurting my arm. I was crying because I felt so humiliated.

  He let go. “Sorry, I just didn’t want you to take off before I got the chance to ask you – will you be my date to the prom?”

  I laughed and hiccupped at the same time. “You’re asking me to the prom? Now?”

  “You don’t want to go?” He actually sounded hurt.

  “I did want to go, but I don’t anymore.”

  This time Brennan laughed. “You’re not making any sense.”

  “I can’t go to the prom now. I can’t even show my face at school ever again. Everyone thinks I’m a freak.” I stood up.

  “Josie, Josie, Josie, what am I going to do with you? Of course, you can go back to school. Who cares what everybody else thinks?”

  “I do,” I said quietly, but definitively.

  “Well you shouldn’t.” I opened my mouth to speak, but Brennan touched his finger to my lips. “Yes, it was mean of your sister, but you can’t let her win. And she wins if you don’t go to the prom with me. Please? Please be my date to the prom? I would never want to go with anyone but you.”

  He surprised me by kissing me lightly on the lips.

  I pulled away, but I felt my heart softening. “I don’t get it - how can you still want to go with me?”

  “Isn’t is obvious?” He smiled. His bright blue eyes practically sparkled in the sunlight.

  I shook my head, no.

  “Then let me spell it out for you…I love you. And I want to be with you. And if going to the prom is something you want to do, than I want to do it too. So what do you say - will you be my date to the prom?”

  “Are you sure?” I asked, giving Brennan a chance to back out.

  “Of course, I’m sure.” He held my hand in his.

  “Okay,” I agreed.

  “Okay? That’s it?” His eyebrows rose.

  “Yes, I’d love to go to the prom with you,” I whispered, still feeling doubtful about whether I could really go through with it after everything that had happened.

  “Don’t worry. I promise it will be a night you’ll never forget.” He wrapped his arms around me, and kissed me deeply. I sighed, forgetting all about Ellie and the recent disaster.

  We stopped to catch our breath. Brennan leaned his forehead against mine. “I guess we should get to class. Mrs. Perkins isn’t going to be happy that we’re late.”

  “We should just blow it off and stay out here. I could think of something else I’d rather do.” I ran my shaky fingers through his soft hair.

  “As tempting as that sounds, I think we should go to class.” Brennan grabbed my hand and started walking toward the school.

  I froze. I wasn’t sure I had the guts to walk through the main door again. “I’m scared,” I admitted.

  “Don’t be. I’ll be right here with you.”

  “What about the photocopies?”

  “I’m sure they’re all down by now. Rachel, Kyle, and some of your other friends were taking them off the walls when I came out to look for you.”

  I was still rooted to the spot.

  “It really wasn’t as bad as you think. I saw one girl point to a picture and confess that she bought that exact same dress. I overheard her tell her friend that she hadn’t thought to get those shoes to go with it, and she wondered where she might be able to buy them.”

  “Really?” I felt my lips curve into the tiniest smile.

  “Really.” He stared into my eyes, and I knew he was telling the truth.

  Taking a deep breath, I let Brennan lead me toward the school. We walked in silence. I was too nervous to talk.

  “Josie,” the principal said, stepping out of his office as we walked by, “can I talk to you, please?” He nodded at Brennan, “You can take a seat.” He pointed to the chairs lining the wall in the main office.

  I followed the principal into his office and sat down in the chair facing his desk. He sat down and cleared his throat, “So, things were a little crazy around here - especially for the Monday morning after spring break.”

  “Yes, it appeared that way.” I nodded. I hope the principal didn’t think this was my fault.

  “I saw your signature on every one of the pictures I took down.” He paused and then added, “How do you explain that?”

  “They were photocopies of pages from a scrapbook I made.” I looked at my hands, and struggled not to chip my nail polish.

  “How did they get in MY main hallway?”

  “I don’t know.” I looked up, and stared right at the principal. I could have ratted on Ellie, I knew it was her who pulled the prank, but I wasn’t a nark.

  “It’s a serious crime to break into the school and deface school property,” the principal said sternly.

  “I know it is. I hope you don’t think I had anything to do with it?”

  “That’s what I’m trying to figure out.”

  “I did not hang up those pictures. I’m just as upset as you, if not more. Everyone was laughing at me.” Tears filled my eyes.

  “Okay, okay. I just had to be sure.” The principal looked uncomfortable, like he didn’t know what to do with a teenage girl on the brink of an emotional meltdown. “You better get to class. Stop by the secretary’s desk on your way out, and she’ll write you and Brennan a pass.”

  “Thank you Mr. Richardson,” I sniffed.

  “No problem. And I promise we’ll get to the bottom of this.” He banged his fist on the desk.

  Brennan was still sitting in the same chair and stood when he saw me exit. He held up the pass that the secretary had already given him, “We’re all set. Let’s go,” he said, grabbing my hand.

  We were several steps beyond the office when I breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Are you okay? What did Mr. Richardson say?”

  “He wanted to know if I knew who was responsible.”

  “And? What did you tell him?”

  “Nothing,” I shrugged. I stopped in the middle of the hall, “You were right. I won. I got you – the best date I could ever have to the prom.” I reached up and kissed Brennan, sealing the deal.

  At lunch, Brennan headed straight to buy prom tickets. This was the last week they were on sale because the prom was only two weeks away. The other kids were whispering as he stood in line, and someone even went so far as to ask him if he was really going to go with me. Brennan answered in typical-Brennan-fashion with a question of his one, “Why wouldn’t I?” The truth was Brennan didn’t really care what anyone else thought. I guess when you moved from school to school every couple of years you became self-confident and didn’t worry about what other people thought. I was working on not letting other people’s opinions bother me either. It did make me feel lighter and freer. I had already changed a lot since B-Man and I first started going out, and the truth was I liked who I was becoming.

  I spent the rest of the day mulling over the best way to confront Ellie when I got home. In the end, I decided that the only way to beat Ellie was to beat her at her own game. She never lost her temper, but always kept her cool. It was time I did that.

  When school was over Rachel dropped me off at home, and I rushed inside. “Mom. Mom. Where are you?” I called out.

  “I’m in the laundry room,” she yelled. “What’s going on?” She came out folding a pair of my jeans.

  “You’ll never guess what happened at school today?” I looked up and saw Ellie come out of her room. She stood listening at the top of the stairs. It looked like my plan just might work. My timing couldn’t have been better.

  “What happened?”

  “Brennan asked me to the prom. I’m going to my senior prom with Brennan,” I shouted, jumping up and down.

  Ellie walked down the stairs. She never could mind her own business.

  “Tha
t’s great, honey,” my mom replied. “We’ll have to go dress shopping this weekend.” Her forehead creased. “I hope they still have a good selection of dresses. He’s cutting it a little close by asking you so late, isn’t he?”

  “It’s fine, mom. I know I’ll find the perfect dress.”

  My mom smiled. Then she saw Ellie, “Did you hear? Josie is going to the prom with Brennan. I think it’s wonderful, don’t you?”

  “I think…it’s surprising.” Ellie scowled. Obviously she thought that her little prank would prevent Brennan from asking me.

  “Oh, Ellie. I’m glad you’re here. I wanted to thank you,” I said, sounding sincere.

  “Thank me? For what?” She shook her head in confusion.

  “For going to all that trouble to make photocopies of ‘Everything Prom,’ and then hanging them around school for Brennan to see. It did just the trick. As soon as he saw them, he knew that I wanted him to ask me to the prom. I had been too shy to even hint at it myself. He found me and asked me to go. And of course, I said yes. So, thank you.”

  “What’s this?” my mom asked, trying to follow our conversation. “Did Ellie do something nice for a change?”

  “Yeah, she did.” I smiled broadly. I had finally succeeded at beating Ellie at her own game.

  Ellie, on the other hand, was fuming. She couldn’t contradict me in front of our mom without getting herself into big trouble. However, I could tell by the look in her eyes that she was pissed about her plan backfiring. She bit her lip. “You’re welcome,” she sputtered.

  “That’s so nice. I’m so glad to see my girls getting along for a change.” My mom put an arm around each of us and squeezed our shoulders, oblivious to what had really happened.

  Comments:

  countrygirl: You were so right. MY GUY did finally ask me. We were riding in his truck when the song, “Love Story” by Taylor Swift came on and he looked over at me and said, “Will you dance with me to this song at prom?” I was so excited that I threw my arms around him, and we just missed hitting a tree. He pulled over and asked me again. And I said YES!

  peytonrussel: I haven’t left a comment b4, but I’ve been following your blog every step of the way and am I ever glad. I was about to give up when he said out of the blue, “Hey, do you want to go to prom?” It wasn’t the most romantic way I could have imagined, but I didn’t mind one bit. I’m going to the PROM!

  BLOG #10

  Step Ten: Prom!

  The big day you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. Yeah! All of your hard work and dedication to these 10 easy-to-follow steps has paid off. So, don’t waste another minute - go and get ready. Tie up your hair, put on your make up, slip into your party dress, and strap on your dancing shoes, girl. It is time to have fun!

  My Prom was everything I ever imagined and more! And I know yours will be all you dreamed too.

  Brennan came to pick me up in his dad’s sports car – a Mercedes SLK. I watched from my bedroom window as he walked to the front door and rang the doorbell. He looked so handsome in his tux that my heart stopped. His hair was damp and it curled up around his collar. His eyes stood out in contrast to his dark features and attire, making them even more irresistible.

  I looked at my reflection one last time before going to greet my own prince charming. I was pleased with how I looked. I had spent hours shopping for the right dress - nothing too revealing but still sexy, and in a color that wouldn’t clash with my bright red hair. I chose a white evening gown by La Femme. It was flirty and elegant at the same time. The flowing skirt made me feel like a princess, but the long slit kept it contemporary. It showed off my back, one of my best features. I had on more makeup than I usually wore, but it looked natural. My hair was in an up-do with soft tendrils escaping to frame my face. I’m not one to compliment myself, but I had to admit I looked gorgeous.

  My mom called up to me just as I opened my door. I couldn’t wait for Brennan to see me, but out of necessity I carefully made my way down the stairs. I didn’t want to trip in my heels or on the long skirt. I felt like it was all happening in slow motion. Brennan looked up at me and gave me a smile that left little doubt about his feelings. I smiled lovingly back at him. He reached out his hand and helped me down the last remaining steps. And I vowed not to let go his hand for the rest of the night.

  “You look amazing, Rubylocks,” he sighed, pulling on a loose tendril and watching it spring back up.

  “Thank you,” I blushed. “So do you.” I reached up and stroked the side of his cheek.

  My dad cleared his throat. “Ahem…it’s time to take pictures.”

  “Oh, wait. I got you something,” Brennan said reaching around and placing a corsage made of white miniature cymbidium orchids with matching wispy white feathers on my wrist. He then brought my hand to his lips and lightly kissed it.

  “It’s beautiful, thank you,” I sighed, admiring my wrist. “I have something for you too.” I walked over to the coffee table and picked up the boutonnière I had bought. I pinned in on him and reveled in the joy of being so close to him. His woodsy cologne took over my senses, and I closed my eyes while breathing in his scent. He bent down, kissing me on the forehead.

  “Pictures,” my dad stated loudly, completely interrupting my fantasy.

  My dad was relentless with the camera for the next twenty minutes. First he arranged us on the stairs, then on the front porch, then by the flowers outside. He snapped pictures continuously until my cheeks began to hurt from smiling so much.

  I couldn’t take it anymore, “Okay, dad. I’m sure you’ve got enough good ones,” I pointed at the camera.

  He began to review the pictures, “Yeah, I guess I do,” he chuckled.

  “We have a dinner reservation at 6 p.m.,” Brennan said, trying to hint that it was time for us to go.

  “Of course,” my mom gushed. “Have fun, you two. And be careful. No drinking and driving. If you need a ride later, call me. Any time, it doesn’t matter.”

  “Mom,” I said, rolling my eyes. Didn’t she know me at all? I never drank alcohol, and I especially wouldn’t tonight – the most important night of my life!

  “Okay, okay,” she said.

  I took Brennan’s arm and we were almost to his car when Ellie came bounding out of the house, startling everyone. I never told my parents what Ellie had done. However, Mr. Richardson asked around at school like he promised, and even though he couldn’t prove it, he called my parents and told them his suspicions. They grounded Ellie, forcing her to call Trent and tell him that she couldn’t be his date to the prom.

  “Wait, Josie,” she yelled.

  I automatically stiffened. Brennan lightly squeezed my arm, and I relaxed.

  “Why don’t you talk to Josie tomorrow. Let her be,” our dad said.

  “No, I have to talk to her now. Tomorrow will be to late.”

  I looked up at Brennan, and he gave me the okay.

  “What, Ellie? What do you want?” I was going to kill her for real this time if she did anything to spoil this perfect night.

  She slowly approached me with her head down, reminding me of a scolded puppy. “I wanted to apologize. I’m so sorry I pulled that prank on you. I should never have tricked Adam into letting me into the school to hang up the photocopied pages from your scrapbook. I should never have crossed that line. You’re my sister, and you didn’t deserve what I did to you. I was just jealous of you. I know that’s no excuse, but that’s why I did it. I’m sorry.” She finally looked up at me.

  “Jealous of me?”

  She nodded. “You’re smart, athletic, and kind. Look at you,” she said, pointing at me, “you’re so beautiful. And on top of all that, you have the best boyfriend in the world. I couldn’t help feeling jealous. I know it’s wrong for me to feel that way, but when I heard you telling mom that Brennan had invited you to go to Florida with him, I snapped. And that’s when I came up with the idea. Anyway, I hope you can forgive me. Someday.” Ellie sounded completely sincere. As a
matter of fact, I couldn’t ever remember a time when Ellie had apologized. I was thinking things over when she added, “Like maybe when you’re away at college, you could forgive me.” She smirked, “Then I could come to visit you.” She was back to sounding like her self again.

  “I’ll think about it,” I said, smiling. It felt good to hear her confession and to know that Ellie wasn’t as confident as she wanted everyone to believe.

  “Ready?” Brennan asked me.

  “Oh, there’s one more thing I wanted to say,” interrupted Ellie. “I never got the chance to tell you how truly beautiful you look tonight.”

  I could barely believe my ears. “Thank you.” I knew it wasn’t easy for her to say that, and it meant a lot to me.

  “You two make a perfect couple.”

  I smiled. Ellie and I actually agreed on something.

  Brennan opened the car door for me, and then we sped off toward the restaurant. We enjoyed a romantic dinner, just the two of us. We planned to meet up with friends at the prom. Even though Brennan and I liked each other’s friends, we rarely hung out with them as a couple.

  We arrived at the prom just as things were getting under way. The hotel reception room was completely transformed, tiny white lights were strung everywhere and bowls with floating flowers and candles adorned every table. It was truly magical. As I walked in on Brennan’s arm, it felt like every eye was focused on us. I looked up at Brennan and smiled my ridiculously happy smile. Then I pulled Brennan out onto the dance floor, where we stayed until the music stopped.