The Perfect Prom Date

by Marysue G. Hobika

  “I just want to remind everyone to vote for tonight’s Prom King and Queen. The crowning ceremony will take place shortly,” announced the prom committee chairperson.

  “I wonder who will be named this year?” I said absentmindedly.

  “I don’t know. Let’s go vote before it’s too late,” Brennan suggested.

  On our way back we ran into Rachel, so we found a nearby table and sat down to compare notes on the evening so far. Also I needed to put my feet up because they were starting to throb after all the dancing we just did.

  “I never could have imagined all this,” said Rachel, sweeping her arm to encompass the whole scene before us. “Even though our scrapbook did come close,” she chuckled, spotting a girl wearing one of the exact outfits I had put together.

  “If things don’t work out for me in Boston, maybe I’ll move to New York to take on the fashion world by storm.” I laughed. After a few days the snickering regarding what Ellie had done died down and ironically girls started asking me questions - like where could they get a one-of-a-kind clutch or did I think that it would look okay to wear a short flapper-style dress with leopard print pumps.

  I saw Rachel glance at Brennan who was a foot away talking to one of his friends. “My intuition tells me that everything is going to work out just fine in Boston next year.”

  I smiled my happy grin. I was thrilled that Brennan and I were going to be in the same city next year.

  “What about you? You and Kyle looked pretty cozy out there on the dance floor.”

  Rachel blushed. “This has been an amazing evening so far – thanks to you and your brilliant 10 steps to getting the perfect prom date. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  “What are you talking about, girlfriend? You did this all by yourself. As I recall, you didn’t even need all 10 steps,” I chided.

  “Yeah, but I needed the self-confidence it gave me. Thanks.” She flashed me a smile.

  “You’re welcome.”

  Rachel looked deep in thought as she continued, “I think what surprises me most is how quickly our relationship has become serious.” I raised my eyebrows, wondering if there was something Rachel hadn’t told me. She leaned in close and whispered, “We haven’t had sex yet, but I think that tonight might be the night. I can’t believe I might actually lose my virginity on prom night; that sounds so cliché. I thought I would wait until I was much older, but because Kyle and I have been friends for years, everything is moving so fast. We didn’t need to spend the first two months we were dating getting to know each other like most couple do. Our first date was more like a tenth date. What about you and Brennan? You never did tell me what really happened when you went on vacation with him and his family.”

  “Nothing happened. We had a great time and enjoyed each other’s company, but we didn’t have sex. Brennan agrees that there’s no hurry; we have lots of time. And he’s right, we do. You have lots of time, too. You don’t have to rush into anything.”

  “I know. Thanks.” She squeezed my hand, and then leaned back in her chair.

  Brennan and Kyle both joined us, carrying drinks.

  Just then the chairperson spoke into the microphone, “Can I have everyone’s attention please?” He waited for the room to fall silent. “The ballots have been counted. It’s time to announce this year’s Prom King and Prom Queen. We’ll begin with the third runners-up.” He opened an envelope and read, “Katie Ford and Mike Tuttle.” The crowd cheered, and then the chairperson announced the second and the first runners-up. I was surprised when Tracy Berry and Trent Gordon were named the first runners-up because I thought since they were the most popular kids at school that they would win. As soon as the crowd quieted down again, the chairperson announced, “Now without further ado – I give you this year’s Prom King and Queen,” he paused to open the sealed envelope, “Brennan Fisher and Josephine McCall.” The crowd cheered louder than they had all night.

  OMG – did he just announce my name? I sat stunned. Could this be a joke?

  Rachel nudged me. “Josie, you won. Josie, you and Brennan won,” she screamed in my ear.

  Brennan stood up and extended his hand to me. I was suddenly nervous, and I wasn’t sure if I could move. “Relax,” Brennan whispered in my ear, tickling me. “You look beautiful. Everyone here loves you because of the pictures from ‘Everything Prom.’ You’re their hero. You gave them the confidence that they needed. Come on, we can’t keep your fans waiting.”

  At first I was shocked by what Brennan had said, and then I took a closer look around me and saw that he was telling the truth. Everyone was cheering me on. And many girls were wearing outfits I had put together. Suddenly, my anxiety disappeared. I took his hand and we walked to the stage. Being crowned Prom Queen was beyond my wildest dreams.

  The chairperson placed the crowns upon our heads, “And now the royal couple will share a slow dance.” He extended his arm to indicate the open dance floor.

  Brennan faced me, and I reached my arms up, encircling his neck. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me close to him. The music began. Even though I knew everyone was watching us circle the dance floor, I felt as if it was just Brennan and I. The music played softly, the lights twinkled around us, and I reveled in how wonderful it felt to be in his strong arms. There was no place else I’d rather be.

  When the song ended, we decided it was time to leave. It had been a perfect night. As we were making our exit, Tracy blocked our path. “Well, well, well, if it’s not the Prom King and Queen.”

  “Move out of the way, Tracy. We were just leaving,” I stated angrily. I was not about to let her ruin this perfect night.

  “Not so fast. I wanted to congratulate you both on winning this year’s Prom King and Queen,” she said sweetly.

  “Thanks,” I answered, wearily. I didn’t trust Tracy. She was up to something. There was no way she was happy for us.

  “It should have been me up there with Brennan being crowned Prom Queen, not you.”

  “How many times does he have to tell you that he isn’t interested in you?” I was getting angry. Brennan tugged at my hand, trying to pull me away.

  “Yeah, but did he tell you that the only reason he asked you out in the first place was because of some baseball initiation?” Tracy smiled wickedly, like she had the upper hand.

  “You’re wrong,” I snarled.

  Tracy shrugged. “Trent told me all about it. You should ask Brennan,” she pointed at him.

  Brennan had been silent this whole time. I turned to look at him, and I could see in his face that there was some truth to what Tracy had said. Tears filled my eyes. “Did you ask me out because of some baseball prank?”

  “Yes and no.”

  I pulled my hand out of his. “How could you?” I started to run, but Brennan grabbed my arm.

  “Let me explain, please,” he begged. His handsome face looked tortured. He turned me to face him. “Trent is one of the captains. One day he showed up at practice, and announced that someone on the team had to ask you out on a date as part of their baseball initiation. He was dating your sister, Ellie, at the time, and he was mumbling about some big spat the two of you had. I think she might have put him up to it. Anyway, I was more than happy to volunteer. I had wanted to ask you out for months, but I didn’t have the nerve. Suddenly, I had the excuse I needed. Everything that happened between us was real. I even tried to tell you the first night we hung out at your house, but then I didn’t. I had already started to fall in love with you, and I didn’t think it mattered.”

  I tried to speak, but couldn’t.

  “So, yes it was part of my baseball initiation, but I wanted to ask you out anyway.” He stroked my cheek. “Please tell me you understand. I couldn’t bear to lose you. I love you.”

  I looked into his deep blue eyes and realized I could never be angry with him. I loved him.

  Tracy was still standing in front of us, waiting expectantly. I was sure she was hoping that she had finally s
ucceeded at winning Brennan’s heart. But that was never going to happen because his heart belonged to me.

  “I wish you had told me sooner,” I whispered. He looked crushed.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t.” He paused. “Do you think you could ever forgive me?”

  “I already have.”

  I heard Tracy gasp. Then I blocked her out, and all the other sounds around us. It was as if only Brennan and I existed. I tilted my head upward at the same moment as Brennan dipped his down. Our lips met in the middle and we shared a kiss like the ones described in fairytales. A kiss of true love.

  Comments:

  prettyinpink: Prom was the best night EVER. It was everything I’d dreamed and more. And yes, I did look pretty in pink.

  Peytonrussel: I couldn’t have done it with out. Thank you!!!!

  countrygirl: u r a genius. Prom was the best hoedown I’d ever been 2. Cowboy said I looked real beautiful with my cowboy boots peeking out from underneath my prom dress. They were the best dancing shoes that were ever made.

  livelaughlove: I will remember Prom 4ever. Thanks!

  joythomas: Prom was awesome. I followed your advice and I had a wonderful time.

  reecespieces: I’m going to spread the word about your wonderful blog.

  countneycool: My prom date was cute and we had a great time together. Thanks for all of your inspiring ideas.

  BLOG SIGN OFF

  Goodbye

  Like all good things, this blog must come to an end. I want to thank you all for following me and believing in me. Also thank you for sharing your comments. I have enjoyed reading them and I have learned a lot.

  Prom is over and I am happy that you all had as much fun at your prom as much as I did at mine. The memories will last a lifetime.

  I can’t predict what the future will bring, but I wish you all the best of luck. If you ever find yourself needing advice again, simply google it. Who knows - maybe by then I’ll have a new blog with fresh ideas out there.