58 Prom fever

Veronica and Zara made way for the door when the last bell rang. They had been talking non-stop about prom, and soon prom fever had spread through the school. 

Teachers had a difficult time teaching students who would talk of nothing else. The city's dance classes suddenly saw a rise in dance enthusiasts as prom season arrived. Shops began offering attractive discounts and displaying the best collection to entice students.

Zara had never seen Veronica so excited in life. For once, she didn't mind her chirping about boys; it's all that any other girl talked about anyway. Veronica blabbered on and on while Zara took out her books to start completing her homework.

Veronica had taken matters into her own hands and had secretly spoken with Rose to shell out some cash to buy a dress for Zara.

Veronica shut Zara's books and shoved them in her bag. "Are you even listening to me? We have to go shopping."

"But it's two weeks to prom night. Why do we have to rush?" Zara argued.

"It's only two weeks, and if I wait for you, we will have to go with what we are wearing right now. Get up, up!"

"Okay, okay, I am getting up. Stop creating a ruckus."

The two walked past Jake's truck and Zara suddenly felt as if she was blessed by an angel. She hated shopping and had found the perfect excuse to stall it.

"Oh V, wait. I forgot something."

Veronica turned around, "No tricks, Z. I know you just want to run away from shopping. But, as long as I am there, you are not going anywhere girl."

Zara opened her mouth to reason, "But-"

Veronica mimed zipping her lips, "Shut it, no more arguments." 

Veronica bounced in her car seat, half-pulling and half-dragging Zara. They drove out of the parking lot towards the store that Jake had mentioned during his first interaction with Zara.

They stepped in as an old lady helped them get their measurements first. It was a small store but it had an exquisite collection of the latest fashion trends. All the walls were lined with glittering and extravagant dresses that Zara knew would cost a fortune.

Zara argued that she was only there to help her friend, but the old lady persisted. "Enjoy the moment dear, while it lasts. It's not every day that a young lady goes to prom night."

Zara giggled at the excitement bubbling around her. They checked out one aisle after the other and laughed their heart out, cracking jokes and making fun.

Zara felt blessed to have amazing people, such as Veronica and Jake, in her life. She felt whole and complete. She also realized she hadn't thought of Ryan or missed him in the last few days. It meant progress.

He had been a drug that would only give her a moment's pleasure, not a lifetime of happiness. It was good that destiny had helped her see it. She cleared her head as Veronica handed her a bunch of dresses to try.

"You go first; I am not even going to prom."

"Shut up and go change."

Zara grumbled and went into the changing room reluctantly with a handful of dresses. She tried an orange-colored dress that barely reached her thighs. Seeing so much of her own skin on display, alarmed her and she quickly picked up another. 

This one was a silver-colored floor-length dress that had a slit that ran up to her thigh. She studied her reflection in the mirror. She had never examined how she looked or dressed. She would just grab stuff from her cupboard and wear it.

She realized she could look good if only she took a bit of an effort. And Jake was worth it, said her mind.

"Are you snoring?" Veronica hissed from outside.

Zara frowned, "No idiot, changing in these stupid dresses."