prom

Chapter Twenty-Six

Prom was tonight and for once I was glad that I already bought the dress that day I was out with Isabel. Prom at this school was for the upperclassmen. Juniors and seniors could attend, the seniors were nominated for prom court and you could bring a lower grade as a date if you wanted.

Ashton had asked me a couple of weeks ago. I smile at the thought of him asking me. He had brought me to the beach where we first became official and took me out to the docks at sunset.

I lean over the rail of the dock we were currently standing on, looking down at the flowing water. Ashton comes up from behind and wraps his arms around my waist and I lean back against his chest and smile up at him.

He had taken me out today as a sort of last minute date. I laughed when he practically begged me to go out with him today, it seemed he had something to tell me.

"I have something to ask you." Ashton breaks the silence.

"Yeah?" I push for the question as I stare at the sun setting before us.

"Will you be my date to prom?"

"Yes, of course." I smile up at him as he visibly relaxes. Did he really think I'd say no?

I turn around and lean up on my toes to kiss him, wrapping my arms around his neck for more support. Ashton moves his hands to my hips and lifts me up to sit on the rail. I squeal in surprise but he just laughs and continues our kiss. I use my legs to pull him closer and entwine my hands in his curls.

I never thought I'd be going to prom. I didn't plan on going because I didn't have a boy pawning after me and I didn't want to show on my own and stand awkwardly at the sidelines.

I admire my dress once again before turning my attention to my hair. Isabel and I had gone in to get our hair done an hour ago, and I was so worried about messing it up before leaving. My hair was curled and half up elegantly. I placed a few rhinestone pieces in my hair to match my dress when I got back.

There's a knock at my door and I stop touching myself up as Alex walks through dressed clad in a tux.

"Lover boy's downstairs." He teases before stepping back.

"Be down in a minute." I call after him.

I strap my heels on before carefully making my way down the stairs. Ashton is stood at the bottom waiting for me and turns when he hears my heals clunk against the wood.

"You look stunning." Ashton says as he grabs my hand helping me off the last step.

"And you're very handsome." I admire him in a tux, it suits him very well. Hand still in hand, we walk over to where Alex and my parents stood.

My dad took the night off to see Alex and me before we left and take photos. My dad was camera happy and loved to capture memories because he's not around that much.

He waves us outside where he has Alex and I pose for a picture then Ashton and me. He then gets many one shots and I have to beg him to stop because there were enough photos of me already.

Ashton and I head out while Alex stays behind to wait for his date.

"My brother didn't give you a hard time did he?" I ask after we leave my house. I wanted to get out of there fast because of my family. I could only take so many pictures and I did not appreciate the brotherly staring from Alex. My mom I could care less at this moment, but I did like that she actually complimented my attire.

"No, but he did threaten me if I took it too far tonight." I hide behind my hands in embarrassment. I cannot believe my brother would tell Ashton to not take my virginity tonight. It's not like that would happen tonight.

"I'm sorry." I put my hands back down, but the blush is still evident on my cheeks.

"It's not you're fault." He laughs,

"What was up with his glaring?" The blush returns back to my cheeks and I bang my head against the headrest. So he did notice.

"He doesn't trust you, or my judgment." I groan.

We follow other students into the gymnasium. They had decorated the gym elegantly with blue and silver hues. They had only themed the homecoming dance and left prom to do whatever.

There's a table against the wall with various snacks and a few choices for drinks. Tables were located on the outskirts of the dance floor, which was littered with balloons, and a Dj upfront playing popular pop music. The room was dark besides the various fake candles that adorned the tables and the strobe lights controlled by the Dj.

I see Isabel at the tap table in the corner sipping her drink. I lead Ashton to her table and paused before her. Calum had asked her a long while ago. Even though prom court was a senior thing, many juniors still showed up because it was open for them to come.

Many people went both years. I know next year Isabel will most likely drag me here again next year.

"Em! You look so pretty!" Isabel stands up and pulls me into a suffocating embrace.

"So do you." I say once she lets me go. Calum walks past me with a plate of food and sits down, instantly taking Isabel's attention.

I say goodbye before taking Ashton with me to get drinks. Many people were here now, over half dancing. Teachers were located at all ends of the room, keeping students from being inappropriate but some still got away with it behind their backs.

Isabel walks up As I'm pouring myself some punch and begs me to dance with her. Calum was behind her looking disgruntled about the whole dancing thing. You and me both buddy.

I have barely enough time to take a sip and set my cup down before Isabel grabs my arm and steers me to the various dancing bodies. I can hear Ashton's laughter behind me as I steady myself. I turn and glare at him playfully.

All of us probably spent a good half hour making a fool of ourselves but it was okay because nobody could really dance there. We had grown tired and migrated back to the table and talked amongst ourselves. Luke had come by to say hi to Calum and both me and Ashton shot daggers with our eyes at him. He only stayed for a couple of minutes before heading off elsewhere.

Soon a couple of hours had gone by and the music died down signaling that prom king and queen were about to be announced.

"It is time to announce your prom court." A brunette in a long blue dress says into a microphone. She names off all the nominees and I'm surprised to hear her say my brother's name. He must have hit it off with everyone.

"This year's prom king is Alex Mills," Everyone cheers and turns to find my brother who is stood in the back frozen in his spot. He recovers and hesitantly walks upfront. The girl announcing the winners continues once Alex is stood by her.

"And your queen is, Gabby Connell!" Cheers erupt in the crowd once again as a blonde girl in a lilac dress walks up to claim the crown.

Alex and Gabby start the traditional slow dance and couples join in.

Isabel of course drags Calum to dance right after the songs start while Ashton kindly asks if I'd join him.

We keep our distance from everyone else in the back. I place my hands around his neck as he takes my hips in his. I rest my head by his neck enjoining behind close to him.

I pull away slightly to get a glimpse of our surroundings to see if any teachers were nearby. Once in the clear, I stare at Ashton's lips. He senses what I want and leans in connecting our lips.

My heels helped greatly, making it easier so that I'm not straining to stay balanced on my tiptoes.

"I love you." He mumbles in the middle of our kiss.

"What?" I break away, stunned at what I had just heard. He leans his head against mine, looking deep within my eyes,

"I love you, Emma." He says clearly. Even in the dim lighting, I can see the faint blush on his cheeks.

"I love you too."