Chapter 11, Part 1: Prom Night

Saturday

Alissandra Cadence

     I just woke up, I looked at the clock and it's already 8 in the morning. This is it, the day of our prom. The prom starts at 6 PM tonight and I don't have anything else planned today so I guess I'm just gonna sleep more - but mom's suddenly knocking on the door.

     "It's open!" I shouted.

     Mom came in and - "Hey! Why are you still in bed, sleepyhead? Get up! Your dad's waiting."

     "For what?" I raised my head then I yawned.

     "What do you mean? Your father's driving you to the salon. Don't you have a prom later? Go get your hair done at least. For gosh's sake, Alissandra. Stop acting like a kid for once." she's more excited about the prom than me since she's also the one who convinced me to come.

     "Nawwww, huhu. It's way too earlyyy..." then I laid down my head again.

     "Hey!" she slapped my feet.

     "Alright, I'm getting up, ugh."

     As I stood up, I saw the wonderful gown that my mom bought. It's actually gorgeous, it's black and white floral design looks so amazing. I tried it on and it looks so good on me, it fits me well. I saw something hanging and it's the price tag. I looked at it and oh...you don't even wanna know.

     I went down to have breakfast and my parents are in the living room watching tv together. Mom made pancakes today, my favorite. I finished eating and took a half bath since I'm getting my hair done today. I went downstairs and my dad and I already went on our way.

     Few boring hours in the salon have passed, I got my hair straightened and dyed. I thought about going platinum blonde and it's a good decision so far. The hair color looks so damn gorgeous on me. This will look so good along with my black and white dress. But I also don't plan to keep that color seems it's absolutely so much work, so I guess I'll just keep it for like a week.

     We're already going back home and I took my phone out, I was about to text Jason: "Will you pick me up la-"

(11:43 AM) Jason: I'll pick you up later.

     Oh, okay.

     We're still a few miles from home and I'm just leaning on the window, thinking about stuff. I haven't seen Elijah for a little while now.

     I kinda miss him...

     The fact that we just met a few days ago but I already had feelings for him, it's crazy. But honestly, I don't really know what to do. I feel like I'm just going with the flow of all the things that are happening right now.

Jason McKenley

     I can't believe that I'm actually doing this. It's currently 3 PM and I haven't decided what I'm going to wear yet. I guess I'm just gonna wear my new navy blue suit. I took a shower already and prepared my suit. Dad's watching tv downstairs and oh - I haven't told him about the prom yet. I walked downstairs while still in my towel and approached him.

     "Hey dad, I'm going to the prom tonight. There's food at the table."

     He just nodded.

     I already went upstairs to go get ready since it's getting late already. After a few minutes, I'm all set. A nice and flawless suit, a nice pair of black shoes, and a handsome Jason McKenley.

     Just kidding.

     I walked outside already and went in my car. It's already 4:50 PM and I know for sure that Alissa would go out an hour early since her mom always does that to her on every single occasion ever. I arrived at their house and parked in front. I was actually gonna text her but she suddenly went out already.

     "Hey..." I said as she approached my car.

     I just stared at her, she's so beautiful. She had her hair dyed to platinum blonde and she's wearing a black and white floral gown, she looks so freaking good. It's like falling in love with her all over again, one-sidedly...

     She just gave me a half-smile and went in already.

     Shit! I forgot to open the door for her.

     "How're you?" I asked.

     "Good, all ready to get wasted tonight," she said then grinned.

     "Good thing your parents let you come."

     "Let ME? My mom is literally the one who forced me to come FYI. How can you say no when she already bought you a freaking gown that is almost triple the cost of my tuition fee?" she said sarcastically.

     I already accelerated the car and already headed to the venue. Our trip was quiet, like always.

She was just staring outside, looking at the people walking around, cars passing by, and stuff.

     30 minutes have passed and it's already getting dark, I got hyped for a second and I don't know why. I also don't know what to do there. Dance with her, drink with my friends, and I don't know. I must not get really drunk since I gotta drive her home.

     We arrived 15 minutes before the program starts. I quickly went out and attempted to open the door for her but she already got out by herself. I just scratched my nape.

     "Let's go," she said.

     You fucked up, McKenley. Real hard.

Singing Radiohead at the top of our lungs ♫

With the boom box blaring as we're falling in love ♫

I got a bottle of whatever, but it's gettin' us drunk ♫

Singing Here's To Never Growing Up ♫

     The ballroom is already full of people, the venue is all organized and clean, for now, since there'll be chaos later. Alissa held my hand, fuck. She's pulling me and finding us a seat. We went to the front and there's where she decided to sit. I just looked at her, it feels like she went here against her will. Some students were shocked about her presence and about how she looks right now, but no one dared to exchange words with her which is kinda sad. The girls are talking about how expensive her dress is, and how they wanted that dress so bad. Now I understand her, she just couldn't say no to her mom because of that. 

     The program started, they announced the events, the special guests, etc etc. All of us began putting the chairs and tables aside to make more space for the dance floor. Alissandra stood up, put her chair on the side - and sat down again. I hate how she fakes her smile so I gotta do something. I walked to the table where all the food and drinks are and grabbed a plate, then I put all of the food she likes on her plate. I grabbed the bottle of red wine and poured it into two flute glasses, I looked at her while I was pouring and accidentally dripped a little bit of wine at the table. I carried the two flute glasses with one hand and the plates in my other hand.

     I'm a fucking waiter.

     I went to our table and placed the plates.

     "Want some grape juice? My bad, it's not in a carton anymore." I said then smirked.

     She just laughed "Thank you."

     "Awww, you got me my favorite... Chocolate covered strawberries... Good thing they have those in the catering," she added.

     I just smiled and sat next to her. She took a sip of her drink and started eating her food. I just stared at her while she's eating and it felt weird, to be honest.

We live like rock stars, dance on every bar ♫

This is who we are, I don't think we'll ever change ♫

They say just grow up, but they don't know us ♫

We don't give a fuck, and we're never gonna change ♫

     She finished her meal and I was about to ask her if we could dance - but she suddenly pulled my hand which I'm holding the flute glass with and it spilled into my suit, the heart side of my chest.

     "Oh - my God. I'm so sorry, I was gonna pull you to the dance floor."

     "It's fine, do you have any wipes, tissue, or something?" I asked.

     "Yeah, here." she quickly grabbed her bag and handed me a box of wipes.

     I wiped the stain and it left a residue, though it's not that bad since my suit is kinda dark and the fact that it's also dark in here.

     "I'm so sorry..." she said as she covers her mouth with her hands.

     "Don't worry, I'll live." then I laughed. "Let's go dance."

     We went to the dance floor and the music suddenly changed.

Don't go tonight ♫

     Shit, I know this song.

Stay here one more time ♫

Remind me what it's like ♫

     I pulled her closer, I put my hands around her waist and she put both her arms around my neck. She rested her head on my chest as we danced slowly.

And let's fall in love one more time ♫

I need you now by my side ♫

     God, how I wanted this to last forever. I've always wanted us to be this close, again. I just love her so much... I don't want this to end, but fuck, I am just her best friend...

It tears me up when you turn me down ♫

I'm begging please, just stick around ♫

     She looked up at me, and stared at me in the eye. Then smiled and shook her head.

     "What's wrong?" I asked.

     "Nothing, you just look good today. A lot different to the McKenley I used to know." and she rested her head on me again.

I'm sorry, don't leave me, I want you here with me ♫

I know that your love is gone ♫