Page 120 of The Year I was Almost Prom Queen

Jaron chuckles. “That’s fine as long as you’re okay watching us make out. Because I plan on being at Emma’s house a lot.”

“That sounds kind of stalkerish to me,” Ethan says. “Emma, do you need help?”

“Shouldn’t you get back to your date?” Jaron asks. “I’m pretty sure she left a while ago.”

Ethan turns around and his face falters. Then he pastes on a new smile. “I guess I better go make nice so we can take pictures. You kids have fun.” He disappears into the crowd, in search of his date.

“He’s a dork,” I say, laughing.

“He’s an idiot,” Jaron mumbles.

When our turn comes, the photographer mentions what a nice couple we are. He positions us in front of a large, white pillar. Jaron holds me close and my smile is genuine. When we’re finished, Jaron takes my hand in his arm again. A slow song begins to play and he pulls me out under the dim lights.

My burgundy dress swishes around my feet, the beading sparkles beneath the twinkling lights. Jaron holds me in his muscular arms, with my head resting against his chest. His firm jaw rests gently against the top of my head. If the song changes, I don’t notice. I soak in the warmth of Jaron’s body pressed against mine. His spicy cologne lingers around us as we sway. I sigh contentedly.

As we move around the dance floor a girl says, “I love Pride and Prejudice!” as she and her date dance past us. I laugh.

When the music stops at the end of the song, we pause and look around. A voice comes through the sound system and everyone turns toward the stage. Mrs. Graidy is standing at the microphone.

“It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for,” she announces, with a flourish of her arms. “Could I please have all my prom queen and king nominees on stage?”

My stomach drops. I swallow a huge lump rising in my throat. This is it. Jaron escorts me up to the stage. He kisses my cheek and whispers, “Good luck” in my ear.

My knees are shaking as I walk up the three steps and onto the platform that has been set up as our stage. I stand beside Adika, who grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze.

“Good luck,” she whispers.

“You too,” I whisper back.

Then Tessa appears beside us. She gives us each a quick hug. “You both are queens to me,” she says. My heart warms and my nerves ease. “I can’t believe I ever had negative thoughts about these girls. I know I can get through this, with them by my side.

Mrs. Graidy says some words, but I don’t listen. I’m looking out over the sea of faces staring up at us. I look over at the two crowns, sparkling under the lights. I hope Tessa or Adika wins. They deserve it.

I spot Mom and Dad in front, near the stage. Mom waves to me, excitedly. Dad smiles. Stephanie is standing nearby, but she seems to be looking at Adika instead of me. I’m not at all surprised she’s staring at Adika, but I’m extremely surprised to see her at prom. I thought she didn’t want to come. She notices me looking at her and she gives me a little wave. I can’t wait to hear the story behind her being here.

“First we’ll announce the prom king attendants.” Mrs. Graidy pauses dramatically.

“Your attendants are Henry Cho and Dean Payne.”

The crowd cheers loudly, and I join in. Another teacher drapes a black sash with the word Attendant written in silver script over each of their shoulders. Henry takes a bow. We all laugh. Dean steps forward, smiling shyly.

“And your prom king is…” Another dramatic pause. “Jackson Nichols.”

My eyes fall on Jackson. He’s a goofy kid, similar to Ethan. He blows kisses to his adoring fans as the teacher places the large, silver crown on his head. Everyone cheers loudly. Taylor stomps her foot in a huff. Clearly, she thought her date should have won. It takes all my self-control not to “accidentally” push her off the stage. I join in the applause. Jackson is nice. He even pet my arm and called me silky, after that night at Taylor’s house.

Mrs. Graidy returns to the microphone and my knees begin to tremble. Hopefully no one can hear them knocking against each other. “Your prom queen attendants are…” Mrs. Graidy looks around the room to make sure she has everyone’s full attention.

“Just get on with it!” someone shouts. That voice sounded an awful lot like Stephanie’s.

Mrs. Graidy clears her throat. “Emma Carpenter and Adika Carson.”

The crowd goes crazy. I can hear my parents screaming my name. And Stephanie has two fingers in her mouth, whistling loudly. Jaron’s smile splits his face as he cheers louder than anyone. Adika squeezes my hand and we both step forward and wave.

I bend slightly and the teacher wraps the sash over my head and through an arm. It’s silver with the word Attendant in black. I hold it up proudly and wave to all the smiling faces. Then I step back and watch as Adika does the same. Once our sashes are securely in place, we hug each other and return to the line.

At the back of the crowd, I can see Austin standing there, looking up at me. He waves to me and I can see him clapping along with the crowd. My heart swells. I haven’t lost my friend. I return the wave. Tessa squeals beside me and gives us each another hug.

“Now for your prom queen,” Mrs. Graidy announces. “Your prom queen…” she says. Dramatic pause. “Is…” Ridiculously long pause. “Kylie Bingham!”

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