by Mary Cope
“No, Melissa. Please. I’ll feel horrible if you both don’t sit together. I’m fine. It’s just a bus ride. Please. Go.” I could sense her unwillingness to leave me. I continued to persuade her until she left my side to go sit next to Mason. I glanced over my seat and smiled at them both before I sat back down and gazed out the window. My mind drifted to what was ahead. If the empty seat next to me was any indication, it was not going to be good.
****
The three of us entered the resort hotel. A grand staircase was the focal point of our prom venue. Several kids had already grouped together, whipping out their cell phones to take pictures. It made me laugh when Melissa and Mason got bombarded. It seemed like each group that took a picture wanted the potential king and queen of the prom to be in their shot. I left them and moved beyond the staircase into the massive ballroom.
A least a dozen large chandeliers cast a soft glow over the luxurious room. A sea of round tables covered in white linen surrounded the already-crowded dance floor. I made my way to one of the empty tables and sat down, taking everything in. I had left my sullen mood on the bus. Since I’d made the decision to be here, I was going to make the best of it. This was my prom, and I was determined to have a good time. Melissa soon joined me.
“Sorry about that, Liz. That was nuts.” Melissa pulled out a chair and sat next to me.
“Where’s Mason?”
“Who knows? Over there somewhere.” Melissa motioned to a large group of kids still snapping pictures. I just laughed and shook my head.
The music went from slow and romantic to upbeat and loud. Melissa started dancing in her seat, and the next thing I knew she was up gyrating around my chair.
“C’mon, Lizzie.” Melissa giggled then pulled me up from my chair onto the dance floor.
Melissa and I danced to several songs without stopping. I started to feel guilty, wondering where my brother was, but Melissa didn’t seem to mind. Guys she knew kept bouncing between the two of us. Melissa rolled her eyes and smiled when Mason finally found us. Several single girls who wanted a turn at dancing with my brother followed him. It didn’t seem to bother her. They were both so confident I could see why their relationship had survived high school.
The football team joined our dance party, and soon we were all singing in unison to the song that blasted through the speakers. It didn’t seem to matter I was alone. Everyone just melded together, and before I knew it, a handful of guys I casually knew had asked me to dance. It was hard to avoid the wandering hands of a few of them but, all in all, I was proud I was able to handle myself.
Melissa and Mason motioned they were headed back to our table. I nodded that I understood, but since I was having such a good time, I stayed. The upbeat song that hummed through the speakers was soon replaced with a romantic one. I had already chastised the handsy guy I was dancing with during the more upbeat songs. I decided it was safer if I excused myself when the slow song came through the speakers.
I was leaving the dance floor when my eyes locked on the profile I knew all too well.
Aidan.
I hadn’t seen him all night, so I had assumed he had decided not to come. But here he was, looking perfect in his dark suit. And here I was, a sweaty, hot mess. I picked my hair up from my shoulders in a makeshift ponytail and waved it up and down in an attempt to cool my heated body. To avoid eye contact with him, I made a beeline for our table.
Melissa and Mason returned with their dinner plates just as I sat down.
“You want some?” Melissa asked as she sat between me and Mason. “The buffet line is packed.”
I glanced over her plate of chicken, some sort of pasta, and broccoli with cheese sauce. “I’m not hungry yet.” I guzzled my water and then whispered to Melissa. “I just saw Aidan.”
Melissa had just taken a bite of her pasta. She quickly swallowed.
“He’s here?” Her wide eyes darted around the ballroom.
“Yes. I saw him, but he didn’t see me.” Melissa nudged Mason, and I heard her tell him Aidan had showed. He leaned in so he could hear our conversation.
“I didn’t think he was coming. Are you okay?” Mason asked with a look of concern in his eyes.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” I took another sip of my water. “He has every right to be here. It’s his prom too.” I shrugged. “Things between us are actually pretty good.”
I thought about the other night when we’d stood near his truck. The moment we’d shared. It felt like we had resolved our differences and were respectfully moving on. At least I felt like that.
Until I glanced to the dance floor and saw Aidan. It was my eighteenth birthday all over again. There he was with his hands all over some chesty girl in a low-cut dress. Watching them together made my stomach turn.
Melissa leaned in close. “Don’t look at him, Liz.”
Mason started to get up. “I’m gonna tell him to take it to the other side of the dance floor.”
I tore my eyes away from Aidan and looked to Melissa and Mason.
“Mason, sit down. He can dance with whoever he wants.”
“But…” he started to say.
“But what? We’re broken up.” My fake smile was in place as I rose from the table. “I’m going to go use the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll go with you,” Melissa chimed in.
“No, Melissa, sit and eat. I’ll be fine.”
I got up from the table before Melissa followed me. I wanted to be alone to gather my thoughts. Five minutes ago, I had felt like Aidan had enough respect for me to at least honor what we had. Instead, it seemed like he was shouting to everyone he was a free man, up for grabs. Seeing him act that way made me question if he’d ever been who I thought he was.
I washed my hands and wiped the sweat from the back of my neck with a paper towel. When I felt composed, I made my way out of the bathroom. Some fresh air would be great right now, and I wasn’t ready to go back and sit at our table quite yet.
Several of my classmates were milling around the hotel as I made my way through an open door that led to the outside. An empty bench served as my refuge. I removed my shoes and began to massage my aching feet. A few minutes later, a group of kids burst through the doors, putting an end to my time of solace. I grabbed my shoes and slipped back into the hotel before the doors closed.
The hotel was so large it was confusing trying to find my way back to the ballroom. I meandered through a large hallway and pushed past several doors that led me back outside again. From across the courtyard I could see the windows of the ballroom. With my heels in hand, I breathed a sigh of relief and headed across the beautifully manicured grounds. The entrance to the ballroom was in sight. I was a step away from the door when my heart rate accelerated.
Not again.
From what I witnessed, I wasn’t even a thought in Aidan’s mind. My eyes swept over my ex. He and the girl he had been dancing with were all over each other. His hands were up her dress as hers were wrapped around his hips grinding into him. I saw more of her tanned skin than I cared to.
Apprehension filled me while I reached for the door. For a moment, I thought they might not even notice me. No such luck. When I nudged the door open, the sounds of the music from the ballroom distracted them from their… activities.
Aidan flicked a glance my way as the girl continued to run her lips the length of his neck. His expression was blank until his brain must have registered it was me. My heart sped up when our eyes met. His eyes widened, and I held his gaze. His jaw clenched for a moment before he pushed away from his… date. He opened his mouth and was about to say something, but I slipped through the door before he had the chance.
Determined to hold it together, I made it to our table just as Melissa and Mason were being crowned king and queen of the prom. My mental turmoil was forgotten for a moment while I watched my brother and my best friend glide across the dance floor. Kids began to stand up to get a better look at the perfect couple. I shuffled through the crow
d and made my way to the edge of the dance floor. My brother was dressed in a black tux with a blue tie that matched Melissa’s dress perfectly. She was all sparkles and glitter. Watching Melissa and Mason sway back and forth made my heart swell with pride.
In that moment, I was happy. I hoped one day I would have the love that was reflected in the eyes of my brother and my best friend. Aidan and I had never shared that, and a part of me wondered if I ever would.
****
The bus ride from the venue to home was quiet. It was late, and most of the kids were exhausted. For me, it was more mental than physical, although my feet still ached. I was thankful the night had come to a close and I hadn’t seen Aidan again. I considered telling Mason and Melissa about what had happened, but I didn’t want to ruin their night. Besides, what was the point? It was over… truly over.
I glanced a few rows back to look at Mason. His eyes were closed, and his arm was draped around Melissa. She was asleep nestled on his shoulder. Her hair was a mess, her crown was cocked to the side, but she still looked beautiful. Looking at the two of them made me smile. My eyelids grew heavy, and I leaned my head back. The hum of the engine lulled me to sleep.
“Liz, get up.” It took me a minute to realize I was still on the bus. I rubbed my eyes and glanced around. Most of the kids were already gone. Mason helped me up, and then the three of us walked to his car. “I’ll drop you off and take Melissa home.”
“Alright.” I yawned.
Mason pulled into the driveway, and I got out of his car. Melissa smiled and waved to me through the passenger-side window. I waved back before they drove off. I made my way up the driveway. All I wanted was my bed. When I got to the front door, I gave the handle a shake.
Locked.
Maggie was whimpering.
“It’s okay, girl.” I tried to soothe her. I went through the side gate to the back door. Locked. Slider, locked. I even tried the doggie door. Nope.
For a minute, I considered waking up my parents. I checked the time on my cell phone: it was almost 2:00 a.m. I knew Mason would be right back, so I went to the front of the house, sat down in a chair on the porch, and waited.
I tapped out a text to Mason.
Hurry.
I’m locked out.
To pass the time, I started playing Words with Friends. I was putting in my final word for an easy win when I heard Spencer’s bike. I tried not to imagine where he had been, but thoughts of him and Kara on some fabulous date tormented me.
I tried to camouflage myself behind one of my mom’s large potted plants, but no such luck. The porch light above my head was like a beacon in the night. Spencer pulled his bike to the curb, got off it, removed his helmet, and slowly approached me. I got up and met him at the halfway point of the driveway. He looked like a sexy bad boy in his brown leather jacket and dark jeans. Before I knew it, I was smiling at him, dismissing the thoughts of Kara from my mind.
“All dressed up and nowhere to go?” He smiled.
His question made me giggle.
He sounded concerned. “What are you doing out here?”
“Locked out. Mason dropped me off, but he’ll be right back. Tonight was our prom.”
“I figured that.” Spencer’s eyes ran the length of my body. “You’re beautiful.” His voice was warm and husky.
The scrutiny of his gaze made me blush. “Thank you.”
“Ya know, I never went to my prom.”
I glanced up at him, surprised.
“Yep.” He smiled and took a step closer. “Never got to dance with a pretty girl to some cheesy song.” Spencer closed the distance between us while he stretched his hand out for me to take it. He leaned in and began to hum.
A shy smile spread across my face as I placed my hand in his. “I’ve never slow-danced before.”
Spencer stopped humming to answer me. “There’s nothing to it.” He inched forward. “I’ve got you.”
He placed his hand on the small of my back while my free hand grasped his shoulder. Spencer smiled and began to hum again. We swayed back and forth on the driveway. I couldn’t help but giggle when Spencer twirled me around and then skillfully dipped me. He brought me back to my feet with grace then whirled me around the driveway. His lips brushed up against my ear. The sensation sent a shiver through my body.
The innocence of our dance shifted as Spencer’s pace slowed, our bodies were barely moving, just a slight sway. He moved in close — so close I could feel the warmth of his body as it was perfectly wrapped around mine. I wasn’t sure if it was because of the emotional drama of the prom or the comfort I felt in the strength of his arms, but I instinctively laid my head on his shoulder. A feeling of peace overwhelmed me while he continued to softly hum in my ear. In his arms I was safe. He made me feel whole. Being with him felt like home.
Suddenly my head woke from the hypnotic spell it was under. My thoughts began shouting this was wrong. As much as I wanted him, Spencer wasn’t mine. I lifted my head from his shoulder, and when my eyes met his, I felt helpless. I couldn’t resist him. Every rational thought I had was met with confusion. All I could focus on was I was in love with him. I didn’t care about Kara. I didn’t care about being the good girl or doing the right thing. All I cared about was him. I wanted nothing more than to feel his lips on mine.
I moved my hand from his shoulder and slipped it around his waist. His breath caught, and he stopped humming. The soft light from the porch was reflected in the heat I saw in the depth of his eyes. My heart was pounding. My lips parted in anticipation for what I knew was coming. Spencer’s lips were so close I could feel his warm breath mingled with mine.
We were both so caught up in the moment we didn’t hear the sound of Mason’s car as it sped into the driveway. We broke apart as the headlights passed over us. Spencer pulled me out of the way just before Mason screeched to a halt, inches from hitting me.
Mason was horrified and sprang from the car. “I didn’t see you guys. Are you okay, Liz?”
Spencer’s arm was protectively wrapped around me, his eyes etched with concern.
My voice trembled while I replied, “I’m okay.” I left the warmth of Spencer’s arms as Mason reached out and hugged me.
“I’m so sorry,” he murmured. He released me and glanced at Spencer. “Wait, what are you doing here?”
“I was on my way home and saw Elizabeth. I wanted to make sure she was okay.” Spencer glanced at me. He seemed closed off. “Well, since you’re home now.” He took a few steps backward and walked toward his bike.
Mason placed his hand on my shoulder, and we walked into the house. “ What a night, huh?’’
I heard the roar of Spencer’s bike as I nodded, and Mason closed the door behind us.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Mason and I stood side by side, dressed in our cap and gowns while our dad proudly snapped pictures of us. Mason wore blue, and I was in silver… our school colors. I stared down at my neck draped with gold cords and a scholastic medallion for maintaining a 4.0 the entire four years of high school. I felt proud of myself, but a part of me wished Mason was as decorated as I was.
Mom had been tearing up on and off all day. Mason left my side to go and hug her.
“Mom, we’re not even going off to school. We’ll be right here at college… in town. Home every night for dinner.” He chuckled.
“I know. It’s just, I can’t believe you both are graduating high school. It went by so fast.” She sniffed.
I joined Mason, and we wrapped our arms around our emotional mother for a group hug. My dad blinked back a tear and took one last shot before we left for our graduation.
****
“Pomp and Circumstance” echoed through the high school stadium. Mason and I smiled as we walked in unison down the athletic field to our waiting seats in the distance. Since high school had been emotionally difficult for me, I didn’t think I would be affected, but I was. While watching the chairs filling up with my classmates, my emotions were bitters
weet. However they had treated me, good or bad, this time in my life was over. My mind wandered as the seemingly endless list of names was called.
Mason and I had taken Sunday off from our church activities, so I hadn’t seen Spencer in almost a week. But that didn’t mean I hadn’t thought about him. I’d barely thought of anything else. Our night dancing on the driveway, how he’d sung to me, held me, and the way he’d looked at me. I wondered what it would be like when I saw him again. Would he say anything? Was it just me or did he want to kiss me too? I felt guilt for what had almost happened. Spencer had someone in his life, and there I was, practically throwing myself at him. Maybe I should just ignore everything, act like nothing happened, because, nothing did happen.
My thoughts were interrupted when I heard the name Aidan David Mitchell resonate through the speakers. Applause, met with howling from the females in the audience, was almost embarrassing. I rolled my eyes when I heard a group of coeds scream out, “We love you Aidan!” He seemed to take it in stride as he sauntered down the aisle. He scanned the crowd of blue and silver gowns. I hunched down, just in case it was me he was looking for. When the next name was called, I sat back up in my chair.
Mason fiddled with my gold cord as we stood in procession, waiting to receive our diplomas. “Such a nerd.” He teased then nudged me when the line started to move.
My heart pounded as Principal Fick called my name. “Elizabeth Katherine Ryan.” I walked toward him, and he glanced at my academic achievements that graced my gown. He gave me a wink and a smile, shook my hand, and gave me my diploma. I returned his smile and made my way past the podium to the steps below.
Cheers erupted from the graduating class when my brother’s name was called. I had to laugh when Mason held up his fist in triumph. Howling continued as he made his way back to his seat, and I could have sworn I heard Melissa yell, “Yeah, baby!”
