Eric and Josh join us. “Is it true you guys can go to prom ‘cause you’re in ASB?” Eric asks.
“Yup,” I answer.
“Need a date?” Eric asks me.
“Seriously? You’d wanna go?”
He chuckles. “Well yeah. What the hell else are we gonna do? All our friends will be there.”
“Josh, are you going?” Keesh asks.
He blushes and mutters, “Yeah, I’m going.”
“Mr. Big League here is going with Erica, the hot cheer captain.” Jonathan taunts him, pretending to wave pom poms around like he is doing a cheer.
Eric high-fives Josh. “Damn. I think I need to change sports.”
Keesh puts her hands together for a few light claps. “So I guess it’s settled then, we’re all going to Prom.”
“How freakin’ cool,” I squeal.
What the hell was I thinking agreeing to go to prom? How could I forget what a pain in the ass it is to find a dress? I almost have a nervous breakdown before I settle on the same style dress as homecoming, but in a different color.
My prom dress is a burnt shade of orange. It looks great against my skin. The dress has black embroidered flowers at the bottom. It’s actually quite beautiful, but as soon as I put it on, I feel totally uncomfortable and want to tear it off and throw on some soccer shorts and a t-shirt. Maybe I’m not supposed to be a girl.
My hair looks better this time too. The same guy did it, putting twists everywhere with curls coming down in precise places. He used about a million bobby pins. I would probably set off alarms at an airport. When I got home from Homecoming, my mom took all the pins out like a mama chimp eating the bugs off her baby. It took about a half hour to get them all out. This time it’ll probably take an hour.
We all meet at Steph’s house where a limo waits for us. When Eric and I arrive, everyone is already there—even Josh with his date and Ben with Vanessa. I thought our older friends would ditch us today but they don’t. I’m surprised but it feels nice to know we all mean something to them. When I take a look around I realize Keesha and I are the only ones who aren’t going with a junior or senior. Oh well…who cares.
When we walk up the red carpet at Prom, it feels like a fairy tale. There are doormen, not just one but two, who greet us by opening the double French doors and gesturing for us to pass through. They look real classy in black tailored suits with white gloves on. As we enter the room, it sparkles with twinkly lights and a giant chandelier. Round tables and chairs surround the dance floor. White linens cover each table and fresh flowers are arranged as centerpieces. The scent of the roses and freesia is intoxicating.
I have to remind myself to breathe. Every detail is flawless. No wonder the senior girls did not want to move the location. This is truly perfect.
We check our purses at the front desk so we don’t have to worry about leaving someone at the table to guard our things. We find two empty tables and take a seat. There are too many of us to fit at only one. Servers come around and ask us what we want to drink, and place appetizers at our table. This is totally high class. I feel like Cinderella at a ball, excited to be here but a little out of place.
The music kicks up as the tables fill. The principal welcomes everyone and then it’s time to get down. Unk’s Walk It Out sends everyone crowding to the dance floor. Keesh, Steph, and I go wild. I’m one of the few girls who can really walk it out because my dress isn’t skin tight. I don’t have to worry about ripping my seam if I get too freaky. Well, neither do Keesh or Steph. But Amy, she’s a whole other story.
The sweat starts to gather down my back and I can feel the moisture on my upper lip. The dance floor is so packed we could be standing still and we’d still be sweating. When a slow song finally comes on, Eric and I bolt for our seats.
I pick up my cloth napkin and pat my face. He starts to loosen his tie and take it off. He doesn’t waste any time untucking his shirt and unbuttoning the top buttons.
“Damn, Eric. I’m jealous. I’d like to take off this and that and get comfy.” I secretly wish I could’ve come in sweats.
“Well, you’d probably get us kicked out if you took off your dress,” he jokes. If only I had a slip or something on underneath this thing, I might risk it.
We make small talk till the fast songs return. This time Soulja Boy comes on and I can’t wait to get out there to do the Superman. Keesh and I watched the video online for days trying to learn the dance. Once I learned it, I never waste any opportunity to break it down.
This cycle continues for most of the night. I dance like a mad woman, take a break with the slow songs, and get back out there and do it again. All the couples take random breaks but most stay on the dance floor for the slow songs. If I was here with a boyfriend, I would’ve taken advantage of the opportunity too.
The night is almost over and my feet are killing me. I wore chunky heels so my feet wouldn’t hurt so bad, but after four hours of dancing, nothing can help. I can’t figure out how Amy can handle dancing this entire time in three inch stilettos.
“Mind if I join you?” Alex asks.
“Go for it…but beware…I think my feet are going to spontaneously combust any minute.” I laugh in pain. “I think I’m just gonna wear flip-flops to my senior prom.”
“Are you at least having fun?”
“Heck yeah,” I yell over the music. “Tons.”
“Me too,” he agrees. “This place beats the cafeteria. I feel like I’m in one of those high school movies.”
“Yeah, except none of us smuggled in vodka and this isn’t a hotel, so I guess the after-prom sex is out of the question.” “Damn, I forgot about those details.” He chuckles.
“Well, it’s not like you and Amy need a hotel.” I can’t believe those words came out of my mouth.
“You’re crazy.” He laughs. “It’s not like that between me and Amy.”
“Yeah right.”
“No, really,” he says. “It’s not.”
“You don’t have to lie to spare my feelings Alex. I can handle it. It’s not like I don’t know.”
He turns in his chair and looks me straight in the eyes. “Meg, I don’t know where you get your information, but Amy and I are not having sex and we never have. She’s only fifteen. You think that’s all I’m interested in, that I’m that kind of guy. You don’t know me as well as I thought you did.”
“Why are you lying? I know about the condoms, Alex.”
“What condoms?” Alex looks at me like I’m crazy.
“This stupid act is killing me. Amy and I went to the free teen clinic for birth control. We got the same amount of stuff. I’ve never used mine but I peeked in her bag and half her stash is gone, so seriously, you don’t have to lie.” I stare off in another direction.
I can’t believe he won’t tell me the truth.
“Meg, look at me. Look at me please.” I turn to meet his stare. “Listen, I’m not lying to you. Amy wanted to get physical. She wanted to have sex, but I didn’t feel comfortable with that ‘cause she’s so young. I care a lot about her, but I’m not ready take it to that level and I don’t want her to think just ‘cause I’m a senior, I’m out for a piece of ass. It’s just not my style. I didn’t even know you guys got condoms till you just told me.”
“Well if you and her aren’t having sex, then who is she freakin’ screwing?” I demand.
We both look at each other and then out at the dance floor.
There it is. There’s the answer and it’s been there for so long.
“It’s about time you two figured this shit out.”
We look behind us and there is Ben. This guy is like a freakin’ stalker, always lurking around waiting for the right time to talk some shit.
I try to clear my head before I speak. “You knew about this and didn’t tell me?”
“Wait a minute. We just barely started talking. You would have never believed me. You would’ve thought I was just being an asshole. Besides you guys broke up and it didn’t
matter anymore.”
“How long has this been going on?” I ask. “I found out about the condoms at my pool party.”
“I don’t know when they starting boning, but they were hooking up at the beach. That’s why it took them so long to get back. I caught them in the bathroom together,” Ben explains.
Alex finally chimes in, “I think something’s been going on since the Powder Puff game. They both took off after dumb ass here started talking smack. Do you remember? Amy wouldn’t answer her phone and neither would Eric. Damn Ben, I should have listened to you.”
“What? He told you and you didn’t do anything?”
“I didn’t believe him. Why would Eric cheat on you?”
“Because I wouldn’t give it up, that’s why,” I shout.
“Yeah, well I didn’t think Amy would cheat on me and I sure as hell didn’t think she’d hook up with your boyfriend.”
“Why not? She got with you when she knew I obsessed over you the whole freakin’ summer,” I say, embarrassed.
“I’m sorry guys,” Ben says as he walks back to the dance floor.
I look at Alex, his nose is turning red, and tears are welling up in his eyes. It’s like a chain reaction. I can’t help but tear up too.
“This just bites, for both of us.” He shakes his head, taking a deep breath. “I wasn’t in love with her or anything, but I did have strong feelings for her. This sucks.”
“You know, I wouldn’t even care if Eric cheated on me. But Amy is supposed to be my best friend. That’s what kills me the most. I can’t be her friend anymore.”
Alex holds his hand out to me and I go to him. I bury my face in his chest and sob. He puts his arms around me and rubs his hands slowly up and down my back. On any other day, this act would have been like a fantasy for me, but today, it’s hardly comforting.
“Megan, what they hell? Can’t you just get your own boyfriend already?” Amy yells to me. Eric and the rest of our friends are coming up right behind her.
We break our embrace and stand. I just glare at her for a few seconds before the words come to mind. “Are you freakin’ kidding me?” Tears pour down my eyes. “Don’t you even freakin’ go there okay, just don’t.” There’s so much more I’d like to say, but my head is cloudy.
But she can’t shut her big mouth, she always has to push. “Meg, come on. What are you crying about? Alex is with me, not you. So just deal.”
I wipe my tears. I don’t want to cry anymore for these jerks. Now, I’m just pissed. “Seriously Amy! Seriously. Eric was with me and you didn’t seem to mind, you freakin’ skank.”
Both she and Eric look at us in shock.
“I knew it!” Keesh yells. “You’ve been hookin’ up with Eric since spring break. How could you Amy? We’re all best friends.” Tears start to well in her eyes now.
“You know what. Let’s not do this here. If everyone doesn’t mind, let’s just get the limo and leave,” Alex suggests.
No one objects and we head for the door quietly. I can hear some whispers as we pass by but can’t make out what anyone is saying.
Amy tries to get Alex’s attention, but he tells her calmly, “Amy, I think it would be best if we just end it now. I don’t need to hear anything else.”
Alex walks with me to the limo. We get in and sit next to each other, with Eric and Amy sitting alone at the other end. The limo’s a super stretch Excursion so there’s plenty of room to shun those assholes.
It’s quiet except for some sniffles coming from me, Keesh, and Steph. They’re probably just as heartbroken as I am by the realization one of our best friends could do something like this. The guys stay silent. I feel sorry for Vanessa and Erica because they don’t even know us and have to deal with our drama.
I glance over at Alex. He smiles at me. He takes my hand and holds it tightly in both of his. I’m so grateful for his friendship. I know I’ll never meet another guy like him for the rest of my life.
“Damn. You guys don’t waste any time. Look at you holding hands. It’s not like you two are innocent in all this,” Amy shouts across the limo. Eric stays quiet. Good boy.
“Amy, shut up!” Keesh yells.
“I never cheated on you. Not once, so you can’t blame this on me,” Alex responds, sternly.
How can I possibly stay calm at a time like this? I can’t. “Seriously Amy. Don’t try to blame me either. I’m not the one who was FUCKING MY BEST FRIEND’S BOYFRIEND,” I yell, getting louder and louder. “I hope you don’t mind being with a guy who only cares about sex because Eric doesn’t care about you. The only reason he hooked up with you is because you were willing to spread your skanky legs when I wouldn’t. So just shut the hell up already before I freakin’ rip out your fake freakin’ hair, you damn whore.”
I take a deep breath, lean back, exhale, and feel a sense of relief.
The rest of the ride home, the limo is still.
When we get to Steph’s house, we all spill out of the limo. I hear Amy get on the phone and ask her parents to pick her up. Keesh and Steph rush to me to see if I’m okay. I assure them I’m fine and apologize for ruining their night.
“Meggie, do you want a ride home?” Alex asks.
“Sounds good,” I hug my friends before Alex and I leave. I’m not in the mood to hash it all out for everyone right now. They’re going to have to wait.
“Some night,” I mumble, as we drive away.
“Pretty pathetic, huh?” He chuckles.
We pull up in front of my house in silence.
“Well I guess we have another thing in common,” I mutter. “We both lost something tonight.”
He studies me, confused by my comment.
“Yeah. You lost your girlfriend, and I lost my best friend.”
Chapter Thirty Two
The news is all over school. The easy freshman cheated on her senior beau with her best friend’s man. It pretty much sucks for Amy because she looks really bad any way you look at it. In a few years, people won’t remember me or Alex or even Eric, they’ll just remember that Amy girl, who was some skanky ho-bag.
I’m okay with that. It’s kind of sad how little I care about Amy, but I’m not over it yet. It sucks I lost one of my best friends, but who needs a friend like her? I sure don’t.
Everyone called or texted me for the rest of the weekend. Everyone except for Amy. She didn’t try to contact any of us. But what could she really say? I explain over and over again how I’m fine, but none of them believe me. I said what I needed to say to Amy in the limo. I’m ready to move on.
School will be a little awkward since we all have so many classes together. Mr. Mitchell is already up on the gossip so when we all arrive in class, he sends Amy on an errand that takes almost the entire period. He’s so cool. I need to get to sixth period early to fill Ms. Gelson in with the details. I hope she lets me change seats.
Lunch is weird…I’m not sure what to expect. Amy’s probably hanging out with her sister. Maybe Eric even tagged along.
“I’m glad you guys are still here,” I say, as I approach our tree. Josh and Jonathan are already there.
“He’s whack anyway,” Josh says. “We wanna hang with you guys still. Is it cool?”
“Sit down, Grand Slam, you guys aren’t goin’ anywhere,” Keesh says, as she practically tackles Jonathan with a hug.
So it’s settled, we’ll all still hangout, with the exception of the outcasts, Amy and Eric.
“Do you wanna talk about it, Meg?” Keesh asks, as she puts her arm around me.
“Not really, but I’m sure you guys are dying to know what happened.” I know I would be.
“We already know. Ben gave us the low down after you and Alex left,” Jonathan explains.
“Just so you know, we didn’t know anything. If I did I would’ve told you,” Josh adds.
Jonathan snickers, “And I would’ve slide tackled his ass on the soccer field.”
“Next year, babe. You can get him next year.” Keesh smiles at her sw
eetheart.
“So, what’s up everybody?” Alex mutters. He sits down across from me on the grass.
I lift my head to look at him. “Not much.”
What the hell am I supposed to say?
“So has anyone talked to Amy or Eric?” Alex questions.
“I talked to Eric,” Josh says. “He’s a dumb ass. He’s pissed ‘cause Jon and I still want to hang out with all you guys. He’s gonna have to get over it. What he did was stupid.”
“Give me a break,” Keesha cries. “Guys do stupid crap all the time.”
“Not all of them,” Alex argues.
“And not in the same group of friends.” Jonathan swirls his index finger in a circle gesturing to each of us.
“Good point,” Keesh agrees.
“Heeeyyy,” Steph yells.
Steph and Dominic join us. The guys take turns doing the guy hand shake. Steph sits down next to me, opposite of Keesha. The guys start talking about sports crap and Memorial Day weekend parties.
Steph and Keesh huddle in close to talk to me about Amy.
“So what do you want to do about Amy?” Steph asks.
I don’t even have to think about this one. “Nothing.”
Keesh leans in to bump me with her shoulder. “Really, Meg, you’re not going to talk to her?”
“No, I’m really not. There’s no excuse for what she did, so what’s there to talk about. She could say she’s sorry a million times, which you know she won’t, and it wouldn’t matter. Do you guys want to be friends with someone like her?”
“No, not really. I trust Dominic but I wouldn’t want her anywhere near him,” Steph explains. “I kinda feel bad for her, but I can’t stick up for her. You’re right. There is no excuse.”
“This isn’t like she broke my favorite earrings or flirted with my boyfriend. She had sex with him. A lot of sex with him, and she still let him kiss me afterward. It just pisses me off and grosses me out.”
Ben, Vanessa, and Erica join our little party too. Erica cuddles up to Josh, and Ben and Vanessa plop themselves down near Alex.
So I'm A Double Threat Page 19
