Red and Steff decided to get ready at my house for Prom last minute, and now it's pure chaos here. Our clothes are scattered around the room, and we have to tiptoe around so we won't trip on something. There is makeup EVERYWHERE. Even on my poor white duvet cover. Even on the windowsill. It took us about four hours to get ready, and I don't know which part took the longest, but my hair sure gave me a lot of trouble. I wanted to put it in a stylish updo, so mom and I spent about an hour on it, but no amount of hairpins could hold it up. So I finally gave up and straightened it and put it in a sleek low ponytail. I wasn't too happy about it, but that made putting the Flapper Rhinestone headpiece on very easy. And, I'll admit, it turned out fine in the end. I kept my makeup to a minimal but made up for it with a bold red lip. The girls keep complimenting me on how great I look in the dress, so that's definitely a good sign.

Red is in a long sparkly black strapless gown that has a long rip on the side, showcasing her never-ending legs. Her long hair is trapped inside a fully beaded silver head cap on top and laying in soft waves on her back. She has a vintage faux fur scarf resting on her shoulders to complete the look. Jayden is definitely in for a treat tonight.

Steff decided to go for a classic look, and chose a short embellished nude dress, and paired it with a silver cream feather headpiece. With her hair styled to look shorter and the pipe she's holding between her fingers, she looks like she just stepped off a movie set.

"So, who'd you reckon will be Prom Queen?" Steff asks, rolling her eyes.

"It certainly won't be Brittany. That I am sure of," Red says. "She probably won't even be there."

She hasn't been to school ever since people found out about her pregnancy. People are now saying all sorts of crazy things like her parents shipped her away to an institution. Or even worse, another country. Of course, none of it is true. But people are eating it up. And since Elliot has made it loud and clear that he is not the father of her child, people are now coming up with crazy theories.

"I kinda feel bad for her," I say.

They both gape that me.

"Because I know what it's like to be on the receiving side of this," I explain. 

"She should have just come and defended herself if you ask me. That's what I would have done. Who cares what a bunch of idiots think? She allowed people to come up with whatever story they pleased by going into hiding." Steff shrugs, looking at herself in the full-sized mirror.

Ellyn shakes her head.

"Well, that's easy for us to say. I am voting for Madison for Prom Queen anyway." She says.

I look to see Steff's reaction and watch her scrunch her face.

"I am not voting." She says. "I don't see the point of Prom King and Queen."

To my surprise, Jeremy took my advice and asked her to Prom the other day. It was endearing and hilarious at the same time seeing them struggle to navigate through what had happened. They decided to go to Prom as friends in the end, but it's obvious to everyone that they both want more out of their relationship.

"Where is my pearl earring?" Red asks, looking around aimlessly. "I put it on the dresser like a minute ago!"

Steff gets her purse and walks over to the dresser to help her look.

"They'll be here any minute now. Jayden said they left Ryan's house ages ago! I need that earring!" Ellyn looks panicked.

I take off the long silky champagne-colored glove so I don't accidentally get any makeup on it.

"Only you could make losing an earring sound catastrophic, Red." I chuckle.

"It's the only thing I have of mom. Emily gave it to me for my birthday last year."

Oh!

I try to crouch down in my impossibly tight dress to look under the dresser, praying I don't rip the dress apart. After a minute or so of turning the place upside down, Steff finds the earring under an eye shadow kit. A minute later, Jayden calls.

"They are here," Red announces, hanging the phone up.

"Sucks you're not coming with." Steff pouts, looking at me.

The boys rented a limousine, and everyone is heading to Prom together except Liam and me. I wanted us to be part of the group fun, but he was strictly against the idea for reasons that still don't make much sense to me.

"I'll see you there in like thirty minutes. Liam is on his way." I tell her.

"We never see you two outside school anymore. I'm starting to think Liam hates us." She says as we head downstairs.

"You know that is not true," I say, chastising her.

"Are you girls heading out?" Mom asks, rushing down with my camera. "Ow! You all look so beautiful. Let me get a picture."

"Mom, the boys are here," I tell her.

"Then call them in. This is a night you'll all remember for the rest of your lives. We need to document it."

I roll my eyes, but we call the boys inside. Mom takes about a million pictures of us girls and, true to her words, makes Ellyn call the boys in for more pictures. We get a flood of compliments from them and give them back. It's so strange to see the guys in Tuxedos with hair sleeked back and a Corsage in their hands.

I watch as Jermey puts it on Steff's wrist, and I give him a wink when his eyes meet mine.

"Just heading to Prom with my best friend, who I might have feelings for, and my ex-boyfriend," Steff whispers into my ear as she hugs me goodbye. "Not awkward at all!"

I chuckle.

"Wish you guys were coming with us," Jayden says.

"I don't get why you're not. Tell Liam he is Lame." Ryan says, and his eyes light up. "L i a m, L a m e, kinda sounds the same."

"Leave him alone and get out of my house." I usher them out. "I'll see you guys in a few."

Liam

I park outside Jess's house and take a calming breath. I check the corsage for the hundredth time even though I know it's there. I feel guilty about keeping her away from sharing the fun with her friends. But I knew Ryan was fully drunk before he even made it out the door, and with that much Booze laying around, I couldn't take the risk of someone saying something to her. If it were completely up to me, I would gladly skip Prom and take her anywhere else she would like to go. But I know that this is important to her. So I am hoping this night passes without anyone deciding to talk. 

I knock on the door, taking in as much air as my lungs can handle because I know the moment I see her, it's going to get knocked out of me.

"Liam!" Nina opens the door, eyes bright with a smile. Her hand flies up to her chest. "My god! Don't you just look so handsome!"

"Not too shabby, huh?" I smile at her.

"Not nearly close." She grins at me. "Come in. She is in her room. I'll go get her."

I nod, walking inside.

"Where are the twins?"

"At their father's for the night." She answers, walking up the stairs.

I nod, fidgeting with the corsage. My heart is threatening to beat out of my chest for some reason as I look up, waiting.

A few seconds later, I see her at the top of the stairs. Silk, champaign colored dress clinging to her curves for dear life. Her hands are clad in a matching glove, her fingers tracing the banister delicately as she walks down.

I suck in a sharp breath watching as her scarlet lips part and then curl into a smile. Our eyes stay glued, and I realize I made the right decision keeping her all to myself.

I stare at her in awe when she reaches me.

"Jesus, Jess. You look... You're so..."

She stares at me with a wide smile.

"Speechless is a good way to start." She teases. "You look so handsome." She straightens my tie.

"The bow tie isn't too stupid, is it?" I ask.

She laughs.

"No. You look insanely sexy. I am going to Prom with the hottest guy in school!"

Her emerald eyes sparkle.

"You think I look sexy?" I twirl her around. "Look at you! My only complaint is the red lip. It's very sexy, but I can't kiss you like I want to."

"Hmm," She slowly licks her bottom lip. "What to do?"

I curse inwardly, as I slip the corsage on her wrist.

"This is pretty."

She looks at it and glances at me with a grin.

"Hold it right there!" Nina says, hurrying down the stairs towards us.

We both look up.

"I need to get a picture!"

Jess turns around to look at me and shrugs.

"Where do you want us?" I ask.

"Right there!" She says, pointing at a spot.

Jess and I walk over and stand with my arms around her waist.

"Perfect!" Nina says cheerfully.

I barely look at the camera because I can't seem to take my eyes off her long enough. 

When we walk out a few minutes later, Nina reminds us not to drink and drive, but to my delight, she doesn't say anything about bringing Jess back home.

Jessica

Liam holds me up by my waist and twirls me as the vibrant jazz music pumps loudly. And the white and gold decorations glitter and spin around me. I laugh, grabbing his shoulders to steady myself when he puts me down. We move fluidly with the music, and for once, I don't care if I look ridiculous while dancing.

Even though we didn't show up here with our friends, everything about tonight has been so much fun. I feel like we have been transported back in time. Everyone went all out with their costumes. It turned out better than I expected, and Red is thrilled that all her hard work paid off.

Liam looks like he belongs in an old Hollywood movie. He's in black slacks with suspenders and a white shirt with rolled-up sleeves and a couple of buttons undone. He decided to go without the bow tie and I am not complaining.

A slower classic comes through the speakers, and Liam holds me to him gently.

"This isn't too bad, is it?" I ask.

Hazel eyes look into my soul. And he shakes his head no.

I smile.

"We can skip the rest of it and go straight to the after-party," I tell him. "I don't really care about the Prom court or who becomes king and queen."

I feel him tense, and he remains quiet.

I frown.

"Or we could stay," I say.

"I don't want us to stay." He says, looking at me once again. "In fact, I don't want us to even go to the after-party."

"What?" I gape at him. "It's Ryan's party, in case you have forgotten. And everyone knows the best part is the after-party."

He looks uncomfortable, almost anxious. But he doesn't say anything.

My frown deepens.

"I thought it was a given that we would go. Since when do you hate parties?"

"I don't hate them. But I don't particularly like them. I'd just much rather spend time with you."

"You do spend time with me. That's all we do anymore."

I sound frustrated without meaning to. And I see it as soon as it happens. The hurt in his eyes is so stark, I feel it in my core.

"Liam, no. You know I love spending time with you. I just mean..."

"I know what you mean." He says, cutting me off. "I am asking for more than you can give. I wish it didn't have to be this way, trust me. I don't want to take anything away from you."

"Liam," I lean into him. "You are not. I just want us to have fun with our friends. These are moments we will never get back."

He lets out a long sigh.

"I know."

I wish I knew what was bothering him. I know it's not the fact that we are moving for college. Because thankfully, we are moving to the same city. We have become so isolated from everyone lately that I have no idea what to think of it.

After another dance, Principal Carter gives a little speech and calls the prom court to stage. Everyone makes it out there except Brittany, whose absence seems to be noticed by everyone.

"Behold, a royal inauguration." Steff sniggers making people around us chuckle.

To no one's surprise, Madison is named Prom Queen. And to Elliot's dismay, Sanchez is named Prom King. We watch with amusement as Madison steps on Sanchez's foot every chance she gets as they take the center for their dance.

Soon after, we girls decided to go to a nearby Ice cream shop to get some fro-yo before heading to Ryan's for the after-party. And the boys head there to help him get things in order. Liam and I didn't discuss what was said. But he didn't oppose when Ryan asked him to help with the party, so I am hoping we enjoy the night.

***

When we get to Ryan's, the place fully packed. Kids from other schools must have shown up because there are way too many new faces. People are visibly drunk, dancing, and making out in every corner. 

We go meet the boys, and I grin when I see Jeremy. He is at a party for once and it happens to be at Ryan's house. Thankfully, there seems to be no awkwardness here tonight.

Then something unexpected happens. Brittany shows up. Black hair pulled up in a tight ponytail, short sparkly silver dress, and bright maroon lips. She looks like her old self as she struts right in like nothing ever happened.

"Who's the hot Asian?" I hear some drunkard ask as the room quiets down at her entrance.

"What is she doing here?" Liam asks.

"Why? The baby is not yours, is it?" Sanchez grins at him.

"Fuck off!" Liam snaps, startling me.

Sanchez's grin vanishes instantly.

"It was just a joke," He says.

To my surprise, Brittany grins at Liam with a little wave.

I frown.

"Did she just wave at you?"

"What is she playing at now?" Liam says agitatedly.

I hear a few people calling her names, but she ignores them and disappears into the back.

"Why would you skip Prom and show up at the after-party. It's so Bizzare!" Heather says.

"She knew she wouldn't make Prom Queen. I bet she couldn't bear that." Morgan smirks.

Everyone slowly but surely starts to forget the momentary interruption and get back to their fun. Liam remains quiet and stiff, which bothers me. But I don't try to question him.

We head to the basement when Ryan and Jayden call us to play pool. We decide to sit out the second round and watch our friends play. Surprisingly, Ellyn kicks their ass. But as much as I try to engage in what is going on around me, my mind is still on Brittany.

"I gotta go to the bathroom," I tell Liam, getting up from his lap.

He hesitantly lets me go, and I feel cold as soon as his arms leave me.

"There's one right here, but if it's occupied, there's another one on the first floor."

I nod.

He looks at me with troubled eyes.

"I'm fully sober tonight. Nothing to worry about." I smile at him.

He smiles back, but his eyes remain concerned.

I walk away, feeling his eyes on me. I forego the bathroom search and head straight out the back. I look around for a little bit before I spot Shannon and Chastity Price on the patio chairs with drinks in their hands, but Brittany is nowhere to found.

I glance back at the house, but something tells me she is not in there. I look around aimlessly with no luck. I stand in the backyard considering giving up and going back down. But then a flicker of silver catches my eyes in the far distance beyond the trees. It is so swift that I might have missed it if I blinked.

I hesitate for a second, unsure. I mean it could have been anything. A car maybe? But I start walking slowly towards the trees anyway. It's probably not wise to go wandering in the middle of the night, but something urges me forward. My heart starts drumming faster, and I feel the adrenaline rushing through my veins as I spot two silhouettes hidden between the trees.

I walk on my tippy toes, trying not to make too much noise.

"I still can't believe you would do something so stupid! Someone could have seen you." Brittany's unmistakable voice says. "Maybe someone already did."

"No one saw me, Britt." A man snaps.

I frown. The voice is oddly familiar. I lean forward a little, but his face is hidden in the shadows.

"We agreed you wouldn't act out every time we have a fight. I wasn't just going to let you run off to a party to do God knows what! We have a child to worry about now."

My eyes widen, and I hold my breath, trying to contain my shock.

"You think I'd put our child's life in danger?" She asks incredulously. "It's my Prom night, in case you have forgotten. I was supposed to be on the Prom court. But no. Instead, I'm home puking my guts out. They think I missed school because I care what they think. There is no way I would have missed this party. Fight or no fight."

The man sighs.

I shift a little once again, trying to catch a glimpse.

"Love, just let me take you home. You've had your little fun. It's enough now."

"On the contrary," She purrs. "The fun is just beginning."

I watch as she leans in, and he meets her halfway. His face comes out of the shadows, golden brown locks hovering above dark eyes.

An audible gasp escapes my throat, and I involuntarily take a step back, crunching the dried leaves beneath my feet. My hands fly up to my mouth, but it's too late.

"Who's there?" Brittany calls.

I feel all the blood rush to my head. My heart painfully thuds against my ribs, and I stand frozen. Before I have a chance to turn back and run, before I even entertain the thought, Mr. Miller's eyes meet mine. 

***

Hey, guys!! So that happened! Thoughts??

For anyone who forgot who Mr. Miller is, he's the English teacher that transferred Jess into Mrs. Ronin's class.

Don't forget to vote if you enjoyed this chapter.

Much love,
Becca