She helps me zip up the dress before I turn to look at myself in the mirror. The long, pale pink, corset-top prom dress hugs me perfectly. It’s simple and beautiful. The gold necklace and earrings complement it perfectly. I look nothing like my regular self…and tonight I’m okay with that. I want to shine a little.
Simone’s fingers twist through my dark hair, carefully curling and pinning strands back. She’s been quiet and focused, making sure everything is perfect, but her eyes catch mine now in the mirror, softening with a smile.
“You look so beautiful,Lydia,” she says proudly. “Eli’s jaw is literally going to hit the floor when he sees you.”
I blush and start to feel a little shy. “Thank you.”
“Seriously,” Harper chimes in, adjusting the small straps of her emerald green silk dress and pushing her long, straightened brunette hair behind her shoulders. “You look amazing in pink. You really should wear color more often.”
Katie nods quietly from the corner of the room, absentmindedly smoothing out the bottom of her shorter-styled dark red dress that complements her natural red hair. She keeps looking off, distracted, something clearly weighing on her mind. It feels like she’s miles away, but I don’t ask what’s wrong. I’ve learned the hard way not to pry into her moods.
“You okay, Katie?” Simone asks softly.
She snaps back to attention, painting on a quick, fake smile. “Yeah. Just ready to get this night started.”
Harper and Simone exchange a quick glance, but no one pushes further.
Soon, we’re all ready, standing in the hallway, waiting as Simone helps me adjust a final curl. I’m getting more and more anxious the longer we take.
Downstairs, the faint sound of Eli’s laughter drifts upstairs, mixed with John and Alex’s voices.
“Alright,” Simone says, stepping back. “You’re all set.”
The four of us walk down the stairs slowly, heels clicking against the staircase. At the bottom, Eli turns around, his eyes widening in genuine awe. A slow smile curves across his face as he steps forward, taking my hand when I get to the bottom and pulling me into him.
“Damn,” he whispers, his lips brushing mine. “You look incredible.”
I bite back a smile. “Thank you.”
He leans closer, voice low enough for only me to hear. “I can’t wait to get you out of that dress after prom.”
I giggle quietly as he kisses me, but pause, pulling back slightly. “Have you been drinking?”
He gives me an innocent smile. “Just a little pre-gaming with the boys. Well, just with Alex. John is the DD tonight. He owes me one after too many nights of making me be it.”
I roll my eyes playfully. “Save me some?”
He flashes a mischievous grin, opening his jacket just enough for me to see the silver flask tucked inside. “Of course. We’re gonna have fun tonight.”
We take a few pictures—Sarah fussing over us, and Simone beaming like a proud mom. Even little Huxley gives me a little shy hug, telling me I look pretty. Everything is perfect. I’m happy, and my life feels normal again. I wanna hold onto this.
When we arrive at the venue in South End, I’m swept away by the absolute beauty of the huge space they rented out that’s been transformed for the occasion.
We dance and laugh for most of the night, Eli’s hand never leaving my waist, and constantly wanting to kiss me. We’re all a little buzzed now from the car ride over, and I feel like I’m floating. I lose myself in the warmth of his gaze, believing for a moment things can stay like this—uncomplicated and perfect. Alex and John walk over to us, whispering in Eli’s ear.
Eli leans in close next to my ear. “We’re gonna sneak outside and smoke real quick. You good?”
I nod. “Yeah, I’ll be here with the girls.”
He kisses me and then disappears out the double doors.
Katie and Harper pull me back into dancing with them, laughing freely as we sway under the lights. Eventually, my feet start to ache, and I slip away, sitting downand pulling out my phone. There’s a text from Simone.
Simone: How’s it going?? Wish I was there with you!
I hit the camera button in our message thread and snap a selfie, sending it to her.
Lydia: Missing you. Everything is great. Love you
