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“Hello, everyone! Can I have your attention, please?”
We stopped dancing and turned toward the stage. Jen’s blonde hair and champagne gown looked amazing that evening.
“Thank you all for voting tonight! I have tallied the ballots, which means it’s time to announce this year’s prom king and queen!”
A crowd of students cheered and clapped, waiting for the results. As for the voting… I had voted for Jessica and her new boy toy, Matt Kensington.
“All right, class of 2013,” Jen announced. “Your prom king and queen are…”
There was a lengthy pause before she revealed the names.
“Ryan Taylor and Stephanie Cohen!”
Everyone applauded as a blinding spotlight flooded my face. And then I realized why I was centered out: Ryan was next to me.
“What the hell?” He looked confused. “I swear the votes were rigged. There’s no way she could have won!”
I was a little pissed that Steph was voted as prom queen—not because I wanted to win the crown, but because I felt she didn’t deserve it. “Don’t worry about it,” I said to Ryan. “Get up there and fulfill your duties. You only get to be prom king once in your life!” I smiled and tried to be the supportive “girlfriend.”
Before he headed to the stage, I gave him the sexiest kiss while the spotlight was still on us. I just wanted Steph to go green with envy since she hadthe hotsfor Ryan.
Jessica soon appeared at my side, chatting my ear off.
“I can’t believe Steph won! I bet she rigged the votes.”
I suppose it was possible.
“It’s okay,” I said. “This is probably the only event that will be her most memorable achievement in life. Let her have her five minutes of ‘fame and glory.’”
“If you can’t beat’em, join’em!”
We stitched on a smile and blended in with the crowd, applauding.
After Ryan and Steph got crowned, they posed for pictures and walked off the stage. The lights were dimmed as Jen announced it was time for their first dance together as “prom royalty.” Everyone cleared the way for the pair and watched them dance while others joined in. I was expecting the DJ to play something by Savage Garden, Ed Sheeran, or Christina Perri, but he played a Chris Isaac song that was covered by Gemma Hayes: “Wicked Game.”
“I’m gonna grab some more punch,” Jess said. “Do you want me to bring you a glass?”
“No, I’m good. Thanks.” I smiled, watching my friend disappear before fixing my eyes on the “happy couple.”
Steph’s prom dress looked more like fancy lingerie than a formal gown. There were slits on both sides of the black silk fabric, reaching up to her thighs; and the front of her dress had a plunging neckline that showed off her “twins” and pierced navel. I was reminded of J-Lo’s millennium fashion moment, when she had worn that green Versace gown at the Grammy Awards. There was a bit of a resemblance between the dresses in terms of design, but the Latina goddess certainly wore it better. I liked Steph’s mask: black and red feathers, with rhinestones around the eyeholes. Steph had a beautiful face and body, though I couldn’t say the same about her personality. Hot girls who are mean are like bananas: yellow, ripe, visually pleasing, and good enough to eat… until you peel back the layers, and it’s all rotten inside.
I couldn’t help but feel sad as the music played on. Gemma’s voice was so soft and lovely. My head was filled with thoughts of Noah, despite my distractive evening.
I need some fresh air.
No one noticed me slip away as my heels clicked behind me. Headed toward a pair of double doors, I opened them and stepped outside.
??
Standing on the terrace, I could finally breathe again. The architectural design reminded me of the Venetian balconies of Italy. A warm spring breeze played with my hair as I absorbed the surrounding beauty around me. The garden was glowing with fairy lights, and the fragrant smell of roses had permeated the air. My eyes roamed toward the lampposts, illuminating the darkness along a park path. The breathtaking view overlooked a lush landscape that made me feel as if I had walked through a portal to a different dimension. An orchestra of crickets performed a prelude to nature’s musical score.
Surrounded by palm trees, I gazed at a marble fountain in the center of the garden. The water kept changing colors from red to pink, purple, and blue. I appreciated all the labor that went into creating such a luxurious outdoor atmosphere. A blanket of stars sparkled like diamonds above me. The garden was tranquil, decorated with solar lamps, flowers, and chaise lounges. Fireflies floated around me, reminding me of the first time I’d seen those glowing insects… It had been a hot summer in July, and I’d spent the evening playing in my grandparent’s garden. I was five years old. I remembered being fascinated by these pretty glowing bugs, thinking they were fairies. Funny how gullible and naïve we are as children; ignorant of the corruption in the world; so easily… trusting.
“What are you doing out here all alone?”
Evan’s charismatic voice echoed behind me, snapping me out of my thoughts.
“I needed some air,” I replied, turning around to meet his dark eyes. “This is a masquerade prom. Where’s your mask?”
