Now & Then (A Newland High School story)

12. One Month Ago

"Come on, I need to show you something." Lexi grabs my hand before leading me through the gym. That's not the easiest task considering her dress is approximately twice the size of her.

I follow her without protest. It's difficult for me to get too worked up about anything tonight, considering I'm at prom without my boyfriend. It had been alright until I saw Nick and Bailey dancing after the coronation. After that, my melancholy returned full force. I didn't even know the two were dating, but based on how they were holding each other, there's no doubt they are very committed.

Lexi and I exit the dance and enter the chilly night air. "Where are we going?" I finally ask.

"You'll see."

All I can muster is a shrug. Ugh. I shouldn't have even come here. I tried to get out of it, but between Aric and my parents, they wouldn't even let me consider skipping it.

Lexi drags me around the building and I find my curiosity rising. What could she need to show me out here in the dark?

But as we round the corner, I see that it's not very dark anymore. There is around a half-dozen trees with white rope lights covering most of their branches. They illuminate one small section of the back lawn perfectly, and standing dead center between them is Aric.

"Seriously?" I whisper. My voice sounds heavy as tears threaten to emerge. The entire image is just so beautiful. Lexi backs away, leaving me to walk the rest of the way myself. I'll have to thank her later.

As I get closer, I see that Aric is wearing a black suit with a cream colored tie—the same shade as my dress. I let out a shaky breath. "What is this Aric?"

He tugs on his bottom lip—his nervous habit—before reaching out his hands for mine, intertwining our fingers. "I wasn't allowed to go to prom, no matter how much I tried. And I did, I even offered to mow Mr. Greenwood's lawn all summer."

"You did?" I had no idea.

He nods. "But he wouldn't change his mind. He doesn't understand that I'm different now." He brings his hand up to my cheek. "Because of you."

I'm speechless. All I can do is listen as he continues. "So I thought we could have our own prom. But now that I'm here, I can see it's probably lame and corny and—"

I bring my fingers to his lips. "It's perfect. I love this, Aric. And I love you."

He smiles, and I lower my hand. "I love you too."

Silence overtakes us for a moment before I hear the soft voice of Mariah Carey. Aric must have his Divas playlist going.

From now until forever and ever, my darling
You will always be the only one

I step forward. "So are you going to ask me to dance?"

"Trying to work up the courage."

I laugh and wrap my arms around his neck as Mariah continues her serenade. Aric's hands land on my lower back and pull me closer. As my cheek rests against his jacket, I can smell his cologne. "Did you do this all yourself?"

"Mostly. My mom helped me pick out the suit though. I'm pretty sure she likes you more than I do."

I grin. "Really?"

His arms wrap around me tighter, pressing our bodies completely against each other. "No. That wouldn't be possible."

If you should ever need me
Unfailingly, I will return to your arms
And unburden your heart

"So what'd I miss at the dance?" Aric asks.

"Nothing much. Ian and Bailey got King and Queen."

He scoffs and I can smell the mint on his breath. "No surprise there."