Perfect Places

The Back To School Dance

   Summer was over. The very last summer break I was ever going to have was over. It was now tucked into the back of my mind like most other memories were. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't the very best either. Zane and I had lost a very close friend, but we had also grown closer.

The dance, which seemed awfully rushed and messy, was taking place the night before the first day of school. The purpose of it was to excite teenagers about the upcoming school year, but for me, it did the opposite. If anything, it stressed me out and gave me anxiety. But, what didn't anymore?

Jessica and I had made sure multiple times that our dresses fit perfectly and that they looked amazing on us. Jess, as always, looked beautiful and perfect. I, on the other hand, just looked like a girl who was attending a school dance. I was just a normal girl in a nice dress. Nothing more, and nothing less.

Summer had gone by faster than I imagined it would. After the upcoming school year was over, everyone would be going out and starting their lives. They would be heading off to college, getting real jobs, moving out of their parent's homes, and maybe even getting married. The people I had been around for thirteen years of my life would be moving on and starting their futures.

I always knew it would happen. I always knew my schooling would eventually come to an end, but I never imagined it actually happening. I was never able to picture myself graduating and actually starting my life.

A nurse. I always knew that I wanted to become a nurse. I wanted to help people and even get paid for it. I would need a high school diploma and at least four years of college. In the end, I knew it would all be worth it.

Zane wanted to work in construction, just like his dad. His father owned a small construction business that was very run down. But one day, he would inherit it and get it up and running again, just as it should be.

I was proud of him for having those goals in his mind. They were realistic and genuine. They were something that could very well actually happen.

As I sat at my makeup stand, applying my light pink lipstick, I thought about what might happen at this stupid school dance. I had never been the type to go to school gatherings, they were never really my thing. Going to this one with Zane would more than likely be the last one I ever attend.

My hands carefully applied a layer of mascara to my eyelashes and blush to my cheeks. The whole look made me look like a housewife in a fancy dress. I had never worn anything this glittery in my life. If I was to see myself from a few feet away, I would barely recognize myself.

The dress was beautiful, that was for sure. Black lace sleeves covered my entire arm and the large bottom half of it flowed outwards, giving off the illusion that the dress was more expensive than it really was. The only con of the dress was that walking became a struggle. But, I would learn to deal with it as time went on.

I was wearing my hair down, as I usually did. Only this time, it was curled. A pearl barret sat on the side of my head, just as Jessica had instructed me to wear. She has basically put together the entire look, as I expected her to.

Zane texted me telling me that he was downstairs waiting by the front door for me. He also told me to take my time. I gave myself a final glance in the mirror, and took a few deep breathes. Then, I opened the door and left the room.

"Woah!" Hannah Elizabeth exclaimed while she sat on the ground outside my door.

"So, what do ya think?" I asked her.

"You look ... amazing!" She squealed.

I smiled at her, "How about you go downstairs and see Zane before we leave?"