Redemption

Prom

For the supposed best day of her life, the weather was incredibly bleak. Anya huffed in annoyance, she had not the time nor the patience to dwell on bustling storm clouds and the angry trees swaying wildly in the wind, for today was the day she would be crowned Prom Queen.

As a little girl, Anya dreamed of sparkling dresses, elegant hairstyles and shiny crowns. She dreamt of donning that sash and scepter and a bundle of roses. Fully claiming her spot as the most popular student at Creekland High School. Today was the day that dream would come true.

Shaking her head as to disperse her thoughts she went about her routine, curling her hair and making up her face. Her dress, already dry-cleaned and hung up in her walk-in closet, was the final piece of clothing she put on, before descending the grand staircase of her home. She wore an emerald green mermaid tail gown with silver accessories, her blonde hair styled to perfection and looking in every way a queen. Her mother fawned and cooed over her taking pictures that were sure to be passed around at her next appearance at the country club, her father maintained his usual cold shoulder barely acknowledging her presence. She had been irked, of course she respected her parents and they did not have much of a relationship but even still, she had wanted them to genuinely show an interest in her.

Not before long Anya's closest friend, Leah Henderson, showed up for their pre-prom photoshoot. Anya always had a feeling Leah developed a sense of jealousy in regards to her. She was not humble by any means, and it took no great effort to admit she was prettier, more popular, and ridiculously well-off compared to her friend. Leah was still the second most popular girl at school and therefore qualified as suitable company.

"You look so amazing." Leah had gushed with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Anya was pleased that she didn't have to compliment her first, "Awe, thank you, and you too of course." Leah had looked nice in her champagne-coloured gown, a high-leg skit emphasizing her height and a reasonable amount of gold accessories, not as nice as Anya of course, but still nice.

After concluding the mini photoshoot, they piled into the black limousine that her parents owned and headed off to the venue where their senior prom was being held. They had been traveling in comfortable silence until Leah had blurted out a question, fingers tapping nervously against the leather of the vehicle. "Who do you think won Prom Queen?"

Anya shot her a patronizing look. She had been shocked when Leah revealed she was running for Prom Queen as well, less so when she found out she had been going through less than honorable ways of winning that title. She felt sorry for her friend, it never fared well to be in the constant shadow of anyone.

"I think you already know the answer to that." She placed her hand atop Leah's in a compassionate gesture. Leah's eyes had narrowed at their joined hands before yanking her hand back and glaring through the window.

Anya shrugged internally before ignoring the girl. She had been practicing her expressions to properly appear surprised when her name was called on stage. She didn't dwell in Leah's petulant behavior.

Arriving at the venue, they both were appraised by the student populace, all whispering and pointing at them, flashing smiles and waving, glowering and frowning- popularity subjected them to this attention but Anya's standing is what kept it.

After being ushered in, the night's activities quickly started with a dance. She and Leah took their seats at the table in the middle of the room, to be fully seen by all her classmates. After a brief dinner and a quick slideshow of the year's highlights, they began the crowning of the Prom Royalties.

First was the Prom King, it was Brian Duncan, which at no surprise to anyone but was well received. He accepted the crown and grinned throughout his entire speech.

Standing on stage now with the other nominees, Anya stared confidently into the crowd, an eyebrow raised and a smirk on her lips. The thunder of applause at her name being called was almost deafening as she stepped forward to claim her crown, sash and scepter. She smiled, all saccharine and bright as tapped the mic, ready to give her speech.

"Firstly, I'd like to say-"

Anya jumped at the commotion that began on stage as Leah stormed off, swiping at her cheeks. She stared in shock for a moment before she hiked up the train of her dress and followed after her. She was winded and irritated, her hair was surely being ruined now and Leah would just nor stop no matter what she called out following her down the stairs and outside the venue.

"Leah, honestly!" She yelled in frustration.

Not paying attention to her surroundings Anya had not seen the truck barreling towards her at a frightening speed until it was too late to do anything but stand there.

"Oh.' She dumbly said before she was greeted by darkness.