We're Not Related Anymore...

Going Stag

Maddie: Three Years Ago

I spend the morning of Prom getting ready at Tessa's house. It's quite the event. Almost her entire family gets involved in our gussying up process. Her mom does my make-up while her younger sister comes up behind me to curl my hair into ringlets. 

"Gosh, you girls look magnificent," her mom says standing back to look at the two of us together. Tessa's been ready for a few minutes longer than I have and I see her fidgeting with the hem of her blue gown. 

"What's wrong?" I ask, feeling her anxiety thicken the air. 

"What if everyone thinks we look ridiculous? What was I thinking? I never should've made our dresses." 

"Are you kidding, Tess? They're all going to be jealous. No one will look half as good as we do," I tell her, watching her mother nod her head. 

"It's true. I'm so proud of you, baby. I can't believe my little girl is heading to Los Angeles next year to study design." She starts waving her hands by her face, as though she can dry her wet eyes. "My own little Versace."

"Gosh, Mom, you're so embarrassing," Tessa says pulling her emotional mother into a hug. Over her mom's shoulder, she rolls her eyes at me. 'Parents', she mouths and I crinkle my nose at her. 

I think it's sweet. I am a little bit sad that, because of the distance between us, I didn't get to celebrate that she got into her dream fashion school. How freaking cool is that? But at least we're here together now.

The two break away and Tessa comes to stand by me, linking our arms together as she does. "Now, I need someone to take pictures of us immediately because I know my hair will not look this good if we wait another two minutes."

-

Jacob: Three Years Ago

I don't know how it happens, but somehow Josh and Betty force me into coming to prom with them like some sad third wheel. Mostly, the idea is Betty's, but I think Josh likes the fact that he can keep his eye on me now. 

We haven't made up just yet, but he's noticed the unintentional distance between Maddie and me. 

I sigh as I straighten out the cuffs of my shirt. She's the only reason I'm going to this damn thing. I'm hoping I'll finally have an opportunity to catch her alone to continue our conversation. I've been thinking about it and I think if we're careful, we can make this thing work. 

I hear a knock on my door and turn to see my mom standing in the doorway. Josh left hours ago to do a photoshoot at Betty's house so it's just me getting ready here. My mom smiles tightly when she sees me. My face is still bruised and battered from my altercation with Josh but I look otherwise decent. 

"Look at you," she says, coming more into my room. She dutifully ignores the mess on my floor for once and I'm glad for the fact. "You look so handsome," she says as she neatens up my collar. "Where's your tie? I'll do it for you."

"I'm not wearing one," I tell her. It's not really a fashion statement and more of an 'I-feel-suffocated-wearing-one' thing. She frowns but doesn't fight me on it. 

"So, no date? You're going at it alone," she says, stepping back to observe me. I shrug, running my hand through my hair. "None of the girls at school good enough for you?" 

I don't like the tone she's suddenly taken up. I can feel my eyebrows raise. "No."

"Look, I didn't mean that to come off as judgemental. It's just seeing you right now... this is one of the most important moments in your young life and it's just occurred to me that you've never really shown an interest in anything other than school and sports... and... you know what? I'm rambling. Just forget about it," she says, forcing a laugh. She wraps her arms around herself and I know this conversation isn't over.