Under the Stars

Chapter 25

~CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE~

THURSDAY,JANUARY 16,2025

  The school cancel our classes because of the upcoming prom. They wanted every students to be ready for the Saturday Prom.

  I stared at the wall of my room, feeling a mixture of excitement and dread. Prom night was approaching, but my family had been adamant about not letting me go. Their disapproval of Carl was no secret, and our arguments over my attending prom had become increasingly heated.

“You’re not going,” my mother said firmly. "You don’t need distractions."

“But, Mom, it’s my senior prom!” I pleaded, but it fell on deaf ears.

Now, sitting in my room, I felt my dreams slipping away until my grandmother walked in, her expression soft but determined.

“Lyla, dear, get up. We’re going shopping.”

My eyes widened in surprise. “What?”

She smiled. “I’ve had a word with your mother and aunt. They’ve agreed to let you go, but only if I’m the one to take you shopping and ensure you’re prepared.”

I jumped up and hugged her. “Thank you, Grandma! You’re the best!”

At the mall, my heart raced as I walked through the rows of dresses. My eyes landed on a green silk gown, shimmering under the store lights. It was perfect.

“This one,” I whispered, touching the fabric. I glanced at the price tag and winced. It was more than I had saved up.

My grandmother, sensing my hesitation, placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Try it on, Lyla.”

I nodded and slipped into the dressing room. When I stepped out, I felt like a different person. The dress hugged my figure perfectly, the green silk highlighting my eyes.

My grandmother’s eyes misted over. “You look beautiful, dear.”

I blushed. “Thank you, Grandma. But it’s a bit too expensive…”

She waved a dismissive hand. “Consider it my gift to you for your special night.”

...

Meanwhile, I was a bundle of nerves. My mother, Sophie, noticed and smiled reassuringly. “Relax, Carl. It’s just prom.”

I laughed, though it sounded forced. “I know, Mom. It’s just… I want everything to be perfect.”

Sophie handed me my suit. “You’ll be fine. Just be yourself, and everything will work out.”

I nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. As I got dressed, my mind wandered to Lyla. I couldn’t wait to see her.

“You'll see her later focus on yourself now Romeo” Billy told me, well he choose to be with me and my mom for the preparation.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18,2025

   The night of prom finally arrived, a blend of nerves and excitement swirling in my stomach. I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down the silk green gown that flowed around me like liquid emerald. Green was my favorite color, and I hoped Carl would like it. The dress hugged my curves perfectly, the slit at the side adding a touch of elegance and boldness. I had spent hours getting ready, wanting everything to be perfect for tonight.