Match Made

The King's Court

I had fallen in love with Desiree's prom dress, so I had it dry-cleaned and purchased new shoes and accessories. It was a bright white, sexy lace, wedding dress, that my aunt in Chicago made for her. There is a long flowing train in the back but a mini dress, in the front. I had my makeup professionally applied and once I was fully dressed, I looked like a living doll. I felt beautiful. Napoleon rented an all-white tuxedo to match me, and we drove my dad's brand new 1987 white Lincoln Continental.

Letting us borrow his car was not the plan but my rental car wasn't available. So, seeing me crying only hours before my prom broke my dad's heart. A grin still forms anytime I imagine him dangling his brand-new car keys over my outstretched hand saying, "If you crash my new car, keep going, because if you return it to me wrecked, I'm going to kill you."

Our glistening new chariot pulls up in front of the banquet hall. Everyone outside stares awaiting the doors to open. Napoleon's exit makes all the girls swoon. Handing the valet the keys he then comes to open my car door. Gentle, he grabs my hand, and I exit. No one scowls or frowns tonight, they all are frozen in awe. Arms locked he escorts me up the steps towards the door. A few acquaintances say, "You look pretty Kelly." Or "I like your dress, Kelly."

Monet and I lock eyes. Wide-eyed she says, "You and your date look perfect Kelly."

"Thanks, Monet. You look pretty, too."

Napoleon lets me choose a table. Discreetly, I pan across the room for Aden, but he's not here yet. Suddenly there was a commotion and he entered wearing a white tuxedo as well, but with accessories to match his date.

Giving out high fives and hugs as he passes the crowd his eyes meet mine. He analyzes Napoleon as I analyze his date. Of course, she's pretty. She has a nice tan complexion with full lips and bedroom eyes. We look nothing alike, but we have matching features. Looking away he whispers into his date's ear, and they conveniently choose the table directly behind us.

The night is going well for the most part. Napoleon leaves to get us beverages. I feel eyes and it's Patty watching with a devious smirk. As soon as Napoleon is further away, she rushes to my table loud and exaggerated saying, "Damn he's fine as hell Kelly!! I know you're going to the hotel tonight!"

Several acquaintances laugh out loud with her. Afterward, she cuts her eyes to glare behind me with that same devilish smirk then leaves. I feel the burning stare coming from behind me. Without looking back, I shake my head towards Patty.

The night is going great but I'm sure Napoleon can feel my hesitation and reserve. Although Aden is the most popular person in the room,  all night he sat quietly in the seat behind mine.

Prom is ending and it's time to announce this year's Prom King and Queen. Mr. Studdard has the honors. Choked up he says, "This has been the best senior class to ever walk through Whittier High's doors."

We all cheer and clap. Motioning for us to calm down he continues, "It was a pleasure and an honor to serve each and every one of you. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I love you all and I know every one of you will live full and successful lives. That being said, this year's Prom Queen is Ms. Tanesha Iron!"

The room erupts. I leap to my feet pumping my fist and cheering. Napoleon starts whistling loudly for me. Caressing his arm, I laugh.

"Alright! Alright! Settle down!" Mr. Studdard shouted.

Wiping down his face with his hand, he clears his throat. Through his trembling voice, he announces, "And this year's Prom King is my guy who I'll thoroughly miss Mr. Aden Cullen."

The crowd goes wild, and I go wild with them. Tan and Aden start off the final slow dance. Midway through the song, Tan's fiancée joins her as Aden's date joins him. Napoleon stands and extends his right hand asking, "May I?"

Eyes smiling, I nodded and took his hand. Finally, the night ends. I'm waiting by the door while Napoleon goes to the valet. As he heads down the steps Aden is heading up the steps. Our eyes lock so I say, "Congratulations."

His beautiful eyes now gazing through mine he snatches off his crown and hands it to me saying, "You can have it if you want."

Blushing I drop my head but lift my eyes toward him saying, "Thanks, but you keep it."

Releasing a staggered sigh, he nods and then hurries inside. I look up at the few students waiting with me along with Lauren. While they all stare with faint smiles, Lauren shakes her head and says, "He still loves you."

To hear her admit that it changed the entire course of my night. After prom, we're still hungry so Tan and a few of us go out to eat. Although I'm with Napoleon my thoughts are with Aden, wondering if he's taking his date to a hotel. Soon I hear soft singing. It's Napoleon singing the one song that I'd listen to over and over that comforted me after Aden and I broke up. It's my secret song that I thought only I knew existed in the entire world. Excited I grab his forearm saying, "That's my favorite song."

Grinning he answers, "Wow mine too."

He then leans into my ear and sings it to me. My night ends happily. We get to my house and Reno is waiting to take Napoleon home. My mom and Desiree know how sad I've been since Aden and I broke up. With straight faces, they stare my way, and a grin spread across my face. My mom is content knowing I had a good time, but Desiree lets me relive every detail of my magical prom night.