Forever [COMPLETED]

Chapter Twenty Four

Pop music played lowly in the background as Jessica and Lana giggled to each other about a makeup mistake across the room. There were clothes strewn across the carpet, heels ready to be worn by the door, and purses placed neatly on the bed.

Even though the night couldn't have started any more perfectly. Dana stared at herself in the full-length mirror with nothing but stress on her face. She knew she was ready to go. She worked her whole life away to get into her dream college and graduate alongside her best friends.

But she still wished she had more time.

"You look so beautiful, girl." She then saw Lana and Jessica smiling at her reflection in the mirror.

Her dress was a deep champagne gold that shimmered when she moved. Soft makeup that made her look a tad bit more mature. Gold heels next to Jessica's white square-toe ones and Lana's hot pink heels. The proud look on their face was all it took to bring her down to earth.

"And so do you two!" She turned excitedly on her heels. The three of them jumped and cheered right into each other's arms as if they had won the ultimate award: genuine friendship. "Look at us." The three of them pulled away from the group hug slightly to get a better look at the faces around. "From third-grade strangers to sisters I'm so glad to have. It's so emotional to know we're all going on different journeys when just a year ago I didn't think I could live knowing we'd be separated."

Lana began to fan her face. "Please, Dana. We haven't even crossed the stage yet. Don't make me ruin my makeup!"

"House parties and sleepovers..." Jessica pouted. "Let's make this the best one yet. Dance to every song. Try every piece of food within our allergy limit. Make these guys break a sweat," she winked.

They gave each other one more sloppy hug before scrambling to add their accessories. Lana's mom notified them that the boys were downstairs with the limo and their grand entrance needs to make its way through.

"Come on, oldest to youngest! The boys already know their lineup." Lana stood in the middle as the girls locked arms. Jessica took one last look at her navy gown as Lana smoothed out her silver sparkly dress and made sure her legs poked out enough through the thigh slit.

They made their presence slowly and confidently. The moment they turned the corner, the photographer Lana's parents hired began lighting up the room. Through all the flashing and jitters, Dana made eye contact with Chandler, who had the biggest smile on his face. Something she hasn't seen come from him since they met.

"Damn, girl!" Everyone looked at Ronnie, who spun Jessica almost out of her heels as they laughed into each other's arms. What turned into a chemistry rivalry ended in a romantic promposal in the middle of the cafeteria. Jessica spent all her time setting the school up with their dream crush that she didn't see the huge one Ronnie had on her.

Chandler then faced Dana, and she could see the nervousness all over his face. He was at a loss for words, but he knew he had to say something to compliment her. Yet she knew his face spoke a thousand words.

"It's okay," she giggled. "I know. You look amazing, too."

Seeing her boyfriend speechless was all she needed to know about how he felt for the night. Chandler always had words. More than she ever did. But seeing his shoulder relax was more important, especially since pictures were right up next.

They moved to the backyard, where a mini photoshoot took place before the sun fell too low. Their parents stood on the porch in amazement as the photographer instructed every pose and smile. Compliments flew off the porch, and Chandler's dad kept reminding him not to let the wind blow his champagne tie away.

The drive to the venue was filled with music, flash photos, and inside jokes. Ethan almost spilled his sparkling water trying to change the playlist before anyone else could. Jessica shouted over everyone to demand more selfies before they entered.

And then?

Prom happened.

There were flashing lights. Songs that made it too hot and songs that might make someone a parent too soon. The group of six didn't miss a single dance or drink. It felt like a night that one wouldn't forget or barely remember.

Everything grew quiet for the crown announcements. Lana and Ethan won prom princess and prince. A couple that the group didn't know much about got Prom King and Queen.

Chandler gave Dana a nudge even though she didn't feel an ounce bad about not making it. "Most likely to make everyone fall in love?" He smiled at her, "Dana Carter."

Chandler pulled Dana away from the dance floor and all the way to the balcony. The two of them immediately looked up at the stars and blocked out the chants and music that became muffled as the doors closed behind them.

"This might sound stupid... but this night feels like something I'd see in a movie."

Chandler rested a hand on hers. "It's not stupid at all, Dana. I thought the same thing when I saw you. They pulled you right off the front cover of the hottest woman on the scene magazine." Chandler then took her hands in his. "And if this is a movie, you'd be the main character."

She laughed. "You're too ridiculous for your own good."

"You know, I never felt like this before. For the longest I was to stay away from girls. They're distractions, and I'd fail at life if I spent too much time with them. Then I told my parents all about you. The smile on their face as we stood together, taking endless pictures. I've never seen them so happy with anyone I've been with."

"Chandler..."

"This matters more than anything else."

"Even college?" Dana asked desperately.

He chuckled. "College is just one scene of many. This moment. It's the one that cuts. The one you talk about when you're eighty."

Then he kissed her — slow and certain — and the DJ must've read their minds because the music that played over them kept the tone light and perfect.

Thoughts ran wild, but one remained certain. If high school had such a magical ending, then maybe saying goodbye wouldn't be so hard.