That entire day, I sat in my room and stared at my suit, freshly dry cleaned; hanging on the wall next to the dress Sarah should have worn. I look down at my phone, and look at the 100+ messages regarding my attendance at prom. Knowing that I was supposed to show up and I haven't gone to the pre prom ceremony some of the students set up after the shooting is worrying people, and I haven't responded to anyone sense it happened. I finally made a decision; I was going to prom. I went onto the google hangouts for the seniors of the school, and sent a message, shattering the conversation that was flowing about girls getting their hair done. I said simply "You can see me at prom." Immediately the conversation lit up with people asking what happened, to where I've been, and so on and so forth. I started to put on my suit, and slowly began running the thought of that day through my mind. Could I have changed something? Could I do something to keep these nightmarish flashbacks in my sleep from coming back? All questions raised more questions and no answers for myself. I pushed the thoughts away, and continued to get ready for prom.
"Holy shit mike! I didn't think you would come!" Tony, one of my better friends ran to my car when I pulled up, and saw my face of discontent as I grabbed something out of my passenger seat, and handed it to Crystal, a girl with the prom committee.
"Thanks mike, I'm glad you did this," Crystal walked off leaving me and tony to talk, as I grabbed my phone from the center console, I turned it off and closed my door. Turning around I saw tony still standing there, with a grim look on his face.
"Mike, I heard about Sarah, I really am sorry about happened." Tony put his hand on my shoulder and I shrugged it off.
"I know Tony, it just was way too damn soon." I had a semi straight look on my face now, and I've always hated how fast I stop showing emotion, and this was no exception. Me and tony strolled into the ball room, and it was huge. More than enough room to hold our relatively small senior class, and everyone's dates. As if the senior class wasn't small enough, we lost 18 seniors in the shooting last week. Seeing the district superintendent was a surprise however, but I presume she is going to speak on behalf of the school board. Don't blame her, the school was a damn good one, but now nobody feels safe.
The night progressed, and eventually it was time for the prom king and queen to be announced. I sat alone at the table reserved for me and Sarah, with her place setting across from me. We had enough tables this year for everyone to sit 2 to a table, so I got to avoid more people. The ceremony went on, and they pulled out the ballot box and the two chairs for the king and queen.
They made a big deal about how close the votes were, and the prom committee had told me in advance who the winners were, so it came to no surprise when my name and Sarah's name were called. However, with the entire senior class knowing who was gone; instead of cheering my walk to the stage was met by silence. I took my seat and waited for my gift to the prom committee to arrive, and there it was. A Beautifully framed picture of Sarah, smiling in her dress. It had been hanging on my bedroom wall next to mine; courtesy of my mom and paying for the photographer. The superintendent spoke up above the silence, and everyone stayed quiet while I looked to the floor.
"Tonight is dedicated to everyone who lost their lives last week in the tragic event that has shaken so many lives in so little time." She then proceeded to read all of the names.
Timothy Graves,
Shane Davidson,
Shawn Davidson,
Sandra Cooper,
Sarah Compton,
YOU ARE READING
The Michael Nichols story.
AléatoireA shorter story about a young man, Michael Nichols. This emotional story details the events of his life throughout high school, and the roller coaster of a life that followed. Told by him through his eyes and perspective, it Should offer most reade...