A Summer of Discovery

Chapter Seventeen

2006

It was Prom night. The biggest night of the year at Fairview High school. The past week had been filled with talk of dresses and dates and good ole fashioned prom queen and king talk. I was so over it. I hadn't seen Lilly since our fight last week, Pops wasn't happy with her or me. Jane and he had talks and felt it best we have some time apart. Little did they know they didn't have to force us we had that down ourselves. Lilly avoided me at school and on the way home, I threw myself into my track events and it had served me well, I had won the southern track championship. I was proud and excited but deep down Lilly was the one I wanted to share it with, I watched her day in day out on the field with the cheer squad and I was starting to feel like I was stalking her. I guess everyone feels that way when they lose something that can't be replaced.  She had said she couldn't go with me to prom but I had no idea if she was even going herself or with whom.

"Emery you ready June bug" Pops called up the stairs.

I looked back at myself in the new mirror by my bed. I wore a floor length gown, it was golden. The lady at the store had sent off for it from Atlanta as she swore it was the only dress for me. It was glamorous and suited my skin tone. When I had first put it on I had felt like I was looking at a movie star. I had never felt so beautiful. That and the makeover Sam's mom came over to give me made me feel like anything was possible tonight, If this wasn't going to make Lilly speak with me and look my way, nothing would.

"I'm coming" I responded calling down the stairs. I slowly made my way to the top of the stairs. Sam's mom was waiting for me with a huge grin on her face. "He's never going to look at you the same way again Emery" She said with a tear of happiness in her eyes. Sam's Mom had been trying to get us to be more than friends for the past three years. I smiled back and looked down to the front door. Sam and Pops were deep in discussion. Sam was wearing a white tux with a gold tie to match me. He looked handsome. They each turned as I made my way down the first few steps. I felt my smile broaden as they both gasped. Sam looked gob smacked. I guess he never did see me as a girl. Pops met me at the bottom taking one hand in his.

"June bug you look so very beautiful. So much like your momma it's untrue. I can't get over this" He said wiping his eyes. He moved aside for Sam to step forward and hand me my corsage.

I held out my fist awaiting our signature fist bump but instead Sam held out his hand taking mine and slipping the flower onto my wrist. He kissed my hand and let it go.

"Are you okay" I asked him.

"I'm just shocked... you look amazing. I've never seen you in a dress like this or heals even. I guess I'm just realising you are a girl under all that guy talk"

"Well gee thanks" I replied.

"Come on now kids let's get some pictures on the lawn" Sam's Mom said ushering us out of the house.

Sam held onto my hand and led me onto the grass. Sam's mom and Pops took a ridiculous amount of photos while we posed. I could actually feel an ache in my jaw from the smiling. "Okay kids have fun and stay safe" Pops said opening up the truck for me to climb in next to Sam who was driving us tonight. I got inside and put on my belt. It was only as I leant forward to put my purse in the glove box that I saw Lilly stood on her porch with Jane. Jane was waving at us. I waved back. Lilly was wearing a beautiful green gown, she didn't wave but rather turn and head back into her house. I knew she would be upset that I was going with Sam. She would never admit it but she didn't have to. I knew her. As we headed up the road, Sam turned up the music on the radio and we began to sing along. It was the giant black limo pulling into the road ahead of us that made me close my mouth. Kristen, Ashley and Tim all had their heads out the sun roof waving their arms and laughing.