Breaking Free

Chapter 25

"Sky, are you sure you want to do this?" Joy asks. Sky is looking determined- and gorgeous by the way- in her wheelchair. Her long, lavender dress is creased where her legs bend, and it falls just above her ankles.

"I don't care what my doctor says- I am going to my senior homecoming," she huffs while she fixed her make up to cover her bruises. She gives me a knowing glance, before saying "It only comes once in your life. Plus, I still can't believe our school scored the Eventing Hall for the dance. Usually that place is reserved for rich people."

Since I told Sky what happened, she has been wonderful. She promised not to tell anyone, and been very supportive and encouraging.

We all fix our appearances in the mirror, making sure everything is perfect for tonight. I'm taking extra care in being perfect- after all, this is my last night as Taylor Evans.

You might say 'Why so pessimistic, Taylor?' Well, you see, I woke up this morning much more optimistic than I am right now. I went out to see Ezhno, and lunged Queen of Hearts, before I got a call from Chief Peters.

"Hello," I had answered cheerfully, not looking at caller ID.

"Taylor," he solemnly started. "We'll be in a black sedan by the right wing exit of the event hall to pick you up at 11:30 PM tonight. Make it count, okay?"

Then, before I could ask any questions or even register the information, I heard a click on the other line, and then a monotonous beep.

I've been in a daze ever since that moment. Though I've smiled while getting ready and joked with my friends, I've felt completely dead inside. By tomorrow, I'll be gone. I'll have vanished from this town- forever.

I sigh, tucking in the loose strand a of my hair, which is piled in an elegant braided bun on my head, the tendrils curled around the edges. Sky glances at me sympathetically- I told her the news earlier today. Sadly, she is the only one I can tell.

"Girls, it's time to go," Carter calls from outside. A weary smile comes to my face, before an overwhelming feeling of sadness takes over. Tonight will be the last time I see him. In spite of the lump in my throat and feeling of dread in my stomach, I put on my brave face.

"Coming," I blithely reply.

Joy pushes Sky out the door first, and I follow nervously behind. Carter is waiting by the limo, along with Jake- although he didn't ask Joy to the dance, he is riding with us.

I take in a sharp breath when I see Carter- he's wearing a tux that I have to say looks hot on him. He matched my dress with his tie, so that everyone will know we're together- although everyone knows already. But it's the thought that counts.

Though I'm busy taking in Carter, he doesn't notice- he's to busy looking at me.

"Taylor- you look beautiful," Carter says, his voice quiet. I smile at him, walking to his side. He slides and arm around my waist and presses his lips against mine. We both pull away fairly quickly, as to not gross out my friends.

I'm so caught up in the moment that I almost don't notice Jake staring at me, and indeterminable emotion in his eyes that looks very similar to longing- but that can't be right. I shrug it off and smile up at Carter

"Let's get this show on the road," I whisper.

We all load into the limo, and in moments it starts up, taking us to the Eventing Hall. Though I've never been there, I've heard of it. It's supposedly the fanciest place within 100 miles of Oakville. Usually, it's reserved for charity benefits and classy balls for those who can spend a couple hundred grand on such things. But somehow, our school managed to get it reserved for homecoming.

I sigh, leaning into Carter's side as we drive.

"You okay," he asks.

"Fine- why do you ask?"

"You've been sort of distracted lately," he mutters.

"Have you told her yet," Joy excitedly asks.

"Told me what?" I question, baffled. Carter gives her a glare, signaling he obviously hasn't told me whatever she's talking about.

"Well- I wanted it to be a surprise, but, I guess Joy ruined that idea," he states, glaring at Joy once more. "But, I arranged for Serenity to come up here for Christmas vacation. She'll be here for two weeks. And, I set up a trip for you two and Joy to go to a Maroon 5 concert."

He remembered! A few months ago, I found out Maroon 5 was coming to Firestar Stadium, the closest stadium to Oakville. I casually mentioned it to Carter, but totally forgot about it till now.

"Oh my god! That's amazing," I squeal before a pang of sadness attacks me. I won't be able to go, or even see Serenity. "Thanks," I sigh.

I start to lean over to kiss him, when am excited squeal breaks the moment.

"We're here!" Sky happily shouts.

And so it begins- my very last night as Taylor Evans.