You Belong with Me

chapter 17: the Prom <3

Rachel POV

As we reach the doors to the prom, Kurt, Mercedes and I stop and compose ourselves for a moment. I take a deep breath and prepare myself to see the inside of gym. We all stare awkwardly as the grumpy PE teachers acting as ushers sit beside the doors playing on their phones, not even seeming to notice that we were there. Kurt coughs lightly to get their attention, and one of the sullen pair looks up, rolls her eyes and nudges the other to get up and open the doors for us. Its a wonder how they ever became PE teachers, I thought to myself, as they both grunted and groaned as they heaved themselves out of their stools, neither of them are particularly fit. They stand and slap on the fakest smiles I've seen in a long time and open the doors with a flourish.

The first thing I feel is the refreshing knock us back a few steps as the doors fly open and the strong AC hits us. As we slowly walk, a little shaky from the gust of air and from nerves, I am greeted by adorable fairylights hanging from every surface, high and low, and smell sweet and spicy scents coming from the huge buffet table. Loud music is blasting the latest pop songs from the huge speakers and a huge crowd of party people are jumping, swaying, dancing and a few are awkwardly grinding. We all physically cringe as we see these awkward yet somehow "popular" people, and shudder. I mean, come on it's prom not a club. A few of teachers are goung around trying to split up the ungraceful grinding and we all chuckle as we watch Principal Figgins actually get interupt a particularly intimate couple by forcing his way in between the pair. They both apologise, smirk childishly at each other and shuffle off together towards the buffet table.

We slowly make our way over to the table with the punch on it and Kurt helps us to little cupfuls. I stare round the gym in awe and marvel at the transformation. Normally, we try to steer clear of this usual hellhole because, well its the gym, its full of sweat and boys who think theyre suddenly bodybuilders because they lifted two 2kg weights at the same time. But now as I look around at the make-shift stage and decorated ceiling, I don't want to be anywhere else. Although there isn't a particular theme, it still seems perfect. Now all I need is the guy.

The three of us chat about the scenery as we glance round the gym and giggle like children when we spot new couples awkwardly dancing together and trying to be romantic. Suddenly, I spot him.

Finn.

He's sitting alone on a chair near one of the tables, sipping at a half-full cup of punch and playing on his phone. I beam for a second and start to walk over when I feel a vibration from my clutch. I fetch my phone from it and open up the text.

Finn: <Hey, im here, dont suppose you changed your mind did you? Kinda miss u :) xxx >

Rachel: (still looking at the message and grins) Aww...

Kurt: (looking up at her) What's up honey?

Rachel: (shows them both the text)

Mercedes: (puts down her punch on the table and gripping her shoulders) Okay, now is your time, you have rehearsed this a million times in your head. Go, run to him, profess your undying love, then let him carry you off into the sunset. It is finally your moment, okay? (slightly pushing her in his direction)

Kurt: (pulling her back) No, no, no, let him notice you first then let him come to you. Then you don't look like you came just for him.

Rachel: Don't worry, I have a better plan. I just need to run home, I'll be back in about 5-10 minutes okay?

Kurt: Why? What's your plan?

Rachel: You'll see...

Mercedes: Okay, well, what can we do to help? Do you want us to come with you?