*Not edited.*
I walk into the room and it goes silent, except for a few gasps.
“Hi.” I wave my hand pathetically.
“Bridge, you look AMAZING.” Says Mom.
I stand on the bottom step from the stairs and look down. I’m sparkling all over. Kyla offered to do my hair for me in ringlettes. I re-did my make-up and Kyla put some sparkles on my face. I put my hair half up and slipped on my gown. I thought maybe feeling pretty would help me feel better, but I was wrong.
“Thanks.” I step onto the hardwood floor and almost slip. Dad jumps to his feet so he could catch me. I grab onto the railing and stand straight. “I’m alright.” I smile.
Josh stands from the sofa and comes to my side. His hair is gelled back. Or maybe wet from a shower? Is that sweat? I can’t smell but sniff his neck as he hugs me tightly. Mmmmm.. Fresh.
“Hi.” I whisper into his ear.
“You are gorgeous.”
“Thanks.” A smile spreads across my face.
“PICTURES!” Mom calls. She snaps one when we are hugging, and on the steps. Then she takes a few of Kyla and Brad.
Kyla’s wearing a white dress that sticks to her body and makes her curves emphasized. Brad matches her with a black tux, black dress shirt, and white tie. Josh matches me that same way.
“Kay mom, I think that’s enough.” I smile.
“Just one more!”
“No!” We all say and laugh.
“Have fun! Be safe!” Mom and dad call from the house. We all get into Brad’s car. The boys in the front, the girls in the back.
“How you feeling?” Kyla whispers to me.
“Awesome!” I lie, with a sweet smile.
“Great, I can’t wait for tonight.”
“Me neither.” I stare out the window and look at the stars. Only a little longer, just hold on a little longer, I tell myself.
We walk into the gym and the lights are turned down low.
“WOOOOOO!” Everyone hollers once they see Josh and Brad. ‘The Superstars’ of the game. We won with another two touchdown.
Josh squeezes my hand and I look up at him. Even though I’m wearing really high, high heels, I’m still short beside him.
“They love you.” I smile.
“I love you.” He emphasizes the ‘you’ and kisses my cheek.
“Me too.”
“Could Brad and Josh, please come to the stage with their dates!?” Says a voice that booms in the gym.
“Come on.” Josh tugs me forward. I steadily walk closer to the stage.
Josh and I stop so that Kyla and Brad can go on before us. Josh holds my waist so we can walk side by side on the steps.
“Josh… I.. I don’t feel good.”
“It’s okay.” He sounds so reassuring.
“No, I don’t think I can.” I whisper to him. Everyone is looking at me, just like when Lindsay told everyone my secret.
“I can’t do this Josh.” I say to him for the last time.
“It’s okay, I’ll be right beside you.” We walk up and stand beside Kyla and Brad.
