Stand Up

Chapter 11: The Big Reveal

I was sitting in my first period, history. I looked around the same classroom I'd been sitting in for a while.

Posters of historical people were on the walls. George Washington and many others. Along with some quotes like "Those who do not study history, are doomed to repeat it." Desks were lined up in rows facing the white board.

The teacher jabbered on about something. I struggled to listen, but I just couldn't. I was completely zoned out. I glanced around the room. Everyone had their eyes on the teacher. I quickly looked back, fearing I would get caught not paying attention.

The rest of the day was rough, even at lunch. I kept looking at Greg who was sitting across from me. Come on. Just give me a hint. I thought to myself. I couldn't stand not knowing what he got me for prom. I hoped he didn't get me a nasty lime green dress. Green is his favorite color. I pushed that thought away.

"So," Haley turned to Mark. "What did you get me?" She looked at him with pleading eyes. He smiled.

"I can't tell you. Then it wouldn't be a surprise." He put his arm around her. She giggled like she always does.

Kate planted herself right next to me. She began to eat faster than she sat down.

"So who are you going to prom with?" Haley asked eagerly. Kate glanced at me as if to say 'Please don't make me answer this'. I looked back at Haley who was trying to decode our emotions. "Well?"

"Jordan" Kate muttered too quietly to hear. She looked down as she said it.

"Who?" Haley asked.

"Jordan" Kate said a little bit louder. "I'm going to prom with Jordan. Are you happy now?" She sighed. Why was she so upset about this? Haley slowly backed away.

"What's so wrong with Jordan?" Haley asked. We were all confused. I thought she liked Jordan. Greg was still shocked they were dating. I don't know what Mark was feeling. He was showing no expression, just watching all of our faces and reactions.

Kate didn't respond to Haley's question. Instead, she turned her head towards him. We all followed her stare. He was sitting about two tables away. He sat with other goth kids. They ate their food almost expressionlessly. Jordan was wearing torn jeans and a black shirt with weird designs on it. He was wearing eyeliner and in one ear, a small silver earring. The skull ring still adorned his finger.

"I mean, look at him." Kate looked back at us. "He's not my first choice in a guy."

"I thought you liked him." I asked. "You giggled around him and had a dreamy smile. You also said 'He's not as bad as you think' remember?" All eyes were on Kate and I. I was even curious to see where this conversation was going.

"I know. He's not as bad as you think. He might actually be worse. He pushes me around like he doesn't even care about me. I don't even know why he asked me to prom. Now I'm dreading my dress. It's going to look terrible if he buys it." I felt sorry for Kate. Now I know what her true feelings were. I almost felt the same. I saw him in the ice cream shop. He didn't care about her, or me. He never said goodbye to me or waved or anything. I can see why Kate feels this way.

Suddenly, Greg, Mark, and Haley's eyes grew. They became wide like something was wrong. I felt soft breathing on my neck. I didn't want to turn around, but I had to. Kate, who was sitting beside me, looked behind her. I slowly turned around.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it." A dark figure was standing above me. Kate was pleading to it. "It wasn't true. I do love you."

The figure came for into view. Jordan stood before me. The same expressionless look was on his face. He didn't say a word, Kate just knew he was listening to our conversation and overheard her. Kate grabbed his hand.

"Please. Please. Please." She begged. All he did was walk away without another word. Kate then burst into tears. Greg, Mark, and Haley sat there with their mouths wide open. I gave Kate a friendly hug. I got up from the table and left the lunch room.

I watched Jordan go back to his table. He sat down and began eating with the same emotionless expression. I wondered if, deep inside, he was feeling the same way Kate was. I wondered if he actually did care, and just didn't show it. I looked back at everyone at my table. I just began eating my lunch silently.

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I didn't bother texting Kate, or even calling her. I knew she wouldn't pick up. She'd be drowning in her tears by now. She said she didn't like him, but maybe deep down when her heart breaks, no matter by whom, it breaks hard,

I met Greg at the stop sign. Excitement bubbled up inside me. He was holding a a dress that was covered up. I wanted to see what was in it so badly. If I could move my legs, they'd be jumping up and down.

I held his tuxedo in my right hand. It was also covered up. I wondered how excited he was to see his outfit.

"You ready?" He asked. His green eyes sparkled. Suddenly, a feeling of dread came over me. What if this wasn't the right dress? My hand began trembling. I would die if it wasn't good. I took a deep breath.

"I'm ready as I'll ever be." I respond. He took the cover of the dress. I stared in shock.

This was not my dream dress. This dress was not the one I had seen in stores hoping to buy, but couldn't. This dress wasn't the one I had wanted.

This dress was even better.

It was the most gorgeous lavender dress you have ever seen. The solid purple continuing throughout the whole thing. The dress flowed with the wind. It was about mid-length with a tight sequined bodice. The rest of the dress was light and airy. It was truly dazzling.

"So? What do you think?" Greg smiled behind the dress. My mouth was wipe open. I was still staring at the dress. "I take that as a yes?" I didn't answer. I reached out my arms for a hug. It felt odd that I couldn't run up and hug him. He had to bend down.

"It's perfect." I whispered in his ears. He pulls away from my hug.

"What did you get me?" I knew he was excited. I unveiled the tuxedo. He looked at it for a moment, his mouth was forming a broad smile.

"This is awesome!" He felt the fabric on the well-made tux. "Where's the tie?" He look around as if I might have fell on the ground. I pulled it from behind my back.

From the first second his eyes caught the tie, he was laughing. The pictures off money on it really cracked him up. I liked hearing his laughter. It calmed me.

"This is awesome!" He repeated. I guess that was all he could say. I had to admit, I was pretty speechless too. He hugged me again. "Thanks," he whispered in my ear. I guess we're all hugging today.

"Thank you. You gave me the perfect dress." This was the happiest moment since my legs became paralyzed. I almost forgot about all that. I forgot about everything.

The prom was so close. It felt like it was tomorrow. I wondered what Mark got Haley for prom. Then I thought about something else. Kate. She didn't have anyone to buy her a dress. She'd be stuck to buy her own. And she wouldn't have a date. I'd be surprised if she even showed up.

I decided to let all that go. I wouldn't let these things worry me now. I would just let things go the way they go. Just let destiny unfold.

I would let prom go the way it was meant to.