Fifteen Hours Of Beauty

Fifteen Hours of Beauty-Part 3

On prom night, juniors are clothed in casual wear and seniors are wearing elegant tuxedos and gowns. Lavenda is one of them. She is wearing this long purple gown and that pair of earrings makes her more beautiful than ever. She is the center of attraction. However, Martha on the dance floor is resentful of Lavenda's popularity. She can stand her no more, she really wants to become 'Prom Queen' and begins spreading rumors.

She whispers to everyone, "Lavenda is so narcissistic. And here's a little secret: she even smokes in the girl's bathroom. She is only acting all the time. She wouldn't be a suitable candidate for 'Prom Queen'." This gossip soon goes to the student body council. While they are thinking about whether to disqualify Lavenda, Anderson goes over and stops the discussion.

"Martha just made the whole thing up. I know Lavenda and she isn't that bad. She has integrity and virtue in her character. She is the nicest person I've ever met. Please believe me," Anderson explains.

One of the council members smirks,''You don't have to defend Lavenda. I mean like everyone at school knows that you have a crush on her.''

''But still, you can't judge a person on what rumours they have. By your same token, I mean like everyone at school knows that Martha's a diva, you said so yourself. She wouldn't want anyone to steal her crown, that is why she vilified Lavenda. I think you people know in your hearts that Lavenda isn't some two-faced hustler, it is the reason why you nominated Lavenda in the first place, and now you want to kick her out of the competition? That is an action of proving yourselves wrong. Now do you, or do you not, want to disqualify her?" Anderson conveyed in earnest.

The student body council considers the explanation and decides to allow Lavenda to stay in the campaign.

The time of announcing 'Prom Queen' has finally come. The student body council gives the cue card to the teacher-in-charge.

He announces, "The 'Prom Queen' for this year is Ms............. Lavenda Simpson! Congratulations!" Lavenda is so overjoyed that she bursts into tears. She runs on stage and sits on her throne. Martha standing below the stage is cross. The prefects take out the crown. The diadem sits on a blue velvet cushion and the rhinestones on it are sparkling.

At the moment when Lavenda is crowned 'Prom Queen', her body starts to glisten. The freckles on her face are back, her pimples are back and sadly, even her braces are back. She has transformed back into Lily! Everybody is astonished. There is only silence in the air. Totally unexpectedly, everybody's attention turns to the corner of the ballroom as something is glowing. It seems to be a person. It's Harry!

"You...... you are Harry! No, Anderson! No, Harry! No...... never mind." Lily gasps, "Harry!"

"Yeah...... about the candies, they are my Science project." Harry says. "I know it sounds weird, but, yes."

"So...... if I took your homework, then how can you transform yourself?" asks Lily.

"Actually, I took some home for experiments before I hid them on the road. Thank goodness you haven't finished the candies, or else I'd fail my favourite subject."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be."

"No. I mean I'm sorry to every one of you. I know I sometimes can't control my feelings and I yell at you so mad that you would run away. I admit that I'm wrong. Will you guys forgive me?"

"Okay, seems like there's a little misunderstanding here. The voting of 'Prom Queen' shall begin in a few minutes. Please stay tuned. Thank you." The student body representative announces.

The principal goes on stage and says, "Just wait a minute here, I have something to say to you all. I think you've all heard of stories like Ugly Duckling, but I think you always forget the meaning of it. And I am here to reiterate the message: Real glamour and beauty is not just makeup, perfume, branded products. It's about being a role model, being beautiful on the inside and caring more about others than you do about yourself. This is all I have to tell. Now enjoy your prom, children."

"Very well then, I'm sure we all have learnt a lesson we'll never forget. So we might as well let Ms. Simpson here keep her crown. Until next year, Waterfall High." The representative says as he rolls his eyes.

The music goes on. Everybody is dancing, except Martha. She seems unhappy. Lily walks over and says, "You really want this crown, don't you?" Martha nods, overjoyed, "Yes, I do!"

"Here, take it." Lily takes it off and hands her crown over to Martha who looks pretty shocked.

"Friends?" asks Lily.

"Friends!" answers Martha gladly.

***THE END***