Logan

84. Bruises

*Natalie's POV*

It had been three days since my altercation with Whitney, and my phone had been off ever since I'd made the choice to stay at Frankie's. My bruises were healing, but I was still thinking about it. The words she'd said to me didn't sink in until I was halfway home.

Frankie loved having me come over, and I loved being there.

"Who are you going with to prom?" Frankie asked.

AB had organized an event for LGBTQIA kids that had never gotten their chance at prom, and it was a community event. Frankie and I had picked out our dresses, and I couldn't even believe I was wearing such a big dress.

I'd offered to pay for it, but Frankie pulled out the family credit card and all was said and done.

"Mother and Father LOVE seeing me in elegant clothing." Frankie had rolled her eyes when she picked out a black laced mermaid dress. "But, they want me to be comfortable with anything, given my scar." I still took a breath when she undressed and I saw the massive scar on her chest. I had looked through all the dresses, even considered gold to match Frankie's black option, but they were all so loud.

"Try red honey," Frankie waved me over and then I saw it. The dress I was supposed to wear. It was a red evening dress with a slit in the leg. I pulled it out, and tried it on. When I looked up at Frankie, she was fanning herself. "It's just so hot in here...gosh."

I blushed at her compliments, "I need this dress in my life, except the hem is too long, I feel like I'd get stepped on a lot."

Frankie waved her hand, "We can have it fitted, it won't take very long."

We'd gotten something to eat after, and she sat with her food uneaten for a while, then she looked at me.

"Natalie, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

She looked in my eyes and took a deep breath, "Will you do me the honor of being my date to the prom?"

I smiled, "Absolutely, but what about Micah?"

"He's working that night, so... I'll be alone. I don't want to be alone, and you know... you're alone, since Butt McGee left."

"Colorful name, Frankie. But yes, I'll go with you." Frankie's smile became huge, and she wrapped her arms around me in a hug.

"Oh, I'm so glad. Now that I know what you're wearing I can get you a corsage."

"I feel so special." I laughed, but it was true.

"You are special, silly." Frankie laughed again, resting her head against my shoulder.

-

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The night of prom was already here, and we were in line. I finally turned my phone on to see thirty missed calls, most of them from Kellan, AB, and a few from Logan. I looked to also see a few texts from him saying, "I hope you're sleeping better," and "See you at prom?" and I was messaging back, when I felt someone walk up behind us.

"Hey ladies," Logan's voice was behind me just as we got inside. He was dressed in a gold and black tux, I could see intricate patterns, he'd worn it before, and it was one of my favorite outfits of his.

He was looking at Frankie, and then he turned his head to me. "Natalie... wow, you look..." He let out a breath, "uh, gorgeous, breathtaking, pick a word." His eyes drifted a bit, but then they met mine. He became flush, stuttering over his words, "Whitney's coming in a few minutes, she's just outside. I should wait for her." He turned around and walked toward the door, leaving me with Frankie.