It had only been two days since Piper announced that the Baker High School Prom would actually happen as originally planned. The whole school was in a uproar planning for the night. With only a week to go everyone was rushing to get dinner reservations made, final dress fitting scheduled, and hair and nail appointment planned. It was a busy few days.
By the following Friday Nancy was exhausted. She had been working very hard all week, between getting ready for finals and helping her family recover from their illnesses and injuries, she was very tired. The research project for her anatomy class was taking up so much of her time, she didn't know how she was actually able to get it in on time.
She entered her class, took her place, and listened to the many classmates who were still coming up to her telling her how cool her family was for allowing the school to hold their prom at the club. Nancy just took it all in stride, and insisted that it was no big deal.
"Alright everyone let's settle down. I know the Prom is next weekend, but right now I need your full attention. I spent my entire night grading your papers that were turned in yesterday. Overall I was very pleased with all of your work, in fact since everyone did so well, I have decided to expand the project. Instead of giving you guys a final exam, I am going to give you a final project. Using the information you have from your research paper, I want each of you to prepare an oral presentation. It must be no shorter than 5 minutes and no longer than 10 minutes."
The classroom filled with mixed reaction. Most of the class was pleased with this since it meant they didn't need to study for a final exam, while the rest weren't thrilled with the idea of speaking in front of the class.
"Come on now, this shouldn't be so hard for you guys. I can tell by the papers that all of you did a great deal of research for your projects. Now, just pick the information that you found most interesting and prepare to share it with everyone."
Although Nancy had done a lot of research for her project, she also had put a lot of stuff in it that pertained to her injury. She had no problem putting it on paper, but she really didn't want to share it with everyone.
After her class, she went to her locker and put her books away before heading to the auditorium. They were having an assembly to announce the nominees for Prom King and Queen. She took her place toward the front of the stage and saved one for Chad, Susan, and Jill. Chad was the first to arrive. As he sat down, Nancy noticed a mysterious smile on his face, which usually meant he was up to something.
"What's that look for?"
"Nothing."
"You're up to something. What is it?"
"Nothing, I swear. I just found out something about the Prom nominations that will shock the hell out of you."
"Really? What?"
"I'm not saying…you'll see…."
Jill and Susan soon arrived, and they too tried to pry the information out of Chad. He was more then ready to spill the beans, when the principal walked up on the stage and quieted everyone down. Pulling out his list he began to read off the names of the five lucky men who would be running for Prom King.
"And your final Nominee is..."
He opened the envelope,
"Chad West."
Huge screams and cheers came from the crowd, especially from Nancy. She was so proud of him.
"Is this what you were smiling about?"
"No that announcement is soon to come."
Chad stood up, gave Nancy a kiss on the cheek, and headed to the stage.
"And now your Nominees for Prom Queen are..."
He began opening the envelopes calling the first and second and third nominees.
"And your fourth Nominee is...Jill Kingston."
Nancy turned and looked at Jill. Jill just sat there with her mouth wide open. She didn't even move. Finally Nancy screamed at her breaking her out of her daze.
"Well, go on girl"
"I can't. It must be a mistake."
"Why would it be a mistake? There is no other Jill Kingston in the school. NOW GO!"
Nancy and Susan grabbed Jill's arms, pulled her up, and pushed her toward the stage. They were both screaming and clapping for her so loud. Chad took Jill's hand and gave her a friendly hug when she was finally on the stage. Now Nancy knew why Chad wouldn't say anything, Nancy wouldn't have been able to keep her mouth shut.
"And finally, the fifth and final Nominee for the Baker High Prom Queen is…..Jodie Becker"
The auditorium filled with cheers and screams that were almost as loud as when Chad's name was called. Nancy was not surprised, which is why she was not really cheering, only politely clapping. Although she didn't know Jodie all that well, she did know that she and Chad had dated last year, and were the leaders of the school. She also knew that Chad dumped her when she became a stuck up snob, and a back-stabber who liked nothing better then to put other people down.
Jodie had a lot of trouble remembering that she was no longer Chad's girlfriend, and when ever she was around him, she would link arms with him, and pretend Nancy wasn't even in the same room. Chad would politely shove her off, but it never really worked. Nancy didn't want them in the same school, let alone on the same stage.
As the excitement died down the principle announced that the school was dismissed, since today was a short day. The whole school shouted in praise and started to file out of the auditorium. Susan and Nancy decided to wait for Jill and Chad who were still on the stage having a Prom Nominee meeting. When they were through Jill ran off the stage and still looking stunned hugged both Nancy and Susan.
"Congratulations!"
"I bet you'll win."
"Well, I don't know about winning, I'm just glad to be nominated, although I still don't understand how this happened. Susan, we better get a move on, my Mom will be waiting outside."
"Where are you two off to?"
"We're going to go and pay for our dresses today and get the final fitting done."
"Oh, well, have fun."
"Do you want to come?"
"Thanks, but I can't, I have a doctors appointment right after school. Call me tonight."
"Sure. Say, what about your dress?"
"Well...um...I'm going tonight, I guess."
"You guess? The Prom is a week from Saturday."
"Yea, I know, but I haven't had time, you know, with my Mom being hurt, and Piper being sick, and Phoebe's knee, and everything else."
"I thought you said they were all better."
"They are, but they still had to take it easy, then they were working a lot to catch up on work they missed. Not to mention I had that huge paper that was due, but don't worry, you better go, you know how your Mom hates to wait."
Nancy said quickly changing the subject and saying goodbye as she headed toward the stage to wait for Chad who had yet to walk away from Jodie, who had him cornered. Finally he was able to walk off the stage, with her glued to his side.
"Listen Jodie it was nice talking to you but I have to be going."
"Why so fast?"
"Because my girlfriend and I have plans!"
Chad said as he walked over to Nancy putting his hands on her shoulders and kissing her on the top of the head. Nancy simply kissed his fingers and gave her best fake smile to Jodie.
"Oh well, I guess I'll see you later. Oh hi Nancy. How's the leg's?"
"Just fine thanks."
But Jodie didn't wait for an answer she was already walking away.
"Ready to go?"
"Sure."
"I'm sorry about that. I really wish I could tell her off, but you know it would just make things worst to stoop to her level."
"I know, and I understand, still doesn't mean I have to like it. It's times like this I remember how old I am."
"What do you mean?"
"Well I'm not as mature as you. I still want to stomp my feet, and yell in her face, telling her she's a big dumb stupid head."
"Sweetie that's not your age talking. If it is then I should check my birth certificate. I want to tell her just about the same thing, just with a whole bunch of different words."
"I was watching my mouth you know…"
"I know, that's why I love ya….."
They headed to their lockers, got their books, and headed outside to meet Piper.
"Hi Nan, how was school?"
"Fine."
She replied as she watched Jill and Susan pile into a van and drive off to pay for their dresses. Further down girls were looking at magazines talking about how their dress was just like that, but in a different color, or how the length was the same, and on and on they talked. Piper noticed Nancy's far out look and decided to inquire.
"What's wrong?"
"What? Oh nothing. Chad, I'll talk to you later."
Piper not really satisfied with the answer decided to let it go. She figured Nancy was probably tired from a long week of studying. She got into the van to wait for Nancy.
"Hey Nancy, before you go, what color is your dress?"
"My dress?"
"You know, for the Prom. I'm going to go and order the flowers tomorrow and I want to make sure they don't clash."
"Right, um...it's navy blue...I guess."
"Great. I'm also getting fitted for my tux, should maybe my bow tie match your dress?"
"I don't know. Why don't you call me later, I have to go, or we'll be late for my doctor's appointment."
"Alright, I'll call you tonight."
He bent over and gave Nancy a kiss and walked away. Nancy pushed the button to make the lift go up and got herself in the van, as Piper started it up.
"So, what was that all about?"
"Nothing. Lets just go. I don't want to be late for my appointment."
"You sure?"
"I'm sure we're going to be late, if you don't drive…"
Nancy replied in a not mean way but in a way that told Piper she didn't really want to talk about it. Piper satisfied that Nancy was alright, but probably had a long day, put the car in drive and took off.
Piper knew that Nancy was always a little cranky before her doctor appointments at the first of the month. Dr. Campbell always took new x-rays, took blood to check Nancy's medicine levels, and sometimes did a spinal tap which was extremely painful.