Hannah Ogden walked down the street, her best friend since childhood by her side, the two laughing and talking.
"You're not going to prom?" James asked, shouting as his best friend shook her head.
"Nope." She said, popping her 'p'
"Honestly, Hannah! I don't see why you're not going to prom! It's supposed to be the best night of a person's life!" James said in retort.
"I don't know who told you that James, but I think you information is a little faulty." Hannah said, a smile on her face, a small laugh escaping her lips.
"Still! I think you should go!"
"It's fine if a guy shows up alone James! If a girl shows up by herself she looks pathetic!" Hannah retorted, throwing her hands in the air.
"..." James was silent for a moment, "Then go with me."
"What?"
"You heard me Hannah, go with me." James insisted, stopping Hannah, turning her to face him, her blue eyes met his hazel ones.
"You're serious? The James Diamond... Dateless? Say it ain't so!" Hannah said in a southern accent pretending to fan herself with one hand, the back of her other hand attaching itself to her forehead.
"Very funny Miss Ogden," James started, "Just say you'll go with me?" He asked, looking down at his best friend of ten years.
"... Fine... I'll still have to find a dress-"
"Don't even worry about it! I already got your mom to buy you one."
Hannah slapped her hand to her face. "Of course you did... Just... Of course you did!"
At the dance later that night, Hannah and James entered the room, arms linked together, her white column dress glittered along the sweetheart neckline, the draping flattering her form greatly.
"... James," Hannah hissed, hating the attention that was drawn to them as the light hit them. "Why are people staring?"
"Because they're looking at the most beautiful woman in the room."
Hannah looked behind her and on either side of her. She pointed to herself before sarcastically saying, "Who? Me?"
"Yes, you, now stop being a smart alec!" James said out of the corner of his mouth as he led her to the center of the dance floor. Her arms wrapped around his neck, his hands seeking her waist, as they danced to the slow song.
"Thank you," She stated, "For bringing me."
"You're my best friend, anything for you."
"Aw... I'm so glad you remembered that flattery gets you everywhere."
"There are many things that one learns when being your friend..."
"You wound me James, you wound me." Hannah said, mock offended, placing a hand over her heart.
"I try Hannah, I really try."
Hannah shook her head, "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to... Powder my nose." She released James, who smiled.
When Hannah returned from the ladies' room, she saw James, kissing a pale brunette, who looked so much like herself, yet so different at the same time.
"How could he?" She whispered, her heart cracking.