Prom
My gown clung to my body, form fitting and catching every curve. The sparkles and glitter, all powder pink in color, spread across the chest, catching your eye. The skirt flowed out to an elegant bell shape at my hips, a rose bow on the right side. My pale skin and flushed cheeks completed the outfit, making me look like a goddess.
I carefully bent down, sliding on my heels. My dark hair fell over my shoulder, a cascade of red. Shaking it to the side, I stood up and grabbed hairpins. I was going to tackle this mess, no matter what it took. Smiling to myself, I struggled to put my knotting hair into a smooth bun. Slowly, the hairpins began to show promise. They left only enough hair down to make it look styled but reckless, a classy combo.
Smiling to myself, I whispered into the mirror "Please make this the best night of my life. Let Kallen notice me." I blushed and headed for the door. I was super careful; not letting the dress hit the floor.
"Oh, Natalie!" My mother gasped, a hand flying to her mouth. I could see the tears brimming her eyes. My hand found my mouth as well. "Mom, stop! You're making me cry!" I made the rest of the stairs without crying, but when her arms wrapped around my waist, the first tear fell. I wrapped my arms gingerly around her shoulders, happy that my gown was strapless.
"It's only prom." I murmured, barely hearing myself. My mom pulled away and smiled. "Only prom?" She asked incredulously, her voice still thick with tears. I smiled, making an odd nervous giggle escape.
My dad appeared with the camera, holding it up as he spoke. "Time for pictures Natalie." My mom flew to my side, not wasting a second. "Hurry baby, she's going to be late!" My moms words came out slurred, she was smiling so wide. A smile of pure joy spread across my face, I was thrilled that they put up with each other for me. For me on my special day.
The camera flashed once, twice, a third time. Then I sighed "Three is enough dad." Still smiling I got out of the awkward one arm hug that my mom had decided was the pose. She smiled and hugged me one last time, and then I moved onto dad. I hugged him around the waist, not being able to reach his shoulders. He hugged my shoulders, and I completely lost myself in his arms. He was a giant! Just then a horn honked from outside. That would be Beth. "Gotta go, love you guys!" I flew out of my dad's arms and out the door, not stopping for the usual warnings.
When I got to Beth's car, we immediately broke into speed talk. Laughs and rumors filled the car as she sped down the highway, not paying much attention at all. We smiled and complimented each other the whole way there, giving guesses on who would be prom queen. She stated that my hair was fit for the crown; I retorted that hers would surely take the prize. Smiling, we made it to the school in one piece, which I can say is a miracle with her driving skills.
When we entered the room, strobe lights blurred our vision. My gown turned from pink to red with the odd coloring going on. The dance floor was packed already, people not caring if they hit anyone else. Beth and I steered clear of that until we had absolute reason. WE found the punch table, and immediately Beth found the rest of our friends. We started to talk about everyone; what they were wearing, who they were with, rumors we had heard. Then I spotted Kallen.
He was in a very flattering tux, the red tie totally made the outfit complete. His hair was still the normal black ruffles that he usually had them in, the gel way too thick. His blue eyes were glowing, affected oddly by the light. Then he met my gaze, and he started towards me.
I could tell that the others had stopped talking, paying attention to me now. I smiled more to Kallen than to their behavior. He caught the smile and returned it, with a little kiss, blown my way. I felt the blood rush to my face, and heard the others start to giggle. Pushing past others, I fought my way to him, meeting him halfway. He smiled and reached up with one hand to stroke my cheek. An eruption of giggles from the other side of the room. I blushed a bright deep red.
"You look amazing tonight Natalie." He took my hand and led me to the dance floor. The song had changed to a slow, romantic, waltz melody. He placed his hand on my waist, pulling me closer. We started to dance.
"So, how do you like prom?" I asked, leaning my head against his shoulder. He laughed. "I love it, but only because you're here."
I now realize, looking back, that maybe if I had the chance, I would have changed what happened. Maybe I would've stopped it.
He lowered his head to mine; we were now level in height. His deep green eyes sucked me in, prom forgotten. He romantically whispered my name, coming closer. His breath smelled of toothpaste, fresh mint.
When our lips met, the whole world exploded. The emotions swelled and we fought to control ourselves in public. His hands caressed my waist, we were still dancing. His lips tasted of salt, of pure Kallen. They were round and it seemed they were meant for mine to find.
When he pulled away, I wanted to pull him closer, to hold him for eternity. That was before I realized what happened. He looked over my head and his eyes glazed over. They went to another world completely.
"Kallen? What is it?" I didn't want to know, I had a bad feeling about this. Slowly, reluctantly, I turned in Kallen's arms, my dress twisting at my hips. Slowly my eyes began to realize what he saw.
In front of me, Beth lay on the ground, pale as a ghost. I cried out her name, but she didn't answer. My cry only brought more attention to the scene. I flew out of his arms and to her side. I crouched down, my dress forming a circle around me. I reached out and stroked her hair, her cheek; nothing happened. She didn't move, didn't flutter her eyelashes. She was truly dead.
There was no sign of murder, but Kallen had seen something. He still stood frozen in the spot we kissed. We kissed.
A thousand memories, thoughts, and wants spilled into my brain. As I held Beth in my arms; her laying limp on my lap, all I could think about was Kallen? That wasn't normal!
The tears flowed down my face and I closed my eyes tight. Maybe she was faking it and she would wake up any moment now. Yeah, that's it, this is some late Halloween prank. She was being the same old Beth she always was. I opened my eyes, pained to see what happened. She was dead. This was no prank.
