A few later the limo slows down and comes to a stop. "Are we here? Good." Stan sighs with relief.
Kenny whistles. "Damn Wendy. Her house is nicer than yours Kyle." He looked over the large home with the well-manicured lawn.
"I wouldn't say that." Kyle looks out the window. "About the same, I've only been over like once."
Stan stares shrewdly. "When were you over at Wendy's house?"
Kyle gives him a weird look. "We were like nine. Relax. Just a stupid school project. you were dumb and jealous back then as well or did that concussion erase your memory?"
"Oh right. Sorry. And sorry about all that. You were right, nine and dumb. I had a lot of those moments." Stan looks down. How much of his memory would be scrambled now after all that coma shit?
Kyle scoots over and puts an arm around his shoulder. "Eighteen and still dumb but I love you bro. I'm just kidding. Let's get our girlfriends."
Stan waits until Kyle and Kenny are out before he scoots his booty over on the seat and swings his legs out as well as an arm. "Guys? Little help? Thank you."
Kenny grabs one of Stan's hands and Kyle grabs the other. "Count of three?" Kyle says.
Wendy is sitting at her vanity table doing a last-minute makeup check, she peeks out her bedroom window at the scene below. "The guys are here with the limo…they're helping Stan out. I hope he's not sick. I'll leave early with him if needed, poor thing." She frowns and looks at herself in the mirror once more before looking down at Stan again.
"They are?" Bebe asks as she sprays a copious amount of perfume over herself. She looks herself over in the mirror, turning around. "I don't look like I'm trying too hard for tonight, do I?"
"No, you look like you're ready to step out on the red carpet. Sophie, you look like a princess in a fairy tale. Can I have some perfume before we meet the guys. They look really handsome. Kenny cleans up well. Oh Stan." Wendy sniffs once more, worried the stress of the past month and her own sadness wouldn't ruin tonight. She hoped it didn't show too much over her expertly styled hair and makeup.
Bebe nods at her reflection in approval. "Well, I hope so. Kenny's not my first pick for prom, but he is cute. Also, how lame would I be if I went without a date?"
"Don't tell him that. Kenny's a good guy from what Stan's told me. You'll have a good time tonight." Wendy watched as Kyle and Kenny helped Stan up the front steps of her house. Poor guy.
"Who's your ex going with, Bebe?" Sophie asks as she puts a little more powder on in the mirror.
Bebe bounces her hair. "Ex? Clyde wasn't my ex. He just wanted me, and I turned him down. He's nothing special. Even if he's expected to take over his dad's shoe store someday." She rolled her eyes in disgust now.
"So, having a shoe store makes him think he's hot shit? What a loser. Kenny looks nice. Come see. Kyle looks like a male model. Stan…. looks like he's trying not to cry." Wendy sighs again. "Maybe it was too soon to have a night out."
Bebe pokes her head out the window. "Ohh, is that Kenny? Wow…" She digs into her bag to find a brighter shade of lipstick.
Sophie caps her mascara and goes to the window now too. "Damn, Kyle. I hardly see him without his hat. He's looking great. I'm so nervous for tonight."
"Do what you want to do. Don't either of you feel pressured." Wendy puts a hand on her shoulder. You too Bebe. Kenny has a reputation." Wendy winks at her.
Bebe puts her hands to her hips with a scowl. "I will do as I please, thank you. I am prepared to put Kenny in his place if he were wild. Or I might enjoy him as a date if that's what ends up happening. I'm not stupid."
"Lucky you." Wendy sighs. She peeks out from behind the curtain once more as the doorbell rings. "I think my mom is answering the door. Ready for our grand entrance?"
"Yes, I know all our moms are down there, including Stan's. I think Kyle's is on the way. Let's get to it girls!" Bebe grabs the hem of her gown carefully to start exiting Wendy's room with her friends following her. A group of princesses on the way to the ball.
Stan waits at the front door, Wendy's flowers in hand, nervous but excited. He smooths his hair out of habit, hoping his cowlick is tamed for now.
Kyle smiles at both his friends, flowers in his hand. "Ready?"
Stan nods, a bright smile on his face. "I've been looking forward to today. I'm ready."
Deborah Testaburger, Wendy's mother opens up the door. She grins. "Hello boys, don't you all look handsome." Steps back to let them in, giving Stan a gentle hug. "So good to see you healthy Stan." She wipes away a few tears before calling up the stairs. "Girls? Girls! Your prince charmings are here!"
Bonnie Stevens, Bebe's mother runs up with her camera and starts taking pictures right away of the boys. "Bebe? Bebe! Who's this boy? Is he here for you?" She demands.
Bebe walks down, holding the side of her dress up, her heels sparkling. Her hair is done up in small golden ringlets, making her look like an angel. Her bright red dress glitters under the lights, the top being held up with thin straps and a slit up the side to show off her toned legs from cheerleading. Silver and crystal jewelry accented her look, and she held a small red sparkly purse.
Kenny's jaw drops. "Huuhhhhh." Is all he can say.
"Dude you're embarrassing." Stan rolls his eyes.
Bebe smiles as she holds out a hand, Kenny quickly takes it. "Well don't you look dashing, Kenny. I'm looking forward to tonight."
"Bebe, you look like a supermodel. Wow, I'm honored. Here." Kenny slips on the red rose corsage on her wrist while Mrs. Stevens snapping pictures away. "You do me now?" He says excitedly.
Kyle rolls his eyes. "You pin the rose on his tux now." He says.
"I know." Bebe deadpans as she pins the rose on Kenny's jacket. "I'm happy we went with red. You look extremely gorgeous in it. There, that looks good right?" She smiles and poses for the pictures with Kenny.
"We're going to be the hottest couple in that whole school. I'm so excited." Kenny goes to kiss her on the hand as Mrs. Stevens keeps snapping away like the paparazzi.
"I think my mom is here and she picked up your mom and Karen." Kyle says, peeking out the front window.
Sophie calls from the top. "Ready Kyle?"
At that moment there is a knock at the door, Deborah answers it. "Mrs. Broflovski! Mrs. Marsh! And…" She looks a little confused at the teenage girl next to them.
Kenny comes over and gives Karen a hug. "My sister, Karen. My mom couldn't come to take pictures. Karen this is my date, Bebe."
Karen shyly takes Bebe's hand in a light shake. "Hello. You look very pretty. I hope you have a good time with my brother tonight."
"Aren't you the cutest little thing? Next to your handsome brother. I have a feeling I will have the best time." Bebe winks at Kenny as she gives Karen a gentle hug.
"Aww this is sweet." Kenny puts an arm around each of them for a group hug.
Sheila has her phone out taking pictures already. "Don't our boys look so handsome Sharon? Bubbe, look over here!"
"Mooom. Sophie hasn't even come down yet." Kyle turns red again.
Sophie peeks down the stairs at the commotion. "I think everyone is here now! Let's go Wendy!"
Wendy smiles and hangs back, nervous. "You go ahead by yourself. Get your moment in the spotlight and make Kyle fall in love again."
Sophie hugs her before walking down, her dress trailing behind softly. The top is sheer with a light blue skirt trailing behind her. Sophie's red hair is half up in a braided hairband and half down with curls trailing down her back. Little wisps of blue and white flowers decorate the braid. She has delicate silver and aquamarine jewelry to accessorize the outfit.
Sheila starts to take more pictures as Sophie steps into the foyer.
Kyle gets a goofy smile on his face, he climbs a few steps up and takes her hand. Giving her a kiss. "Sophie. You look so pretty. I'm so lucky."
Sophie hugs him tightly. "Kyle, you look so... different. In a good way! What did you do to your hair?"
"I've been looking online for like a month to do it nice for prom. I wanted to surprise you." He kisses her again as the two walk down the stairs.
Sophie smiles and waves as her mother, Miranda takes pictures right next to Kyle's mother. "What a wonderful surprise then. You look so handsome and amazing. I'm the luckiest girl hands down." Sophie kisses his lips as they pose for pictures.
Stan taps the side of his leg now in nerves. He glances at his mother as he waits for Wendy. The other mothers are snapping photos of Kyle putting on Sophie's corsage and Kenny and Bebe doing poses now in front of the Testaburger's fireplace. Sharon is staring ahead, looking at her son but not all the way there.
Wendy peeks down. Stan looked nervous, he had circles under his eyes. Mrs. Marsh seemed to be looking off to the side. She takes a deep breath and starts to descend the stairs.
Her dress is floor length and lavender, it glitters in the light. Her hair is curled carefully, a few Bobby pins have her hair to the side as long strands of her dark hair cover the side of her face, a very classic retro style. Her jewelry is different shades of amethyst, and she has high heels dyed to match her dress with little bits of amethyst gems at the toe.
Stan smiles at Wendy stepping down, her dress hitched to the side like Bebe did. He feels his heart flutter, he puts a hand to his chest out of habit. He's okay. His heart is working fine.
Wendy stops, horror on her face. "You okay?"
Sharon is looking away again, her phone in her hands.
"I'm okay. I'm great. Look at you…" Stan walks over and places her corsage on before planting his lips on hers. Sheila takes pictures, noticing Sharon doesn't look completely 'there'
"Oh right, right." Sharon picks up shaking hands and snaps a few. She sniffs at how happy her son looks.
"Sorry, you scared me. I'm so happy we're here together. These flowers are beautiful." Wendy kisses him. "Want me to put the flowers on your tux?"
Stan brushes back a lock of hair from Wendy's face. "You look breath-taking Wendy. I'm so lucky."
"You, you're so handsome. I'm the lucky one to be here with you." Her eyes water but she shakes her head. "Don't want to mess up my makeup." She kisses him again.
Stan kisses her back and hugs her, careful to not mess up her hair or makeup. "we're going to have a magical night. I won't do anything stupid. I just want to take it slow and take in every aspect of tonight. Spend time with you, my love. That's the best way to spend a night."
"Yeah, ruin my lipstick not my mascara." Wendy laughs again and kisses him on the cheek. "You look so handsome; your hair is wavy. Haven't seen you wear it like this in a long time." She rubs her hand gently down the lapel of his tux so she can pin his flower on.
"Well, who knew Kyle had a secret talent of fixing up hair?" Stan steps back and looks at them both in the mirror as the mothers' snap pictures.
"Kyle did it? Kyle?" Wendy looks at him, shocked.
Kyle grins as he touches Sophie gently on the head. "I did all our hair. Told you, been doing research."
"Stanley! Wendy, look over here for me!" Kyle's mom calls out, snapping away photos with her phone.
Stan turns, arm around Wendy. His heart hurting a little that his own mother isn't participating much. He forces a smile, trying to not worry.
Bonnie taps Sharon gently on the shoulder. "You want to borrow my fancy camera to take pictures of Wendy and Stan?"
"Um…I um..." Sharon shakes her head and holds up her phone some more. Still not taking pictures.
Bonnie shakes her head and gives Sharon a side hug. "Okay kids all the boys stand behind and girls in front. Hug each other and I'll take photos in front of the fireplace."
"I'll probably be in the middle, I'm so tall." Kyle sighs as he positions Sophie in front of him.
"Well, I'm the shortie of us men, I should be in front then." He grasps Wendy's hand and tries to smile for the camera.
Kenny whoo hoos and takes Bebe's hand. He holds her close against himself and smiles widely at the camera.
Wendy giggles. "I'll lean against you. Be honest if it hurts and I'll move." She holds both his hands as he hugs around her.
"As long as you don't ram into my chest, I should be okay." Stan positions himself behind Wendy and puts his head on her shoulder, hugging her tight. Wendy gingerly leans against Stan. She interlaces her hands with his and puts them around her waist.
Kyle takes Sophie's hands gently and hugs her around the shoulders. He rests his chin on top of her head.
Kenny tickles Bebe on the side and curls a finger around her long hair. Bebe giggles and slaps his hand. "Soon Kenny. Pictures first, when we are still neat and tidy." She strikes a pose for the camera now.
"Bebe!" Mrs. Stevens yells at her "You're in polite society. All you kids smile. You girls look so beautiful, you boys so handsome."
Sharon is looking and Stan, a little bit of frown on her face. Holding her camera but not snapping photos.
Stan smiles and poses in all the ways Mrs. Stevens asks, glancing at his mother every-so-often. The evening hadn't even started yet and he felt he was more worried for her than she was for him.
Mrs. Testaburger hugs Sharon once again. "Come on Sharon. You'll want these memories of our kids. Your son made it to his senior prom."
Sharon starts to cry at this. "Excuse me, where's your bathroom, Debbie?" She asks quickly
Deborah looks worried as she points. "First door to your left."
Stan dabs at his own eyes and pulls away from Wendy. He sits down quickly on the couch; Wendy goes to hug him, and he pushes her away. "Sorry. Sorry..."
"Hey it's okay. You did nothing wrong." Wendy lets Stan have his space. "I'll hug you when you're ready, Stan."
Sharon shuts the door to the bathroom and puts a hand over her mouth as she cries. She hates herself; she's ruining her son's prom. He made it. Barely. She tries to calm herself and grabs some toilet paper to dry her eyes.
Stan is still sitting on the couch with Wendy and everyone looking over him concerned. "I hate seeing her like this. I still feel so responsible for what happened weeks ago. I might have broken my own mother."
"It's not your fault it's not hers either. She's still healing as well, we all are." Wendy looks at her mom and Mrs. Broflovski. "Should we check on her or let her have a few minutes?"
Sheila looks back at the bathroom. "Let's give her a few minutes. I don't want to barge. If she's not out in a few minutes, then I will try talking to her."
Mrs. Testaburger sniffs and dabs her eyes. "I'm so sorry. I didn't want to upset her. Maybe Stanley, you should try to talk to her. We can move you other kids outside for photos?"
Stan takes hold of Wendy's hands. "Do you mind, Wendy?"
"I'll stay too if you need help. Go ahead Bebe, Sophie. We have some nice trees and flowers in the backyard to take pictures in front of." Wendy holds a hand to help him up.
Stan kisses Wendy's lips and holds her hand as they walk to the bathroom. He taps the door. "Mom? Mom, you okay?"
"Go away. Just enjoy your night out Stanley. Don't worry about me." Sharon's voice sounds thick with tears.
Stan frowns deeply and looks at Wendy before knocking again. "No, I will not be able to do any of that if I know you're upset. Please open the door, Mom."
"Mrs. Marsh? It's Wendy. We want you to be okay." She calls through the door.
Sharon opens the door; her face is red and puffy, and tears are falling down her face. "Stanley, baby."
Stan sighs heavily and opens his arms. "Mom…need a hug?"
"No, I don't want to mess your clothes up or hurt you." Sharon sobs again.
"You won't mess them up. And you can't hurt me from a hug." Stan smiles and puts his arms around his mom.
Sharon hugs Stan close. "I've been…dreading this day. I know you wanted me to hang out with Sheila while you boys got ready, but I went to the park and cried in the parking lot. Where Jimbo found me."
"Oh Mrs. Marsh." Wendy hugs her now too.
Stan squeezes his mom tight. "I know you have every right to be weary of tonight. But I promise you I will take it easy. I won't do anything stupid. I have all my pills and my inhaler and epi- pen. I'm going to be extra careful. You can trust Wendy that she will look out for me. And Kyle. And Kenny. I'm in good hands Mom."
"That park you played at when you were all little. That park." Sharon sobs.
"If Stan's not looking well we have a plan to take him home. Or we will take him to the hospital if he's really bad but all of us are going to protect him and himself. Promise." Wendy pats Mrs. Marsh on the back.
"Please Mom, I want you to be happy for me. I'm here, walking, and talking. I made it. that's what you wanted wasn't it?" Stan smiles at her.
"Don't say you made it. I wish it haven't happened. I don't want another bad call. I don't." Sharon hugs both now.
Wendy looks at Stan. "Text your mom and send her pictures to show we're having fun and a good time? Every hour until we go to sleep?" She smiles raising her eyebrows a bit.
"Yeah, I think I will. Mom? I'm going to check in often tonight, just to show you that I am safe and happy and not out skydiving. But please take care of yourself too. Take your meds. Take a nap. Eat. Watch a movie. Enjoy yourself too, okay?" Stan reassures her.
Sharon sniffs. "Yeah. Sheila was going to show me how she makes her famous beef stew and knish and we're going to watch movies. Look at us a slumber party." She finally stops crying.
Stan has a hand on her shoulder. "Yes! Yes, that sounds great. I would love if you did that. I don't want a repeat of what happened three weeks ago. I've been looking out for myself since then, haven't I?"
"Yes, you have." Sharon sniffs. "Oh, look at me, I've made a fool of myself. You kids are so sweet." She kisses Stan and then Wendy on the cheek.
Stan hugs his mom once again, tears in his eyes. "I know it's hard Mom. Your little boy is off to prom finally. I'll be okay. I just want a calm night out with my friends. And the prettiest girl in school." Stan smiles and side eyes Wendy.
Wendy laughs a little bit and dabs her eyes. "Bebe was smart about the waterproof mascara." She hugs Mrs. Marsh once more.
"You kids go take pictures outside and I'll be there snapping them along with all the other moms. Then go. I know you have dinner reservations soon and Stan to take his medicine on time." Sharon says as she turns back to the mirror to splash her face with water.
Stan holds out his phone. "I have the alert to remind me, just like you showed me. I'm not fucking up this time."
"Okay, okay. Watch your language, I don't want Mrs. Broflovski mad at you." Sharon leads Stan and Wendy into the back yard where the others are taking pictures.
The others are laughing as Stan, Wendy, and Sharon make their way to the yard. Stan waves at the others.
Bebe looks up from sitting around a patio table. "About time! You guys okay?"
"Yeah, we are. We have an excuse to take photos all night to send to Stan's mom to show we're having a good time!" Wendy beams and takes Stan's hand to go take photos in front of a little alcove in Mrs. Testaburger's garden.
Deborah smiles and holds her camera to Sharon. "Did you want to take a few pictures Sharon? They look so lovely, don't they? The flowers match the colors of their outfits."
"Your whole family loves purple and blue, don't they? Yes, thank you. Sorry if I made you miss out on photos of your daughter. They look so good dressed up." Sharon nods and looks at the camera now. She wipes her eyes as Deborah gives her a hug.
Wendy hugs Stan as she goes to pose in front of the garden and smiles for the camera. Stan beams widely as he wraps his arms around Wendy's waist.
"We need to get in a few goofy ones too!"
Sophie calls out, a glint of mischief in her eye.
"Yes!" Kyle picks Sophie up like a bride and holds her up for his mom to take pictures. "Get her surprised face, ma!"
Sophie laughs as Sheila snaps away. "You two are adorable, bubbe!"
Stan turns red and looks down. "I don't think I can do that Wendy, sorry."
"Can I pick you up? But I don't want to hurt you." Wendy asks, holding her arms out.
Kenny picks Bebe up and slings her over his shoulder. "I'm Tarzan!" He yells.
Stan looks even more embarrassed. "Um, better not risk it. But hey, we can do other fun pictures! What if we were back-to-back, kind of giving each other a sly look? Or you can lean slightly over my arms. I won't dip you back far, but enough where you're looking up at me."
"Okay that sounds fun. We can pretend we're like secret agents with finger guns or something." Wendy agrees.
Kenny is running around holding Bebe. "Don't make me smack your sweet ass in front of all these hot moms!" He tells her.
"Yes, let's do that. Though I wish I could do what Kenny and Bebe are doing." He blushes again before Stan leans back-to-back with Wendy, arms crossed, one leg over the other. "You good?"
Bebe pushes him as she releases from his hold. "Kenny! Not yet! Put me down! not in front of my mother, please."
"You good?" Wendy holds finger guns out. "Kenny for the love of God, don't drop Bebe. We spent all day getting ready I don't want her hurt!"
Bebe turns around and grins at Wendy as Kenny keeps hold of her over his shoulder. "I think I will hurt him far before he hurts me. Here, put on hand on my shoulder the other on my ass and pull me close."
Kenny tosses her up slightly and is holding her now. He dips her in almost a ballet dancers pose as the camera snaps away before gently putting her on the ground. "Don't worry. I want you to still like me." He grins at her.
Bebe punches him lightly in the shoulder. "Just don't make me out to be a slut. I'm excited for tonight but let's take it slow. Enjoy the occasion. The reward will be worth it." She kisses his cheek now.
"After prom did you want to see a movie? Have dinner?" Lenny takes her hand and kisses the back of it. "I told you I want you to like me. I've always had a thing for you, but I want to get to know you. I have my chance finally."
"Hmm. If you behave enough and keep your hands to yourself. Mostly. Then maybe. When I want to, believe me, I will let you know." Bebe turns her back and winks at Kenny as the cameras snap away.
Wendy now faces Stan and puts an elegant leg out from the slit of her dress. She closes one eye and points finger guns at him. "Got you James Bond." She says.
Stan winks and points his finger gun at her. "Not so fast there. Might have to get some info out of you."
"Oh yeah? What will you do to get out of my trap?" Wendy grins as she faces Stan.
"This. "Stan slips an arm around her waist and her down, a little too far down, and falls on top of her. "Ahh! Oww! Oww! Fuck!"
Wendy gets up quickly and takes Stan in her arms. "Hey I'm sorry, I am. Are you okay?"
Everyone rushes around him. Sharon bursts into tears again.
Stan lays on his back, one hand to his chest. He looks up at all the concerned faces. "I'm okay. Just need help... up."
Wendy takes his arm; Kyle runs over and grabs his other arm. "Count of three again. Hey Kenny grab him a lawn chair."
Kenny grabs a plastic chair from the porch and hurries over with it.
Stan grits his teeth as he throws a leg out to push himself up. "Okay... ready you guys."
"it's okay to scream Stan. One…two…three…" Kyle and Wendy both help Stan up and walk him over to the chair.
"Gaaaahhh! Fuck! Fuck!" Stan's screams can be heard by Wendy's surrounding neighbors. He sinks in the chair, breathing hard, hand on his chest.
Sheila hugs Sharon to her, tears in her own eyes.
"Come on, come here." Kyle takes Stan's wrist and his watch. "You think you'll calm down and the pain will go away? Do you need to be let inside to sleep?"
Stan's almost panicked at this point. "No! No, I don't need to sleep, just let me catch my breath. We have dinner reservations. I'm okay, my robot didn't go off. I just need to relax. I wasn't aware of how far I was sinking Wendy down."
"Let me know if the robot does go off." Kyle sighs.
Wendy steps forward. "I'm going to hug you gently. Okay? Do you need water? Mom, can you get Stan some water?" She puts her arms lightly around Stan.
Deborah hurries inside the house. Stan has one hand to his chest, focusing on his breathing. Making sure to be aware of how his heart was beating and if he has pain anywhere else. So far he wasn't feeling dizzy or nauseous. Wendy's mom is back a moment later and he is passed along a bottle of water. "Thank you..." He's still embarrassed as be takes a couple sips.
Wendy holds him close and can feel his heart pounding. "It's okay. You'll be okay. I'm right here." She tells him soothingly.
Sharon is shaking so bad iPad she holds onto Sheila for dear life. "My baby, my baby."
"Mom! Mom, I'm okay. Just need a rest. I'm gonna need a lot of rest throughout the evening." Stan looks at Wendy now. "I'm sorry I fell on you, Wendy. Damn, I can't even dip my girlfriend in a sexy pose. I suck."
"Stan, please don't even worry." Wendy sighs and puts her head to his chest, hearing his heart hammer away. "I'm not hurt, we were having fun and got carried away. Don't worry. I love you." She feels fear cringe at her stomach that he's going to get a shock and it's going to be her fault. "I love you."
Stan nods, his breathing slowing. "Love you too. Easy mistake, I'll be okay."
"You're starting to feel better?" Wendy asks as she keeps hugging Stan.
"Yeah, I feel okay." Stan grins and pats his chest. "Let's hope your mom didn't get that on camera. An epic fall."
Wendy presses her ear to his chest. "You sound calm now. It would be kind of funny but yeah best delete those photos. For all our sakes."