A/N: It's my birthday! So in true hobbit fashion, I'm giving you a gift lol and posting this early! I hope you all enjoy it! It was a ton of fun to write. Thank you all so much for your comments and kudos. Let me know what you think! Also, come say hi on tumblr: .com
and now...a time skip.
Chapter 43
The rest of the year passed surprisingly smoothly. Maybe it was the lack of monsters, or some jealous teenager threatening to kill me, but before I knew it, I was shopping for prom dresses with Robin and Veronica.
"So let me get this straight," Veronica asked from behind the curtain. "You got accepted to like, two different places and you're not going?"
"Yup."
"And instead you're spending your summer working and hanging out with, not only us, but Steve and the boys…and Eddie Munson?"
"Well, not all together," I said. That would be a strange group. "I met Eddie in the library. He plays Dungeons and Dragons which is like this fantasy game. Some of the kids I babysit play too and since Eddie failed again by such a small margin,"
"He thinks some of the teachers did it out of spite," I heard Robin interject.
"I'm going to introduce some of the kids to him before they go to high school, get them in his D&D club and he's going to look out for them for me and I'll help tutor him as our schedules allow. It's a win-win situation."
"And you're not dating?"
I rolled my eyes and looked at Robin. She tried not to grin and just shrugged. "No, I am not dating Eddie. Or Steve. Or anyone," I said. "I'm not interested."
The curtain opened and Veronica stepped out. I saw Robin's jaw drop. "So who are you going to prom with?"
"I'm going stag," I said. "I'll join you two, Carl, Manny, and everyone at the dance. It'll be fine. We'll have fun." I pointed at her. "That looks incredible by the way." She was wearing a dark blue dress that was tight around the middle but had about two layers of ruffles making up the skirt. It also had giant short puffed sleeves. It wasn't that bad considering the decade.
"Thanks," she said, grinning at me before she turned to Robin. "What do you think?"
"Yeah, I mean, you look…fantastic."
The two of them shared a look but didn't say anything further. I continued talking, trying to keep the attention on me in case anyone was watching us. The two of them weren't out and I certainly wasn't going to expose them. "Hopper said I could keep working at the station. I've been doing just general management stuff like filing but I think Flo is going to get me to start actually corralling the officers."
That caught their attention.
"What are they? Horses?"
"More like cats," I admitted. "Callahan and Powell are hilarious but also a chaotic duo. Especially Callahan. I don't know how Beth managed to come out normal in comparison but then she deals with teens all day so that probably played a part. Hopper alone is a mess. Flo and I are trying to get him to stop smoking. It's not going well but he's decreased his intake."
"And why are you trying to get the chief of police to stop smoking?"
"So he can be chief for longer, obviously."
"Right."
"Well, while you are corralling the officers and not the dangerous criminals, I will be slinging ice cream," Robin said, leaning back while Veronica went to change.
"At least there's free samples," I looked at her. "Do I get free ice cream if I come visit?"
"Maybe," she said.
I leaned in, "I'll give you stock tips in exchange," I whispered.
"Then you can buy your own ice cream," she whispered back.
"That's not nearly as fun. Or delicious."
"What are you two talking about?" Veronica called out.
"Kate's future life in crime!" Robin called back.
Veronica peered out from behind the curtain. "What?"
I shrugged. "Who's going to catch me? The police? I'll be the one sending them on cases. Or Flo but I'm sure I could win her over."
"You need a name," Robin said. "The ice cream bandit?"
"That's terrible. What about Lady Ice?"
"Lady Ice?" Robin looked at me incredulously. "What are you, a superhero?"
"I could be!"
"Rocky Road Mayhem?"
"That sounds like a band. Save that for if I ever join a band."
"You two are ridiculous," Veronica said, emerging from the changeroom fully clothed with the dress over her arm. "Obviously it's going to be something like The Queensicle."
"The Queensicle!" We said it at the same time before turning to grin at each other.
"Alright," I told Veronica. "You win."
"I always do."
I stared at the reflection. My throat tightened and I tried to squash the urge to throw something at it. I wanted to dig my nails into my skin, as if I could claw myself out and back to normal. Back to me.
I turned away. This was why I avoided mirrors, why I tried to ignore my reflection when I couldn't avoid it. It wasn't me. I should have been over this. I should have been okay. It's been ages but somehow, staring in the mirror at Tammy's reflection, wearing a prom dress that should have been hers. Prom should have been hers. It wasn't a big thing in Canada, at least not where I was from, but I knew it was here. It would have been important to her.
"You look beautiful."
I smiled at Deanna's reflection as she joined me. "Thanks."
"Are you ready?"
"Just waiting for Robin and Veronica to finish." I had left them in my room. We had gotten ready together. Veronica did everyone's makeup. Robin had tried to help with hair but it was quickly decided that was a bad idea. Thankfully, Deanna took over for all of us.
"Are you nervous?" she asked and when I didn't answer, when I couldn't take my eyes off of the stupid reflection, she turned me to face her. "You'll be fine, honey. It's just a dance, right?"
I forced another smile. "Yeah." I took a deep breath. "I know. It's just…the end."
"I know," she gave me a soft smile. "But a new beginning. Enjoy the night with your friends, okay? Have some fun. You're still young." She winked at me.
"Yeah," I gave a small laugh. "Okay."
"Let's get your friends. I want pictures."
I swallowed down the lump in my throat and nodded. "Yeah sure. Let's get them."
It felt like it took an hour to finally get out of the house once all the parents were done taking pictures. They had offered to get us a limo, but I preferred to drive myself. No one complained. In all honesty, it was not the best idea. I hadn't considered the wardrobe aspect. The dress I wore was almost a vinyl type of material and bright pink. It had only one arm covered, the opposite shoulder and arm were empty, and was tight. The skirt ended midthigh. It wasn't something I would have worn as myself, but Tammy had the body for it. I thought it would help make me feel more…balanced. I did not think about driving in it.
I drove barefoot, letting Robin and Veronica sit in the back. It wasn't a hard choice. At the very least they'd be able to hold hands. I blasted music and slowly tried to pull myself together. By the time we got there, I felt a bit better or at least a little more centred.
I parked under one of the lights and made sure the windows were rolled up and the doors were locked. There was no way in hell I was letting it be an easy spot for others to smoke up or make out in. The last thing I needed was cleaning out the car for something I didn't do.
I put my heels back on before I left the car. Veronica and Robin were already out and waiting for me. The asphalt wasn't very smooth and Robin was already holding onto the car.
"Told you to take the flats," I said.
"My mom insisted," she explained. "They're not high."
"No, but the ground is rough and takes practice." Veronica wrapped an arm around Robin. I moved so that she was in between us. That way we could catch her.
"Alright, well let's go. Looks like the party has already started."
After getting past the ticket table, and getting searched for contraband which would have been impressive if I managed it, we found Carl and Manny already holding a table for us. I looked around, taking in the way the committee had decorated the place. My prom hadn't been anywhere near this level. Carl pointed out where they were taking couple photos and where the refreshment table was. The DJ was already at it and started playing Uptown Girl.
"I'm going to grab a drink," I said. "You want some?"
"Sure," Robin said, sitting with a slight look of relief on her face. "Vee?"
"Yeah, sounds good," she said.
"I'll come with you," Manny offered. "Come on." He playfully offered me his arm.
"Why thank you, good sir," I said. I took it and waved to the others. "You look fantastic," I told Manny once we were moving. He was wearing a blue velvet suit with a brighter sash. "I love the colours. Very bold."
"Me? What about you? I think you're outshining the rest of the class."
"It's the reflection," I said. "The lights and all."
He laughed. I let go of him as we reached the drink table. Manny poured the drinks and handed one over. When my hands were full, I turned to head to the table and paused before I ran into someone.
"Hey, Jonathan."
"Oh, uh, hi?" He winced. "I didn't mean it like that."
I grinned. "Don't worry about it. You look good. You here with Nancy?"
"Yeah," he turned and nodded to the distance. I saw Nancy sitting at a table, talking with someone. "You look good too."
"Thanks. I'll let you get your drinks. Have fun!"
"You too, Kate."
I walked away, Manny at my side. I waited until we were closer to the table before I asked him, "was that as awkward as it felt?"
"Yup," he said.
"Okay, glad it's not just me."
"What happened?"
"I don't know. I said some cruel things without thinking to his girlfriend, tried to apologize and got her in detention. I don't think she likes me."
"What's not to like?" Manny said. "You make everyone look good at mini golf." I threw him a look and he just laughed. "Don't worry about it, Kate. Can't win everyone over."
"I know."
This was proven later when I ran into Ally…with Tommy H.
"Well, if it isn't Tammy. Where's your date?"
I tried not to roll my eyes. "I didn't bring one."
She gave an exaggerated sad face. "Aww, couldn't get a pity date like homecoming?"
"Isn't that what this is?" I asked, looking between the two of them. I bit back the remark about Carol that was on the tip of my tongue.
"Saw you guys come in. Is your band geek already drunk?"
Tommy suddenly looked a lot more interested in the conversation. "Someone snuck in booze?"
I laughed. "Nope. Just uneven ground and making sure she didn't break something." I looked between them. One good thing about high school ending was that I wouldn't be forced into their presence each day. "Well, this has been fun. Let's never do this again, okay?"
I turned and walked back to the table. Steve had joined us with his date. I didn't recognize her.
"What was that about?" Veronica asked, nodding towards the way I came.
"Oh, you know me. Always trying to make friends."
Veronica just laughed. "You always keep things interesting Kate."
"I try."
Despite any reservations I had earlier, I was having fun. Being with a group of friends allowed us all to dance as a group and pair up for random slow dances without feeling any pressure about it. I danced with Carl and Manny, but I mainly kept things light and danced with Veronica and Robin. Occasionally we were asked if others could join in. A couple of them I recognized from the Homecoming dance. It was nice.
Eventually, we were all corralled to our tables so they could make some speech about graduating and announce the prom king and queen. I had forgotten that was even a thing.
"You've all done wonderfully this year and–" I was going to fall asleep if they kept talking. A quick glance told me that the chaperones looked like they were going to join me. "Now it's with great pleasure we announce your chosen prom king and queen!" There was a lot of applause and a few people cheered. "We tallied up the votes-"
I leaned over to Robin. "There were votes?"
"Yeah, you ignored them when they asked. It was in the morning."
"Ah." That explained it. I didn't feel fully coherent half the time in the morning. Not until the coffee hit.
"Your prom king is…" they paused for dramatic effect as they opened the envelope. "Steve Harrington!"
"Woo!" I clapped and cheered with the rest of them. I liked Steve and it was nice to know that despite whatever fall from grace he thought he had, everyone else still did too. He walked up to the stage and got crowned. He looked surprised but happy about it.
"And now, the moment some of you have been waiting for. Your prom queen is…Kate Thompson!"
I froze. "What?" I looked at the others at the table. "Do I have more friends than I realized?"
Carl leaned in. "I don't think so. Most people know your name because of the Carol thing and wrote you in if they didn't have a real nomination...sorry, that was rude."
"Oh. Okay."
"Also, I kind of campaigned for you," Veronica admitted. "Just verbally. Got the word out."
"Pretty sure it was Billy who wrote 'Kate for prom queen' in the boys' bathroom," Manny said.
"Okay," I said slowly. There was apparently way more happening in this school than I knew.
"Get up!" Robin ushered me. "They're waiting!"
"Right." I stood up and headed for the stage. The clapping had died down but the table I was at started calling out and clapping regardless. It echoed slightly. I managed to get up the stairs without falling on my face.
"Thinking of running away?" The person at the mic teased as someone placed a crown in my hair. There was enough hairspray that it should have had no trouble sticking.
"Had to put my shoes back on," I quipped. That got some laughter.
"Alright, well it's time for our king and queen to have their first dance!"
Steve headed over to me and offered me his arm. I took it, grateful for the help to get off the stage. The dress looked good but tight skirts did not make stairs easy.
"You alright?" he asked.
"I'm surprised," I admitted. "Didn't know I was even in the running."
He gave a small laugh. "You sure? I saw your campaign poster in the bathroom." He led me to the middle of the dance floor. "Ready?"
"For swaying in one spot? Always." The music started up and I recognized the sound of Foreigner's 'I Want To Know What Love Is'.
His hands went to my waist and I put mine on his shoulders. We started swaying, moving in small circles. I tried to ignore the way people were staring.
"This is so awkward," I muttered.
"You don't like being on display?"
"I feel like a rotisserie chicken. Turning in circles."
He laughed. "Wasn't expecting that answer."
"I like keeping people on their toes."
"I've noticed."
We talked a little about the last classes we had and the kids we knew. Mainly the fact that Steve had practically adopted Dustin and vice versa. Still, the song continued.
"Jesus, who chose the extended version?" Steve asked, looking around. I tried not to laugh.
"The DJ?" I offered. "Prom committee?"
"Someone we pissed off," he suggested. I couldn't stop the snort of laughter at that. He looked at me carefully before he grinned. "In my life," he sang along, playing it up. "There's been heartache and pain. I don't know if I can face it again."
I joined in. "Can't stop now, I've travelled so far. To change this lonely life…"
Both of us went as dramatic as possible, trying not to crack up as we sang together. "I wanna know what love is. I want you to show me. I wanna feel what love is. I know you can show me."
Steve paused, letting me continue the line, "I wanna know what love is!"
He shook his head as he sang the callback. "I wanna know!"
"I want you to show me!"
"I wanna feel!"
We both forgot about the fact that we had an audience, playing up the drama of the song and letting ourselves have fun with it. We cracked up laughing before we even reached the end of the song, leaning on each other slightly for balance. It got worse when someone whistled and we remembered the fact that we were surrounded by our peers. The crown nearly fell off as I laughed harder. Steve straightened it for me, gave an exaggerated bow to the crowd and led me off, back to the table we had been sitting at.
"Have fun?" Robin asked once I sat down next to her.
"Next time, you can be prom queen," I said. "That song took forever." I paused as I thought of something. "There's nothing else I have to do, right? Like as prom queen?"
"Not if we sneak out early," she suggested. "Can't make you do anything if they can't find you."
"I like the way you think, Buckley."
[tbc]
