The limo stops in front of the school. Stan feels nerves kick in yet again as he peeks out the window. "Do you guys see a lot of people?"
"Yeah dude, I do." Kyle swallows a lump in his throat seeing the entrance to the dance is the same doors they took Stan out on the stretcher after they had revived him. He puts a hand on Stan's shoulder. "We have your back."
The driver gets out and opens the door for the gang. "Okay kids, have a fun and safe time tonight."
Kyle hands over some money. "You'll be around in case any of us need to hang out in here, take a breather from the dance?"
The driver nods. "Yes, I'll be here all night. And thank you." He smiles as he pockets the money.
Kyle and Kenny hold out their hands for Stan to get out. They look around for any curious stares from their classmates at teachers.
Stan grips their hands and eases his way out. He bites his lip to keep from yelling in pain. Just then a roar of laughter is heard.
Cartman has his hands on his hips, dressed up in a fancy tuxedo. "What the hell are you assholes doing? Too crippled to even get out of a car, Stan?"
Kyle puts an arm around Stan as he helps him out. "You want your ass kicked by me and Wendy at prom? Really fatass?" He yells at him.
Cartman rolls his eyes. "Yeah, like I'm really scared of two nerds." He grips Heidi's arm to hold her in front of him.
"Ffff I could take Wendy. I could take you Jew boy. You wanted a piece of this, I remember." Heidi scoffed as she kissed Cartman on the cheek. "I heard Kyle was making out with Stan. Better not piss Wendy off and she'll kill them both before Stan's heart explodes."
Stan groans as he sinks back into the limo in embarrassment. "Oh god not now. I don't need to hear stupid ass rumors circling around."
Wendy puts her arms gently around Stan, hugging him from behind. "It's okay, don't let her get to you. This night is for us. Love you, always."
Stan sighs, leaning into her hug. "I know. I usually don't let this stuff bother me. I just feel I need to be extra alert for shit starting tonight. Can't trust anyone I feel except you guys."
Kyle was over arguing with Cartman at the entrance of the dance. Wendy rolls her eyes. "Kenny and I can help you out. Kyle is already on guard duty. Or we can sit back and enjoy the cider for a bit."
Stan waves a hand. "No, I don't want to be lame. We're supposed to walk into prom together." He scoots forward again and puts his good arm out.
Kenny grabs Stan's hand and motions to Bebe to help. Wendy pushes from behind to help Stan out of the limo.
Stan grunts again as he gets to his feet. He pushes the hair away from his eye and plasters a smile on his face as he fully stands up. "See? I'm good." He takes Wendy's arm. "My love, are you ready for me to escort you to the ball?"
Wendy kisses him. "My guardian angel prince. I'm so excited for this night." She takes his hand carefully and starts to walk to the entrance.
Kenny holds Bebe's hand and starts to walk forward too. Kyle comes back, a little pissed off but not a hair out of place and takes Sophie's hand. "Ready everyone?" He asks.
Sophie looks at him worriedly. "Kyle, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I just." He sighs and pulls Sophie to the side. "I'm a little on edge, this is where Stan collapsed so I've been a little freaked out in the gym since then. I knew this is where they're holding the dance, but I didn't think it would be this hard. To see my best friend die in front of me." He hugs his girlfriend close.
Bebe stops walking now as she grips Kenny's hand, overhearing Kyle and Sophie. "I didn't think... oh my god…" Her eyes sparkle with tears.
Kenny pulls her over to behind a tree. "Bebe, you okay? You're way too beautiful to look this sad."
Bebe sniffs and carefully dabs her eye to not mess her makeup up. "I wasn't thinking about it but Kyle's right. We were all there. Except for Wendy. We all saw what happened with Stan in the gym…"
Kenny leans against the tree and hugs her tight. "You're a hero. You called 911 and helped give instructions. I just stood there while Kyle, the nurse and you did everything."
Bebe shakes her head. "Someone had to call! I didn't even think about it. What, I was just going to stand there and let Stan suffer? Who would do that?"
"You're a hero, and a good person. It is hard. I should've done more. I don't know what, but I should have. Maybe held his hand or helped Kyle or helped you." He holds her and lets her cry, shocked at her showing vulnerability with him.
"I'm sorry, I'm ruining prom." Bebe says into his chest, heat coming off her body, feeling Kenny breathe a little harder.
"You're so much more than beautiful, you're an amazing person and so brave and sweet. Thank you for letting me enjoy prom with you." Kenny grins as he looks at her. "Let me know when you're ready."
Bebe blushes, grabbing a tissue from her purse. "T-thank you. That was very sweet. I'm used to being called beautiful or perfect but that's sweet you said more." She wants to kiss him but is used to the guy making the first move. She takes his hand as they go meet at the entrance to the prom.
Stan rubs his neck and looks around at his nearby classmates staring at him. "Guys. I thank you; I really do. But I don't want this to be 'let's reminisce about the night Stan almost died at school' okay?"
"It's just hard. This was the place. I'm trying." Kyle hugs him quickly before they get in line to enter the prom.
"The gym will be transformed. It won't look the same." Wendy says, taking Stan's hand and kissing the back of it. "Let's have a good night."
"I looked into your eyes; you were just gone. It's a feeling I'll never forget" Kyle took a deep breath as Sophie gave him a look. "I'll try not to think about it." He puts an arm around Sophie.
Kenny joins with Bebe in line, mostly quiet. Sophie and Wendy see Bebe's teary eyes and Sophie goes to hug her. "It's okay Bebe, Kyle. Let's try and have a good evening."
"Thank you, Sophie." Stan says, rocking on his heels and touching his chest out of habit. He drops his hand when he sees more stares. "It's still not too late to ditch prom and hang out until it's hotel time."
"No way." Kyle says quickly. "I want to do this. We all need this night."
"Are you not feeling well Stan?" Sophie asks gently.
"No-it's not that. I think Kyle and Bebe are worse off." Stan tries to say as he's moved closer to the entrance of prom.
"No-I need this night. I want to go to the prom. I worked in the prom store all season." Bebe waves her hands. "I won't talk about it and won't let my emotions ruin the night."
"Are you sure Bebe?" Wendy asks.
"Yes, let's go! Whoo prom!" Bebe smiles as they move to the front of the line.
Wendy opens her purse up to exchange their tickets for a little wristband. It's green with the South Park High School Bulls logo on it. Stan can't help but be reminded of the hospital bracelets he was so happy to remove once he was home from the hospital. He shrugs off his bad thoughts as the gym door was opened up into a dark tunnel.
Stan hesitates, not liking the dark but takes a moment as Wendy gently leads him through. The tunnel is illuminated in soft golden fairy lights as they make their entrance through a fake gated castle entrance. A teacher stands there in a guard outfit. "Name?" He asks.
Stan's cheeks are bright red as Wendy puts an arm around him. "Stan Marsh and Wendy Testaburger."
The teacher guard plays the sound of a trumpet off his phone and holds up a microphone. "Announcing Sir Stan Marsh and Lady Wendy Testaburger to the royal ball!"
Stan covers her face as Wendy goes a little white. "Oh god that is so embarrassing, Stan are you okay?"
"Yes- embarrassed but fine health wise. Just now everyone is going to bother me with questions." Stan moves off to the side of the gym to hide behind a fake column made to make the gym look like a castle.
"Now presenting Sir Kyle Broflovski and Lady Sophie Grey!" The teacher calls out as Kyle waves awkwardly and Sophie laughs, not knowing what else to do. Kyle's eyes scan for Stan, making sure he's okay and just utterly mortified and not sick.
Kyle took Sophie's hand as they joined Stan and Wendy in hiding near the snack table.
"Presenting Sir Kenny McCormick and Lady Bebe Stevens." The teacher announced as Bebe flashed a dazzling smile, taking in the attention and Kenny grinning like the cat who ate the canary as he waved and dipped Bebe to give her a kiss. The students breaking out in a chorus of chatter.
"Well maybe Kenny won't need to show his ass for attention." Stan picked at a mini pizza on the table.
"Bebe better be careful, or everyone will see her ass." Wendy shakes her head as she scans the transformed gym.
The lights had been dimmed and golden lights decorated a faux castle pattern of the walls. Someone had brought in a carriage, sparkling white and draped with flowers and lights with a photographer ready to take pictures of the couples.
"Presenting Sir Craig Tucker and Sir Tweek Tweak!" The teacher called out as Craig flipped him off and Tweek's eyes widened, and he jumped.
"Glad we're not the only ones embarrassed. Whose bright idea was that?" Stan asked as he popped a little dumpling in his mouth.
"Ignore them. How are you feeling? Want to dance? Or walk around?" Wendy asks as she also samples a spinach puff.
"Let's dance, blend into the crowd." Stan wiped his mouth and took Wendy's hand as they walked towards the dance floor in the middle. He could feel eyes on him and his left arm throbbed. He gritted his teeth to not bring attention as he took his place next to Wendy. The music picked up as Stan danced somewhat stiffly to the pop tune. "Damn, it's not headbanging to some rock music."
"You think you'd be okay to headbang?" Wendy said with a little grin as she swayed and danced gracefully to the upbeat pop song.
Stan tried to match her energy, even seeing Kyle and Sophie join them on the dance floor. Kyle seemed to avoid a certain spot and kept giving Stan side eye. "Must have been where I collapsed, no amount of cheesy decorations can cover that." Stan says to Wendy whose eyes tear up.
The music calms down to a slow jam and the couples quickly partner up. Stan feels his left arm throb. "I'm sorry, I have to keep my arms down."
"Don't stress yourself over it. I'm happy you're here and want you to enjoy it." Wendy says with a kiss, she puts her arms gently around his neck and Stan puts his hands around her waist as they sway to the music.
"You look really beautiful, Wendy. I'm so happy we're here together even if prom is cheesy as fuck." Stan gives her a little smile and kisses her again.
"I think prom has to be cheesy, it's like law or something." Wendy giggles as Stan twirls her gracefully on the dance floor.
Over near the stage Kyle dances absentmindedly with Sophie, his hand entwined with hers and her head on his chest. He looked up at two thrones, probably props borrowed from the drama department. A wall of white roses and gold lights for the backdrop of the stage. He's snapped out of his trance as another couple is announced.
"Presenting Sir Eric Cartman and Lady Heidi Turner!" The teacher announced.
"Ow, Kyle." Sophie said. "You're squeezing me too tightly and you stepped on my foot."
"Oh shit. I'm so sorry, Sophie." Kyle looked down at his girlfriend, now hunched over and rubbing her foot. "Let's get off the dance floor and make sure you're okay."
"Doctor Kyle to the rescue." Sophie rolls her eyes as they go to sit by the sidelines of the dance. She shrugs off his hands as she takes a look at her foot. "It seems okay, just a red mark on my foot." She holds up her red toes in her sparkling silver high heel.
"I'm so sorry, I'm the worst boyfriend and prom date ever. Let's get that shoe off and make sure there isn't any damage." Kyle reaches for Sophie's foot again, but she shrugs him off.
"Yeah, you have Kyle. But please don't take my shoe off. This is embarrassing enough. Really, it's just a small mark. Nothing worse than if I wasn't wearing uncomfortable shoes." Sophie looks up at him, Kyle's eyes scanning the gym nervously.
"I'm fine, I swear." Kyle repeats.
"Are you? I knew this night would go wrong." Sophie shakes her head. "Maybe I should just go home." Her eyes sparkle with tears.
Kyle kneels down next to her. "Oh, please don't cry. I'm sorry, I know with Stan's thing this is a hard night for all of us."
"Stan's thing?" Sophie snaps. "I'm more worried about your thing. You haven't relaxed or tried to have fun at all tonight. I'm considering just getting a ride home."
"No! I mean. If you want me to, I'll take you home in the limo." Kyle was supposed to get laid for the first time with Sophie but if she didn't want to he could kiss that chance goodbye. "I'm sorry." Kyle looks down. "Let's skip dancing for now, seems Kenny and Bebe are showing off anyway. There's a row of little activities to do, if your foot doesn't hurt too much."
"I'm sorry for snapping too. Yeah, maybe a dancing break is what I need." Sophie sighs and runs her hands through her wavy red hair, expertly styled in ringlets as she leaned on Kyle to get up and look at the activities booth.
One side of the gym was set up like a medieval market, snacks and drinks behind shown off, booths with games and trinkets for sale. A dark tent was in the corner. Kyle pointed to it. "Want to check it out?"
"Sci fi is more my style, but sure. I can't back down from something mysterious." Sophie took his hand and giggled as the two disappeared into the tent.
Kenny and Bebe were tearing it up on the dance floor. People stepped to the side to let them have the spotlight. Kenny had his arms around Bebe, quickly spinning her around so she could lean back against them as they bumped in tune to the music. Bebe grinded her hips against Kenny making him a little too excited. He pulled her close and placed a kiss at the nape of her neck before she pulled away as another announcement trumpeted away.
"Presenting Sir Clyde Donovan and Lady Lisa Burger!"
"Ugh Clyde, he is going out with the hottest girl for prom." Bebe groaned as she stopped dancing.
"No way, I did." Kenny said as he tried to get Bebe to grind on him again, but she was set in place, eyes on Clyde and Lisa.
Lisa walked in first, taking in all eyes on her. She wore a short, purple leather wrapped dress with all kinds of complicated buckles and straps over it, covered by a sheer lavender layer that left very little to the imagination. She held a riding crop in one hand and a heart shaped padlock around her neck. Her curly light brown hair sat atop her head in a faux Mohawk, and she grinned and waved before cracking the riding crop as Clyde appeared at her side with a shit eating grin in his rather plain black suit.
"Holy shit she looks like a dominatrix." Bebe said in shock.
"Hell, yeah she does." Kenny said before catching Bebe's glare, but you're way hotter and classier.
"I-I need to find Wendy. Hold on." Bebe took off, leaving Kenny alone on the dance floor, grabbing Wendy's hand as she and Stan danced gently to the music.
"Wendy." Bebe hissed. "Did you see what Lisa was wearing?"
"I don't care, just enjoying my night with Stan." Wendy said not looking up.
"But did you see her covering? It's the exact one you're wearing." Bebe said, eyes wide like she was ready to throttle someone.
"Why would she." Wendy ducked her head up to see Lisa walking to the dance floor with Clyde trailing her, swinging her hips as her gold glasses glinted under the disco ball.
"It's against me. They got those outfits not from my boutique. I-I need a minute." Bebe started to cry.
"Sorry, Stan. Girl code. Going to take Bebe to calm down. You'll be okay on your own?" Wendy asked him gently.
Stan leaned over to kiss her. "Go help your bestie. Mine seems to have disappeared. Maybe he's not a virgin anymore."
Bebe's eyes got even wider as tears poured out. "Kyle's a virgin!" She said a little too loudly.
"Shhh don't think the prom in Montana happening right now heard you." Stan said, feeling his own blood pressure rising.
"Come on Bebe." Wendy put an arm around her already crying best friend as she took her to the girl's room.
Stan bit his lip, feeling his heart race in his chest. Fuck, was this a normal thing or was he going to have some attack again? Even if his heart fucked up, the robot should shock it back into place, but would it hurt? Would he pass out again? Would it not work, and he'd ruin prom like he ruined the end of his senior year?
Stan felt his head swim and his arm go tingly and didn't want to make a scene. He looked around to see if anyone was starting at him or if he looked weird. He pushed past the background of streamers and down a hall into the boy's bathroom. He just needed a break from the dance.
His friends were supposed to be at his side, but they got busy with their dates.
Stan walked in to find a semi friendly face. Tweek was washing his hands at the sink and muttering as Craig came out of a stall, flipping Stan off as he went to wash up.
"Tweek, calm down. No one is gonna vote for us." Craig said in his monotone voice which normally would even out his boyfriend's nerves.
"You don't know, we're the most seen gay couple. I didn't want this attention, too much pressure!" Tweek splashed his hands, getting some water on his suit.
"No one is gonna vote for us cus they feel sorry for us. That goes to other people." Craig's eyes fall on Stan.
"Who me? What do you mean?" Stan leaned against the wall, trying not to wrinkle his suit. He crossed his arms over his chest and took a few deep breaths, Tweek's nervousness not helping his own.
"Prom king." Tweek said nervously. "I saw they put us on there for prom kings, but I don't want to win. Everyone staring at us. Clapping. We might get stuck having to do stuff for the school. Our pictures in the yearbook. No way, I didn't even want to come tonight."
"I wanted to stay home but my dad insisted. He said, Craig, you're going to break your mother's heart if you don't go to prom. Then he gave me and Tweek one thousand dollars each." Craig shook his head.
"My parents gave us each one thousand dollars as well. We're going to travel to Seattle for the summer." Tweek shivered but gave a small smile.
"If we get through this night." Craig deadpanned. "But I think someone else will get prom court and not to worry, Tweek. Think of all the coffee you can have."
"Where are prom court nominations?" Stan asked, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Over by the stage. They're keeping it secretive. I don't know why. Maybe a conspiracy, gah!" Tweek twitched as he finished up washing his hands.
"I just think not to let people cheat. Don't worry about it. If any of us get prom king we can just say no." Craig leans back against the wall, looking at Stan.
"I don't want it either. Wendy would also be embarrassed. It should go to I dunno Bebe or someone." Stan feels a prick or fear in his stomach and his heart race again.
"Dude you, okay?" Craig looked at him.
"Aw man, don't have another heart attack. I can't see that again." Tweek yanked his hair, his eyes screwed shut.
"I'm not." Stan said a little too sharply. "But I don't want any stupid rumors to start."
"That's scary how that happens. Your heart just randomly stops. What if it happens to me?" Tweek yanked his hair again.
Craig shakes his head and makes a move to grab Tweek's hand and hold it in his.
Stan frowns. "It's not. I have a weird heart. You'll be fine, most people will be." He feels a stab of guilt how much he traumatized his classmates.
"Anyway, the voting booth is by the stage and if Tweek and I get prom kings, we're bailing." Craig said.
"Thanks, dudes. Happy prom, and graduation. Sorry for traumatizing you, Tweek." Stan pats him on the shoulder.
"Don't worry, Tweek is traumatized by breakfast cereal." Craig gives a little smirk as he bumps Tweek playfully.
"All that sugar, and how the milk changes color like that. Milk belongs in coffee." Tweek rambles as Craig walks out with him.
Stan takes a few minutes to collect himself, his heart was racing but it could just be excitement. He took some deep breaths before stepping out to find the booth near the stage.
He passed Lisa Burger and Clyde Donovan dancing up a storm, Lisa whipping at Clyde. Stan rolled his eyes. None of his friends were around, some support system. He made his way to the edge of the stage where indeed was a little table set up with a voting booth. He went to look for who the nominees were, the usual Lisa and Clyde, Cartman and Heidi, Bebe and Kenny which made him feel better, Kyle and Sophie and then his heart sank at seeing his name next to Wendy's with a lot of little folded up papers in the jar. Votes. Pity votes he didn't want.
"Fuck, we need to get out of here. I can't." Stan looked around the dance again for a familiar face, finding none. He pushed back through a door leading out into the hall.
He found himself in the market section that the prom had set up. He could see carnival games, food booths and places to take pictures. He didn't want a picture without Wendy. He scanned the area but his date or any of his friends were nowhere to be found. He found a doorway through some dark tapestries and peeked in. It was quiet and calm inside, with colorful lights glowing. No one seemed to be in there and Stan didn't want to deal with people at the moment. He just needed some time to himself. He was so tired of worrying about everything and worrying everyone.
A low table sat in the middle as well as a large plush cushion that looked inviting to curl up on. Stan let the curtain drop behind him and with a bit of difficulty he laid himself on the low bench, looking over the items on the table.
A Crystal ball, reflecting back at him in pearlescent light and a stack of cards face down in front of it. A chart he had no idea on where to decipher on it, minus the names of planets and the moon on it. Stan stared at the Crystal ball, trying to get his anxiety under control. He focused on taking deep breaths while lying in the fetal position.
A cold wind seemed to go through the little tent and Stan gripped his arm and chest instinctively. He was just waiting for a shock or to pass out and ruin everything. The cards on the table scattered and one landed right over his heart. Stan looked down curiously, he wasn't much for woo woo stuff. But maybe this would be harmless. He picked up the tarot card that landed on him and turned it around.
It was the death card.
He moaned in defeat and made a move to throw it when the back of the tent opened up to a woman coming in.
"Hello." She said, she was wearing a long deep blue dress with colorful designs on it. Her shoulder length red hair was tied back with a ribbon. She wore lots of silver bracelets and necklaces, along with large hoop earrings swaying with her movements.
"I'm sorry." Stan got up, slapping down the death card. He tried to stand up quickly but the pain in his arm and chest wasn't going to let him. "I'll leave, but just give me a minute."
"You don't want a reading from Lady Danica?" The woman asked.
"No, sorry but I've never really believed in this stuff. I've been to crazy places and seen shit you wouldn't believe. I don't need a cold reading at my prom." Stan makes a move to stand up again, the death card faced up on the table.
"I see you've been through something." Lady Danica says again.
"Yeah, you and everyone else in this school." Stan shoots back. "Sorry, I guess I'm stuck here until the pain subsides."
"Like you were drawn here? The school hired me to give you kids readings but not many have come through."
"Hmmm well fine. Try me. I came in here to get away from everyone else. But now I can't leave." Stan grumbles.
"Perhaps the cards called to you?" Lady Danica starts to shuffle the tarot deck but doesn't make a move to retrieve the death card between them.
"Something called me. I was trapped for a bit, didn't know how to move on. Then I guess I had to push through." Stan settled a bit to let his pulse and body relax as he talked to this lady. The card with skeleton on the horse still scared him.
"So, it seems perfectly reasonable you drew the death card, ah."
"My name is…Kyle." Stan looked away. If this was the only person in the building who didn't know he wanted to keep it that way. Be treated normally. "Why the death card?"
"Contrary to popular belief, the death card doesn't mean you're going to die. More it's the ending of a life event and leaving things that aren't going to serve you. Maybe since you kids are about to graduate and go off to college." Lady Danica explains.
Stan worries a moment if he's looking pale, that this woman is going to ask if he's feeling sick when he's feeling just fine, Goddammit. He takes a deep breath. "What else do you think? Just to hear what you have to say."
"Well, death is an ending, but it also means a transformation. That there is beauty in death and an appreciation in being alive. Things end and you're renewed for the better in the end." Lady Danica places the death card in the middle of the table as Stan peers at it now.
He feels a shiver down his spine at it's cold at the moment, around him is the scent of sandalwood incense, the beat of the hip hop playing radiates through Stan's body, the soft velvet of the bench he's sitting on, even the feeling of pain through his broken body. He takes in another breath, ache in his arm, the feeling of stitches healing, ribs that gave him sharp pain as he inhaled. He was alive, despite all his complaining and feeling unworthy of it, he had been given his gift of life back. Through the efforts of his friends, family, and doctors.
Stan's eyes open up and he blinks back tears. He smiles at the lady hired to tell fortunes, probably fake as fuck but having him be anonymous for a bit. He grins as he wipes his eye.
"Stan?" Comes a voice from the outside.
"In here, Wendy! I need some help." Stan calls back.
Wendy appears in the tent; she looks luminous in the dim light. Her dress glittering, dark hair so shiny, big green eyes filled with worry. "I didn't know what happened to you. I'm so happy you're okay."
"I am. Can you help me up?" Stan says sheepishly.
Wendy holds her arms out and Stan is finally able to her fully up, even if he feels pain go
through his arms and chest, he stumbles into Wendy embrace. Her soft skin, the smell of her perfume. He leans in to give her a kiss. "I love you, Wendy. I love you so much. Thank you."
"All that for helping you up? I…love you too. I'm happy I found you. They're going to announce the prom king and queen soon."
Stan inhales sharply. He didn't want to be a pity vote. He didn't want this. "Can we go out to the limo? Please?"
"Of course, anything for you, Stan." Wendy takes his hand as they move out of the medieval market and around the dance. The song is coming to an end as the teachers get up on stage to announce.
Wendy holds a finger to her mouth as she and Stan creep through the side door, Wendy trying not to think about Stan being rushed out of the door on the day he collapsed.
She blinks back tears as they step out into the cool night. Stan looks at his girlfriend, his fingers interlaced with hers as he touches the tear going down her cheek. "Oh, don't cry Wendy. It's going great. I just wanted alone time with you and avoid the king and queen thing."
"I'm sorry, it's just with Bebe freaking out and feeling reminders." Wendy steps forward as they reach the limo.
"Reminders?" Stan asks as he opens the door to the limo.
"I don't want to bum you out. The gym, and seeing you laying there, you being rushed out by the paramedics." Wendy let's out a little sob and covers her mouth.
"I know, I'm sorry." Stan steps forward to hug her. "It's shitty it happened and I'm sorry for ignoring my symptoms. I know I'm lucky to have survived and I don't think I would have if it weren't for you and Kyle."
"I know I need time to process. I can't even believe that happened." Wendy puts her arms around Stan, sobbing into his chest.
Stan shuts her eyes and holds her, the moonlight poured on them, the sound of crickets as spring was rolling in, the softness of Wendy's hair. "I'll be here if you need time. Take as much time as you need." Stan murmurs into her ear. "I'm not going anywhere."
"I am Stan and I hate to leave you behind." Wendy sniffs as she's held. "I feel horrible how this turned out."
"I feel okay, lighter if anything. Things happen for a reason. Go and kick ass in Chicago. I'll visit when I can." Stan sways slightly with her in his arms, as if they were dancing to the symphony of crickets.
The peaceful moment is interrupted at the clicking of high heels. Bebe comes up to them, Stan's grip tightened slightly on Wendy.
"Stan! You're needed inside!" Bebe says quickly.
"I told you; I don't want prom king. It's embarrassing." Stan said. "Come on Wendy, let's go."
Bebe put a hand on Stan's shoulder. "It's not you, someone else won. I think you should see."
Stan took in a deep breath as Wendy looked at him curiously. They followed Bebe back into the hot and packed gym to see the spectacle.
Kyle stood on stage, face looking as red as his hair as Sophie stood next to them. The teacher was placing crowns on their heads.
Stan couldn't help but smile. He started to cheer and whistle at the stage as the teacher draped a cape on Kyle and handed Sophie a bouquet of flowers. Kyle held Sophie's hand, but he scanned the crowd until his eyes met Stan's. He waved as Stan whooped and hollered back. Wendy grinned as she joined in the applause, soon Bebe and Kenny were clapping too.
Except for Cartman booing at the stage, all the other classmates were clapping and cheering. Stan took in the atmosphere; everything had worked out for some reason. Crazy his heart had tried to kill him but Kyle, Wendy, Kenny and everyone had fought for him when he was ready to give up.
Kyle deserved to be the king, more than that for helping Stan and being by his side. Stan took in the applause and cheers, thankful he got to experience it. He owed Kyle his life, and he'd spend the rest of the time given back to him to show his appreciation.