Title: The World through the Eyes of a Basket Case
Author: TWBasketcase
Chapter Summary: Chapter 38; picks up from chapter 37. This will be the prom night (in full so rather long). We will see Claire's reaction to John, the group's interactions, the winner of the prom queen title, and a few unexpected – and expected – confrontations (of course).
Rating: T
A/N: Thanks a bunch for all the reviews for the last chapter; I'm glad you guys enjoyed it. This is probably going to be the big chapter where all the shit hits the fan…climax of sorts; then from here on out will be tying everything up for the ending. Thanks for all the support and reviews…as well as those other 150 or so that read and don't review. Thanks everyone and I hope you enjoy chapter 38.

Chapter 38 – Forever

Time seemed to stand still at that moment; the band was gone, the students were gone, no one was left except the cool, collected criminal and the stunned red headed princess. Claire's mouth remained opened and her eyes held such a tense and unreadable expression. Andy let go of her shoulders and stepped back to join the rest of our group; Michelle, Brian, and I were no longer shocked…now very curious. How in the holy hell did Andy…of all people…get John Bender here? Why in the holy hell did neither of them bother to tell me? What the hell is going in Claire's head? This will either be one giant slap in the face for the both of them or the end of what could have been World War Three.

Claire dropped her hands to the sides of her slender, white dress and just remained frozen. John dropped his cigarette to the floor and stepped on it; his eyes still never breaking contact from her. He stepped forward – if I wasn't mistaken a little apprehensively – and approached her. She closed her mouth and bit her lip; clenching and unclenching her fists at her sides. It's still pretty hard to tell if she is happy about this or not.

He jammed his hands into his pockets and cocked his head to the side, "You still there?"

Claire shook her head, "Yeah I just…"

He nodded, "Yeah I know."

She sighed and crossed her arms, "I cannot believe you showed up here."

He smirked, "Well I always considered a position in the male escort business."

She let out an amused snort and then covered her mouth with her hands; and not soon after a tear rolled down her cheek. John just watched quietly not making a single move; as if he just wanted her to get herself together and say what she has to say.

"No jokes, okay?"

He nodded in response and she wiped her face, "Why did you come? I thought for sure…"

"It needed to be done. I fucked up so I thought I could pay you back some how…even though this is the cheesiest shit on the planet."

She shook her head, "No it's not…it means the world to me."

He nodded and kicked at the ground distractedly, "I know…"

She looked him straight in the eyes and cut him off, "I was fully prepared to be here with someone else tonight, you know. Kept telling myself I'm over you and that I'm moving on. I thought for sure I was going to have a new start and stay away from all the painful bullshit my heart's been through the past couple months."

He set his jaw and slightly narrowed his eyes, "And here I was thinking I was the greatest thing that ever happened to ya…" He rolled his eyes and his voice dripped with sarcasm.

Claire rolled her eyes right back, "You are cocky, and arrogant, and stone cold. I don't know what the hell to do with you…"

"I could suggest a number of things."

"John!" She groaned in frustration, "I wasn't expecting this…you were the last person in the world I thought I would see here with me tonight."

He looked at her; his face was set but his eyes looked scared as hell. They were glassed over and focused solely on her. He tried to keep up the cocky attitude…but the slightly slumped shoulders and fists in the pockets kinda seemed as though he was literally screaming for forgiveness on the inside. He breathed slowly, "And?"

She shrugged distantly and fingered the tiny bracelet on her wrist. Then her eyes met his, "I didn't expect you here and I was ready for someone else…but I only wanted you here."

His eyes widened and he nodded understandingly – a little relieved too, "I figured as much."

She gave him a mock glare, "Bullshit you were shaking in those way too clunky boots of yours."

He smirked, "I just wanted to be used."

"That's why you're wearing my earring tonight?"

His eyes shot to the floor and he grinned; it made me smile in delight! No matter how much he wanted to put up a tough guy front tonight I'm sure Claire can see right through it this time…and damn it is about time! He looked back up at her after a few moments, "Sporto told me if I dressed like a slob he would bring me to see his lobotomy surgeon…it's the only nice thing I had laying around."

She smiled and approached him wrapping her arms around his neck slowly and hugging him. He rolled his eyes – obviously to humor his audience – and hugged her back, "So we cool then?"

She pulled back and stepped back a step, "We'll see how things go."

He dipped his chin and looked at her playfully, "I think I can handle that."

She rolled her eyes and she turned back to Andy, "I do not know what the hell you did…or what torture you threatened him with but thank you."

Andy smirked and the smiled, "Your welcome…I guess."

She grinned and readjusted the strap on her shoulders, "Alright then…I guess its time to have some fun?"

Bender grinned, "Damn straight…I brought some vodka to spike the punch, some silly string to get Vernon, and a stink bomb…I think we are set."

I started to laugh as Claire and Michelle looked at him with both looks of horror and scold. Andy bit back his laughter and Brian just looked relieved everyone is getting along again. I couldn't agree more.

"Can I have your attention please?" Came a voice over the speakers. I turned to see Vernon on the stage; he looked pretty agitated…almost as if he didn't want to be there. He was dressed in a simple (yet Bender would probably say cheesy) mustard yellow suit with a brown tie. He looked like he just dyed his hair.

"I just want to welcome you to your prom…and go over a few rules," He paused and glared at some of the faces that released groans his way, "If you are caught with any sort of substance tonight the police are already on standby in the parking lot and you will be escorted home. There is food and drinks available on the tables against the south and west walls. They are yours free for the taking; I also just want to say that the dance will end at midnight tonight and you are all to leave at that time. I would appreciate it if you stayed in the gymnasium as much as possible and do not leave unless deemed absolutely necessary. So have fun tonight…just don't let me find you getting into any trouble!" He walked off of the stage briskly and I looked back at the others.

Bender shook his head, "Even on a night where everyone gets fucked up and laid Dick's panties are still in a bunch."

Andy gave him a smile and grinned, "So you're happy you're here then?"

Bender rolled his eyes and smirked, "No chance in hell Sporto."

I shot him a smirk right back, "You liar."

He glared, "What do you know anyways, kook?"

I smirked and punched him playfully, "Nice tie."

He raised his eyebrows and looked around to everyone, "I thought it would set the mood for a sex fest tonight."

Michelle and I groaned in unison and we burst into a fit of laughter while John stood standing proud of his comment. Claire gave him a nervous look, "Don't talk like that."

Bender cocked an eyebrow and turned to her, "Fine then…everyone's sex fest except Bender and Claire's…we will just sit in the cherry club then, cherry!"

She furrowed her eyebrows and the bit her lip to hold back – what looked to be – laughter. She gave him an awkward glance and then looked to the rest of us, "Is someone ready to dance…I love this song."

Brian bit his lip, "I already have a dance partner," and with that he grabbed Michelle by the hand and led her away to the floor away from all the circular tables. I tried to stifle a laugh when Claire looked at me with a wide open mouth…so I took the hint, "Oh my Andy…that bass player is real good looking, let's go check him out!" And with that I squeaked and led him off by the arm in another direction. I heard him laughing behind me, "Do you honestly think I am going to check out this band goof?"

"Oh shut up," I replied with a laugh, "I was giving them a push in the right direction," I continued mockingly. He turned me around and wrapped his arms around my waist. I gave him a warm smile and looked over his shoulder at John and Claire, "They seem to be getting along."

He turned his head around and grinned, "I figured they would." John pretended to drop a cigarette on the ground and watched – rather intently – as she bent over to pick it up. I shook my head and turned back to him, "How did you do it?"

He cocked an eyebrow, "How do you think?"

I rolled my eyes as I placed my arms around his neck and began to dance softly to the music, "I dunno, bribe?"

He snorted, "No, how do you think a guy like me can convince a guy like John to do anything?"

I cocked an eyebrow and shrugged…trying to figure out where he was going with this. He smiled and looked down, "Competition."

I narrowed my eyes with confusion, "Competition?"

Andy nodded, "All I had to do was tell him that I was being the bigger man by going to a prom to impress my lady. I told him he was such a wussy he couldn't even look nice."

I raised my eyebrows and he laughed, "And he got real pissed saying he was a bigger man he just didn't hang out at cheese fests."

"And what did you say?"

He winked, "I said well I guess he won't be getting laid tonight…and that I would just get Claire someone else. Have a fun time by yourself tonight Johnny boy."

I laughed, "Man you two are like wolves or something…always fighting over dominance or something."

He laughed as well and shrugged, "It worked didn't it?"

I shook my head as the song changed, "After all these months bugging him to say sorry and he won't…and he listens to you. That just blows my mind I'm sorry."

He shrugged, "That's alright…look on the bright side…that little plan to get him to the prom you were talking about? At least one of us followed through."

I scoffed, "Yeah but I was the one who got BOTH of them to admit they still wanted each other."

He grinned, "Alright, alright…I'll give you some honorable mention."

I smiled and leaned a little closer to him; I was close enough to feel his breath on my neck and almost close enough to feel his heart beating. On a night like tonight all I want to do is be with him; this is pretty much going to be the last big hurrah for the Breakfast Club before the others leave. I wanted everything to go right tonight and by the looks of Brian's silly grin and Michelle's crazy dance moves…and Claire and John seated at a table having a civil conversation – smiles, laughter and all – it looks as though we are on the right track.

The song ended and we walked back together towards Brian and Michelle who were standing at a table, "You looked like you were having some fun out there."

Brian grinned, "She's crazy."

I smiled, "Nice to see the finger pointed at someone else for a change."

Michelle laughed, "I know, I think I should mellow a bit before I break into a sweat."

Andy grinned, "Do you guys want me to go grab some drinks?"

I nodded my head and smiled, "Please?"

He nodded and looked at Brian and Michelle for confirmation; they nodded in response and Andy stalked away.

Michelle looked at me excitedly, "I cannot believe he got John here! What did he have to do?"

I shrugged, "The story sounds a little unbelievable…yet very believable."

Brian looked at me with raised eyebrows, "Al, I watched the whole thing. Some of the things they said to each other were so vulgar I blushed…and usually cursing doesn't affect me all that much."

I rolled my eyes, "I don't wanna know what they said quite personally."

Brian laughed, "Well let's just say they used some pretty explicit things to beat each other out of the argument."

Michelle rolled her eyes and laughed, "Those two have too much testosterone for my liking."

I laughed and was about to sit down when I heard a voice, "Hey Brian!"

We all turned around to the table behind us and I saw the three kids that Brian and I had eaten lunch with earlier in the week. Brian grinned and turned to face Michelle, "Do you want to meet my friends?"

She smiled curiously, "Yeah, sure I do."

We made our way over to the table and the three kids gave Brian huge grins, "How are you fellas tonight?"

Tom nodded his head, "It is actually kinda fun."

Ted nodded in agreement, "Yeah the band is great…I haven't ever heard anyone cover The Cars like that, well except The Cars!" He laughed and cracked a huge grin across his freckled face. I grinned in return, "You like The Cars?"

He smiled and adjusted the collar on his blue suit, "Sure do! Larry here has their whole record collection!"

I turned my face to look at Larry; his blonde hair combed straight back and had on a brown suit with a matching tie. He is about 5'9", about two inches taller than Andy but he is pretty skinny. Larry smiled a toothy grin, "Yeah I do."

I widened my eyes and nodded, "That's pretty impressive; I work in a record store and some of their stuff is very hard to find."

He winked, "I have my sources."

I smiled and Brian cleared his throat, "Well guys I just wanted to introduce you to my date."

They all straightened up and smoothed down their suits in unison; showing very sudden interest at the moment. Brian chuckled and grabbed Michelle's hand, "Michelle this is Ted, Tom, and Larry."

Michelle smiled as the boys waved, "Hey Ted you're in my calculus, aren't you?"

Ted nodded, "Ms. Taylor? Yeah, she's pretty good ain't she?"

Michelle nodded amusedly, "For some reason I always enjoyed calculus."

Ted nodded, "Yeah me too."

Larry snorted, "Calculus is for dweebs."

I looked at him with interest, "What do you take?"

Larry turned to face me but was cut off by a voice, "Here are your drinks guys." I felt my face pale and I turned to face Andy and noticed how his face managed to pale at the sight of who I was talking to. I know he hasn't said sorry to him yet – which we talked about weeks ago in the park – he always felt so guilty and that he should never be forgiven for the way he treated him.

I looked at Larry, who had a look of surprise on his face. I looked at Brian quickly and he was quickly looking between Andy and Larry. Larry seemed very amused at Andy's discomfort. Andy cleared his throat and placed the drinks down on the table, "Hey fellas."

Ted and Tom gave him a brief nod and stared down at their hands while Larry stared intently at Andy, "Hello Andrew."

Andy's eye glanced hurriedly around the table, "Nice night tonight."

Larry let out a couch of laughter, "No sense in beating around the bush, huh? We all know what you did, why act uncomfortable…I'm over it." He kept his eyes glued to Andy's as Andy himself jammed his hands into his dress pants pockets.

"I…uh…" Andy glanced around heat rising to his face. I felt so bad for him at the moment.

"What?" Larry asked getting a little angry.

"Look I just want to have a good time tonight, okay? I don't want any…" Andy started.

Larry put his arms on the table, "And what exactly is your idea of a good time, Clark? Beating the hell out of people in gym class? Playing with their asses?"

The heat rose to Andy's face as he clenched his jaw, "Look man, I'm sorry about what happened okay? I know I'm an ass for doing it and you don't have to forgive me…but let's not start a scene, okay?"

Larry smirked, "I thought starting a scene at other people's expense was a good time?"

Andy swallowed hard, "Look I'm sorry Larry, and I don't know what else to say…"

Larry opened his mouth to reply but Tom cut him off, "Shut it Larry."

Larry looked at him in surprise; as did Ted, Brian, and Andy. Tom took a deep breath, "I think you made the situation awkward enough…he's obviously trying to change…I mean, Brian likes him, he couldn't be that bad."

A look of hurt passed through Larry's eyes and then was replaced by irritation and he looked back at Andy, "You get the hell away from my table and don't look at or talk to me ever again and we'll call it even…alright muscle head?"

Andy opened his mouth to reply but I put an arm on his elbow; he looked so hurt and humiliated but I know he thinks – as well as other people – he deserves it. Andy usually wasn't one to give up so easily – not to anyone including myself – and never backed down. But tonight he did and that doesn't surprise me. I knew this moment was to come sometime…he has been beating himself up over it since it happened. He slowly nodded his head and gathered his drink, "Have a good evening guys."

He turned his back and walked towards the table to sit with John and Claire; who in turn had confused looks on their faces in noticing Andy's slumped appearance. I turned back to the table as noticed Ted and Tom's mouths having dropped open and a mask of hurt on Larry's face. Brian in turn looked angry.

"I can't believe you sent king jock shit away from the table, Larry!" Ted squealed – voice cracking – almost proudly.

Larry shrugged sadly, "I didn't want it to be that way but I just couldn't help it…maybe he'll reconsider bullying kids now that he knows what it's like to be humiliated in front of a crowd."

Brian snorted loudly and all heads turned his way, "That's rich…"

Larry narrowed his eyes at Brian, "What did you want me to do, huh? Give him a high five and offer him a beer?"

Brian shook his head and rolled his shoulders lazily, "No…I am not condoning what he did; but there is no reason for you to sink to that low Larry. You could have been the better man to stand up and shake his hand. He is over that kind of shit. He is my friend."

"And so am I!" Larry shouted pointing to his chest for emphasis.

"Brian," I interrupted, "Just let it be."

Brian shook his head, "All I know is that tonight is supposed to be a fun night and there is no way I am letting any pig headedness ruin it." And with that he walked off in the same direction Andy did leaving Michelle and I with his friends.

Michelle glanced around uncomfortably until her eyes set on me, then back to the table, "It really was nice meeting you guys."

Tom stood up and shook her hand, "My pleasure." She grinned as Ted stood up to do the same, "Nice meeting you Michelle." She nodded, "Nice meeting you Larry?"

Larry looked up at her embarrassed, "Yeah; I'm sorry about the way I acted…just an overload of emotions."

Michelle nodded, "It's okay really. I'm sure we'll have another time in the future to talk again."

Larry nodded numbly and I mumbled a good bye to them all and started walking back towards the rest of the group. They say chatting amiably together, although it seemed rather tense in the air – once again. I sat down next to Andy and held his hand in my lap; he looked up at me and smiled gratefully, "Well that was interesting."

I nodded and sighed, "Yeah…but, don't let it bother you please?"

Andy nodded, "I told you we are going to have a nice time tonight and that is what is going to happen, okay?"

I nodded and gave him a reassuring smile so he returned the gesture. I looked over to Claire and John, "How are you guys doing so far?"

Claire looked at John who actually wore a smile on his face – well more like a cocky grin, "I'm having fun; got to talk about some things."

I nodded, "Good…I'm glad you guys are having fun."

Bender snorted, "I just can't wait to cream someone." Claire shot him a look and he shrugged. I laughed at their antics and addressed the rest of the group, "So what is the plan for tonight?"

Michelle's eyes lit up, "Well we have a limo rented for the evening," she started referring to Brian and Claire, "we could also use my mom's pool house to hang out…or go to an after party."

Andy raised his eyebrows in interest, "Who's putting it on?"

Claire and Michelle looked at each other amusedly, "Stubby," they replied in unison.

Andy nodded, "It's been awhile since I went to one of his parties."

Bender snorted, "Some jock is gonna let everyone trash his house tonight? I'm definitely in."

I raised an eyebrow, "Are we all invited this time?"

Claire laughed, "Stubby isn't actually such a bad guy; he has a huge house, huge property…as long as he has his booze I don't think he gives two shits who attends; I don't even think he will remember by tomorrow morning anyways."

I nodded as the band started playing a song; it was a cover of David Bowie's 'Changes'. I hummed along to the words and looked back at the table.

"Someone want to dance with me?" Claire asked chirpily.

"I'll dance with you," Andy replied. Claire smiled and the two of them set off to the floor, and seconds later Brian and Michelle joined them…I looked at Bender and glared as he gave me a goofy grin, "I don't think so."

He snorted, "Dancing ain't my thing anyways, Al, don't kid yourself."

I laughed, "Well then again prom wasn't your thing either."

He shrugged, "True…but it worked to my advantage, didn't it?"

I nodded, "That was pretty brave of you, ya know."

He smirked and reached for a cigarette; he popped a match off of his tooth and lit it quickly and tried to be discreet with it, "Ya well I am a regular old risk taker."

I snorted and he looked at me with his eyebrows raised, "What do you think about this crap?"

"What crap?"

He swept his hands and gestured around the room, "All this crap…prom or whatever those dickheads wanna call it."

I laughed, "I'm actually having fun believe it or not. This was a lot different than I thought it would be."

He nodded, "It's a nice set up I guess."

I grinned, "You know you're having fun, just admit it."

He rolled his eyes towards the ceiling and played with the cherry printed tie around his neck, "Not a chance in hell."

"Figures as much."

He took a long drag on his cigarette, "Look Al, this ain't our scene and you know that just as well as I do. We're damn lucky some shit hasn't hit the fan yet. And quite frankly I have to pull something…I just need the right victim."

I sighed, "John…who says this isn't our scene? It's our school too."

He cocked an eyebrow and stubbed out his smoke, "Yeah it's our school too…but this formal shit, happy dancing preppy kids; it just ain't our scene. For all I know you'll turn into Carrie by the end of night or some shit."

I snorted, "You would like that wouldn't ya? I'll make sure you are the first person I come after."

He smirked, "Yeah I would like that it would be cool as hell."

"What walking around with pig blood all over me?"

He laughed real loud, "No the thought of you chasing people looking all scary like and them running for their lives as the school burns down. I wonder how Dick would react to that…"

"John I'm not pulling a Carrie and that's the end of it."

The song ended and the others returned to the table laughing. Bender raised his eyebrows mockingly and took a small swig of the flask he had buried in his pocket. He was about to open his mouth when he was interrupted, "Well good evening Queer Club."

I rolled my eyes and turned around to face Ashley and two of her friends, "Nice dress Ashley…even for a sleaze like yourself I figured you had more class than that to be popping out THAT much."

"Very funny," she mocked perkily slamming down some papers on the table, "ballots."

I raised an eyebrow and sure enough they were the prom queen ballots, "Well this choice will be hard."

Ashley grinned tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, "Well vote all you want…we all know who is going to win by a landslide."

I took a good look at the very revealing and slender teal dress she had on; she wore her blonde hair down and over-did the make up just a tad, "Why you offer blow jobs to everyone in the school in exchange for a vote?" Bender piped up.

She glared at him as Jack and Greg approached her from behind; she placed a hand on her hip and pointed at him, "Why don't you keep your mouth shut you piece of west end, white trash!"

He placed his hand over his heart mockingly, "Oh god it hurts! I'm in agony! Someone give me a gun!"

Andy snorted and looked up to Ashley, "Just be on your way now."

She puckered her lips a bit, "Never thought I would here those words outta your mouth."

He rolled his eyes, "Yeah well they did…so go pass out your stupid ballots."

Jack pointed in his direction, "Don't you talk to her that way."

Andy rolled his eyes, "Oh so sorry Sir Jack! I apologize for telling your bitch to get the hell away from my table."

Jack narrowed his eyes, "At least my bitch has class."

Ashley squealed, "I am NOT your bitch!"

Andy laughed, "Your 'bitch' has no class…sorry. Moving on…"

Greg poked his head in from behind Jack, "Yo Clark, what happened to you man? You used to be so cool."

Bender snorted, "He got his lobotomy reversed and finally got to wash his jock…now run along and go do the same."

"You piece of west end, white trash!" He yelled.

Bender rolled his eyes, "Dude she already called me that."

Greg looked at Ashley, who in turn just glared at him and stormed off; Jack shook his head, "Yeah good one man."

Greg scratched his head in confusion as Michelle and Claire just burst into a fit of laughs. He trotted off to find his cronies as Brian reached across the table and grabbed the ballots and passed them out to each one of us. I picked mine up and scanned the names; four queen candidates and five king candidates.

"Darryl Schneider is running?" Andy asked with a big smirk on his face.

"Who is that?" I asked.

Claire wrinkled her nose and laughed, "Co-head cheerleader."

Bender rolled his eyes, "Oh god…"

"What?"

"There are bigger homos in this school than Sporto."

Andy snorted and Michelle chuckled, "He had actually quite the reputation for playing girls around the school John."

Bender sighed over dramatically, "He is a fucking cheerleader! How is that attractive at all?"

Claire laughed, "Some girls like a man who can embrace his feminine side…you should try it sometime, you might like it."

A look of disgust passed over his face, "No thanks…a leave that up to the fairies in tights."

Andy snorted and kicked him from under the table as the rest of us laughed. Claire grinned, "I guess we should vote now."

We all grabbed our papers…and obviously filled in one box in particular. The winner was to be announced at the end of the night and so far we over half way there; in about a half an hour they were to announce the title and things were bound to get maybe just a little sticky from there. Bender coughed and stood up briefly, "I need to drain my lizard."

Andy rolled his eyes, "Nice announcement, prick."

Bender snorted and stalked off; I eyed his retreating form warily and looked back to the others, "What do you think he is really gonna do?"

Claire released a breath in a huff, "Oh god, who knows? All I do know for sure is I am NOT bailing him out tonight."

Michelle let out a short chuckle, "I don't think you have to worry about that…Bender may be an ass but he is a smart ass."

Claire giggled and took a sip of her drink and paused, "Better yet…on the topic of Bender remind me not to drink anything else from here tonight unless it is from a water fountain."

I nodded knowingly and turned to face Andy who stood up, "Come on."

I smiled, "Where?"

He shrugged, "Come on."

I stood up and waved off the others and followed Andy towards…the change rooms? I cocked an eyebrow and gave him a curious look as he held the door open for me. He smiled reassuringly and I entered the room.

"What's up?"

He shrugged as he led me towards the other side of the room, "Just wanted to get away from the music for a minute and talk to you."

"Anything important?"

He shook his head and stuck his hands in his pockets, "Nah…I just like to talk to ya is all."

I smiled at that and paused as he opened up another door, "Where we going?"

"Just an easier way to get outside without being hassled by anyone," He led me through the corridors and out an entrance door in the south east hallway; this door in particular led out to the courtyard, which consisted of a few benches, a couple of trees, a fountain, and some strobe lights. It wasn't the most romantic part of the school on this night but it was quiet and secluded for the time being.

I took a seat on a bench that sat under a willow tree; there was the perfect view of the moon from here and the fountain was directly to my left; being dressed up with all the strobe lights on made everything look so pretty. And I was happy I was here with the one person I liked to share everything with.

"Are you having a good time so far tonight?" He asked wrapping his arm around my lower back.

"Yeah I am…everything just seems to be so, I dunno, picturesque. I never imagined some stupid high school prom to turn out this way."

He smiled softly, "So you are glad that you came then?"

I paused and then smiled at him, "Yeah I am."

He leaned over and pressed his lips softly against mine, "You know before I asked you to come…my friends were trying to hook me up with all these cheerleaders and stuff; I don't think I would have had as good of a night if I went with one of them instead. I mean its funny how everything works out in the end…I feel bad for doing what I did to Larry and all but it was kind of that exact incident that started everything, you know? Detention, guilt, spilling my guts, changing for the better, me and you…it all started with a makeover and a little kiss."

I chuckled, "Yeah…I didn't even stick with the stupid make over."

He shrugged, "I wouldn't have cared if you did or not. That's not why I love you."

I smiled, "Thank you for that, you know. I don't know what would have become of me if I had just lurked around all day some more…kept myself closed in…kept on cutting myself."

He looked at me with sad eyes and he grabbed my hand, "I'll always be here for you…alright? I don't want you to forget that."

I looked downward and sighed, "But you won't always be here and you know that. Only two months left and you are gone; for like four years…thousands of miles away."

He sighed irritably, "I don't want you to think that way! There will be Christmas, and summer vacation…"

"And how many of those Christmases and summer holidays are you actually going to make it down here, huh? I know for a fact you don't have all the money to ride planes back and forth two or three times a year. It isn't going to work that way and you know it."

He sighed and pulled me closer, "Let's not make this any harder on ourselves, okay? I want to enjoy this night and remember it…I wanna remember this as a happy memory for us." He tucked some hair behind my ear and rubbed my chin with his finger, "Don't think about it right now."

I nodded and sighed, "Okay…I think I can handle that."

He kissed my forehead and pulled me closer to him. I looked up to the sky and saw how clear it was; all the stars were visible, the moon was glowing a dark orange color, and the air felt fresh and sweet. The light from the moon spilt over the outside walls of Shermer High School like a water color would look like. It shone through the fountain in shattered pieces along the foot deep water surface. The water rippled causing a disco ball effect on the ground immediately to the right. It was glorious.

"Allison?"

I looked up to him, "Yeah?"

He blinked a few times and smiled, "I love you."

My heart melted and my legs felt like bricks; every time the word comes out of his mouth my stomach flips and my mouth goes dry, and my hands clammy. The look in his eyes when he says it is enough to make my knees go weak. I smiled back, "I love you too."

He nodded and grinned happily, extending his hand out to me in the process; I accepted and he pulled me to me feet. He rubbed his hands softly over my hips and leant forward to press his mouth against mine. I cupped his cheeks in my palm and pressed myself closer to him. He opened his mouth slowly and I let my tongue enter, his hands caressing the small of my back. He pulled back and rested his forehead against mine, "Good memories?"

I nodded with a smile, "Good memories."

He grabbed hold of my hand and led me back through the doors towards the inside of the school. The corridors were a lot quieter now and the band had stopped playing so I think it was definitely prom queen time. We quickened our pace and made it to the gym doors in a matter of seconds. When we entered people were gathered around the stage coupled up; and Dick Vernon himself stood in front of the microphone. I spotted Claire's hair and made my way over with Andy in tow. I stopped curtly beside her and gave her a warm smile as Andy wrapped his arms around my waist; she smiled in return and her gaze returned to the stage.

"The votes have been tallied and all results WILL be final," Vernon droned; he didn't look too impressed at all…if anyone pulls the Carrie tonight it looks like it will probably be him, he held up a card, "this year's prom King is…Michael McGregor." A bunch of Sport's from the front of the room hoot and hollered for their friend; one even going as far as throwing balled up napkins at him. Andrew shook his head and laughed.

Vernon rolled his eyes, "Neanderthals," the Kind stopped to give him a wry look and Vernon just shook his head, "And now the winner of the Prom Queen title." He opened up the card and looked at the name hesitantly; I looked over to my right and saw Ashley standing confidently with Jack by her side; Michelle to my left stood with her fingers crossed and Brian on her arm. I sighed and watched Vernon intently.

"And the winner…by a landslide…"

"Thank you! Thank you everyone!" Ashley chirped as she rushed up the stairs and yanked the crown away from Mr. Ryan he looked at Vernon confused and Vernon rolled his eyes, "Ashley you didn't win."

She stopped dead in her tracks, "Excuse me?"

Vernon sighed, "I said You. Didn't. Win. Now get off the stage."

Bender let out a howl, "Go Dick! You are the fucking man!"

Vernon glared at John from the stage, "That's enough! Now Ashley please hand over the crown."

Her arms fell to her sides and she scoffed, "I am not giving this crown to that Breakfast low life! I won fair and square!"

I looked at Michelle who looked very anxious to be announced; I turned back to the scene before me; Vernon glared, "What the hell are you talking about? Gimme that!" He grabbed the crown from her grasp and held up his card, "Your winner by a landslide, Melissa Thomas!"

The perky red headed cheerleader I recognized from the campaign speeches screeched and ran up the steps – just as chirpy and energetic as I remembered her to be. What a turn of events! Michelle herself looked a little shocked but in the end had a big grin on her face after witnessing Ashley's reaction. Her face was of complete horror and her jaw was dropped right down to the floor. She watched Melissa accept her crown with fire in her eyes. Bender looked back at me, "Carrie, Al!"

I rolled my eyes and watched as Jack jumped onto the stage and tried to the best of his ability to lead her off of the stage. She pulled her arm back swiftly, "I cannot believe this!"

Jack furrowed his brow, "Ash…come on."

She turned to Vernon, "This is a joke, right?"

Vernon folded his arms, "Ms. Young will you please get off the stage?"

I looked at the others who just looked nervous as to what Shermer's Carrie was about to do next; she looked like she was ready to go postal! Her fists clenched at her side and her jaw was set.

"I knew this would come in handy…" I heard Bender mutter, and seconds later Ashley's entire face was being sprayed down in bright green silly string; her eyes, her mouth, her hair, and the top of her dress. She let out a shrill shriek and Bender let out a howl of laughter. She went to run from the stage – much to my amusement – but didn't manage to find the steps properly and completed a good looking face plant to the floor.

The room went silent for a moment.

But then erupted into a fit of laughter at the drama princess herself.

She shrieked and rubbed the silly string off of her face only to be met with the sight of laughs and smirks of the entire school; the bitch was finally getting what she deserved. To be on the receiving end of things probably hurt like a bitch…and as much as I hate to say it I sorta felt bad.

But in the end my more revengeful side came out on top and I joined in the laughter.

She gathered her bearings and ran full speed out of the gym with Jack hot on her tail.

Vernon shook his head, "Okay you spoiled brats! Here's your King and Queen dance and the last dance of the night! Then I want all of your ass's outta here!" The band started up once again and Melissa and Michael made their way towards the center of the dance floor. To the beat of that familiar, but can't think of the title, Simple Minds song they began to sway together. I looked at Claire who was wiping tears from her eyes, "How was that for a Prom Night!"

Michelle just laughed in response and grabbed Brian and began to dance. Bender scrunched up his nose and raised his eyebrows at them, "I got that chick good didn't I?"

We just laughed once more until everyone around us was taking their last dance for the night; I turned to Andrew who gave me a small smile, "One more?"

I nodded, "What the hell."

I wrapped my arms around his neck and began to lightly move with the song; it's not a total slow beat but I just wanted to move a little slower to hold onto the moment. On a night where John and Claire got back together, Larry Lester confronted Andy, Ashley was silly stringed and fell flat on her face following a loss to the most annoying cheerleader in the school, and Vernon telling everyone (well almost everyone) to get their asses out of the school for one last time…I was ready to take this dance and just hang on to it.

I looked up to Andy to meet his eyes; he had a content smile on his face and his eyes were burning a brilliant shade of blue. He rubbed his hands lightly against the small of my back and smiled, "You are so beautiful, you know that?"

I smiled, "You ain't too shabby yourself."

He chuckled and dipped his face into my neck; just moving enough to see a protesting Bender sharing a dance with Claire five feet away. He didn't look like he was really protesting, just trying to get under her skin. If her smile showed anything she was thankful for the dance. He dipped his head down and met her lips and I smiled, "Andy?"

"Yeah?"

"Why does this have to end?"

His smile never faltered, "It won't."

I was about to pout but he cleared his throat, "Good memories, remember?"

I nodded, "Yeah…forever."

His grin broadened and the song ended; he swooped down and stole one more small kiss. I gave him a grin and looked around for the others. Brian and Michelle were still holding each other quietly a few feet away and Bender didn't skip a beat to stop dancing as soon as the song ended. He marched up to Andy and loosened the rumpled cherry tie around his neck.

"Who the hell is ready for an after party?"

TBC