May 18, 1996

You wouldn't let me see your prom dress, said you wanted me to be surprised when I picked you up. Well, I'm definitely surprised. The dress is long and pretty and shows the slightest bit of cleavage. And it's pink. I've never seen you wear pink before. I like how it makes you look even softer. Sweeter. I wasn't nervous until you opened the door. Then I was knocked straight on my figurative ass. And now I am nervous, because you look so heartbreakingly beautiful.

"Hey," I say lamely when I'm able to speak again. "You look…I don't even know…Jesus, Bella."

"Now how did I know you were going to say that?" You giggle and tug me inside the house by the hand. "You look very handsome. Dapper."

I tug at the collar of my tuxedo. It's not the most comfortable thing in the world. Tilting your face up to mine, you kiss me quickly. You must have high heels on under your dress, because you didn't have to rise up on your tiptoes like normal. I wonder briefly what else you have on under that dress…then I clear my throat and step back, because your parents just turned the corner into the living room. There are pictures to be taken and warnings to be given.

Your mom fusses over us; your dad raises an eyebrow at me and, as expected, reminds us of your curfew. You somehow managed to convince them to let you stay out until midnight. When you told me, I teased you about turning into a pumpkin. You pouted, because you wanted so badly to spend the whole night together, but we couldn't manage it without it being really obvious.

They follow us out onto the front porch. I hold back a smirk when they tell us to be safe, because even though I know that's not how they meant it, those condoms are burning a hole in my glovebox.

In the car, you smooth out your long dress and pull down the visor so you can use the mirror and check out your hair. I just sit and stare at you. It suddenly hits me. I can't believe I get to keep you. I get to make these memories with you that I never thought I wanted. I'm the one that gets to take you to prom and later, take you…well, you know… My chest is tight, and I swallow hard.

You turn to catch me staring and give me a small, inquisitive smile. "I think you need to turn the key to make the engine go."

All I can do is shake my head back and forth slowly. I don't want to muss you, so even though it's really tough, I keep my lips and hands to myself.

We make a short appearance at the prom, which is held in some ballroom in the city. Despite our other plans, you really were serious about going. We meet up with Jasper and Alice, because he finally grew a pair and asked her out. You told me she's liked him for a while. I had no idea. But she and I don't really talk about that stuff, and honestly, I haven't spent much of my free time with anyone but you.

I don't even give him a hard time about it. I'm forever grateful to Jasper tonight. He offered up his dad's houseboat for us to use later since a hotel room was out of the question. After Jasper's parents divorced a few years ago, his dad moved back to Texas. He keeps the houseboat for visits, and since he's, well, got money, it's empty when he's not in town.

When we dance to "With or Without You," it doesn't feel cheesy at all. It feels perfect. I pull you tight against me, holding your hand against my heart. When you look up at me, my heart aches.

My voice is low and ragged when I speak. "You look so beautiful it literally hurts me."

You duck your head shyly, which I haven't seen you do since that first time we were in my bed together. "Thanks."

"Hey. Look at me," I tell you, just like I did back then. You do. "I love you."

You seem to melt against me as you lay your head on my chest. "I love you, too."