Prom was only three weeks away, and you could feel the excitement. Everyone knew that Andy and Allison were going together, and girls everywhere were crushed at the thought of Andrew Clark going with her.

Brian was going with my sister, and he called all the time. I could tell that Kendra was really into him, and it was great to see them happy. She had even become like the sixth member of our group.

The only problem was, I still didn't have a date. A few brave guys asked me. I say brave because I had turned a lot of people against me. I felt bad saying no, but I was still holding out for one person in particular.

It had become natural for John Bender to walk me home after school. We used to get stares from everyone, but things were slowly dying down, partially because no one ever wanted to upset John Bender.

We would meet outside school, and he would carry my books. Whenever people were around they would always whisper.

"What the hell is happening? John Bender and Claire Standish?" or

"He is carrying her books? Is he high?" or other variations of these comments.

John and I had been walking together for about a month, and I would casually mention Prom every so often, but he never really got the hint, so I decided I had to make it clear what I wanted.

"So, John," I said.

"Yes, princess?" he replied. I used to hate it when people called me princess, but he was different. When he said it, I didn't think he meant it as a bad thing.

"So, who are you going to prom with?" I asked.

"Prom? What makes you think I'm going to prom?"

"Well, it's senior year, and almost everyone goes to prom."

"Well, I'm not like most people. Why? Who are you going with?"

"A few people have asked me, but I don't know yet," I replied.

"Oh," was all he could muster, so I knew I needed to elaborate.

"I said no to everyone who asked me because I'm waiting for someone else."

"Who?" he asked.

Seriously? Was he completely out of it?

"Fuck it," I said, and he just stared at me. "John, will you go to prom with me?'

"You want to go to prom with me? Out of all the guys who would die to take you, you want to go with me?"

"Will you just answer the damn question?" I said getting impatient.

"Hmmm, let me think about it," he said, and I elbowed him in the stomach.

"After that lovely display of affection, how could I say no? I would love to go with you princess," he said.

"Great. I got tired of waiting for you to ask,"

"What can I say, timing has never really been my thing,"

"We are going with Andy and Allison and Brian and Kendra, just in case you were wondering,"

"I figured as much," he said. I could tell her was starting to worry about the money thing.

When we got to my house, I kissed him on the cheek like always, and told him "Don't worry about anything. I've got it covered," I said with a smile.

He smiled back, and I could tell he was excited.