Chloe scanned the gym for the last time and grinned. Yep, they did an excellent job. The place had been transformed beyond recognition. What used to be a boring indoor court with boring bleachers was now transformed into a great party venue. All it took was a helluva load of streamers, masses of helium balloons and well placed lighting. There were round tables covered in linen dotted round the place, surrounding a dance floor. With a stage to one side and a live band doing a sound check, the transformation was complete.

Chloe was more than pleased. The Prom Committee really did a fabulous job.

The official photograph booth was already set up. The finger buffet was ready and the chaperones were all in place to jealously guard the punch bowls and keep an eye on the party. Chloe made a note to send thank you cards to all the chaperones later. Hopefully there would not be a repeat of last year's prom debacle; when a group of seniors played a prank and let loose a python under the buffet table. Nope, not on her watch.

She checked the time and ran her eye down the checklist on her clipboard. The seniors would be crowding round the foyer now and the committee members at the Reception table would have their hands full.

"This looks great, Chloe."

Chloe turned around to see Assistant Coach Benson behind her, surveying the room approvingly.

"Hey Coach! We are ready to open the doors in about fifteen minutes."

"Good. Good." He nodded approvingly. "Everything going to plan?"

"Yes. Pretty much," Chloe trilled happily. She just remembered what she was supposed to do. Chloe took two heavy cream envelopes from her clipboard and handed them over to Coach Benson. "Here's the results for Prom King and Queen."

"All ballot boxes counted?"

"Yes. Three times."

"I'll announce the results after the live band?"

"Yes. We'll have the sashes and crowns ready."

"Great job, Chloe." Coach Benson checked his watch and smiled wryly. "I think we are ready for the party. They would be banging on the doors before long. God help us!"


"Where is she? Why aren't they here yet?" Stacie was impatiently looking for Jesse and Beca amonst the thronging crowd milling in the foyer.

"They are on their way. Just got a text from Jesse," Benji said, checking his phone.

"Hey, you're both here. Awww, look at both of you!" Chloe came over, smiling cheerily and giving both of them a hug. She looked around. "Where's the other two?"

"On their way."

"Together?"

"Yep."

"You let them come on their own?"

"Yep." Stacie winked. "Just as we planned."

"What plan?"

They whirled around to find Beca walking up to them. Jesse was right behind her, grinning widely.

"For afterwards. Plan for afterwards," Stacie smoothly lied. Jesse was now talking to Benji and the girls took the opportunity to drag Beca aside. "Where have you guys been? We thought you guys will be coming to the restaurant."

Beca shrugged. "Jesse kidnapped me and we went to our usual hangout."

Stacie's eyebrows rose immediately. "And?"

"We had burritos."

"And?"

"Umm... he drove us here?"

"Why is Jesse grinning like that?" Chloe asked, looking at how happy Jesse was. Both Benji and Jesse were joined by some of the soccer boys and they were now in deep conversation.

"Like what?" Beca turned round and frowned, not understanding the question.

"Like he's been fucked good and proper."

"Chloe!"

"You want to tell us what happened at Makeout Point?" Stacie asked, lips twisted in a knowing smile.

"Nothing. We had burritos and some cake."

"You mean you went up all the way there and only had burritos?" Stacie questioned. "Wait...is burritos a code word for rough sex?"

"Dude, nothing happened."

"God, I wish it would." Stacie replied with a roll of her eyes. Chloe was nodding vehemently.

"Whutt? What the hell are you saying?"

"Oh Beca, don't make me spell it out," Stacie said. "All this sexual tension..."

"I'm with Luke. And there's nothing between me and Jesse,' Beca scowled a little too defensively.

"Yeah sure." The girls added sceptically. Beca just looked elsewhere, a little too embarrassed to take in the looks on their faces.

"Are the door opened yet? I need a drink and more food. That burrito was not enough now," Beca huffed, trying to change the subject.

"Not yet," Chloe said. "But I can sneak you both in."


Jesse momentarily looked up from his chat with the boys, looking for Beca. Where is she? Jeez, great, Jesse. Five minutes into your prom and you already misplaced your date. He frowned, turning round and craning his neck above the crowd. She was only little - she might be hiding behind someone. No. Nope. No sign of her. No sign of Chloe and Stacie either and all the three of them were just here five minutes ago.

"Where's the girls?" he asked Benji and Benji suddenly realised he was also missing his date.

"Umm...toilet?" Benji hazarded a guess. "You know how they like to go in groups."

Jesse thought he saw Stacie's tall form and Chloe's mess of red curls some way in front of them. They must have gone ahead, bored with the boys talking.

"Hey, they are going in. Let's catch up." Jesse was already striding ahead.

"I need the loo. You go right ahead," Benji suddenly said. Jesse glanced back at his friend who was looking rather pale. "I'm still quite nervous round her, man."

Jesse nodded in understanding. "I know what you mean, bro. I know what you mean."


Aubrey Posen carefully smoothed her hair down as she looked into the handheld compact mirror in her hand. She checked her pink lipstick again, wondering whether she should add another layer of gloss. No. It was perfect. What was she thinking? Of course it was perfect. She was perfect.

The crash diet seemed to work and she thought she looked a vision in her pink tafetta gown. She looked like a princess. Her daddy said so. Aubrey smirked. Yes, a princess now. But as soon as that crown was on her head, she would be a queen and Aubrey could not wait.

"Mike, straighten up, would you please?" Aubrey barked a little sharply.

She just knew Mike was slumping a little instead of standing tall and proud. Ugh. He was a hulking mass of a quarterback and prone to slouching. He did not smell that great either; even after she doused him in aftershave. But he was a fitting prom date for a future Prom Queen and he did not look half bad in that pink suit that matched her gown.

Mike grunted a little before straightening up.

"Bree, dis thing's too tight," he growled. Mike was now pulling at his collar and Aubrey wanted to shout at him. She closed the compact with a loud click, her mouth pressed in an impatient line, her face nearly scowling.

No. No. Don't scowl, Aubrey. We don't want wrinkles.

Smile now. SMILE.

Smile, damn you.

Especially since Jesse Swanson is heading your way.

And DAMN, he looked good in that suit.

Aubrey calmed down somewhat, her rapacious eyes taking in the sight of Jesse Swanson striding towards her.

So. He's alone. No date in his arm. And as far as she could make out from the grapevine (believe it, she listened hard), he didn't ask anyone to prom. Aubrey smiled a little. How could he? No one else could top her as a prom date! Poor boy's probably regretting breaking up with her so close to prom. Oh well.

He was looking straight ahead, walking quickly. Hmm...probably too embarrassed to meet her eye. She, as future Prom Queen, must be gracious and merciful.

"Jesse."

Jesse stopped short a few feet in front of her. Aubrey noted with satisfaction at the slightly wild look around his eyes.

"Aubrey, hey."

He looked shocked to see her. Shocked and awed. Yes, that was the effect she intended. And he stuttered a little too. Hmm...very satisfactory. Eat your heart out, Jesse Swanson.

"You look great, Jesse." Aubrey continued, trying to sound sincere. What the heck? He looked freaking hot.

"Thanks," he said, smiling a little shyly. "Umm...you look great too. Very...pink."

"Yes, I know." Aubrey said, smiling smugly. She was now pulling Mike closer, her hot pink nails sinking like talons into her date's arm.

"Hey Mike," Jesse said, looking up at the quarterback. Did he looked stunned? Perhaps a little jealous? "Errm...nice suit, bro."

"Mike asked me to the prom, right after he scored that winning touchdown. Didn't you, darling?" Aubrey murmured.

Mike rumbled something that sounded between a yes and a grunt.

"Dateless, Jesse?" Aubrey snarked, smiling a little triumphantly. "It's so hard to find a good prom date so late, isn't it?"

"Yeah." Jesse said, still staring at Mike. He then shook his head a little, eyes still on Mike, who was now pulling at his collar again. Aubrey was frowning at Mike now, wishing he would stay still. She nearly missed Jesse's next words.

"Good thing Beca said yes. I wouldn't want to go with anyone else."

"Beca?"

She could not help that it came out like a hiss.

"Yeah," Jesse said smiling widely. "Hey, I got to catch up with her. I'll see you both inside?"

Aubrey nodded woodenly but he was already moving away in a hurry. She felt that familiar churning in her stomach and she clammed her lips tight.


"Where were you? I turned my back for five seconds and you disappeared," Jesse mock scolded the tiny brunette. He finally caught up with her attacking the buffet table. Jesse helped himself to a drink.

"Dude, you were busy talking and I was hungry."

"What? After that huge ass burrito and most of that chocolate cake, you're still hungry?"

Beca just shrugged. Then she leaned in a little.

"Don't mention we had burritos to Stacie. She thinks it's a code word for rough sex."

Jesse was now choking a little from the punch he was drinking. Beca just laughed and thumped his back.

"Dude...don't look now..." Beca was now whispering from the corner of her mouth.

"What?" he whispered back.

"Six o'clock. Behind you. Your cray cray ex."

"Oh god...I saw her outside," Jesse whispered urgently, keeping his eyes front. He had been stunned at the sight. And not in a good way. Swathes and swathes of every shade of pink available. It was hard not to stare at all that vomit of pink.

"All that pink!" Jesse shuddered.

Beca's eyes then widened a little as she looked over his shoulder.

"What the hell is that?" she whispered, sounding stunned. "It looked like a moving pink FRIDGE!"

Jesse suppressed a chuckle.

"Oh, that's Mike. Her prom date."

"Noooooooo! She made her prom date wear a pink suit?"

"I guess..."

Beca was still staring agog at the spectacle that was Aubtey Posen and her date.

"Stop staring, Becs."

"I can't! It's...it's like a car wreck..." Beca said, a little awed. She then thought of something and a huge grin erupted on her face. She bumped her shoulder into Jesse's and said, teasingly, "Heyyyyy...you missed out, man. You could have been in that pink suit!"

Jesse looked utterly horrified at the thought. Good God, no.

"Ummmm...no thank you!" he replied firmly. Beca was laughing helplessly now at the thought of Jesse in a pink suit and he couldn't help but joined in. He then gazed down at Beca in her beautiful silver dress, looking every inch like a prom princess. "Besides, I don't think pink is my colour."


"What do you think they are gonna do?" Chloe whispered to Stacie.

"I don't know. I wish they will do something soon!" Stacie replied. They were both hiding behind a balloon arrangement, peering at Jesse and Beca who were now leaning against each other, giggling helplessly.

"What is wrong with these two?!" Chloe replied, huffing a strand of hair away from her face. "If I had this much sexual tension with any guy, I'll be shagging him senseless by now."

"I don't know what else to do, Chloe," Stacie frowned in frustration. "Jesse'd better make a move soon. It's getting pretty serious between Luke and Beca."

Chloe bit her lower lip in thought. "He might be able to say something when they are leading the dance later..."

Stacie nearly squealed out loud in excitement. "You mean they are...?"

"Yep. Counted the results thrice. Jesse and Beca won by a landslide!"


"So Bumper's lakeside house after this?" Beca asked.

"Yep. Everyone's pooled enough money and bribed him to run the after prom party. It would be a blast," Jesse said. "You are coming, right?"

Beca shrugged non-commitally.

"Becaaaaa, you HAVE to come! It's like tradition! Prom tradition!" Jesse insisted. He suddenly remembered another prom tradition they had not done yet. "Wait. We haven't taken our photos yet,"

"Dude! Do we have to?"

"God, yes. Come on." And he dragged her towards the official photographer.

"Jesse! I think we took enough photos tonight already."

"Ha ha. No."

"You owe me another burrito for this."

"That's cheap. I'll buy you ten."

"I hold you to it."

"Yeah, baby, you can." Jesse was smirking down at her. "Ten burritos' still cheap. Do you NOT see what Chloe came up with?"

"Oh god...I am scared now."

They got into a queue and when it was nearly their turn, Beca's jaw dropped to the floor.

"What the... What's with the huge ass green backdrop?"

"That, my dear, is a green screen. The photographer will superimpose us on whatever iconic movie prom scene we want." Jesse pointed to a small monitor to one side. "See? You can see how it looks like."

The couple in front of them chose the Winter Ball from Harry Potter and Beca stared at the monitor. True enough they appeared in front of what looked like the grand dining hall in Hogwarts.

"Ugh no."

"Becaaaa... this is great," Jesse implored.

"To a movie nerd like you!"

"Becaaaaaaa..." Jesse was now wailing a little. Beca was rubbing her temples. He was giving her his puppy dog eyes. The one she could not say no to.

"OK. OK." she finally relented. "But I choose the movie, ok?"

Jesse looked at her suspiciously. And then she smiled a little evilly.

"Carrie. I choose Carrie."

"Beeeccssssssss!" Jesse said. "You want a photo of us with blood all over our heads?"

"Yes."

Damn it! That movication did stuck a little after all. He should have known. She was now
cackling evilly.

"Nope. Not going to happen." Jesse said firmly. It was their turn now and Jesse quickly went over to the photographer and spoke to him quietly. Beca was staring at the monitor to the side and she groaned loudly when she saw the picture that came up.

Fairy lights. Bandstand. Ugh.

"You got to be kidding me!" she groaned again.

Jesse bounded up to her side and put his hand around her waist.

"It's bad enough you made me watch the movies. Now I have to do this?" she complained. Jesse just laughed.

"What's wrong? It's romantic and I think I make a beautiful vampire," Jesse said breezily, pulling her closer to him. "Now behave or I'll bite your neck. Ten burritos was the deal?"

"Ugh. I am a CHEAP date."

"Just grin and bear it, Becs. It'll be over before you'll know it."

Beca shook her head at the happy look on his face. He was impossible and she smiled fondly looking up at him. The camera snapped.

"You kids want to do the pose?" the photographer said from behind the computer screen.

"What pose?" "Ugh no."

"The one they were dancing and looking at each other, like they wanna kiss. Everyone was doing it." The photographer answered, sounding a little bored.

Beca was scowling now but she turned in resignation towards Jesse. "Just get it over with." she sniped, her arms already around him, face upturned towards him. She could so do this. Even though the thought of 100 year old sparkling vampire perving over a teenage girl made her skin crawled. She then realised Jesse was gazing down strangely at her. Beca frowned a little. What was he freaking about now?

"You do this for me?" he whispered, his eyes wide with surprise. "Even when you don't want to?"

"Yeah, dude. Whatever makes you happy."

Jesse looked like he wanted to say something else but then he turned to the photographer. "Hey buddy. Forget this one. Do you have Carrie?"


A while later, on the dance floor

"God! That is such a dorky move, Swanson!"

"You are just jealous you can't throw shapes like this, Mitchell," Jesse said smugly, smoothly doing a few pop and locks for her benefit.

Yeah, he got moves.

"Sure," Beca said, rolling her eyes. "Shapes like that need to be thrown. Into the bin."

"Don't worry, Becs. I'll teach you."

"Dude. Thanks but no thanks."

Jesse just scoffed and pulled her closer by her wrist. She was thrown off balance and shrieked a little, falling straight into his arms. Jesse was laughing and calling her a klutz now and Beca was saying he tripped her. He did not remove his arms around her though and she did not move away.

They stayed in comfortable silence, her back against his chest, his arms wrapped securely round her. Beca sighed a little, leaning into his chest. Jesse closed his eyes and smiled into her hair as they swayed slightly to the music.

Earth Angel, earth angel,
will you be mine?
My darling dear, love you all the time
I'm just a fool; a fool in love with you.

Jesse was humming along to the song and she could feel his chest rumbling. Beca smiled and turned a little in his arms, looking up at him.

"You are enjoying this, aren't you?" Beca said, her eyes dancing. Jesse just looked down at her questioningly. "All these movie themes? The movie nerd in you must be jumping up and down."

"Hmm..." Jesse just grinned back. "A little."

"That bit with the photos. And now this?" Beca said.

"Oh? What about this?" Jesse quizzed back.

Beca was laughing and Jesse thought she never looked more beautiful. Laughing happily like this in his arms.

Earth Angel, earth angel
The one I adore,
love you forever and ever more
I'm just a fool; a fool in love with you.

"How many times you made me watch the movie?" Beca answered. She glanced back to band onstage before looking back at Jesse. "That prom scene in Back to the Future. Marty was playing the guitar. And his dad had to kiss his mum or Marty will disappear. They were playing this song."

If he had not fallen head over heels in love with her, Jesse would now. Wow, she remembered. He didn't think she would.

I fell for you and I knew
The vision of your loveliness
I hope and pray that today
I'll be the vision of your happiness

"Oh god, Jesse!" Beca suddenly said in horror, stopping in her tracks ad facing him. "Did you want to make a move on someone? I'm in the way, aren't I? God, I'm sorry, dude."

"Becaaaaa," Jesse said exasperated now. He stared down at her. "I just want to dance with you at this very moment, ok?"

She was a little confused but then she flushed and then moved into his arms automatically.

"Ok."

He pulled her closer and they continued swaying to the music. Jesse thought he could stay like this forever. Just holding her softly like this.

Earth angel, earth angel
Please be mine
My darling dear, love you all the time

He knew what he wanted. He wanted her. He wanted them. He wanted to kiss her and tell her how hopelessly he was in love with her. He just have to be brave enough to do it.

"Beca...I.." Jesse cleared his throat quickly, wanting to say the words now. But she was frowning a little and was looking distractedly over his shoulder. Then he felt her distancing herself. Beca stepped away from his arms and looked down.

"I gotta go," she mumbled. "Luke's here."

That felt like a blow to his gut. Jesse swallowed that bitter, bitter taste of disappointment in his mouth. He turned around and true enough, Luke was at the edge of the dancefloor, looking impossibly handsome in a suit, waving at both of them.

"Yeah. Sure." he mumbled back.

Beca was already walking away and before long, Luke had his arms around her and leaning forward to give her a kiss. She broke the kiss quickly, glancing back at Jesse. Who was now standing like a statue in the middle of the dance floor.

I'm just a fool. A fool in love with you.


"Hey, you ok?"

Beca started a little and looked up at Luke's face. He was holding her round the waist, staring at her with concern.

"Yeah. I am," she quickly said. "Do you need help?"

"I'm all set up. You don't have to do a thing," Luke answered. He was gently tucking her hair back from her face. "You don't have to do this jam tonight, you know. It's your prom. You should be partying with your friends."

Beca's hand went up to the corsage Jesse bought her and she fiddled with the soft petals.

"No, I'll stay here with you," she whispered almost inaudibly. "I just go and get us some drinks. I'll be back."

Luke nodded and she walked away quickly, heading towards the refreshment tables.

"Beca."

Beca stopped in her tracks at the vision of pink before her.

"Aubrey."

They stared at each other silently for a while.

"You look great, Beca," Aubrey finally broke the silence. She seemed to smile nervously at Beca. "That dress is really pretty."

"Thank you," Beca answered, a little confused at Aubrey's niceness. "You look great too."

They fell silent. Aubrey looked like she was working up her courage to say something.

"Look, Beca, we haven't really got on well, both of us," she said haltingly. "I...I had a long time to think about it and really, it was all my fault. I was...mean to you and..."

"Aubrey, look. Forget about it, ok?"

"No. No, I can't. All the stupid things I said. Trying to come between you and Jesse."

"Bree, it's ok."

"I am sorry, Beca! I am just really sorry!"

Aubrey's face contorted with remorse and tears were now streaming down her face. She threw her arms around Beca and started sobbing uncontrollably. Beca was stunned at what just happened but she held onto the sobbing blonde.

"Hey..shhh...it's ok." Beca mumbled, patting Aubrey's back awkwardly. "It's ok... We are good. Umm...I'm sorry I punched you..."

Aubrey drew back, wiping her streaming eyes with the back of her hand. She was still sniffling loudly, trying to stop crying.

"You ok? Do you want a drink?" Beca asked.

Aubrey was wiping her nose now and nodded pitifully. Beca went over to the refreshment table and came back with two plastic cups, filled with punch. Aubrey took a sip from hers. She was still trying to stop crying, her make-up now a mess.

"I must look a sight. I need to fix my make-up," she laughed a little through her tears. "Can you get my clutch for me? I don't want anyone to see me looking like this."

Beca was more than a little uncomfortable now. She just wanted to leave quickly But she couldn't leave Aubrey in tears like this. "Umm..yeah sure. Where is it?"

"On table 13. Pink clutch. You can't miss it," Aubrey answered. Beca nodded and was about to move away. "Here, let me hold your drink."

Beca was back within minutes and handed the clutch over. Aubrey took a tissue out and immediately wiped her face. She then looked at her face in the compact and groaned out loud, "I looked a mess!"

Beca was trying not to smile. Aubrey caught that, rolled her eyes and grinned. "You can laugh, Beca."

Beca just grinned back instead. "You still look great, Bree."

"Thanks, Beca. For being such a sport," Aubrey said. "I was so wrong about you. I hope we can be friends?"

"Yeah sure."

Aubrey smiled back happily and raised her cup to her. "To friends."

"To friends," Beca replied, clinking hers to Aubrey's and they both drank the cups down.

"Thanks, Beca. That is a great load off my shoulders," Aubrey was now saying. "I felt so guilty, you know. After all this time. I've apologised to Benji already and I jus knew I had to apologise to you. It was really great of you to accept my apology. Some other people are not so kind, you know. Beca?... Beca? Are you ok? Beca?"


"So here we are, seniors. The moment we're waiting for!" Assistant Coach Benson smiled down at the gathered group of students in front of the stage. The lights were a bit bright in his eyes and he squinted slightly. "The results for your Prom King and Queen."

He paused in opening the envelopes. "All our nominees are worthy winners. I would like to take this opportunity to thank eveyone that voted and a big thank you to our Prom committee..."

"Just get on with it!" someone heckled from the back and a slight laugh rippled through the crowd.

"Ok, ok. Your Prom King is...drum roll please..."

The band obliged with a drumroll.

"...Jesse Swanson! Come on up, Jesse."

There was a huge applause and cheer while different hands pushed him forward up to the stage. Jesse was just laughing a little disbelievingly but he accepted the sash and the crown graciously.

"Now settle down..." Coach Benson was now saying, trying to quiet the clamour. Everyone was still cheering noisily and he spoke above the din. "Your Prom Queen, ladies and gents..."

They finally fell into a hushed silence.

"...is...Aubrey Posen!"