It was loud.
Honestly deafening from where Rey Kanata found herself situated, and she hadn't even gone inside yet.
The bass was pounding, thrashing, its vibrations coursing throughout her entire being.
Rey clenched then released her fists, repeating the motion as she peered through the doors leading into Coruscant High School's gymnasium.
There were easily one, two hundred juniors and seniors all together, anticipating her entrance. An entrance that she knew would be grand that was for sure.
As yet another couple shuffled past her awkward ministrations and into the hall, Rey was reminded of how long she had indeed been standing outside the damned door.
Only then did she school her features, as she finally mustered up her courage, pushing open the gymnasium doors crimson lace trailing behind her.
Stepping inside, Rey's heels clicked against the wooden floor and her lips twisted upwards, proud of her fellow committee members for what they had achieved at such short notice.
The ceiling was decorated with what appeared to be millions of tiny golden stars contrasting the dark blue painted sky and the pearlescent full moon, the room felt ethereal with hundreds of lights surrounding Rey and her peers, providing a goldish glow to the space.
Rey had to admit, her team had nailed their theme 'a starry night' with blue and gold, the key colours which everybody seemed to have abided by, except Rey that was. Given her last minute decision to come, the brunette had been strapped for time, opting for the only suitable formal attire already hanging in her closet. The dress was perfect, but it was the colour scheme, which was the problem, not anticipating how much it would make her stick out like a sore thumb.
But it did and here she was.
It was time to find Ben, apologize and show Kaydel that Rey was a fucking fighter who would stop at nothing to right her wrongs.
With no idea of where to begin her search, the teenage girl's made-up features scanned the space before her for any sight of Ben or Rose, but alas the pair were non-existent.
Their failure to show up did make sense, but it still filled her with disappointment considering what she had managed to do mere hours ago.
Rey had not given up on her phone calls to both Ben and Rose. She knew it was foolish to keep on hoping one of them would eventually pick up but much to her relief, Rose eventually conceded.
Rey had kept the conversation brief, wanting to save all of the important stuff for Ben, but she had emphasised the key information, reiterating how sorry she was and how difficult everything had been for her recently along with her far from platonic feelings for said teenage boy.
Rose had been silent the entire conversation and when Rey finished her explanation had eventually huffed, promising to try to talk to Ben before hanging up.
Rey had taken that as a positive, hoping Rose would somehow convince Ben to attend the prom, though unfortunately that didn't seem like a viable option.
But despite this, Rey wouldn't let her hopes be entirely crushed.
Seeing how she had all but ruined everything because of that damn bet, the prom king and queen outcomes now seemed so menial, but Rey still maintained even the slightest glimpse of curiosity about who would come out on top.
It was after all, the only thing going for her in that moment.
Awkwardly, Rey walked through the crowd of her fellow peers to the snack table, those around her parting, their judgemental faces telling her everything she needed to know.
Reaching for a handful of pretzels for something to do until the outcomes were officially announced, Rey munched quietly, moving herself slowly to the far wall to lean against. It was so reflective of her current state as an outlier in this school, on the outside and looking in, just like when she had started at Coruscant High.
Rey focused on the salty delectables in her hand when a whoosh of familiar cloyingly sweet perfume passed her. Recognising that smell from anywhere, Rey kept her gaze downcast, praying to be invisible in that moment.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Rey Kanata, the biggest lying bitch to ever face Coruscant".
Sighing dejectedly, Rey rose her head, coming face to face with her ex best friend whose blonde hair was curled around her shoulders, a few pieces pulled back framing her face. The blond was also wearing a stunning and expensive laced navy dress.
"Kaydel.. hi" Rey felt herself shrink in the presence of the ultra-dominating teenage girl.
"I have to say I'm surprised you're actually here, I didn't think you'd have the guts to show up, not only without a date but not even in theme" she then eyed Rey's dress and smirked "talk about fucking pathetic".
The brunette girl didn't say anything, there wasn't anything she could say, so dealing with Kaydel's abuse was the way she would have to go.
"And I hope you're ready to become a permanent loser, there's no way in hell you or Solo are going to win either vote, especially you, I mean who would vote for you" Kaydel's pointed glare was personal and stung more than Rey would like to admit.
Struggling to find the words, or honestly any words to respond to the blonde Rey was relieved when from the stage their middle-aged school principal, Mr Skywalker tapped into the microphone.
Mr Skywalker looked sharp in a tuxedo and was holding two golden envelopes in his hand as he addressed the crowd before him.
"Hello staff and students, I hope you are enjoying tonight's prom thanks to the wonderful prom committee"
Around the room cheers erupted and Rey plastered a fake smile across her face, wishing she could be anywhere but there in that moment next to Kaydel.
Glancing across the space, Rey spied a grinning Jess dolled up in a strapless golden dress, giving her a small wave.
"But now its time for why you're all here, the prom king and queen results".
The room fell silent in pure anticipation.
"Okay, we'll start with prom king, our three contenders are Benjamin Solo, Armitage Hux and Poe Dameron and the winner is …"
Principal Skywalker then opened one of the envelopes, reading out the voted individual.
"Mr Poe Dameron"
Rey felt her heart sink, having now officially lost the bet to Kaydel.
Poe was cocky and full of shit as usual when he gave a big pearly smile, bowing and blowing kisses to people around him as he headed up to the stage, where he received a crown atop of his head from Mrs Erso, the school counsellor.
"And for prom queen, our candidates are Rey Kanata, Jessika Pava, Kaydel Connix and Bazine Netal and the winner is…"
Principal Skywalker then opened the second envelope, smiling at the result before announcing it to everyone.
"Miss Rey Kanata".
Rey suddenly felt paralysed in place as all eyes landed on her.
Oh shit.
Author's Note:
Hi everyone,
Apologies for such a long update, its been what 9 months? Man that is absolutely crazy.
I can promise that I have not forgotten about or given up on this story, life can just sometimes be really hectic.
Thank you so much if you are still reading this and for commenting/kudosing/bookmarking this fic, you are amazing :)
Until next time :)
