-Tristan-
It seemed no time at all until the prom night came.
I spent an hour fixing myself, pressing my black tuxedo, pouring almost the enti re bottle of perfume, and eating breath mints. I wanted to look presentable in f ront of Kylie. My hands were sweating as I went to her house.
Clark, who was all set, greeted me as I entered, and we bumped our fists. We tal ked for a little while, until my mom emerged from upstairs, escorting Lacey down . Clark stood up, mouth hanging in awe as he stared at the girl in a short lilac dress. Her tousled hair was side-swept, giving her a doll-like look.
"Hello, guys," Lacey greeted at us and grinned at him. "How do I look?"
It took several seconds for Clark to answer breathlessly, "Gorgeous. Very gorgeo us."
"You did a great job, Mom," I said.
She smiled gratefully. "That's not even my full expertise, yet," she said. "Just wait and see Kylie."
"I'm here."
I looked up and saw the girl I'd fallen in love with. My first love. The hem of her white dress flowed on the stairs as she carefully went down. Her bangs were curled on the side of her face, and the rest of her hair was pulled up in a smal l bun pinned with tiny white flowers. She was even lovelier compared to what she had been back at the Valentine Ball, because this time, she wasn't wearing any disguise.
"Damn," I mumbled, couldn't take my eyes off her.
She frowned amusedly. "What?"
"You look hideous," I teased.
She smacked my shoulder. "You're way more hideous you even make Shrek look hands ome."
"Hey, both of you. Stop flirting with each other, and let's go already," Clark s aid, chuckling.
Emilie and Mom were beaming, and they hadn't stopped taking pictures of us. Kyli e and Lacey went to them to express their gratitude with a kiss, before we heade d outside the cold night. Clark led Lacey to his car, and they drove first, wher eas Kylie and I stayed for a little while in my car.
I took her hand, got the corsage from my pocket, and slid it around her wrist.
"To the girl who can make my world the most beautiful," I said.
Then she smiled and answered, "Thank you."
***
I parked my car at the side of the hotel and went around to help her out. There was a huge, noisy crowd gathered in the lounge, and as soon as we'd stepped insi de, they welcomed us. I noticed that there were only a few lowerclassmen that ha d been asked out to the prom.
"Hey, everyone," I greeted back, giving them a nod. Kylie was smiling happily be side me, her hand gripping around my arm.
"Kylieeeeee!" a voice screamed.
We turned around and saw Julianne in a fairy-like olive dress charging towards K ylie, and they began to chatter nonstop. Behind Julianne was Grey, and I was com pletely shocked to see them together. I had never seen that coming!
"Tristan, lookin' swell, huh?" he said.
"Dude, hey." I gave him a high-five. When the girls were out of earshot, I asked him, "Are you and Julianne dating or what? Am I missing something?"
He shook his head. "Nope. We're not dating. We are just together as friends, bec ause that's what she said," he said in a tone like he wasn't convinced by that.
I clicked my tongue, shaking my head, and gave him a reassuring tap on the back.
A few minutes later, the other guys came with their dates. The only dateless dud e in the group was Ryo, since he had never asked any girl. We didn't know what w as wrong with him, but surely, he'd brought his PSP with him to occupy himself t hroughout the night.
Julianne suddenly squealed, "Guys! Since everybody's here, let's take a group pi cture!" She tapped a random girl passing by and asked her to take the shot.
I squeezed Kylie's hand as we posed for the camera. I looked down at her, and th en she grinned broadly, as the camera flashed. It was great to be with her once more. I'd make sure this night would be unforgettable for her.
We all went to the great hall where the program was held. While Kylie was busy c ollecting all the foods served on the table, Grey came to me with a drink in his hand and said, "T, you ready to bag the Prom King's crown to home?"
I snorted. "Nah, I don't think that'll happen."
"Who are you kidding?" he scoffed. "Dude, everyone will vote you. And that's eve n a fact."
I only grinned and said, "There's a change of plans."
***
"This year's title of Broadway Heights Prom Queen goes to..." Ms. Ritchie said t hrough the microphone, opened the card, and looked before the crowd. "Our very o wn, Veronica Sullivan!"
Everyone cheered as Ronnie sashayed through the parted mob.
Grey nudged me. "Dude, is that Fiona?"
I turned around.
Fiona was at the corner of the room, lurking in the shadows. The glare on her fa ce was really creepy; it might even give Freddy Kreuger nightmares. Having her f ormer best friend grabbing the crown and title was a huge slap on her face.
"She looks as if Hancock just smashed the shit out of her," Grey remarked. I sni ckered at that.
Fiona saw us staring, and she twisted her dark lips into a scowl. "What are you looking at?" she mouthed like a witch casting a curse.
Grey and I pushed ourselves away. She seriously looked as scary as fuck.
Ms. Ritchie put the crown on Ronnie. The Prom Queen mouthed "thank you" to her a nd gave a picture-perfect smile to the crowd. The noise dissipated as microphone cracked and Ms. Ritchie announced, "And now, the title of Prom King goes to no other than Tri-"
Steven marched on the stage and whispered to her, handing a card. The corner of my mouth pulled up. My plan was working.
Ms. Ritchie nodded, mumbling, "Oh, is that so? What a turn of events." Then as S teven left, she held the microphone up with a smile. "This year's Prom King titl e goes to.... Ryo Knight!"
The five of us guys exploded into cheers and began to push Ryo wildly.
"Nande kuso?" he snarled at us, tugging his tuxedo in place.
Justin was laughing hysterically he could barely say, "Man! We're so proud of yo u!"
"Kono kuso-ttare," Ryo muttered. His face was starting to get pale. "T, what's t he meaning of this?" he cried. "You're supposed to be the one-"
I pushed him, nodding. "Enough cursing and get your ass outta here. Don't you wa nna dance with the girl of your dreams?"
Everyone clapped and whistled as he went up the stage like a robot. Ronnie gave him a bewildered look, and he waved at her awkwardly.
"Mr. Knight, do you have something to say?" Ms. Ritchie asked him after she put the crown on his head.
Scratching his head, Ryo stammered, "I really have no idea what I'm doing here."
The crowd cracked up.
A smooth song slowly arose from the amplifiers, and everyone cleared the center for the Prom King and Queen. I looked behind, expecting to meet Kylie's eyes, bu t she was gone.
"Guys, have you seen Kylie?" I asked them in a loud voice, but they all just sho ok their heads and returned to watching.
I craned my head up as I walked through the mob. Julianne and Lacey were talking at a table, and I asked them if she was with them. They said they'd seen her ge tting a drink. However, when I went to the catering area, she wasn't there.
As I continued to search, I felt like I was having a déjà vu.
Did Kylie run away from me again?
-Kylie-
"What the heck are you doing here?" My voice was almost a whisper as I stared in credulously at Erik.
Yes, the guy was really in front of me. He was wearing casual clothes, meaning h e hadn't planned to attend the event, and his only aim was to talk to me. In thi s garden where no one could see us.
"Look, Kylie, I..." He gulped, not looking at me. "I'm sorry."
I frowned. Some apology.
"I'm sorry for making you upset. I did a really stupid thing, okay?" He lifted h is head up firmly. "Will you give me a chance?"
I couldn't believe my ears. He had filled my head with lies ever since the ninth grade. Pulled my leg by telling me he liked me. Used Clark for his stupid reven ge. Hooked up with Fiona behind everyone's back. Fought with Tristan and wrecked the poor greenhouse. Now he expected me to give him a chance?
"Listen, Erik, I'm really not upset about what you did, okay?" I said. "I just f eel bad for you, since you have made yourself as a twofaced person. I don't know if I can trust you anymore. Oh, I almost forgot to give you one thing." I opene d my purse and took the necklace he'd given to me back in our "date". "Here, ret urn this to your Mom and explain to her why it came back and how you have become as the scumbag of the year." I threw the thing to him and he caught it.
"Uh, to be honest..." he said. "This doesn't belong to Mom. I actually bought th is for my ex-girlfriend, but got it back when we broke up. And no, it's not Cyre ne, okay? It's... another girl."
I gave him a bewildered look. He'd given the necklace to me together with his oh-so-charming words "I should give it to the girl I like" that had made me sleepl ess for a night, but now- God, what the heck? Could he get any worse?
"Wow. I'm impressed," I said, raising my eyebrows. "I've never met such a brilli ant storyteller like you before. If there was a Noble prize in Dishonesty, your shelf would be full of awards."
"Kylie, I'm sorry."
I raised my palm. "Talk to the hand."
"Come on. I was apologizing already," he said and sighed. "Don't you believe in second chances?"
"I do believe in second chances, Erik."
"So why won't you give me, at least? Everyone deserves a second chance!"
"But it depends if the person is deserving enough." I smiled and waved a hand. " Bye, Erik. Nice talking to you! If you have any clarifications, please don't hes itate to consult my two middle fingers."
I could hear him grumbling loudly behind. Then I walked back to him and said cas ually, "Oh, Erik? Before you leave, I would like to give you one precious gift t hat you will surely remember for a lifetime."
Then I whacked his face with my fist.
***
I pulled my dress up as I walked through the garden. There was a silhouette figu re outlined by the lamp's golden light, roaming around the fountain area. My che st drummed as I recognized the person.
"Tristan."
He turned in a snap and dashed towards me.
"Kylie! God, I've been looking all over for you," he said fretfully, grasping my arms. "What are you doing alone here?"
"Well, I just faced the person who I had considered as my knight in shining armo r, only to be a douchebag wrapped in an aluminum foil," I answered.
"You mean, Erik was here? Did he do something to you?" His wide eyes were shakin g.
I stifled a laugh. "Nope. Actually, I was the one who did something to him. Gee, his face was really thick; my knuckles are still numb because of the impact." I shook my hand.
The tension broke as he laughed. He possibly figured out what I had done to the guy. His arm rounded my shoulder. "You need to be handled with care, Kylie," he said. "Come on; let's sit here by the fountain for a while. It's too hot inside there."
My smile was my answer, and we sat down. My feet were hurting so badly, so I too k off my sandals and massaged my heel. I suddenly shivered as the cold wind blew . Tristan took off his coat and covered my shoulders and back with it.
"Thanks. Hey, I forgot to congratulate you for being the Prom King," I said, clu tching his coat tightly for warmth.
"I'm not the Prom King, Kylie. I gave the title to Ryo."
I cocked an eyebrow. "What? Why?"
"As a sign of gratitude. That guy's great. He's, like, the 'tension breaker' whe never trouble meets the gang. Among us guys, he's the least noticeable, so I thi nk he deserves some recognition," he responded. "Besides, I'm giving him a chanc e to be with Ronnie at least for a little while. He's such a sucker for her."
"Well, what you did for him was cool. I'm sure he's really happy by now."
"Yeah." He sprawled his hands on the marble seat and lifted his head up to the s ky. "I regret nothing, because I don't want titles anymore."
We shared a comfortable silence. The full moon in its splendid light lit up the night and sent silver sparkles on the waters of the fountain. The only sounds ar ound were the trickles of water, the croaks of the frogs, and the muffled romant ic music inside the hotel. The place was very peaceful like it was lulling me to sleep.
Just by quietly gazing at the infinity of the universe and knowing he was here b eside me gave me happiness.
Closing my eyes, I inhaled the fresh air.
"Kylie."
My eyelids flew up. "Yeah?"
"Do you want to dance?"
I blinked several times, surprised by his sudden request.
He sat straight and shook his head. "No, wrong approach." Clearing his throat, h e stood up and bowed courteously in front of me. "Are you willing to dance under the stars with me, my beautiful lady?"
Smiling, I got up barefooted; the stone floor felt so chilly in my feet. I curts eyed, saying, "Well played, sir. Well played."
I took his hand and put my other hand on his back. He snaked his arm around my w aist, and as we began to take a smooth gliding motion, I asked him, "T, why did you ask me to wear this dress again?"
"It's because I want to bring back our first dance and make it a good one. Remem ber at the Valentine Ball? It was a disaster because you ran away," he replied. The corners of his eyes were crinkling in amusement. "You didn't tell me the rea son why."
"Ah well, a-actually it was because... uh, never mind, Tristan. Just forget it," I mumbled. I simply couldn't bear to tell him the reason. It would be so embarr assing to say!
"All right, my lady. But this time-" he pulled me closer to him "-don't try to r un away from me again, okay? I'll still chase you."
"Rest assured, sir. My hands are already infinitely locked in the palm of yours. "
We stopped moving. Tristan took something from his pocket and lifted my right ha nd. Silently, he slipped the thing around my wrist. It was a bracelet made out o f a red cord, and a silver ring connected both of its ends.
"Sorry if it's plain. I made it just by myself," he said.
I smiled gratefully. "It's pretty."
"I have one, too." He rolled up his sleeve and showed a matching black one aroun d his right wrist. He then took my hand. "Do you know what this means?"
"Yeah."
He pressed his forehead on mine. "We are going steady."
I nodded. The warmth of his breath was brushing on the top of my lips.
He lifted my chin. "You make me very happy, Kylie. I hope I make you happy, too, " he whispered. "I love you."
"That's very cheesy, Tristan."
"But that's what makes you fall in love with me, isn't it?"
I rolled my eyes. "You know what, even if you can manage to get on every single nerve in me sometimes," I said and grinned, "You make me very happy as well. I l ove you, idiot."
He laughed, and when he kissed me slowly, my heart practically exploded with rai nbows.
If I had imagined this moment way back the old times, I would have been very app alled. But things change, feelings change, we change. And we really don't know w hat life will give us, where it will push us.
Sometimes, the things we least expect happens.
In my case, I'd never expected that a simple dance would put me in a rollercoast er relationship with this "prince" in front of me. I had been hesitant at first, but then I'd taken that "leap of faith", because I'd learned that sometimes, al l it takes to fall in love is the guts to try.
And that love gave us a fairy tale once in a while, right in the middle of our o rdinary lives.
Our hearts perfectly fitted each other. Just like Cinderella and her glass slipp er.
Well, I couldn't say this was the end of our story, because if I would say the e nd, it meant that everything was completely over, and our story was not.
We still had a long way to go, many different people to meet, more detours to ta ke, heaps of problems to face. But we knew-we always knew we could make it throu gh. We just had to believe in ourselves and with each other.
This was only just the beginning of our journey to happily ever after.
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