The Prom
You look so beautiful Halina, absolutely gorgeous tonight, said dad Tristan, as he beheld his once little princess, yet not so little anymore; walking gracefully out of her room in her silver tailor-made backless, sequined tulle mermaid bandage prom dress.
Now I can’t wait for my senior year to be over, you look stunning and Mom definitely got this one right, exclaimed Axelle. Thanks, dad and little sis, and you Mom, you have outdone yourself this time making this beautiful dress, as Halina swirled slowly in front of the huge mirror in the hallway. Quick everyone, would be nice to get a family picture with the star of tonight before Max gets here in a few minutes.
The doorbell rings….that must be Max, go get the door Zosia. Not until you have asked me nicely, Halina Iris Wagner, that stunning look, graduation and your old age do not excuse good manners. Yeah yeah, whatever, please get the door your highness, Queen Zosia. More like it, replied Zosia playfully as she headed for the front door.
Hey Maxie, not looking bad in that Tuxedo, you clean up real good. Hi to you too, ever so annoying Zosia, it’s Max, not Maxie, as he walks in. Good day Mr. and Mrs. Wagner, thank you for allowing me the pleasure of taking your beautiful daughter to prom. Hello Max, echoed Tristan and Alda, how are your parents? They send their regards, replied Max, as he catches a glimpse of Halina as she descends the stairs. The look on his face as he exclaimed, ravishing, breathtaking, captivating, beautiful! are words that don’t capture what you are right now Halina, I am so thrilled you are my date tonight, as he brings out a Stephanitis corsage with a hint of silver, matching Halina’s dress and hugged her.
Axelle and Zosia stood across the room as they whispered, teased, and giggled while Max put the corsage on Halina’s wrist. Halina blushed as she looked her sister’s way and sighed, quite annoying creatures, you both.
Get going, you two, and get my daughter back home by 1 a.m. young man. Common dad, it’s my first official date, the after party would be in full swing at that time, I promise to be back as soon as the fun is about over and not a second later dad, she said, in her excited voice as they walked out the door holding hands.
Waiting in the driveway was a Limo belonging to Dustin’s father, with Halina’s 3 best friends Nola, Sloane, and Thalia, and their dates Eric, Jacob, and Dustin. Hello Mr. and Mrs. Wagner, came a loud, bubbly chorus from the Limo as the kids laughed, chatted, and took pictures with so much excitement. Have fun kids and be good, waved Halina’s parents as the driver drove the high school seniors to their prom destination.
The school Gymnasium of The South West Providence High had been transformed almost beyond the recognition of the students and staff who volunteered to chaperone the graduating class of 2019. The evening had progressed so beautifully, beyond the imagination of the graduating students, from the pictures all filled with some serious and some silly poses to the dinner, and dance, to the prom king and queen; Halina’s best friend Sloane, and her boyfriend Dustin. This didn’t really come as a surprise to the seniors, as Dustin was a popular rich kid, whose parents are business tycoons and major sponsors of the school. Dustin would be hosting the after party at his parent’s guest house tonight, strictly by invitation and of course, all the friends in His Limo had been invited.
The after-party was loud and wild, the entire guest house, filled with alcohol, smoking, drugs, and kids without restraints, no parents, and the watchful prying eyes of the chaperones were no more. “How are we even allowed to do this?”, I had assumed Dustin’s parents would at least be here, Halina said to Sloane and the other girls. Oh, chill miss goody two shoes, this is your one chance to get away from your good old boring life revolving around the monotonous school - dance lessons - swimming - assignments - straight A student cycle, shut up and have fun, Sloane replied rolling her eyes. I really don’t understand how we are best friends Halina, Sloane continued teasingly, I should have known since pre-school, when you could not even as much as colour out of line, that you’d be such a boring friend. Well, let’s just say I have been your good conscience and the part of you that reasons logically replied Halina. Where are Max and the boys anyway, I really want to head home now.
Everyone’s Dancing Halina, why are you out here on the balcony all alone, would you like to dance with me? shouted Dustin, his voice drowned by the surrounding loud music. It’s almost 2 a.m., I can’t seem to find max anywhere, he is not taking his calls, he needs to take me back home, lamented Halina. Don’t sweat it, Halina, I’d have my driver take you home, as he pressed his body closer to hers, brushing his lips against hers and his hand against her breast. Are you high on something or am I imagining things Dustin? as she brushed him away and heart began to race faster. Live a little, girl. High school is over, trust me, you’d love it, I’ll make you feel alive and send shivers down your spine. You are not in your right senses Dustin, I need to go home, please.
The house phone rings at the Wagner’s residence, Tristan Wagner hello. Hello again Mr. Wagner, it’s me, Max. I’m calling to confirm Halina made it home sir. Irritated at this point, Tristan raises his voice, what are you talking about Max, you picked up my daughter from her home, you should have brought her back by now, it’s 3 in the morning. I apologize Mr. Wagner but Halina and I got had an argument and she was so mad she jumped into a taxi and left before I could stop her about an hour ago, I gave her an hour for her ride before calling you to confirm she has arrived. Well, Max, she isn’t here obviously, is there anywhere else she could have possibly gone, like one of her friends?
