Elements of a Shattered Past, Chapter 19: Prom Night(Part 2)
Story by FeuerfoxKA8 on SoFurry
The prom night continues, though the event does not go quite as smoothly as hoped...
By the time we made our way inside gym was already crowded with students dressed up in their formal best; forgettable pop music blasting from the PA system. The impromptu stage at the back of the gym was done up in balloon arches and a few floral arrangements that I instantly recognized as our shop's work; the school went through our nearby location as we routinely advertised for homecoming and prom. Mr. Briggs stood with Mrs. Langolis, the vice principal, as well as Mrs. Callaway. The music being cut was a signal that he was about to speak.
The principal's baritone carried over the PA system, his normally welcoming quality tempered somewhat. “Welcome to Moonlight Enchantment; the Harrison High School 2001 Junior and Senior Prom! Before we begin to introduce your prom court, I have an announcement to make."
Mr. Briggs nodded to the few couples gathered on stage. “You will notice your prom court is not the same as you had elected. Mr. Nichols and Miss Dobson are not present as your Prom King and Queen tonight. You will notice that Mr. Sorenson and Miss Peters are also not present as your Prom Prince and Princess. You will have likely heard rumors surrounding their absence, so allow me to clear this up."
Holly's hand tightened around mine, casting a nervous smile in my direction as the principal continued. “These four, among several others, were found to be conducting behavior that was not only in major violation of multiple school codes, but was also illegal. I need to stress to all of you the importance of responsible behavior. Some of these students have now been held back a grade level and will have to complete their education at an alternative high school. This is in addition to any criminal penalties the legal system may levy against them.
“I don't mean to bring down the mood on what should be one of the most memorable days in your lives, but I want to address the seniors in particular. Most of you are now legally adults. You now have a greater degree of freedom in your lives than you have ever had before. At the same time your future is in your own hands; college professors, deans, bosses, police officers, and judges will not give you the same leeway you have found here. That is the most important piece of wisdom I can impart."
He turned back to the gathered couples. “The runners up in the election and the new Prom King and Queen are Michael Murphey and Bridget Vercoe; the new Prom Prince and Princess are Justin Tauber and Victoria Carnell! Please give them a round of applause!" The gym erupted into the expected applause; the others were popular students who were by all accounts decent people and hadn't participated in the underhanded antics that Katie and Ryan's clique did. Mrs. Langolis and Mrs. Callaway took their turns giving short speeches and lauding the achievements of those on stage before the festivities and music began.
Despite my mom and sister taking years of ballet classes when I was a kid I wasn't much of a dancer; that and the mixture of overplayed pop songs weren't really much to our liking anyway. I found myself dragged along as Holly pulled me off the dance floor, leaving a fair portion of the assembled couples and some of the more experienced dancers to strut their stuff. The blaring music made it difficult to speak, so she had to practically shout in my ear. “Not our kind of music, but I am getting you out on the dance floor at least once tonight." She grinned as she led me into the auxiliary gym, which had been set up as more of a lounge area than a dance floor.
The music was still present, but piped in at a much lower volume; tables and chairs were set up and the lighting was turned down low to simulate a more laid back atmosphere reminiscent of a nightclub. There were fewer students taking advantage of that, which was alright by me.
That didn't mean we weren't alone, however. A slender girl in a flowing black dress approached us; I knew who she was despite never having formally met her. Holly blinked and blushed as Jennifer approached us, her sheepish expression mirroring Holly's. “Hey, hon, I didn't mean to interrupt…" she started, but Holly reached out with her other hand and brought her into our social bubble.
“It's okay," Holly answered, her flushed complexion apparent even in the dim lighting. “I wasn't sure you would be here. I should introduce you to Adam Jennings; it's a little sudden but we just started dating." Hearing that out loud was still a little surprising and awkward.
Jennifer's expression was one of surprise, though she also seemed a little crestfallen. “That's good, especially after all the craziness," she remarked. “You look absolutely gorgeous, by the way. I'm happy for you two." She tried to take a polite step backwards, only to be stopped by Holly's arm winding around her shoulders.
“Hey," Holly replied, “It's okay, Jenn. He knows about us; he pulled some strings and kept us free and clear from Katie's fallout."
Jennifer's eyes widened as she glanced between the two of us. “Uhm," she stuttered, “you're cool with Holly and I having a, well… history?"
I nodded at them. “Like I told Holly, I'm not going to judge. You never treated any of my friends badly and it looked like Katie was blackmailing both of you."
“She was," Jennifer sighed. “I really don't want my parents to find out. Not yet. Whatever you did, thank you; Katie's sister told me that it's gotten ugly. Her and her friends might be able to get the drug and alcohol charges downgraded, but those charges are going to screw their chances at going to college out of state."
“Considering how they screwed others out of their chances," Holly snarked, “I have no sympathy for them. Not after how they treated us."
“I still feel bad about what happened to Terry," Jennifer sighed. “Last I heard his parents are watching him like a hawk and a couple of letters Nate tried sending him were returned with notes telling him to stop writing. I'm glad we dodged that bullet, but Katie fucked both of them over." Jennifer's expression was one of barely concealed anger.
“I don't really know what to say," I chimed in, “other than I kinda lost it when Katie, Ryan, and Matt threatened me a few days ago. I didn't intend for things to escalate like this; screw with me all you want and I'll take it, but threaten people I care about and I'm not going to respond kindly."
Holly pulled me in closer, her lips gracing my cheek with a brief kiss. “I was expecting this prom to become a nightmare," she spoke in a low voice. “Again, you saved more asses than just mine."
Jennifer tugged at Holly's shoulder, a tone of nervous hesitancy in her voice. “I don't want to rock the boat that much," she eked out, “but could I talk to you alone for a few minutes?"
Holly nodded to me. “Sure, Jenn," she answered. “I'll be back in a little bit, hon?" With that the two wandered off, leaving me to prop up the gym wall. My mind was a maelstrom of thoughts and emotions; memories of Megan rose to the surface and dueled with my recent interactions and conversations with Holly. I closed my eyes and let them duel; forcing myself to just be calm and let them fight it out. I wasn't sure if this was the best way to heal from the past year's events, but I didn't have much choice. I cared about Megan's memory, but I also cared about what I was starting to develop with Holly. I would have to find a balance between the two, which wouldn't be easy.
Another voice shook me from my thoughts; familiar but not Holly's. “Enjoying the prom so far?" Mrs. Callaway asked. I opened my eyes and looked up at the librarian and technologist.
I nodded to her. “Yeah," I affirmed. “My date needed to talk to a friend so I'm waiting until she gets back. I'm just trying to come to terms with being almost out of school." It was then that I noticed that her expression was one of concern instead of relaxation.
“Could we talk in private?" Mrs. Callaway motioned me over to the far corner of the auxiliary gym, where it was far quieter and there were no students milling around. She didn't waste any time. “I found something odd about that memory card. The entire card had been filled with a bunch of random photos and garbage files; I was able to recover a few of them. Mr. Sorenson isn't that savvy, neither is Mr. Nichols. You, however, are. Did you alter something on the card?"
I just about paled; apparently I wasn't as clever as I had hoped. I wasn't going to try and weasel my way out of this, however; I was going to meet it head on. “I'm not going to lie to you, Mrs. Callaway," I responded, my voice almost halting on those words. “I did."
Surprisingly, my teacher and mentor's expression didn't betray a hint of anger; rather a soft curiosity. “I know you don't attend the wild parties that those students host," she pointed out. “You weren't trying to erase evidence of your own wrongdoing. I think you're trying to protect someone." She nodded toward the side entrance that Holly and Jennifer had gone into moments ago."
I closed my eyes and nodded, taking a shaky breath. “Katie, Ryan, and Matt had been taking very inappropriate pictures of other students to use as blackmail," I explained. “Holly was one of them; they approached me a few days ago and threatened to make those photos public unless I refused to take her to prom. I found the memory card they thought they had and deleted all the inappropriate photos before zeroing the card as much as I could. I figured the drinking and drug use would get them into enough trouble."
The librarian remained silent a few moments before giving me a nod. “I can understand why you did what you did, Adam," she spoke, “At the same time, I need to warn you that two wrongs almost always don't make a right. I'm not going to bring this up to Mr. Briggs; as far as I'm concerned I didn't see or hear anything else regarding this incident."
Her hand fell on my shoulder; a serious look on her face as her words took on a gravity of their own. “Part of becoming an adult is facing the consequences of your actions," she explained. “Another part is understanding where the line is and owning up to your actions and mistakes if you cross it. You protected Holly, but were you prepared to face expulsion right before you graduate?"
I nodded at her. “Yes," I confirmed. “Holly has plans to go to a good college; I don't. She needs that chance far more than I do, especially since I plan on working at least a couple of years before I consider further schooling."
She frowned at that. “I understand that's your intention," she remarked, “yet I think that with your grades, background, and multiple recommendation letters from staff you can get into a great school if you tried."
“I know that's the well-trod path," I answered, “but I really need a break from the classroom for a while. Working and earning money interests me more than getting back into school right off the bat."
“That's fair," she conceded as she pulled away, motioning to the gym's entrance. “It looks like Holly has returned, so I'll let you go. Just give my words some thought? You have more potential than you think." With those words she gave me a quick wave and walked away as Holly started to approach me. I noticed that Jennifer wasn't with her, which seemed a little strange.
I glanced up as she reached me, noticing a slightly distraught look on her face. “Are you okay?" I asked.
Holly nodded once as she wound an arm around me, resting her head on my shoulder. “I will be," she replied. “Jennifer wanted to talk with me about some things; it could have gone better. I don't really want to talk about it, hon." As if to punctuate her words she hung onto me even tighter.
I wasn't sure how long we stayed there, but I surprised myself by bringing her in closer. A soft, quiet song carried over the speakers; I recognized it as a Bush tune but I didn't know which one it was; something my older sister listened to. A moment later we were swaying to the music; Holly's arms holding me close.
“I'm gonna hold you like nothing's gonna stop us…" Gavin Rossdale's words punctuated the beginning of our dance. We weren't out on the dance floor among the other couples, but it really didn't matter. For a few brief moments the outside world ceased to exist and it was just us, swaying in time to the music.
A familiar voice erupted from behind us. “I knew it!" We turned around to take in the sight of Julie, Seth, and Will standing behind us. All of them looked resplendent in their evening wear; I felt a little underdressed in my shirt and tie but I didn't mind being the odd one out. Julie beamed at us. “I knew something was going on between you two!"
“I guess the jig is up," Holly answered, flashing a smirk at Julie. “Is it that obvious?"
“Well, you are hanging all over him," Julie shot back. “How long have you two been dating? We got to hear all the denials and the computer room antics, so spill the beans!"
“Yesterday," I clarified. “After I told her about the incident."
“Wait," Will interjected. “What incident? The one where a bunch of jocks got in trouble a couple days ago?"
Holly nodded at him while holding onto me. “Yeah, that incident," she clarified before filling him in on what happened. “The rest, well, happened."
“I'm just glad something good came out of that shitshow," Seth chimed in. “I'm surprised you weren't caught, dude."
“I kinda was," I replied to everyone's shock; I had to give a quick rundown of the conversation I had with Mrs. Callaway a few minutes ago.
Julie whistled; a low, ominous tone. “You got lucky," she pointed out. “That rapport with her went a long way. I don't want to drag things on, but we were going to get prom photos. My mom let me borrow the car tonight; we're going to the Underground for an after-prom party. The jump seat's free if you'd like to come along?"
Holly grinned up at me. “How about it? I'm good to go if you are."
I paused a moment before relenting. “Okay," I agreed, “but we aren't sharing a jump seat. You're not the only one borrowing a car this evening." With that Julie and the others ushered us towards the photographer. The prom itself was winding down, but we would be out practically all night.
May 26, 2001
N. Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO
2:18AM
“So, you're sure your parents aren't going to be upset you're coming home this late?" I asked as I directed my borrowed roadster down city streets, a building sense of tiredness creating a not so unpleasant feeling when accompanied by the cool air rushing into the cabin. While I still felt okay to drive I was glad I was heading home after dropping Holly off; the after-prom party at the local metalhead and Goth club was fun but fast-paced.
Holly shook her head, a soft smile on her lips as the wind coursed through her hair; she didn't pull her gaze from the star-filled sky as she spoke. “No, they're okay with it," she replied, “I told them in advance that Julie probably wanted to stay out late. Will your parents be okay with this?"
I shrugged; it was a good question as I didn't usually stay out this late unless it was an overnight excursion. “I think I'll be okay," I mused, “I don't really make this a habit, and I figured my folks planned on me being out late."
I shifted into fourth gear as we made it up the main road; I blinked as her hand fell upon mine. “I'm glad that things went this well," she breathed. “I thought that by this time I'd be completely fucked over and made a total pariah. I can't thank you enough, hon. I really can't."
I spared a glance over to her, allowing an admittedly rare smile. “It's been a crazy ride," I admitted, “but I'm glad I was able to help you out. What your former friends did was disgusting, and I can't believe anyone would do that sort of thing."
Holly's hand gave mine a reassuring squeeze. “Power trips do that to some people," she explained. “Give someone a position of power and authority and they'll use it to control others. Dad and I talked about this; he says a good leader knows when to let the people under their command use their talent and initiative to get the job done while a bad leader forces and controls people into doing it."
“Your dad has a lot of insight," I agreed, another thought on my mind which I wanted to voice. “I'm surprised Jennifer didn't come along with us; I don't want to pry but I also don't want to drive a wedge between you and your friends."
Holly sighed, glancing over to me with serious expression. “It's a little bit of a sore spot with me, but I'll explain. Jenn was kinda hurt when she found out we started dating," she frowned. “She treated Cass and Matt going behind my back as not a big deal, and she didn't really seem interested in spending time with me outside of those parties." She frowned and turned towards me; her hand still wrapped around mine. “I chose you over her for a reason."
I would have closed my eyes for a moment, but I was driving. Instead, I nodded; a feeling of relief settling in out of nowhere. Had I been jealous without realizing it? “I…" I trailed off for a moment. “…I appreciate your trust in me, Holly."
“And I appreciate you giving a damn about me, cutie." Holly's hand squeezed mine further as she leaned into me, at least as far as the center console would allow. “We're almost to my house," she frowned, “I wish we had a bit more time."
“Same here, hon," I agreed. “I had a great time tonight, even though I was dreading it earlier." I made the turn that took us into Holly's neighborhood.
“Next week's going to be crazy," Holly admitted. “I'm not sure I'll get to see you until graduation, and family is going to be in town. We need to go out on an actual date once things calm down."
“I'd like that," I responded as I turned down her street. I wasn't sure why a nervous feeling started in the pit of my stomach, but it did. “Maybe lunch or dinner somewhere? I'm going to start working full time once I'm out of school so it may have to be a Wednesday or Saturday."
It was a short distance to her driveway; I pulled in behind her father's black Trans Am. “I know of a few good places," Holly answered. “I'll make it a surprise. Again, I had a wonderful night, Adam. Things have been a roller coaster, but I can't thank you enough."
I turned towards her but she was quicker; her arms wrapping me into a hug as tight as the seats and the center console would allow. Her lips sought mine; eager and insistent as I returned the slightly awkward embrace. I wasn't sure how long it lasted, but it was long enough to leave us both slightly breathless.
Holly's smile was infectious as she pulled away slightly, her eyes gazing into mine. “Message me when you get home? I need to log on for a bit and I want to know that you make it home okay."
I nodded at her, still somewhat speechless and not really sure how things had progressed from being introduced to dating in a whirlwind of a month. “Sure thing, sweetie. I'll get on for a little bit. I really enjoyed spending time with you tonight."
Holly leaned in once more; a soft peck on my lips to bring closure to a night I had been dreading but somehow turned out far better than I had any right to expect. “Chat at you soon. Drive safe!"
[5/26/01 2:47AM] Instant Message from RockinHolly83: hey, sweetie! was your trip home good? did you have any issues with your parents?
PaintedBlack05: Nope, they were asleep when I got home. You?
RockinHolly83: dad was still up. he said that i must really like you to be out this late. he was glad we had a good time.
PaintedBlack05: That's a relief; I'd rather not have him annoyed at us. Are you usually up this late?
RockinHolly83: only on friday nights and saturday mornings, sometimes. i chat with my old friends from japan for a little bit, it's about 6pm there which means Yuki and Tamamo just got home from school.
PaintedBlack05: They stay at school that late? I mean, we're home at a little after 3PM.
RockinHolly83: most of them have sports or clubs they stay after school for. it's really different there. it's also saturday there, and a couple of my friends still have classes.
PaintedBlack05: School on Saturdays? Wow. Did you go to a Japanese school?
RockinHolly83: no, there's regular american schools on military bases. i had more japanese friends than american friends there. long story.
PaintedBlack05: That makes sense. I'm exhausted and I should get to bed soon. I had a wonderful night, and I'm glad we got to experience it together.
RockinHolly83: it was incredible, sweetie. i'll call you tomorrow? we both have graduation things going on, but i'd love to go out on a proper date with you after all that's over.
PaintedBlack05: Absolutely. I start work full time right after graduation, but we'll get something together soon. G'night, hon. Talk to you tomorrow. :)
[5/26/01 3:18AM] Signed out, terminating log