Page 40 of The Rules We Broke
Halfway through the dance, Principal Jerger stepped up to announce the court.
Brady’s name was no surprise. Everyone expected him to be prom king. And no one was shocked when my name was called for prom queen. It made sense. The two Jackson girls split the vote.
The gasp that swept through the gym was almost theatrical when everyone realized what that meant. But it was Amber’s face I zeroed in on—stunned, slapped by surprise.
Brady’s reaction was the one that shook me.
It was the first time he had really looked at me in months, and he looked almost happy. Proud even.
He half-smiled at me.
I didn’t return it.
Instead, I walked up to Principal Jerger, told her I couldn’t accept the crown, and exited the stage with my head high and heart heavy.
Amber was made queen by default. But she would always know that she’d lost to me.
That night I went straight home, curled up beside Aunt Lu, and cried until I couldn’t anymore. She told me it wasn’t the most Christian thing I’d ever done. But I don’t think she’d ever been prouder.
My little prom coup became a local legend, whispered about for the rest of the school year.
Friends later told me that after I walked out, Brady looked like he was going to follow—but Amber latched onto his arm like it was a lifeline. The king and queen dance was skipped entirely in the confusion.
I wasn’t proud of that. Well—maybe a little.
I’d wanted the Jacksons to see that they hadn’t beaten me. That I was worthy of a crown but didn’t need one.
A few weeks later, I was named valedictorian. A week after that, I left Kaysville behind and started summer term at Auburn.
At first, I stayed in touch with friends. But every call somehow circled back to Brady. Where he was, what he was doing, what Amber had posted.
I don’t know why they thought I wanted to know. I didn’t. It only made my heart ache. Brady wasn’t just a high school crush. I’d loved him. And I’d never really stopped.
I made good time to my car. I didn’t know if I had cooled off any, though.
I was still reeling—still angry that after all these years, he’d thought I’d been unfaithful. And now, after everything, he wanted another chance?
After years of watching him and Amber on TV, in magazines, in highlight reels that felt like tiny heartbreaks? No, thank you.
It didn’t matter how much he claimed things had changed. His parents would never welcome me with open arms. Frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if they did everything in their power to keep us apart eternally.
And I couldn’t break Aunt Lu’s heart again. No matter how much I still loved Brady Jackson.
Even though I made good time to my car, I realized it was too late to visit Aunt Lu. I’d stop by first thing in the morning, before church. Though, given my mood, church might be optional. I didn’t want to see Brady, his family, or most of Kaysville. Except Caroline. I’d see her in a heartbeat.
The reminder nudged me—I needed to call my office. I’d have them ship some books and dolls right away.
When I got home, my cell phone rang. It was a local number. Odd.
I answered without thinking. “Hello.”
“Ellie, it’s Brady.”
The fool didn’t need to tell me. I knew his voice better than my own.
“How did you get my number?”
“It was on the paperwork you signed.”
