Page 21 of Perfect Tragedy
I simply nod.
He pulls the blankets back on his bed, “Here, get in. Get some rest.”
I do as I’m told, too exhausted to do anything else. Blake pulls the covers over me and I watch as he lays down next to me, on top of the covers. He puts his arm over his eyes, and for a while I watch his chest rise and fall, the action relaxing me. I feel safe and I allow the security he provides, plus the scent of him that surrounds me, lull me to sleep.
5
Looking yet again at my prom date, I’m fairly certain I’ll have the hottest one of the night - without question.
It’s no surprise that not long ago after what was supposed to be a fun night of letting go turned into a nightmare, that prom didn’t sound like a good idea to me. Vanessa insisted that there was no way in hell she was going to let me miss my junior prom. She said something about best friends not letting best friends miss prom, but really, she says that any time I don’t want to do something. I told her it’s starting to lose effectiveness which she promptly ignored.
Considering the fact I’m currently standing in my room wearing a floor length sequin prom dress, I suppose she has more influence on me than I give her credit.
I shudder slightly reflecting on that night and the aftermath. Todd showed up at school the following week with several black and blue areas on his face. He could not conceal the fact that he had been pummeled, mercilessly. Just glancing at him made my own face hurt.
Blake and Jack never admitted to a thing, but I know, hell everyone knows, that they beat the shit out of him. At first, feeling ridiculously stupid and embarrassed, I was adamant the whole situation be kept quiet. Then, Jack had a serious talk with me about his feelings.
The thing about my brother is that he doesn’t get that serious often, so when he does, I pay attention. His thoughts were that it was likely I wasn’t the only girl that had ever been drugged by Todd or the only one that he had taken advantage of and he suspected that some girls had not been as “lucky” as me. He said my speaking up could potentially save someone else.
I’m ashamed to say my first reaction was anger at Blake for even telling Jack what happened. Blake had to though - he actually had the forethought that night to ask Jack to make sure Vanessa got home safely and to let him know he was taking care of me and why. He knew Jack would likely notice my disappearance and that I had come with Vanessa who would be concerned as well. While hearing that made me feel worse initially, I quickly realized Jack was right - telling someone was absolutely the right thing to do. Regardless of the consequences.
My parents were definitely angry, but really it was more because of what could have happened than anything else. They were more understanding about the drinking thing than I expected, not condoning my choice and behavior, but saying that these things were somewhat expected when you were raising teenagers. I have a theory that my mom and dad tore it up when they were younger and maybe that’s why they’re so forgiving. But they were more concerned about what Todd did and how I was coping. Anyway, despite being somewhat cool, I was grounded for some time. Plus, I quickly realized that thinking I could keep it all hush-hush was laughable. How could I have forgotten, even momentarily, that we live in a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business and that gossip would fly – if not from seeing and hearing Blake and I argue on the pool deck, to his rapid exit and him carrying me to his truck, to the way Todd looked at school – folks were sure to be asking questions or making their own presumptions.
The details of what exactly went down between my parent’s and Todd’s is sketchy, but it wasn’t long after their conversation that Todd, I heard, was shipped off to live with his aunt and uncle in Illinois. Rumor has it that his uncle works at some kind of place for troubled teenagers so I would have to imagine that’s where Todd ended up. Honestly, I’m just happy to never see him again. Some people are just not good and anyone that would do what he did to someone is simply evil.
Given that situation, it seems of no real surprise I’ve been unsure about dating in general right now which is why I turned down every guy that asked me to be their date to prom. If I didn’t tell them no directly, glares from Jack when anyone dared approach me kept a few at bay and I was grateful. He had become a bit overprotective since Todd - and normally I would be angry at his interference, but I’ve been thankful instead.
Which is how I ended up with the hottest date.
Vanessa.
Standing in my bedroom in a red silk gown that hugs her curves, she looks beautiful. We had a great time getting ready. We got our nails and hair done, did our makeup together and then slipped our dresses on and couldn’t stop smiling at each other.
Tonight will be fun; going with my best friend means no pressure. No putting on a show. No worrying about saying or doing the wrong thing in front of some guy that I don’t really care about impressing, but feel like I should anyway because of the money he spent on the night.
Besides they always say that prom is supposed to be a night you’ll never forget in our high school lives. If that’s the case then I’m guaranteed a good time with my best friend as my “date.”
“Sienna!” my mom calls and knocks on my bedroom door, “Are you two ready? I’d like to take some photos before you leave.”
“We’ll be right out,” I call to her grabbing the pink glittery lipgloss I have on my lips and placing it inside my evening clutch.
“Ready?” I ask Vanessa smiling at her admiring herself in the mirror.
“Yes. You?”
“Yep. You look really great,” I tell her for the tenth time.
“So do you. That color goes with your skin tone perfectly. Blake is going to d-i-e when he sees you.”
Shaking my head I roll my eyes, “I don’t care about that.”
Lies. My skin prickles when I think about Blake seeing me in this dress. Will he think I look pretty? Do a double take when he sees me? Wish I were his date instead of freaking Hailey? I wish I didn’t care either way, but I can’t help but imagine it anyway.
Looking at myself one more time, I admire the champagne colored sequin dress that hugs my body until it flares out at my mid-thigh and falls to the floor. The spaghetti straps look delicate against my skin and I turn yet again and see how they cross in the back exposing most of my back. When I move, a slit up to mid-thigh makes my leg play peek-a-boo when I walk. My gold heels with straps across the top of my foot give me a little more height and my pretty but simple diamond earrings and bracelet are the perfect accessories. I had my hair done in long waves and the sides are braided and pulled back. My eye makeup is dramatic with a simple lip and looking at myself in the mirror, I’m astonished at how it all came together.
“Okay, well I know better and he’s going to forget Hailey’s name when he sees you.”
Ignoring her I point to the door, “Let’s go before my mom starts beating down the door. I’m sure she’ll take a lot of photos, so prepare yourself.”
