Page 55 of Valentine Dare

23

Jenny

I couldn’t believethe last few weeks of being back in Boston had resulted in putting the nightmare of living in New York behind me. No one wanted an apology. Claire had made sure I could go back to school, and it was as if the whole thing hadn’t happened.

“One more photo,” Claire said as we stood outside on the front lawn taking another photo.

I wore a sexy satin spaghetti strap V-neck dress. I pinned my hair in a loose bun to show my neckline. It was a little chilly out, and I was being vain, so I didn’t opt for wearing a coat, but only a slender black wool shawl. The dress had lace as part of the bodice then the waist part was flirty as it was short and two layers of satin. I loved it in the store. It was a deep red, and with my newfound breasts a result of my weight gain, no more did I feel ashamed about showing them, but the complete opposite - I wanted to flaunt them. Also, with the backless dress, it made me feel special, as it was the first time I was going to a dance, and I had something to celebrate - a new era in my life, a better me. Not only physically, but mentally too.

I didn’t care, as I wanted the world to see the new me. I didn’t have to hide, or question my appearance anymore. It was a moment of freedom. The three men played a special role in my life, but they were not everything, not the way I’d made Kurt in the past, always trying to please him.

The freedom to please myself was everything to me.

“Mom, not another one.” Trent winced as he played with his bowtie.

“Hey, Claire. Keep taking the photos. I love it. We look hot, and we’re going to shine at the dance.”

“I completely agree,” Tracey said, beaming as she took my arm. We were loving it. The guys were each dressed in a white tux, and we had black dresses on. She didn’t have a date for the dance, but I knew with her winning smile and personality, every guy would be over her in a flash.

High school had changed not only for her but for me too. We’d blossomed so much in our final year, and our friendship had changed us for the better. Unlike me, she was going to USC, the college she’d dreamed of going to since she was a little girl. I had one year to figure out my life, and Claire said she would help me get into college even if it was a community college.

“Did I tell you that you looked stunning today,” Trent whispered as he kissed me on the cheek. His hair was gelled back, and he looked like an Italian stallion.

I giggled. “A thousand times.”

He winked at me, wrapped his arm around me, and then flung me back and planted a kiss on my lips.

“Take a photo now!” he shouted at Claire. She snapped a couple of times, and I returned his kiss.

“The limo’s waiting,” Prent said, there was so much chaos as I checked my dress.

“I’m ready. I don’t know what you’re all waiting on.” Tracey laughed as she ran to the limo in her white heels. Her dress hugged her figure and the ruffles that were around her dress bounced up and down. Prent kissed her hand, and then led her to the limo. I couldn’t believe this was really happening after all this time. We'd talked about going to Valentine Dance, all four of us, but now that it was happening, and I felt the spring air brush around my skin, I had a family, something I'd never possessed and one I would cherish for the rest of my life.

"Coming! Don't leave me behind," I shouted after seeing everyone head to the limo apart from Claire. I waved her goodbye and smiled, thinking this was my life now, and it was going to be a happy one.

* * *

We walkedarm-in-arm as we planned into the hall. Everything was set for the 50´s theme chosen for the dance. We had a few months until the end of school, but I couldn't believe this era of our life was coming to a dramatic end.

"You ready?" Brent shouted, as he held my hand, and I turned to envelop his arm.

I nodded, and Trent, Prent, and Tracey did the same as we stood behind the doors, ready to enter the hallway.

We walked, and the cameras flashed as we did it. It was cheesy, but we rehearsed our walk, and I held my head straight, feeling so proud to not only be with one of my men but all three.

As we got to the end of the hall, the photographer was waiting, so we posed for a few shots, and then proceeded into the room.

It was amazing. The gym no longer looked like a hall, but a flash from the past with a fountain in the middle, everyone dressed in black and white, and photos and artifacts of the past everywhere. There was a nice vibe, and I didn't feel like the girl who was humiliated by a dad being charged for theft and an ex who spat in her face. I felt like a fucking star!

Everyone pointed at us as they turned their head and talked about us. All eyes were pointed in our direction, and we continued to walk with pride until we found ourselves at the stage.

Brent high-fived some of his friends, and within a few minutes, Trent did the same, and the circle was broken.

"Who's that?" Tracey pointed at three guys, that I didn't know, who were staring at her.

Prent said, "Oh, that's Jason, Kevin, and Lane. They go to USC. They must be here with someone."

I was about to ask how he knew, but I didn't get the chance because before I knew it, not only was he out of my sight, but Tracey was too.

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