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Abby

“As promised, Grandma, I kept watch over everything.”

“It couldn’t have been any other way.” She smiles. “Did you have a good time?”

“You could say so, I guess. Admittedly, twice as many people came as we had anticipated, but I made a fair amount of money in the process.”

I smile internally. I plan to divide the amount among everyone who contributed. Connor knocks the idea out of my head.

“Come on, Abigail, they didn’t do anything extraordinary. Maybe Myro. He helped me get that dumpster fire in order. Ted and the others already got what they were supposed to get, after all—we let them in for free.”

“You have a point there.”

Nobody talks about anything except the party for a whole month. Even the teachers knew about it and congratulated me on my organizational skills.

I’m proud of myself, too. I think I like this kind of activity. Anything practical that has an artistic element to it, and on top of that, that has to do with organization, is my favorite.

Preparations for the prom have also started. We’re rehearsing a dance routine. Connor won’t be able to be with me until the last rehearsals before the event itself, so Craig partners me. Besides, the instructor chose us to be the lead couple. She felt we had the best feel for the dance and were best matched in terms of skill and chemistry as a couple.

“Professor, but you are aware that Craig and I are not going out?”

“No?” She seems totally surprised.

“No. You’re putting a lot of responsibility on my shoulders. Because, to be honest, I have no idea how I’m going to dance with Connor.”

I’ve never danced a routine with him. Our dances so far have been at parties, mostly to hip-hop. Possibly some undemanding shuffling to slow songs. And while I know I can do it, I have no idea if he can or whether being in the lead couple will be too much stress for him.

“I thought you were a couple,” the teacher says. “You’re always together.”

It occurs to me that if the teachers perceive it that way, it doesn’t bode well.

“Well, then your partner will have to catch on quickly. Craig will make the second couple. Come on, line up, here we go!”

This year promises to be an interesting one. Because Connor’s school lasts five years and my high school lasts four, we’re enrolling at the same time despite our age difference. And that means two proms, which means I have to get two dresses, two hairstyles, and learn two choreographies. My prom is the second one. Connor’s falls on Valentine’s Day. A week apart. I have very little time. An outfit idea pops into my head. I plan shopping for the weekend.

As I walk into the shop with Victoria and Mom, I immediately see the dress—it’s exactly what I had in mind. It has a wide neckline pitched to one side, with a ruffle and shoulder tie. The other side is adorned with a thin strap. The dress is asymmetrical at the bottom, reaching to the ankle on one side and slightly past the knee on the other, with the longer side having a slit that reaches mid-thigh. It is sexy and fits me so well it might as well have been tailored. It’s black with silver threads shimmering throughout the fabric. To go with it, I’m going to do my hair on a spiral curling iron and wear a necklace from my grandmother. It’s a combination of threads formed in a semi-circle, spread over several levels. Threaded onto the strands are black stones. It’s gorgeous. I always wonder where my grandma finds these things.

I just need to get my hands on a red dress for Connor’s prom on Valentine’s Day. I’ll ask the girls. Mom only gave me cash for the one and a single visit to the hairdresser, so I call one who’s also my friend.

“Gina, I’ve got business.”

“I’m listening.”

“First thing: would you do my hair for my prom for Valentine’s Day? Second: do you know someone I can borrow a long red dress from?”

“Honey, you couldn’t have called at a better time. I’ll stop by and bring you a red dress I have. You can try it on, and we’ll do a test hairdo straight away. Would you like that?”

“Sure, I would! That’s great! When can you come?”

“Do you have time tomorrow evening?”

“Yes! So awesome! That’s settled, then.”

The next day I go to have a fitting for the first dress. I stand in front of the mirror and… Yes! I squeal to myself. It’s fucking awesome! I feel so sexy in it. The stilettos I saw on display in one of the shops will match it perfectly.

The dress from Gina is perfect too! It fits well and the length, when I put the heels on, should be on point.

“I think that for this dress we should pin up your hair. I can also do your makeup. I’ll do you in a minute.”

After thirty minutes of gossiping a proud Gina announces: “You have to see this. Come on!”

I stand in front of the mirror. I’m delighted!

“That’s it, Gina! Thank you! You’re irreplaceable! An expert in your craft! And the dress is brilliant.”

“Okay, leave it on. What time do you want me to come do your hair on Valentine’s Day?”

“Let’s make it three p.m. so I have enough time.”

“Sure. Now, I’m off. Take care, dear!” She gives me a kiss on the cheek.