Prom Date (19 page)

“It's in the bag,” Rebecca Proctor added. “Trust us. We've got you covered.”

Abby frowned as she paused in the doorway. What made these girls so certain of that? She wanted to question them, but knowing it could start something unpleasant, she decided to keep her mouth shut. Just grab a tissue and beat it.

“Eavesdropping, are we?” Rebecca asked Abby.

Abby blinked as she reached for a facial tissue. “No, I just needed this.” To prove her point, she leaned toward the mirror and adjusted her lip gloss. Abby was well aware that Rebecca was no fan of the DG. For that matter, Amanda wasn't either. But really, wasn't that all water under the bridge by now? Abby thought that these girls, all seniors, would've gotten beyond childish bickering . . . and hopefully grown up some. But maybe she was wrong. Maybe some people never grew up.

“Can you believe that anyone would actually
rent
a dress?” Rebecca asked her friends. Naturally they laughed.

“It's kind of creepy to imagine wearing a gown that someone else wore,” Amanda said. “I mean, who knows what they might've done in it.”

“Eww.” Rebecca wrinkled her nose. “Let's not even go there.”

Abby knew their jabs were meant for her and, despite her earlier resolve, she couldn't stop herself. “I'm curious,” she said, “what makes you so certain that Amanda's going to be crowned queen?”

Amanda gave Abby an innocent look. “Who said that?”

“Your friends.” Abby remained planted in the doorway, although she could tell that some of the girls were standing behind her now. Probably listening.

“Well, some things are just obvious,” Sienna told Abby.

“Yeah,” Rebecca said, “as obvious as used dresses.”

More laughter.

Abby stood up straighter. “You know, I honestly feel sorry for you guys.”

“You're sorry for us?” Amanda asked.

Abby nodded. “It seems like you missed out on what was really special about this prom.” She waved to their expensive dresses. “Sure, it was your choice not to save some money to help a little girl's battle with cancer. No one can make you do what you don't want to. But the funny thing is that those of us who did it—the girls who had the confidence to wear a gently used gown—we're not just having fun because we're at prom, we're having fun because we know we're making a difference in a little girl's life. I think you've missed out on that. And I honestly feel sorry for you.”

“We're here, aren't we?” Amanda challenged. “At least we came to prom. And the cost of our prom tickets will go to the Ruez girl, right?”

“That's true,” Abby conceded, resisting the urge to point out that their dates had probably covered that expense. “But I didn't notice you in the banquet room. Then again, maybe you haven't eaten yet.”

“We already had an amazing dinner,” Sienna told her. Then she went into detail about the very expensive restaurant where they'd just eaten.

“So you could've contributed even more to the Sofia fund if you'd wanted. But once again you chose not to.” Abby sadly shook her head. “It's your decision, but I do feel sorry for you. You won't get to enjoy prom like we will—with the knowledge that we've really helped someone in need. That's pretty cool.” She shrugged. “That's all I'm saying.”

“Well, we'll enjoy ourselves when we celebrate Amanda as prom queen,” Rebecca said a bit slyly. “And from what I hear, Jason's got that promposal prize nailed too.”

Abby frowned. “Just where are you getting your information anyway?”

Rebecca's brows arched. “Oh, I don't reveal my sources.”

“Let's just say a little bird told us.” Sienna giggled.

“Come on, Abs.” Cassidy firmly linked arms with Abby. “Let's get out of here.”

“Yeah,” Devon agreed, coming along the other side. “I'm in need of some fresh air.”

Just like that, all the DG girls surrounded Abby and guided her out of the ladies' room, almost as if they thought she was some kind of timed explosive device that was about to go off. And perhaps they were right. Maybe she was. But as soon as
they were out in the big space in the lobby, Abby felt herself relax. She smiled at her friends, thanking them for rescuing her. As the girls strolled toward the ballroom, where their dates were waiting by the entrance, Abby knew that what she'd said to Amanda and her friends was absolutely true. She did feel sorry for them. It was as if they were missing the whole point. But really, what can you do?

C
assidy was relieved to see that Abby was calmer now. She'd heard enough of the bathroom conversation to know that Amanda and her friends had been “politely” goading Abby. Just the same, Cassidy respected Abby for standing her ground and speaking the truth . . . without losing her cool.

“There they are,” Kent announced as the six girls joined their dates. He peered curiously at Abby. “Everything okay?”

“Abby was just trying to reeducate some snobs,” Devon told him as she linked her arm into Leonard's. “Some people are so snooty.”

Cassidy suppressed the urge to laugh. She remembered a time—months ago—when Devon could have fallen into the snooty category. Fortunately, she'd been changing a lot. Too bad Amanda and her friends hadn't.

“Ready to go in?” Lane held out his arm to Cassidy.

“Yes.” She linked her arm in his. “Let's do this.”

The other couples paired off too and, as a group, they all walked into the room. With all the lights on and everything in its place, the ballroom was amazingly enchanting. “Oh, Emma,” Cassidy called over her shoulder. “It's beautiful. You did a great job.”

The others complimented Emma too, and before long, they were all taking turns posing in front of the big silver-and-gold balloon star, having their photos taken with their dates. Bryn asked the photographer if the whole DG could get a group shot. He gladly agreed, and all six girls squeezed into the center of the star. Hamming it up, they all said cheese.

“In case I didn't already tell you,” Lane said quietly in Cassidy's ear as the girls rejoined the guys, “you look really beautiful tonight.”

“Thanks. I think you mentioned it a time . . . or three.” Cassidy laughed. Not for the first time, she was glad that Mom had talked her into this fabulous dress. She knew it was a splurge and slightly out of character for her usual no-nonsense style, but she also knew—thanks to Dad—how much she was able to contribute to Sofia's fund. And, like Abby had tried to tell Amanda and her friends, that felt good.

A new song started and Lane and Cassidy, as well as their friends, crowded onto the dance floor and started to dance. A couple of songs later, Cassidy was starting to wonder about the time. It had to be past eight by now. Wasn't Mr. Worthington supposed to go up and announce the promposal winner and prom queen?

Cassidy had noticed Amanda and her entourage coming into the ballroom a few minutes ago. She hated to feel
judgmental, but after overhearing those girls with Abby in the bathroom and seeing the way they walked into the room just now—like they owned the place—well, it was a little aggravating. Still, she was determined to not let it get to her. And it seemed like her friends—including Abby—had already moved on. Even Bryn looked like she was having the time of her life as she and Darrell danced. Cassidy had almost forgotten what a good dancer Darrell had proven himself to be at the masquerade ball. And in that same vintage suit that he'd worn for the promposal, he looked very debonair . . . and cool. Maybe Darrell's nerd days were behind him now.

“Attention, attention!” Mr. Worthington was on the stage now, speaking into the mike as the music faded. “It's time for some very special announcements.” He waited as the room slowly grew quiet and everyone circled around the stage, waiting for him to continue.

“As you all must know, this is a very special sort of prom—a first for Northwood Academy.” He smiled over the crowd. “I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of all of you. The way you've all reached out, opening your arms and your hearts, as well as your pocketbooks, to help one of our student's families—well, I hardly have words to express how pleased that makes me.” He waved over to where Mrs. Dorman was waiting with the prom queen crown on a velvet pillow. “Come on over here. Before we announce the vote results, I want Mrs. Dorman to share something.”

He held the mike for her, waiting for her to speak. “I agree with what Mr. Worthington just said. This has been a truly amazing prom. And I want to acknowledge the prom committee, which was headed by Bryn Jacobs. You all did
an outstanding job. Above and beyond anything we've ever seen before—and beyond anything we ever imagined possible.” She beamed at them. “And now the good news is this—as a result of all your fund-raising energies, including matching funds from a generous family foundation, this year's prom has miraculously raised nearly fifty thousand dollars.”

The whole room erupted in loud cheers and clapping that went on for nearly a minute.

Mr. Worthington acted as if he was about to faint, wiping a hand across his forehead. “I am in total shock,” he told them. “It doesn't seem possible.” He waved his arms toward the crowd. “But it is thanks to you—all of you. Your hard work and your sacrifice have just helped young Sofia Ruez in her battle against leukemia.”

Cassidy looked over at Felicia. With Marcus on one side and Emma on the other, almost as if they were supporting her from falling, Felicia had tears streaming down her cheeks. She was holding her phone in a trembling hand, and Cassidy suspected that Felicia was texting her parents the amazing news.

“And now to announce the results from the vote,” Mr. Worthington said in a slightly more solemn tone. “Unfortunately, we had some challenges with our online ballot box. But we got a computer expert to look into it, and after a recount, we're ready to announce the results.” He cleared his throat. “First of all, for the winner of that great-looking mountain bike. I wouldn't mind having one of those myself—but for the promposal that received the most votes, the prize goes to Darrell Zuckerman.”

Once again the crowd burst into cheers and applause. And
Darrell waved and made mock bows, playing it up for their enjoyment.

“And now for the young lady voted to reign over this year's prom,” Mr. Worthington said solemnly. “I am pleased and proud to announce it's the very same young lady who has worked so tirelessly to make this prom such a success. Bryn Jacobs, please come up here and receive your crown.”

Bryn looked truly shocked. But Darrell, hardly missing a beat, linked his arm in hers and escorted her up to the stage. Mrs. Dorman secured the crown onto Bryn's head and Mr. Worthington presented her with a bouquet of pink roses, then handed her the mike. “We'd like to hear a few words from our queen.”

“Oh, my!” Bryn took in a raspy breath. “Thank you, everyone. This is so amazing. I don't even know what to say.” She paused as if to steady herself. “But this crown should belong to all of you—everyone who helped to make this prom what it is, the ones who worked and sacrificed . . . I thank you. And in a hospital a few hours from here there's a little girl who I expect wants to thank you as well.” She pointed to the crown. “This one's for Sofia.”

Once again, everyone clapped and cheered. As Darrell escorted Bryn down the steps, the music began to play, and while the others watched, Darrell and Bryn performed a really stellar dance in the middle of the floor.

All six girls were in high spirits when they finally got to Bryn's house around midnight. Really, could the evening have been more perfect? Oh, sure, there was that little glitch with Amanda and her friends in the ladies' room. But hearing the
total of the money that had been raised for Sofia and seeing Bryn crowned queen, well, everyone agreed that it totally made up for the Amanda factor. And no one was terribly surprised or very sorry when Amanda and her entourage left the prom early.

As the girls removed their pretty gowns and got into comfortable sweats and shorts and sleepwear, Devon asked if they were going to play “rate your date” like they'd done in the past. But everyone agreed there was no need for that this time. All their dates would've received top scores tonight.

“Even Leonard,” Devon proclaimed. “He was a true gentleman.”

“And Darrell was fantastic,” Bryn said. “What a dancer!”

They ate the junk food provided by Bryn and talked for a while about their dates and the evening in general. Then Felicia, who'd been rather quiet since they'd gotten home, finally spoke up.

“You guys are amazing,” she said with a sweet intensity. “Truly amazing. When I think of how you all became my friends last winter . . . and the way you helped me out of that mess . . . and then the way you've helped Sofia by raising so much money tonight . . .” With tears in her eyes, she slowly shook her head. “I just cannot believe it.”

Emma put an arm around Felicia's shoulders.

“My parents cannot believe it,” Felicia continued. “What you have done for Sofia really may mean the difference between life and death. My mom was getting ready to remove her from the cancer treatment center—and it was really sad because Sofia has made so many good friends there. But because of your gift, she can stay—hopefully until she is well. I'm so thankful.”

“We're not done. We'll think of more ways to raise money,” Bryn assured Felicia. “We have over a month of school left. Who knows what we can raise by then?”

“That's right,” Abby chimed in. “We're not done yet. Not by any means.”

“And even though prom was the last big date of the school year . . . and the school year will be over in a few weeks . . . ,” Cassidy spoke tentatively, “well, I just hope we're not done with the DG. I'd hate to see it end.”

“Of course not,” Emma declared. “Besides, as we all know, the DG isn't only about dating guys.”

“That's for sure,” Bryn agreed. “If it was, I'd have to say it's been less than a huge success. Four dates in the course of a whole school year isn't exactly record setting.”

“Maybe not,” Devon said quietly. “I might've thought that at first. But I know now that the DG is about us—about being friends. In fact, I was just thinking that ‘DG' might stand for something completely different.”

“What?” they all demanded.

“It's going to sound really lame,” Devon said. “Like I've been spending too much time with Grandma Betty.”

Emma shook a finger at Devon. “Hey, watch what you say about—”

“I love Grandma Betty,” Devon assured her. “But she says some funny things sometimes.”

Emma nodded. “So what does ‘DG' stand for?”

Devon grinned at them. “
Dear Girls
.” She laughed. “That's what Grandma Betty calls me sometimes,
dear girl
. Sometimes it's in exasperation, and other time it's just really sweet. But I got to thinking that is exactly what you guys are to me.
Dear
Girls
. But don't tell anyone I said that, okay? Maybe we can keep that to ourselves.”

“I like it,” Abby proclaimed. “Dear Girls.”

Bryn held up her soda can. “Here's to
Dear Girls
.” They all held up their drinks, echoing her toast as they clicked their cans together. “Here's to the real DG.”