"Did you pick out an outfit yet?"

"Well, I haven't thought about prom lately. I was pretty busy trying to study for the standardized tests. I guess I can start since it's over now."

"Wendy, it's tomorrow!"

"Really?" I look at my phone to confirm the date. It feels like I time jumped a few weeks.

"Oh my gosh, Wendy! I am panicking for you!" Ally looks at my face, puzzled. "Why aren't you freaking out? You haven't gotten a dress and there's probably only ugly ones left." She buried her face into the hands and groaned.

"I have a dress."

"You just said you didn't have one," she popped her head back up again.

"I didn't say that. You asked if I planned prom yet, I didn't said I didn't think about it."

"So, you only have a dress?"

"Yep."

"Shoes?"

"Sneakers."

"Hair?"

"Ponytail."

"Makeup?"

"Moisturizer."

"Corsage color?"

"What's that?"

"Oh my gosh, Wendy. Are you trying to stress me to death?" Ally stares at me in disbelief.

"I think it's fine. I mean, it's just a dance," I shrug.

Ally gripped my shoulders, shaking me. "With VINCENT MILLER. I've been rooting for you guys and so it has to be prefect. You know what? Carson already booked a limo, so you guys should join us."

"Alright, sounds fun."

"Let's go get our nails and hair done together."

"I'm not really into that stuff."

"Fine, I'll just go with my cheer squad. But tell me if you change your mind."

"I will," I nod. Ally leaves me to catch up with her cheer squad. I reposition my backpack and bury my face into it, resuming my nap. After a while, I turn my head to get some air. Slowly my eyes creak open to see Vincent's face an inch away from mine, pressed on my backpack. "Vincent!" I yelped, nearly falling back.

"Napping again?"

"Yeah..."

"You know what's tomorrow, right?"

"Yep." I nod.

Vincent sighs, unconvinced. "Ally and to remind you, huh?"

"Yeah," I sheepishly reply.

"I figured. You haven't brought it up after..." Vincent voices dies away and we looks away in hot embarrassment from memories of that night.

"Ally invited us to ride a limo with her and Carson."

"Cool. I think Luke and Logan are coming with their dates as well."

"That's nice. I haven't seen them around in a while."

"We're meeting up at Carson's house."

"Sounds like a plan," I smile.

The bell signals the end of lunch. Vincent tries to take my backpack, but I take it before he can.

"You don't have to escort me to class."

"I'm going the same way."

"You're not."

"I have a preferred route."

"Yeah, and it happens to be the most inconvenient one."

"I want to say hi to my mom anyways."

"Say hi to her next period."

"It's inconvenient next period."

"And it isn't now?" I laugh in disbelief.

"Let me have your backpack."

"No." I start to walk away.

"Fine," Vincent grins. I ignore him and keep walking- more so speed walking. However, in an instant, he intertwined his fingers with mine and tuck out hands away in his hoodie pocket.

"Vincent, this is embarrassing!" I say in a hushed but panicked whisper.

"Why? No one can see us holding hands." He points to the pocket with his eyes.

"It's pretty obvious when my arm is sticking from your hoodie."

"Your fault. I told you to give me your backpack. This is the only other way I can keep you hostage," he shrugs smugly.

"It's awkward to walk like this," I pull our hands and Vincent starts to whine. However, when I keep holding his hand, letting it dangle between the two of us, Vincent grows quiet and silently smiles to himself.

We reach Mrs. Miller's class and Vincent attempts to walk in with our hands still together, but I pull him back.

"Okay, now you have to let go."

Vincent pauses. "After we get to your seat," he insists, trying to walk in once again, but I pull him back.

"Vincent, it's awkward for me to hold your hand in front of your mom."

"Too late," Mrs. Miller giggles, walking past us into the class with a pile of paper in her hands.

"She already saw."

"You're going to be late, Vincent," I scold.

"One more thing," he demanded.

"Fine, but afterwards you have to go."

"A kiss."

"What?"

"A kiss." He leans in and points to his cheek.

"No." I shot it down immediately.

Still, Vincent stood stubbornly, poking at his cheek while classmates walked by and looked at his display whispering. I waited until they were gone and for the hallways to be relatively empty to bring the hand I was still holding and give it was quick kiss. Vincent, pleased, finally let go of my hand.

"I saw that too," Mrs. Miller grinned, poking her head out from the door.

"Hi, Mom," Vincent chuckles, ruffling his hair in sudden embarrassment.

"Why are you embarrassed. You asked Wendy to kiss you," Mrs. Miller teased.

"Mom, stop," Vincent groans.

"Get to class."

"Wanna write me a pass so I'm not yelled at for being late?"

"Nope! Come on in, Wendy. Bye, Vincent. Good luck. Don't run in the halls." Mrs. Miller leads me into the class, leaving Vincent scrambling to not be late.

When I came in with my face all red, everyone seem to assume I had gotten in trouble with Mrs. Miller. I let them keep believing it.

Came Saturday, I still refused to get my hair or nails done. Instead, I opted to stay in my bed, watching cooking shows and eating strawberries with Wilbur.

"Don't you have prom today?" Wren came in, plopping down onto my bed and stealing a few strawberries.

"Yep."

"You're going to go looking like that?" She turned up her nose.

"No, of course not... I'll be wearing a dress."

"That's it?" Wren scoffs. "You'll look awful."

"Yeah, I don't need your fashion advice. You look like you're going to a baseball game everyday."

"It's baseball season..."

"Oh..."

"Wait, you didn't even tell me who you're going with."

"I didn't?"

"Nope."

"It better be Vincent. Cause Dad says he doesn't trust anyone else to take you."

"It is."

Wren gasped. "Did he make a huge promposal?"

"No, I sorta...asked him."

"You did? Good job, Wendy!" Wren punches me in the shoulder, sending me off the bed and writhing on my floor in pain.

"Ow, Wren!" I screamed.

"What's going on?" Dad joins us, thinking that we had gotten into another fight. "I have ice packs ready in the freezer if you need them, Wendy."

"Why do you assume I'm the one is hurt?" I ask. "You know what, never mind. That makes sense." Everyone nods, acknowledging Wren's abnormal strength.

"Wendy is going to prom with Vincent," Wren announces.

"Why aren't you getting ready?" Dad asks.

"It won't take me long. All I have to do is throw on a dress."

"What about your hair?"

"What about it?" I ask defensively.

"It's- kind of greasy. And I'm not good with fashion and all, but I'm pretty sure you only have one pair of gross sneakers."

"They're not gross!" I protested.

Dad and Wren shrug and give me a grimace.

"It's starting to smell," Wren debates.

"You have to stop being frugal and let me buy you new ones," Dad insisted.

"My shoes are perfectly fine. Now, if you will excuse me, I'll go wash my hair."

"Shave your legs!" Wren calls after me as I walk towards the bathroom.

"No need. The dress is long," I replied.

After a brief shower, I slipped into the dress, drying my hair slightly too little so that the neckline of the dress got slightly wet. Finishing my look, I wear the swan necklace Vincent had given me.

"Wendy, your friend is here!" Wren yells from downstairs.

Shoot! Why are they so early?

I quickly try to rummage around to get my phone, socks, and the prom ticket. Bounding down the stairs, I nearly trip over the long dress.

"Why are you here so early?-" I turn towards the door to find Vivian standing there in a sleek, slim red dress, her hair in a high bun and a single strand of hair curled in front. As always, she is perfect. Whereas I, in my linty socks and flat hair, unfit for the gorgeous dress and necklace I have on.

Despite this, Vivian still manages, "You look great."

"Thanks," I shyly reply, a hint ashamed as if I'm currently committing a crime.

"Sorry. I'm sure you were expecting Vincent."

"No, I'm relieved its not. My hair is still wet." I hold up a clump to show her.

"I want to say something," she suddenly turned serious.

"Actually, can I go first?"

She nods.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you myself. I guess you found out through rumors... I never meant to hurt you though. I should've told you the truth when you confessed your feelings to me. I shouldn't have tried to get involved. I'm sorry I was a bad friend. But I like Vincent, so I hope you can understand. I promise this will be the last time I'll be a bad friend-"

"You weren't a bad friend. You tried to protect my feelings. I was upset then, but I'm not anymore. I'm the one who was a bad friend. i should've known you liked him. Let's agree to be honest from now on."

I nod and we both start to tear up. We pull each other into a hug.

"I hope my hair didn't ruin your makeup," I laugh while wiping my face.

"Its fine." She picks up a box that was beside her feet the entire time, which i didn't notice. "I should support you for once like you always do for me," she smiles, opening it and handing me a pair of a sheer fabric heel with embroidered flowers.

"It looks unique, so i was worried it wouldn't go with your dress. Vincent knows you well. Light colors suit you." She holds it up against my dress and nods when the cream color matches.

"I can't accept this. It looks expensive. You should wear it." I try to push it back towards Vivian, but she starts to walk away.

"Too bad. The size is too small, and it doesn't suit my dress. I'll see you at prom." Vivian waves to me, but pauses and looks at my feet. "Only you would think its a good idea to wear sneakers to prom, " she sighs before leaving.

Not long after I slip on the heels, the door bell rings again. I open it and it's Vincent.

"Dang it."

"What? You sound disappointed."

"I don't know. I was hoping your dad would open the door and we could recreate those cheesy high school movies where you walk down the stairs and I gasp in amazement."

"Sorry I'm not good enough to gasp at," I pout, turning away, but Vincent spins me back by the wrist.

"You look beautiful." He tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "Are you cold? Your hair is still wet."

"Its fine. We should get going."

"Not without a picture," Dad exclaims, with giant camera that looks like it came from a century ago.

"Dad, please don't."

"Come on! You're so boring. i never have any pictures of you. Just a bunch with Wren playing baseball."

"Which is perfectly fine!' Wren protested.

"Today's not about you honey," Dad teases, clicking rapidly at Vincent and me. "Okay, good. I'll get them printed and you can have some copies, Vincent."

"Thanks," Vincent nods. "We'll get going now."

"Alright. I like you Vincent, but you're dead if you try anything with my daughter," he threatens."Get her home safely!" he says, suddenly cheerful again.

"Yes, sir." He nods, shuddering a bit from the unexpectedly menacing side of my dad.

We walk outside, but the limo is not even there. Only Vincent's motorcycle is in the driveway.

"Where is everyone?"

"They're coming later."

"Then why did you come so early?" I continue to look around, puzzled.

"I wanted to be the first person to see you." He grabs me by the shoulder and looks intently as me. "You look even more stunning than usual."

"Stop with the flattery."

"I'm serious. The dress looks way better because you're wearing it."

"You better stop," I warn, though in the most nonthreatening tone possible.

"Fine."

"Look at you, in a dark suit and motorcycle, looking like a secret agent from the movies." It looks as if he tried to fix his hair, but its naturally unruliness and the wind from driving the motorcycle had ruffled everything, but he till looked dashing. His tux was fitted perfectly, like the suit was invented to be worn by him. I fix his crooked tie, only to notice it is also a cream color. "Did you try to match with me?"

"Yeah. Isn't that what couples are supposed to do."

"Yeah, but I didn't even tell you I was wearing g this dress."

"I'm pretty sure the one I gave you is the only one you own. So, I'm going to say I made an educated guess." He paused and then started to widely smile. "You're wearing the necklace."

"Yeah..." Embarrassed, I turned away, just in time for the limo to roll up. The door opens and Ally motions for us to come inside.

Seated inside are Ally, Carson, Luke, Logan, and their two dates, who I have never met before.

"Where's your corsage, Wendy?" Ally asks, holding up a fixed arrangement of flowers tied her wrist.

"I accidentally made it fall apart," I lie.

"Wow, what a rip off. those things aren't cheap. You should've gone where Carson went, Vincent. It's better quality," Ally suggests.

Vincent leans in and whispers into my ears, "Sorry, I must've gotten nervous and forgot about them."

"Its fine. I just need you here with me," I whisper back, grabbing onto his hand to reassure him. "I'm nervous too," I admit.

Once we arrive, we each take couple pictures before joining together for a group picture. Vivian took me aside to take one with us with Evelyn and Olivia, who wore matching shades of purple dress, but in different styles.

The theme was supposed to be under the sea, but the streamers and decoration started to fall onto the ground, and it started to look more like they were going for a winter theme with heaps of blue everywhere.

Vincent and I stayed seated for the most part while everyone took to the dance floor. We silently ate with each other like we always do, but he must've sensed my discomfort in such a loud and rowdy atmosphere. He gets up to walk to Carson for a bit, before returning to the table.

"Want to go somewhere more quiet?" He asks, holding out his hand.

"Sure," I take it, and Vincent starts to lead me out of the front of the venue. I stop him. "They took our tickets. There is no re-entry."

"I know. I don't intend to come back," he smiles, pulling me outside with him. We walk to a grassy area, dimly lit by a single street lamp, but hidden behind trees and bushes.

"What are we going here?"

"Dancing of course." Vincent pulls me in, tucking his earphone into my right ear and his left, and then placing the phone into the front pocket of his suit. We sway gently, resting our heads on each other's shoulders.

"I remember these songs. I listened to them when you piggybacked me out of the haunted house," I chuckle, musing on the memories.

"Yeah, and you fell asleep. I had to walk you back since we took so long to get to the car."

"By the way, you never told me what i said in my sleep."

"You drool in your sleep." Vincent tries to change the subject.

I pop my head up and furrow my eyebrows at him.

"Tell me."

"You said a bunch of random mumbles. Its what you did that was important."

"Tell me."

"You don't want to know."

"I do."

'Promise you won't hurt me?"

"I can't hurt you if I tried."

"You're stronger than you think. Its just because you grew up with Wren that you think you can't hurt me."

"Stop changing the subject, Vincent Miller."

"Wow, my full name. Now I'm getting scared, Wendy Lee."

"Tell me," I demand, sternly.

"You kissed me...on the cheek."

"What?"

"You gave me a peck on the cheek," Vincent says again, much more proud and loud this time.

"I didn't" I deny, laughing at its absurdity.

"You did. I guess you didn't remember though. You were asleep."

"This is so embarrassing. That means I made the first move," I sigh.

"Hey! You're a strong, independent woman. You can make the first move if you want."

"Its not that. I prided myself over the fact that I tried to be a good friend. I don't have an excuse anymore. I kissed you first."

"I thought you were going to be selfish from now on," Vincent sighed, lifting my face up with his hand. "Let me ask you. Do you regret it?"

I shake my head. "Absolutely not." Reaching for his shoulders, I prop myself up and Vincent leaned his head down, meeting his lips with mine. Pulling away, we were quiet, smiling and looking at each other with not a single sound escaping from our lips.

We sat down the grass, music still in our ears. Vincent took his jacket off to share it which me. It hung over our shoulders while we hugged each other, my head resting on his shoulder and his head resting on my head. We sat there like that for the rest of prom. We missed everything that happened inside, but that didn't matter. It was perfect, and I regret nothing.