Member-only story
I Didn’t Go to Prom, and I’m Still Sad About It
Even though I graduated from high school 10 years ago
I was 16 years old, sitting in history class taking deep breaths and trying to calm my nerves. He sat directly behind me, and I could feel his presence like a shadow. I wondered if now would be the right time. I knew the bell would ring soon, and then it would be too late.
I took a deep breath and slowly turned around.
“Hey,” I said.
“Hey,” he repeated back to me, giving his signature smirk. My stomach fluttered.
“I was wondering…” I hesitated, feeling the nerves kick in, but still I pressed on. “Will you go to prom with me?” I saw his eyebrows raise and he looked down at the notebook in front of him.
“Uh, I don’t think so,” he said, and I felt my heart sink.
“Oh,” I faltered not knowing what to say. “Okay. Sure.”
“It’s just,” he said. “I’m not really planning to go to prom.” I nodded, shrugging it off.
“That’s fine,” I said. “Don’t worry about it.” But inside the disappointment was flooding in and tears threatened behind my eyes. Luckily the bell rang, and I was saved. The teacher started class, and it was like nothing had happened at all.
