Deborah was torn between looking up at the stage for her father and comforting her friend. She chose the stage. The lights obscured the band from seeing what was happening on the dance floor, so she felt safe. She noticed Derek was looking up at the stage as well. She turned and put an arm around Lia.
“I’m sorry,” Lia said. Her mascara was running. Deborah took a Kleenex from her purse and wiped away her tears. “I’ve ruined my makeup.”
“It lasted through most of prom,” said Deborah. “Let’s just smile for another half hour and well be home and we can stop pretending to have fun.”
“Oh, I did have fun, Alison,” she said. “I just know my daddy’s not going to be at home worrying about me that makes sad.” She started to walk out with Derek and James.
“I’ll admit I had fun too,” said Deborah.
“Alison, we forgot our plaques!” Deborah and the guys waited as Lia ran back to the table and retrieved the awards. She handed Deborah her plaque. “We don’t want to lose these.”
“You do remember how I won this, don’t you?”
“Oh,” Lia said. She looked a bit embarrassed.
“Thank you for going to prom with me, Lia” James said.
“And thank you for taking me,” Lia replied. The group walked back to James’s car and they all piled in.
As James started the car, Deborah held up a hand and said,
“Home James, and don’t spare the horses.” Tonight certainly hadn’t been ruined for her. It had been embarrassing at times, but she was glad she came even if she held a plaque in her hands that she earned by pooping and peeing her pants. The only thing she regretted about prom night was not sleeping with Derek.