Junior Prom

I can’t wait to get off work! It’s my Junior prom and I’m going with the hottest guy at school, have a dress that I absolutely love, and was able to get all of my friends together to ride in the same limo. The only problem is that my mom won’t let me stay at the hotel with my boyfriend. It’s not actually just my boyfriend - one of my friend’s parents rented the penthouse at the Beach Club Resort, so we’re all staying there. Well, all except for me. I get that my mom is a single mom and doesn’t really trust anyone, but it’s my Junior year!

“Trinity, make sure you count your drawer before you leave and don’t forget to clock out.” my manager barks while walking back to his office. Caroline is finally here, so that means I can go count my drawer and leave. I quickly reconcile my drawer for the evening, throwing it in the safe, and clock out. Yes! I’m so ready to go home and start getting ready. I have to run home, get all of my stuff for prom, pick Melanie up, and meet the rest of the girls at the resort so we can all get ready together.

After two hours of rushing around, Melanie and I finally arrive at the resort and drag our bags onto the elevator. “Penthouse, please.” I tell the attendant. The doors open and the smell of perfume and hairspray immediately permeates my senses. I feel like I’ve just walked backstage at a fashion show: there are girls running around with their hair done, but no make-up or clothes; girls fully ready in their prom dresses and posting on social media; and girls (like Melanie and me) who haven’t even started getting ready.

“Trinity, Melanie, over here! Your hairstylist has been waiting for ya’ll!” my friend Katie cries. “ I am so sorry! I was late getting off work, and the traffic…anyway, we’re here now.” I frantically explain.

I plop down in the make-shift salon chair and tell the hairstylist that I’d like my hair in a high ponytail, but with curls cascading down and make-up that will match my dress. She hangs my dress up and I just sit there gazing at it the entire time she’s doing my hair. It’s a long, teal, sequin dress with a lace up corset back. Originally, the dress had a slit up to right below my hip bone, but my mom made me get it altered so now it’s just mid-thigh. Just because she was a virgin when she got married doesn’t mean I have to be. She hasn’t even been with another man since she divorced my dad 12 years ago…I need to find someone for her so she can get laid and quit worrying about every little thing I do. That’s a worry for another day, though.

“What do you think?” the hairstylist asks. “I love it!” I tell her. My long, blonde hair rolls down from the top of my head and down to the middle of my back, just below my shoulder blades. It looks full, shiny, and soft, even though she put a ton of hairspray in it. I’m amazed at my make-up. I usually just wear a little foundation, mascara, and lip gloss, but the stylist has my blue eyes popping with the smokey eye shadow and the perfect amount of shimmer to make me look like a model.

“Come on, Trinity! Quit admiring yourself in the mirror and get dressed. The guys will be here with the limo in 15 minutes.” Katie shrieks.

We all whisk our way out the door and into the elevator. Everyone is so excited and complementing one another on their dresses, hair, and make-up. I have to say, we all look amazing! The elevator door opens and the click clack of heels along with the squeals of excitement distract other residents and guests of the resort. The front doors slide open and a rush of fresh air sweeps past us as the guys all start piling out of the limo. We each hug our dates and pile in the limo so we can go take pictures and eat before going to the prom.

* * *

The prom was so much fun, but I’m not ready to go home. I still don’t understand why I can’t stay with all of my friends at the penthouse.

“I have an idea” my date, Chad, whispers to me in a conspiratory voice.

“And what would that be? Just not go home and be grounded for life?” I ask half jokingly.

“No” he starts, “why don’t you go home, check in with your mom, tell her you’re exhausted and going to bed, but then sneak back out with us. You can leave your car at home and I’ll drive you back to the penthouse.”

“Yeah” I laugh, “and what about when I’m not there in the morning when she gets up?”

“Just tell her that you got up early and Katy picked you up to spend the day at the beach with us. I promise, she’ll never know.” he answers with a wicked grin on his face.

I think for a minute. That plan could actually work. Once she goes to sleep when she’s assured I’m home, she won’t be awake until the next morning. “Ok, let’s do it!”

I get back to my house at 12:15 and my mom, as expected, is still awake and waiting for me. “Hi mom! I had so much fun, but I’m beyond exhausted. Do you mind if I tell you about the prom tomorrow?” I say through a fake yawn and begin pulling all of the bobby pins out of my hair.

“Yes, that’s fine. I’m glad you had a good time. I can’t wait to hear about your night.” She says warmly as she envelopes me in a hug and kisses me on the head. “Good night, sweetheart. Remember to say your prayers.”

I go to my room and shut the door, waiting to hear her turn the lock on the front door. Once I hear the click of the lock, I wait 15 minutes then I open my window as quietly as possible and step out. I see Chad’s car pulling up to the curb with his lights turned off, but I notice that Ben and Melody are in the front seat. I open the back door and find Chad sitting on the other side.

“I started the party a little early. Plus, Ben and Melody wanted to come with me.” he explains.

I get in the car and look at Chad. I actually really like him. He’s not like the other guys I’ve dated. He has a job, a nice car, money (well, his parents have money), and he actually has a plan for his future. Once we’re out of my neighborhood and I’m able to breath, I realize I’m actually pretty tired. I decide to lay down with my head on Chad’s lap.

“Whoa, girl! Can’t you want until we get back to the penthouse? I don’t want to see what Chad has going on under there.” Melody jokingly chides.

“We’re not doing anything. I just want to lay down for a minute.” I rebuke back. We all laugh and continue driving.

“Anyone want some?” Ben asks, holding up a half full bottle of Vodka.

A chorus of “Yes, please!” goes around the car.

Ben veers into a gas station. “Hide the liquor for a minute, I have to run in here and grab something.” he says, winking at Melody as he steps out of the car.

Looking around, Chad and I quickly take a swig of Vodka, then I lay back down on his leg. After what seems like forever, but in reality is only about five minutes, Ben jumps back in the car and throws a small box at Melody.

I feel the warm hum of the car as we coast down the road. My eyes are getting heavy while Chad is stroking my long blonde hair - his fingers getting tangled in the hairspray occasionally and causing me to silently wince. He finally gets in a rhythm of brushing my curls with his fingers and my eyes begin to close when I hear the screech of tires, the angry metal reluctantly crumpling, and feel as if a force is plastering me into the back of the seat - then, a deafening silence. Nothingness. I finally hear Ben moaning and moving around. Then, movement. The car, it’s moving…and blackness.

I’m startled awake by Chad pulling at my shoulders. “What…what happened? Where are we?” I ask groggily.

“We’re at Ben’s house” his voice rushing out, like he’s been running laps around the track. “We were in a wreck! I need to get you out of this car!!” he yells.

I try pushing myself up, but I can’t move. Why do I feel so weak? Why are my legs not working?

“Get her out of the car and inside!” Ben yells at Chad.

Chad irritatingly looks back, “I’m trying, dude. Chill out!”

I hear frantic running approaching. “No, don’t move her!” a female voice says from a distance.

Next thing I know, I hear sirens. I’m trying so hard to stay awake, but the darkness pulls me under.

The Birthday Party

The sound of little feet come slapping down the wooden floors growing louder and louder until she flies off her feet and lands as if she’s doing a belly flop onto her mom and dad. Her giggles and melodious little voice reverberates throughout the room with “It’s my birthday! Get up!! Get up!! Mommy, daddy, get up!” Her mom is the first to stir as she attempts to open her sleepy eyes and shake out of the dream she was hoping would last longer than appropriate. Her mom’s deep blue eyes finally focus on eyes that mirror her own and gazes lovingly at her little girl - Natalie. Natalie’s wildly curly hair swirls all around her, concealing her porcelain white skin as she bounces on her mom and dad. “Umph!” her dad rumbles and cradles his knees to his chest. “Daddy, you’re so silly!” Natalie snickers while climbing on her dad as if it’s a game. Her mom sweeps her up into her arms “I swear Nat, you’re like a little twister, pillaging everything in its path.” “What does pill-ga-ging mean, mommy?” Natalie asks. “I’ll tell you after you brush your teeth and hair and get some clothes on. Your Aunt Charlee will be here in 15 minutes to pick you up.” her mom replies. “Can’t I stay here and help you set up for my birthday, mommy?” Natalie whines. Her mom spins around, tickling Natalie while joyfully explaining “But then it wouldn’t be a surprise.” “Ok, ok! Meeeercy!! I’m going to get ready!” Natalie yells as she runs down the hall to her bathroom. Warm arms engulf her and a small affectionate kiss tempts her neck. “I can’t believe she’s already turning four. It seems like just yesterday that we brought her home in her little pink blanket and bonnet. Think we’ll have some time for us to play before we start setting up for the party?” Drew asks Opal as he pebbles kisses down her neck. “Mmmm, maybe this evening. I have so much to do to get ready for 13 little boys and girls to come and destroy our house.” she moans sarcastically just as the doorbell rings. With one more kiss, Drew heads to the bedroom to get changed while Opal hurries to the door. 30 minutes later, Natalie leaves with her Aunt Charlee for manis and pedis while Drew and Opal start on decorating the backyard for their six year old’s princess party.

Drew and Opal sit back on the white swing that Drew had hung on the huge oak tree. Drew tips his beer back “Everything looks great, babe.” Opal gazes at the finished product: the long table draped with pink satin and lace; the chairs covered in pink with large rose gold bows tied in the back; the balloon arch decorated with pink roses, chrysanthemums, peonies, and white hydrangeas; and a four tiered cake - one tier for every year. All of the details she organized: the plates, sweet treats, party favors, even the miniature white pony would be worth it when she got to see her little girl's face light up. Even the skies were as blue as Natalie’s eyes and the weather was an ideal end to a spring day. “Yes, it’s perfect.” she said with a sigh. The sound of her phone alerting her to a text interrupts her solace. “Charlee and Natalie are home.” Opal exclaims to her husband. As soon as they walk in the living room, Natalie is already racing around the counter to get to the backyard. “Not so fast, my big four year old.” her dad says as he snatches her in his arms. “Go get your princess dress on, then you’ll meet your guests in the living room.” No sooner than he says that, Natalie disappears in a whirlwind so she can put on her princess wardrobe - complete with a crown.

Suddenly, the doorbell rings and Natalie comes thundering down the stairs “My friends are here! My friends are here for my birthday party” she yells all the way to the door. She abruptly stops in front of the door. She wipes at her dress and checks the placement of her crown, as if to compose herself remembering she is in fact a princess. She whirls the door open and sees six of her friends. They all start jumping up and down and screaming the highest pitch scream anyone has ever heard - even the one little boy. His scream may be a higher octave than any of the girls. “Come on! Let’s go see my party!” Natalie shrieks. She guides her friends to the living room where a photo booth is set up in front of the window to the backyard, and a table with finger foods is to the left closest to the kitchen. After the rest of the guests arrive and everyone takes some pictures, complete with royal props, the party moves to the backyard. Natalie’s eyes glow and her smile never leaves her face. She laughs and runs and tries to ride on the miniature pony way too many times. Each time followed with a playfully pouty face requesting to keep the pony. Right before Opal is about to announce the cake, the doorbell rings. All of the invited guests are at the party, so her and Drew look at one another inquisitively. Drew goes to the door and returns about 15 minutes later. “Look, hunny. It’s my Uncle Ivan” he says to his wife. Opal can’t quite place the worrisome look on his face, but she puts her smile back on and greets him. “Uncle Ivan, it’s been forever since we’ve seen you. How have you been doing?” she asks curiously. “Things have been well. I just heard it was my great niece’s fourth birthday and I had to come to wish her a happy birthday.” Ivan eerily explains. Opal turns to her daughter, “Natalie! Look, your Uncle Ivan is here.” Natalie runs to her parents and looks up at the man’s stern face. Although he seems old to her, he’s only a couple of years older than her dad at 32. “Yay!” Natalie cries, “See dad, he came dressed as a prince! I told you modern princes were supposed to dress in nice suits.” Ivan chuckles a deep, throaty laugh. “And I brought the princess a gift for her birthday.” he says as he hands over a teddy bear. “His name is Ben and he is a very special teddy bear. You have to promise me to keep him safe and protect him from any monsters.” “Oh, I will. I promise.” Natalie vows as she reaches for the bear. “Wow, he’s a little heavy.” she observes. “Yes, as I said, he’s special.” Ivan explains to Natalie as he turns to her parents, “he’s one of those new weighted bears. My secretary said it’s the new ‘in thing.’” “Thank you, Uncle Ivan. I’m going to put him on the swing so he stays safe.” Natalie yells back as she runs to the swing. “Well, shall we have cake?” Opal asks, breaking the eerie tension. All of the kids cheer and begin to gather around the small, round table holding the cake. “Ok, kids. Let’s all catch a bubble and on three, we will begin singing Happy Birthday to Natalie.” Opal demands. Silence ensues. Not even a bird, nor the pony, can be heard. Everything is still. Opal begins “One.” No wind. “Two.” No trees rustling. “And.” Just silence. “Thr…” Suddenly, the loud scream of sirens pierces the air and everything becomes a flurry. The clouds begin moving faster. The wind violently dances around everyone and everything. The cry of the emergency alerts on everyone’s phones penetrates the shock as Drew yells “Everyone to the storm shelter!” It is a mass of chaos. People running, screaming, the smell of sulfur and wet grass, the sound of absolute destruction. Everyone squishes into the storm shelter. All that can be heard is the sound of people breathing heavily, children crying (some parents, too), the miniature pony whinnying and thrashing, branches breaking, debris flying, then Natalie yells “My bear!” All of a sudden, Uncle Ivan leaps to the stairs and begins to climb out of the storm shelter screaming “I have to get her bear. It’s very special. I have to get it!” But Drew pulls him back just as a tree crashes on the shelter door - essentially sealing it shut. “Is…that…a…a…train?” one of the children asks while sobbing through his words. Natalie whispers, “No. That’s a tornado.” The time creeps by, and what seems like hours, but in reality is only 12 minutes later, Drew and his uncle pry the cellar doors open and rays of sunshine peek through the darkness of the shelter. Uncle Ivan frantically climbs up the stairs as the rest of the birthday party arise one by one, in complete awe of the devastation left by the tornado. Opal grabs her daughter closely and they both curl into Drew, “Everything. Everything is gone.” Drew looks around at the piles of wood, shingles, broken furniture, and scattered memories, with hints of pink; then, he gazes down at his wife and daughter and breathlessly whispers, “Not everything.”

Three months later.

The land where the house once stood has been cleared and Drew, Opal, and Natalie are living in an RV waiting for their house to be rebuilt. Natalie is playing with her toy horses and barbies while Drew and Opal are relaxing on the couch. The news continues to report of the destruction “Welcome back to KOCO 5 News, The latest data shows that ‘The Moore tornado killed 24 people and injured 387, according to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. Final assessments on the damage haven't been completed, the department notes, but an estimated 1,150 homes were destroyed and the total damage is estimated at $2 billion.’ In other news, the owner of the largest oil and natural gas conglomerate in Oklahoma, Russian Ivan Petrov, was found deceased today in what many are describing as a mob-style murder. No further details have been released, but the case is ongoing.” Drew and Opal both gasp, “Drew, did you know anything about your uncle being killed?” Opal softly questions. Drew blows out a gulp of air, “No. The last time I saw Uncle Ivan was at the birthday party. After he climbed out of the shelter, he just kind of disappeared.” Opal turns to look at Natalie and says tenderly, “That’s so sad, but at least he was able to spend a little time surrounded by family.” Drew looks at his wife, then at his daughter, and with love and a little moisture in his eyes he faintly proclaims, “Not everything is gone. We still have our memories. We still have each other.”