Chapter 21
Prom was only a few days away. My dress was hanging in my closet, the two tickets sat on my desk beside my laptop, and for once I felt excited about something. I texted my friend group:
Are you guys still going to prom?
They all replied yes, which made me smile.
I’m going, too. I’m so ready for it.
Just as I set my phone down, someone knocked on the front door. I wasn’t expecting anyone. I peeked through the window — Chase.
I opened the door. “I didn’t know you were coming by. You didn’t text or call.”
“I thought I did, but my bad. Can I come in?”
“Sure.”
I stepped aside and let him in, closing the door behind us.
“What’s the reason for you coming over?” I asked, already bracing myself.
“I want to explain everything.”
I rolled my eyes, anger, and hurt tightening in my chest. “Hmm… sure. Why don’t you start from the beginning.”
I sat on the couch, putting space between us. He looked over at me and began.
“I should’ve ended things with Evelyn before you and I met in person. When we went on our first date, I had broken up with her, but I didn’t tell you because I wanted to forget about it. But I talked to her privately later, told her I was with you, and that I loved you. She insisted I break up with you and get back with her.”
He looked guilty. Worried.
“Continue…” I said flatly.
“You mean the whole world to me. I should’ve told you everything. I kept talking to her behind your back because I didn’t want to tell you. And now you found out this way.”
My voice rose. “I knew something was off with you. My gut knew. I gave you so many chances to tell me, and you still didn’t bother.”
“I know,” he said quietly. “I should’ve. But I was afraid I’d lose you.”
“And then you wanted an open relationship — which I despise — but I did it for you. To make you happy. And when you told me you found someone, it took me by surprise. Then you said it was Evelyn. That hurt even more. You didn’t bother telling me you were still with her when we made it official.”
“You’re right,” he said. “I should’ve told you. I can’t go back in time. Please, babe… I’m so sorry.”
“I bet you wanted to be with her. I told you about my prom ahead of time, and suddenly you ‘forgot’? You made plans with her on the same day. You’re my boyfriend, Chase. I wanted you to go with me. What you did showed me exactly where your priorities are. If you didn’t want to go, you should’ve told me instead of bringing my hopes up. I’m still going to prom anyway.”
He broke down. “I should’ve blocked her. I should’ve focused on you. If you want to close the relationship, tell me and I’ll do it.”
“If you did, you’d still talk to her behind my back. How do I know I can trust you?”
“I’ll find a way to prove it to you.”
I rubbed my face, exhausted. “Honestly… I’m heartbroken. I’m stressed. Maybe you should go for now. We can talk later.”
I walked him to the door. He left quietly. I shut it behind him and turned on a movie, needing noise to drown out my thoughts.
At school, the girls were already buzzing about tonight. When they saw me, they lit up.
“Hey!” They said.
“Hi,” I replied, sitting down.
“I got my dress and everything,” I said.
Natalie asked, “Are you taking Chase or who?”
“No. He blew me off for Evelyn. But I asked one of his friends if they’d go with me, and one of them said yes. As friends, of course.”
Their eyes widened.
“Really?” Brianna said. “Well, at least you found someone to fill his spot. But now you’re seeing Chase’s true colors. Maybe you’ll break up with him?”
“As much as I want to… part of me still loves him. I want to give him another chance. But right now, I just want to focus on today.”
“That’s fair,” she said. “Think about what you really want from your relationship.”
After the last class, I texted Finn:
Do you still want to go? It’s okay if you don’t.
I want to. Chase ditched you for her, and you’re his girlfriend. He should’ve kept his promise. Me and the guys don’t like her anyway. I’m looking forward to taking you to prom. See you at 7.
This means a lot to me. Thank you. See you at 7.
I headed home to get ready.
At 6 p.m., I showered, then slipped into my dress. It fits perfectly — snug but comfortable. I sat at my vanity and did a simple but glamorous makeup look. At 6:50, I blow‑dried my hair, curled it, and pinned it up.
My phone buzzed.
I’m here at the front door. — Finn
I put on my heels, grabbed my purse, tickets, and keys.
“I’M COMING!” I called out as I hurried to the door.
I opened it. “Hi Finn. You look great.”
He smiled. “Thank you. You do too. Ready to go?”
“I’m ready.”
“Oh! Before I forget — here’s a corsage.”
“Aww, thank you! That’s so sweet.”
“Here, I’ll put it on for you.”
I held out my wrist. He fastened it gently.
“There you go. Ready?”
I laughed softly. “More than ready.”
He opened the car door for me. “Ladies first.”
“Oh, why thank you.”
He closed my door, got in, and we drove off.
He parked, and I pointed out the entrance. He opened my door again, and we walked in together.
Finn was tall, dirty‑blonde, green‑eyed, nineteen — already graduated. He seemed like a genuinely good guy.
My friends spotted us and lit up.
“Hey girly! You look pretty!”
“Thank you. You guys look great too. Oh — this is Finn, one of Chase’s friends.”
“Hey! Nice to meet you guys,” he said.
“I’ll go get us something to drink,” he told me.
“Sounds good. I’ll be here.”
We talked, laughed, ate, danced — carefree for the first time in weeks.
“Are you having a good time?” I asked Finn.
“Actually, yeah. This is better than being at home gaming with the boys — including Chase.”
“I’m glad. I wanted to make sure you were having fun.”
“Don’t worry. I am.”
Then the DJ announced a slow dance.
I kicked off my heels and set them on the chair. Finn walked over.
“Would you like to dance?”
I smiled. “I’d love to.”
He guided me to the dance floor. His hands rested on my waist; mine on his shoulders.
“I’m sorry if this is awkward,” he said.
“It was at first,” I admitted. “But I’m looking on the bright side. At least I didn’t go solo.”
“At least I can make this night the best it can be for you.”
The song ended, and we stayed for the next upbeat one.
We took selfies — me and the girls, our dates, and one with Finn. Then prom ended at 10 p.m.
Finn drove me home. I thanked him, said goodnight, and went inside. He waited until I was safely in before driving off.
I checked my phone — dozens of messages from Chase, apologizing, begging, promising.
I ignored them.
I sent the photos to my group chat — and sent the one of me and Finn directly to Finn instead of Chase.
I took off my shoes, changed into comfy clothes, took down my hair, removed my makeup, and finally crawled into bed.
For the first time in a long time, I fell asleep feeling… okay.