Prom Night

“So, how’s it feel to take Hannah to prom?” Hailey asked.

“Nerve-racking.” Jordan responded, nervously tapping his fingers against the steering wheel.

“I mean, I’d be a nervous wreck too if I was taking my long-time crush to prom.” His sister nudged him.

“It wouldn’t be so bad if my nerves would just fucking calm down.”

“You’re going to be nervous. You kinda just have to roll with the punches.” Hailey smirked.

“Hm.”

“Relax, dude. I’m not gonna steer you the wrong way."

Pulling in front of the Washington house, Jordan put his car in park and cut the engine.

Getting out of the car, he looked up to see Josh stood on the front lawn. “Look who it is!” He exclaimed.

“Yeah yeah. We’re late.” Hailey groaned, adjusting her dress shirt.

“Actually, not really. You’re a little early.” Josh smirked, looking at his watch. “But since you’re already here, I thought we could talk. Just us guys.”

The two men looked at Hailey. 

“Welp, that's my cue.” She shrugged with a chuckle.

Jordan leaned on the hood of the car as he watched his sister walk into the house.

“New car, I see.” 

“Yeah, the old man decided to give it to me as an early graduation gift.”

“Gotta say it suits you. Matches that low-key personality of yours.” Josh chuckled.

“Thanks.”

Josh dug both of his hands in his pockets and leaned against the car as well. “Hey, I just wanted to say I appreciate you for taking Hannah to prom. I know she’s been clamoring about this day since she was in elementary school.”

“No problem.” Jordan replied, nervously adjusting his suspenders. “I wouldn’t want anything to ruin the night, y’know? I know how much this means to her.”

“I hear you, man. If anything happens, I’ll hear about it. Either through Chris, Beth or Sam.” Josh lightly punched the well dressed young man in the shoulder.

He could sense Jordan’s nervousness about what could happen within the next few hours. 

“I know it’s nerve-racking but I know you’ll get into the swing of things. Just enjoy the night with her, man. Really. Prom only happens once and I want you to make it something special for her. Believe me, everyone knows that it’ll be a bit awkward. Especially after what happened in February.”

Jordan took solace in what he said. He was overthinking and he needed to just take a breather. With a sigh, he spoke. “Thanks, Josh. I needed that.”

“Of course, man.”

“So, where’s the girl of the hour?” He asked.

“In her room finishing up with Beth and Sam. When I last checked on them, they were doing her makeup.”

Looking up, the pair saw Beth hurriedly close the curtain she was peeking out from.

Josh laughed, shaking his head. “Get a load of this goofball.”

Beth opened Hannah’s window and started calling out to the two. “Looking good, Lanshire!”

“What’s taking so long?” He asked, impatiently.

“Woah, slow your roll there, Jack. Art takes time.”

Sticking her head back inside, she stood in the view of the window and then stuck her head back out. “Alright, Josh! Work your magic!”

He sighed before blindfolding Jordan. “Sorry, man gotta cover your eyes for a sec.”

“What is this all about?”

“Just trust me. You’ll like what you see.” Josh said, straightening Jordan up.

“Very funny, dude.”

“Just relax.”

His heart began to reach an alarming pace when he heard the sound of multiple heels clacking against the ground.

He could hear Beth saying something about standing still but the exact words weren’t so intelligible.

“Alright guys. This is hilarious.”

“Oh shut it, Jordan.” 

“Just give us a second.” Sam spoke. “Josh. Keep him right there.”

“Are we ready?” Josh whispered.

“Alright, Hailey! Release the Kraken!” Beth called out.

“Yes ma’am!” He heard his sister call back out.

This time he heard heels slowly but awkwardly clacking in his direction.

“Now, Josh.” Beth said as Jordan felt the blindfold be removed from his face.

When his eyes adjusted to the light, Hannah stood in front of him, nervously fidgeting with her fingers.

A black silk dress, accentuating the butterfly tattoo on her shoulder really well. The notorious glasses that made her…Hannah were absent from her face as well.

She was gorgeous and his brain couldn’t really process a way to react.

She blushed looking up at him. “Hey.”

He snapped out of his trance and straightened up. “H-Hey.”

“You look handsome.”

“Thank you.” He responded, trying to keep his cool by running a hand through his hair.

Turning around, he saw the other four on the verge of tears from holding in their laughter. Even Hannah giggled as well.

“I can’t hold it in!” Hailey began to laugh, causing the others to inevitably burst out laughing along with her.

Jordan facepalmed. “Har har har. Laugh it up, you guys.”

“Oh stop it. We’re only teasing you.” Sam said, wiping her tears away.

“Can we just go? It’s almost 6 and I don’t have time for Leon to bitch at me.” He groaned in embarrassment.

“Aw, you poor thing. Lighten up, you big baby.” Beth said.

“Hold on, now. I’ve gotta be the stereotypical older brother.” Josh began, a soft expression on his face. “You two look beautiful. Enjoy yourselves. Prom only happens once after all.”

It looked like he was on the verge of tears. “I promised I wouldn’t cry. Damn emotions.”

The two girls quickly rushed him with a tight hug.

“Stop it before you make us cry.”

“Fine but seriously. Have fun.” He smiled at them.

“We will.” Beth said, letting go of Josh.

“I call shotgun.” Hannah said, walking to the car.

“Dammit!”

“You weren’t getting the front passenger seat anyway.” Jordan said, opening the door and pushing the seat forward so the girls could get in.

“A girl can only dream.” Hailey smirked as she was first to get in. Beth was next, then finally Sam.

“M’lady.” He said, adjusting the seat allowing Hannah to get in the car.

When he closed the door, he turned around to face Josh. “I really wish you could come, man. It’s gonna be a bit boring without you there to crack those stupid ass jokes.”

“That’s what happens when you get too damn old, man but alas I shall be alright. Good luck, Jordan, Hannah can be a handful at times but…I know she’s in good hands with you. Take care of her for me.” Josh outstretched his hand.

“You’ve got my word.” Jordan said, shaking his hand. “I’ll bring them back at a good time.”

“I’ll take your word for it.”

With a nod, Jordan slid across his hood and jumped in the car.

He hunched over, grabbing a bouquet of carnations from under his seat and handing them to Hannah. 

“I knew you’d like them since they’re your favorite flower.”

“Wow! You didn’t have to!” She gasped, taking a sniff of the flowers. “These are beautiful!”

The three girls in the back devilishly grinned at each other.

“Now….” He pulled out a pair of circular sunglasses and put them on.

“You read my mind, Brother Bear.” Hailey said, pulling out a pair of her own and putting them on in style.

“Let’s get this started.” He continued, starting the engine with a roar and putting it in drive. “I recommend you put your seatbelts on, my dearest ladies.”

Once he heard four clicks, he held the brake and gas. The tires began to screech and smoke clouds began to form.

“Jordan!” Sam yelled over the screeching of his tires.

“That’s not even the best part, Sam!” Hailey yelled.

“To prom we go!” Jordan yelled, releasing his foot from the brake, propelling the car down the street.

“YEEHAW!”