Divinia
Is it true that you still don’t have a date for prom?
As Divinia Taylor lounges in the senior quad…
You see, Divinia is my ultimate nemesis.
She loves to best me in everything:
SAT scores…scholarships…school awards…
Courtney
Divinia, mind your own business.
Divinia
Hah. You’re just too embarrassed to admit the truth—
Divinia
No one wanted to go to prom with you!
I ball my hands into fists.
I am so sick of Divinia beating me down!
So I blurt something out before thinking first:
Courtney
For your information, I *do* have a prom date…
Courtney
And he’s gorgeous.
Courtney
Also, he’s crazy about me.
Divinia narrows her eyes.
I can tell she’s skeptical.
Divinia
Whatever, Courtney.
Divinia
If you really do have a date…
Divinia
Then I’ll see whoever this loser is when we’re there.
And my mind starts whirring with panic.
And where am I going to find a last-minute prom date??
School goes by in a frantic blur.
Everyone seems to be going to prom—
And that leaves no one for me to go with.
When I get home, I’m still freaking out…
But then I hear a sound from next door.
I peek around the bushes.
Silas Wilson is washing his old Mustang.
His water-steeped t-shirt clings to his chest…
Silas has been my unattainable crush for years.
He’s also Divinia’s recent ex…
And he’s far too cool for me.
He stops washing the car and gives me a hot smile.
Crap — he caught me looking!
But I try to act suave as I step around the bushes.
Courtney
Hey Silas. Are you ready for prom?
He sends me a strange look.
Silas
I’m not going to prom.
It’s true that he and Divinia just broke up a couple of weeks ago.
But he could’ve snagged another date in a heartbeat.
He gives me an adorable one-dimpled grin.
Silas
Who are you going to prom with?
Courtney
Well, I’m not exactly going either.
Silas
Wait — I thought I heard today that you were going.
OMG, Silas actually pays attention to gossip about me?
My heart does a happy dance.
But then reality sets back in.
Courtney
Actually, I’m kind of screwed with prom.
Courtney
If I tell you, you’ll just tell Divinia.
Silas
No way. I don’t even talk to her anymore.
Maybe Silas can offer me advice.
I sure as heck could use it.
Courtney
Okay. Everyone thinks I’m going to prom…
Courtney
Because I kinda sorta told Divinia that I have a date.
Courtney
But I actually don’t have a date.
Silas
So, in other words, you lied to her.
Courtney
What else was I supposed to do?
Courtney
I couldn’t let her know that nobody asked me to prom!
Silas
First off, I can’t believe no one asked you.
Surprised, I blush like fire.
Silas
Second, I don’t blame you for trying to get the best of Divinia.
Silas
I would’ve done the same thing in your shoes. In fact…
His gaze gleams with mischief.
Silas
What would you say if we went to prom together?
My world tilts like I’m on a wild ride…
And my heart beats crazily.
Courtney
Why would you want to go with me?
Silas
Because I want Divinia to see I’m over her.
Silas
Besides, wouldn’t you love this opportunity to get back at her?
I would, most definitely.
But I’m not thinking so much about Divinia right now.
I mean, my dream guy just asked me to prom!
Courtney
I…uh…would need to buy a dress.
Silas
Is that your way of saying yes?
Silas
Okay, neighbor. Then I’ll see you tomorrow.
I float back home on cloud nine.
I’m going to prom with Silas Wilson!!
But it’s only when I dizzily sink to the floor of my room that I realize…
The only reason Silas invited me was to get back at Divinia—
And all I am is a part of his plan.
Silas and I are standing outside the ballroom…
And he looks like a tall, hot god in his tux.
But then I remember why we’re here:
To put Divinia in her place.
I nervously smooth my hands down my pink tulle dress.
Silas’s gaze fills with something warm…
Something that makes me feel like a princess.
Silas
You look really beautiful, Courtney.
Hummingbirds flutter in my belly.
I have to remind myself that this prom isn’t real—
And that Silas doesn’t like me as much as I like him.
Courtney
Thanks for saying so.
Silas
I meant it. Now, are you ready to tick off Divinia?
That’s our one and only mission tonight.
I keep my chin up as we walk into the ballroom.
My god, it’s like a wonderland:
Stars hanging from the ceiling…
And a band playing a slow, romantic song.
Because I wish this really was my perfect prom night.
Silas
Should we start off by dancing?
He slides his hands around my waist.
The shock of his touch sends vibrations through me.
Silas
Divinia is really going to hate that we’re here together.
Courtney
Yeah, I can’t wait to see the look on her face.
With bated breath, I wrap my arms around his neck.
Blood thumps in my veins.
Courtney
She’s really going to hate that we’re dancing so close, too.
Silas
True. But do you know what she’ll hate even more?
Courtney
Then we should really keep doing it.
All the while, I wish I could spill my heart out to Silas…
Telling him that I’ve liked him forever…
And that I wish he could hold me like this even after the music ends.
I look into his green eyes, my pulse hammering.
But then I sense an evil presence next to us.
It’s Divinia in her red prom dress.
Divinia
Well look who came here together—
Divinia
My jilted ex and my worst enemy.
Divinia
This has got to be a joke.
My arms already feel empty.
Silas
It’s no joke, Divinia.
Silas
I’m really here with Courtney.
Divinia
Oh please. It’s not like you’ve already moved on from me, Silas.
Divinia
You just brought her here…
Divinia
Because you knew it would get under my skin.
Divinia
Too bad it was an epic fail.
Now she gives me a blasé look.
Divinia
And as for you, Courtney? Jeez, have some self-respect.
Divinia
The next time you choose a prom date…
Divinia
You should really make sure he didn’t ask me first.
It’s one thing for Divinia to get the better of me yet again…
But it’s a whole other thing to be reminded that I’m just sloppy seconds.
Silas gives Divinia a lowered gaze.
Silas
Don’t say those things about Courtney.
Divinia
Oh, you think that’s bad?
Divinia
Just watch me destroy the rest of her.
She lasers in on me again.
Divinia
Does Silas know exactly how you feel about him, Courtney?
Divinia
I mean, it’s only obvious from the way you blush whenever he’s around.
Divinia
I’ll bet you’re devastated that he’s just using you to get back at me.
It’s like she’s been saving up this final attack for prom…
And her aim hits me right in the heart.
God, how can I face Silas now?
I feel Silas’ hand on my arm.
Silas
Courtney, we still have the whole night ahead of us.
I look up into his warm gaze and I realize…
This isn’t an act after all.
He really wants me to stay.
And that gives me all the strength I need.
I slip my arms around Silas.
Then I give Divinia what she’s always deserved—
Courtney
Just in case you’re not catching the hint, Divinia…
Divinia starts to say something…
But she finally leaves in a huff.
Silas puts his arms around me.
Silas
So is it true what she said?
Silas
You liked me this whole time?
Courtney
Yes, but you never noticed…
Courtney
Even though I was right next door.
Silas
You’re wrong about that, Courtney.
Silas
I just never thought you noticed me.
Then he tucks my hair behind my ear.
Silas
If I had known how you felt…
Silas
I would’ve never dated Divinia, much less asked her to prom.
Courtney
So you’re saying I wouldn’t have come in second place?
Silas
No, you would’ve been my first choice…
And the stars around us seem to sparkle…
Shining over a perfect prom night.
