Chapter 100

***Kenya.***

***April 30th, Five Years Earlier***

Prom was finally here!

I had no date. I wanted one, but he wouldn't have accepted me. He was too good for me. Alec Cruso, the only boy I would have wanted tonight.

His shining blonde hair, his intense blue eyes. Not to talk of his beautiful mouth that was suited for him. From a wealthy family, he wasn't cut out for me. He was for girls like Daisy Henshaw. I heard whispers they were to be Prom King and Queen.

"Sparkles, show your corsage." I heard Amanda say.

I looked at her and recalled we were taking photos. She and mum had their phones clicking. My friend, Cleo, rolled her wheelchair closer to me. I adjusted myself on my haunches for her, so we could take a perfect shot.

We were both dressed beautifully for the occasion. Me in a white rhine stone covered dress, my hair in a bun. Cleo in a pretty blue dress. Our gloves matching.

Mum couldn't be happier. She had this big, contagious smile on her face. Cleo's big brother honked the car outside and we rushed to go meet him. He was our driver for tonight.

Chester was in his second year in college and he had changed tremendously. Now more responsible and mature; I admired him. I was like his sister.

"Buckle up ladies. Your carriage is off!" He announced, excitedly.

We laughed. I felt like a princess, even with my uncertainty about tonight. I just wanted to have fun.

I asked Chester to play 'Girls just wanna have fun.'

Willingly, he connected his phone and we sang, including Chester.

When we arrived the party, Chester and I helped Cleo down the car ramp, before he headed off. Promising to pick us early.

Strolling into the party like the other kids, we were fascinated by the sight. Everyone dressed gorgeously for the party. All transformed. The entire hall, lit. Decorations, snacks and drinks. Loud music. Even the chaperones looked extremely excited. I couldn't even recognize most of us.

Sitting with Cleo, I watched as the girls and boys danced to the music. She and I were wallflowers, sitting with our ilk. Gazing at the candy store from outside.

I envied the girls, who had dates. Looking very happy, and radiant. I forced myself to recall mum's advice about enjoying the night, but it didn't work. It was like a bone was lodged in my throat, watching the others having undiluted fun. Humiliation stung me. Tears threatened to spill and I didn't want that. Cleo would feel bad.

I turned, catching her eyes on me.

"You look sad." Cleo muttered. I shook my head, feigning cheerfulness.

"Am fine, Cleo. I just need some air." I already regretted saying that. The disappointment on her face was noticeable. It was like I regretted being with her.

"Am sorry Cleo. It's just that it hurts, being invincible." I hastily added.

I saw pain in her eyes, but she managed a smile.

Cleo transferred to our school in 11th grade. She never spoke of the school and I never asked. We became friends soon after. Our bond developed from our shared pain.

"Go have that air, Ken. I'll fill you in on who worn King and Queen." She smiled, wanly. I nodded and did as she said. Struggling to control my excitement of walking away from the lively hall.

Each step that took me closer to the main exit, released the tightness in my throat. I heard students cheering excitedly as I brushed past. However, I ignored them. The clicking of my shoes, echoing through the halls. I reached outside, the coolness of the night, soothing my flaming face.

Finding a spot, I sat down, staring absently. Then I broke into tears. Suddenly wishing my diary was with me. It was my personal companion that I could tell everything. All my personal secrets.

I highlighted my phone to call Amanda, so she could distract me. But I knew mum would be broken, if she discovered my distress. I slipped my phone back in my purse, trying to hold back my pain. The breeze picked up, chilling me.

"You should be inside." I heard behind me. I sharply turned to Alec staring at me. All handsome, perfect. It seemed he had his hair freshly trimmed. His blue tux hugging him perfectly. I controlled myself from ogling him. Alec was here in the flesh, talking to me.

He had never talked to me before. I didn't even know how to respond.

"II"

"I'm Alec Cruso. We were in the same class. Graduating together." He teased, coming to sit beside me. He spotted a cute dimple on his right cheek. I managed a smile.

"I'm Kenya"

"I know who you are." He pointed out. My insides fluttered. I grew shy. Alec surprised me by shrugging his shoulders off his jacket and covering me with it. His smell was enchanting. Earthy, spicy and fruity. I gave him a tentative smile, before I turned away. Suddenly wondering how he knew I was here.

"How did you know I was here?" I asked, curious. It was still a surprise that he was with me. He paused briefly.

"I was with the guys inside, when you rushed past. I found that strange." His eyes remained on me.

I didn't know how to respond. All through high school, we never said a word to each other. I had a terrible crush on him. Now he noticed I existed.

Just as I was about to give him a rejoinder, a voice disdainfully interrupted us.

"You filthy mud! How dare you wear my boyfriend's jacket?!"

Alec and I turned in time to see a furious Daisy, her friends matching towards us. I hastily got up, alarmed. But before I could say anything in my defense, Daisy picked up dirt and threw it on the front of my dress.

I looked down at my dress. Ruined. My prom night was ruined.