The day was anything but peaceful so far. The girls decided to go find their dresses at a warehouse. They were there for only thirty minutes and no one ended up with dresses. Emily got in a fight with another girl who took the blue dress she wanted. Everyone watched in shock except for Sam who did her best to break it up. They decided the mall was their best bet. Sam let out a sigh as she finished sending Josh another text. She decided to fill Josh in on the hell that was dress shopping and was not disappointed with his reaction.
"That girl was fucking psycho. That dress wasn't even that cute." Emily huffed in annoyance as the six girls looked through dress racks. The woman that welcomed them in was doing her best to get at least one of them to buy something. The shop they choose was recommended by Emily. She got all her nice dresses there and the price tags drained all the color from Sam's face. Of course Hannah and Beth had no problems with it and continued to pick out dresses after dresses. The woman caught on that they would be the big spenders and was currently bringing any dress they asked for. Ashley seemed to be the only one also worried about the price.
"Don't worry Em. I am sure you would have looked way hotter in that dress than her." Jess held up a bright pink dress that could challenge any cupcake out there.
"That is why we should have gone here in the first place. I told you guys the warehouse was a stupid idea." Emily shook her head at Jess who pouted in response. She stared lovingly at the dress before putting it back on the rack.
"Hey we didn't know it would be that crazy, besides Ashley and I can't throw down nine hundred dollars on a dress right now." Emily stayed silent as Ashley smiled at Sam in appreciation. Many of their friends were well off. Ashley, Sam, and Chris were the middle class of the group. Of course no one really bragged about it expect for Emily at times. Sam would always join the Washingtons on their vacations where she always offered to do dishes or something to make up for it. When they found out Josh was taking Sam they offered to pay for her dress as well. She polity declined the offer saying it was too generous, which it was. However, looking at all these prices made Sam wish she took the offer. Hannah walked up to Sam with concern.
"You know if you need it you can always borrow some money for the dress. I don't mind." Hannah gave Sam's hand a squeeze, letting her know she meant it.
"Thanks Han. I think I will be okay I have some saved up." The girls continued to go through dresses. Emily found a dark green dress that brought out her eyes, not to mention her cleavage. It was definitely what she needed to win prom queen. Beth pushed Hannah to go red for she had chosen a black dress with a top of white jewels that complimented her curves nicely. Hannah was hesitant but eventually gave in to Beth's suggestion. It took a bit longer but Ashley found her dress as well. It was a rich purple that sparkled. It was elegant and not as jeweled as other dresses. Sam had a few contenders but nothing that she loved. Of course her wallet kept her from trying the one dress she had been eying since they walked in. As Sam struggled to get out of a vibrant blue dress, Hannah dipped inside the dressing room.
"Hey how is it going?" Sam huffed as she finally got the zipper down.
"Not so well I keep- Oh my god Han!" Sam's jaw dropped as she saw Hannah for the first time. Hannah blushed and began to tug on the red dress she was wearing.
"Beth pushed me to try it and I don't know how I feel."
"You look hot as hell."
"Really? You think Tom will like it?" Sam smiled at her words. It was nice hearing a sentence with Mike's name out of it. Sam was happy Hannah was finally moving on and starting to like Tom more.
"Hannah, when you walk in his jaw will be on the floor I promise." Hannah smiled as she eased up, looking more confident.
"You don't seem to be doing so good." Sam sighed as she finally wiggled out of the stupid dress she was wearing.
"None of these are working for me and I don't want to end up making this a week long thing." Sam could not imagine herself in any of these dresses. Most were covered in jewels, which Sam was not fond of. Than there were others that were too plain. It shouldn't be this hard, it was just for one stupid dance. One stupid dance that Josh Washington was taking her to. Sam picked up her phone to see the last text Josh sent her.
"Good luck with the dress shopping. I know you are going to look amazing in whatever you choose. ;)"
Sam smiled, forgetting Hannah was in the room.
"Was that Josh?" Sam quickly hid the phone behind her as if it would make any difference.
"No."
"Bullshit. I saw the way you lit up at that text. It had to be him."
"Okay, my problem is I want to look hot, not slut hot but like hot hot. You know?"
"You want Josh to wish he would have done this sooner right?" Sam could only nod in embarrassment. She felt weird telling Hannah that she wanted to look hot for her brother. Of course Hannah supported the two but Sam still felt uncomfortable. Just then Beth popped her head from behind the curtain.
"I got the dress."
"Oh good!." Sam looked at the two curiously till she saw what Beth was hiding. It was the white fitted dress that Sam secretly wanted. Sam put her hands up in protest.
"Wait guys. I can't afford that."
"We know, that's why we are getting it for you."
"No. I can't let you do that."
"Sam, let us be the fairy god mothers we were meant to be for one night." Hannah pleaded to Sam with Beth right behind her. Sam looked to the dress than the twins. She had to admit it was a great dress.
"At least try it on." Beth shoved the dress into Sam's arms.
"Okay. Okay fine." Sam mumbled to herself as she kicked the two girls out of the makeshift room. Both twins giggled, as they let thy told other girls their plan worked. Sam couldn't help but get excited as she tried the dress on. She felt like Cinderella even though she would never admit it. Once she smoothed the dress out she decided to let the girls see before she did. As Sam moved the curtain, gasps could be heard from each side of her. All five girls looked at Sam in shock. Sam felt uneasy for it could mean anything.
"Oh my gosh Sam, that dress was made for you." Ashley jumped up and down in excitement.
"Sam you look hot." Jess gave her a thumbs up while Emily did the same. Both twins smirked at Sam who began to turn around and see for herself. Sam was caught off guard as she looked at herself in the mirror. Her tan from hiking complimented the dress nicely. The slit from the side showed off a bit of thigh. It made her feel sexy, something she didn't always feel. The fit showed off her curves and overall shocked her. She had to admit, she looked good.
"This is it." All the girls clapped as if they were on one of those wedding dress shows. Even the woman at the counter clapped with them. As the girls got ready to pay, Jess grabbed that pink dress to try on one more time resulting in her actually buying it. Beth took the dress from Sam's hands before she could protest. "Thank you." Sam smiled at the girls, glad to be finally done with the day.
"Thank god that's over." Ashley let out a yawn as the girls walked out of the store. Emily turned around which brought the group to a halt.
"Are you kidding? We haven't gotten the shoes." That's when Sam froze and realized there was a new kind of hell waiting for them.
"You spent eight hours getting shoes?" Josh sounded mortified on the line making Sam laugh before letting out a tired groan.
"Yes. Jess is very particular about her shoes and so is Emily. Jess even brought Matt's measurements so her heels would not be too high." Josh threw the bounce ball against the wall, successfully catching it every time it bounced back. He decided to call Sam at the end of the day to hear all about the hell that is prom shopping. The guys ended up going back to his house to play a round of pool with all the time they had left. For Sam it didn't seem to be the same. It was almost midnight and she had just got back.
"What shoe place was open this late anyways?"
"Oh there is none but after most of us got our shoes Emily knew some guy who let us in after closing. They were not cheep let me tell you."
"Did you have to give them your first born?" Josh could hear Sam scoff on the other side of the line making him smile.
"Practically. Your sisters were very generous and paid for my dress though."
"Don't you mean my dad? They did not use their own money I'm sure."
"Then let your dad know I am very grateful."
"I am sure you looked great in it Sammy." Josh felt his stomach drop for Sam did not say anything for a minute. He wondered if he was being too forward.
"Sorry I dropped something but no thank you, it better be with that price tag." Josh began to relax again.
"So one week huh?"
"Yes, I can't wait till it's over with, there is too much stress. Oh not the actual prom though. I'm sorry I am excited to go with you the shopping has just been stressing me out and.." Josh laughed as he heard Sam struggle on the other end, it was adorable.
"Don't worry Sammy, I know being with me a whole night can be tough." Josh was only joking but there could be some truth to it, depending on the side effects, He debated taking his medication for it.
"Oh trust me Josh you are the person I would want to go through this with." Josh couldn't help but smile at Sam's words. He really wanted to prove himself to her. He had always been worried she would not be able to deal with him when he had his bad days. It stopped him many times from making a move at parties and sleepovers. The fact that he was going to prom with her was still a shock. He was going to prove himself, he was going to risk it that night.
"Well I should start working on my beauty sleep now for Saturday. I'll talk to you later." Oh how she really didn't need it.
"Night Sammy. Don't be up all night dreaming about me."
"Ha ha night Josh." Josh let out a sigh as he tossed his phone to the bed. He still had a week to go and he was already a nervous wreck. Josh looked to the bag on his desk. When he was at the mall with the guys, Josh stopped by that jewelry place Sam loved to stare at. She thought it was too expensive but always admired the one heart necklace in the window. Was it weird to get your prom date a necklace? It was a rash buy, but this prom would be different. He wouldn't be scared anymore.
"People don't always get together at prom." Hannah fiddled with her hands as she watched Jess test makeup on Emily. The girls were doing some pre game makeovers before the dance the next day. It was pretty much a sleep over and all the girls would get ready together in the morning.
"Of course they do Hannah. That is what it's for." Emily whined from her seat as Jess carefully applied eye liner on Emily. Hannah looked to Sam who just raised her hands in defeat. She knew she was not going to win this.
"Well yeah if you have been dating but Jess and Matt are going as friends and Josh and Sam." From the corner of her eye, Hannah saw Sam look down almost disappointed.
"Oh please, Josh and Sam will be all over each other before the night is over." Beth nudged Sam in the side earning a harmless glare from the blonde.
"And trust me Hannah. Matt won't be just my friend at the end of the night." Jess had a smirk on her face as she brushed powder on Emily's cheek. Hannah blushed as the girls erupted in laughter. Hannah wasn't really asking for anyone else more for herself. She felt nervous about Tom. Of course she liked him and he was a nice guy but she always hoped her first kiss would be with Mike. They had lunch together more often now and Hannah learned Tom was going into the air force right after high school. At best they could have a summer fling before he went to camp. She felt torn.
Hannah's phone buzzed, speak of the devil.
"Hey I just wanted to say that I can't wait for tomorrow. I am sure you will look stunning. :)"
Hannah smiled at the text before replying.
"I can't wait either! I am sure you will look great too. :)"
Great? Why did she type great? Hannah felt like a dork when she texted Tom. She felt as if all her words looked stupid put together. However, he kept texting her so it must look normal to him. Sam lightly nudged Hannah's to get her attention. Sam leaned in to Hannah's side.
"Don't worry, Tom will never push anything on you. Josh is going to be there too, I am sure he wouldn't try anything with Josh around." Both girls smiled at each other at the thought. Most siblings would be pissed to have their older brother at their prom. Beth and Hannah saw It as a great opportunity for the jerks to stay away. Also, a great opportunity for Josh to let Sam know how he feels.
"Ashley you excited to see Chris tomorrow?" Beth smirked at Ashley as she seemed lost in her own world.
"Huh?"
"Chris, are you excited to see Chris?"
"Oh yeah! I mean yeah I'm sure it will be cool." Ashley did her best to seem not too excited but everyone knew she was dying to go with Chris. The girls laughed at Ashley's poor attempt to hide her excitement. Hannah smiled knowing that with or without a date she could always rely on her friends.
"Jesus Christ how long does it take for them to get ready?" Mike groaned from his seat on the couch. Unlike the girls, the guys only needed a few minutes to get ready. They had been up there for hours now leaving all the men downstairs waiting. Josh provided beers which was much appreciated by the others.
"We may even miss the dance." Chris laughed as he took another sip of his beer. Josh agreed, he wanted to get this over with. His nerves were eating him alive. Sam's corsage sat in his lap as he waited for the girls to come down. His parents were in the kitchen getting the cameras ready. Usually before any school dances the group would come to their house for pictures. Josh looked to the mantel where there was a picture of him and Sam. It was when he had his prom. He looked much happier in that picture than any of the countless pictures he took with his date. Sam had on a baggy sweatshirt and shorts but she still looked beautiful. He couldn't believe this time they would be going together. The sound of footsteps from the staircase made all the guys stand up. The first girl in view was his sister Beth.
"Wow steady there boys, they will be coming down soon." Josh smiled as he brought Beth into a hug.
"You look beautiful Sis."
"Thank you but you better hold all those compliments for Sam." Beth laughed as she made her way over to her date. Josh saw the guy light up like a Christmas tree when she approached. Next was Emily, she carefully stepped down to the living room with grace. She was obviously no stranger to heels. Mike made his way through letting out a hoot of joy. He took Emily's hands in his before undressing her with his eyes.
"Damn baby you look smoking." Emily rolled her eyes.
"Beautiful would have been nice."
"Nah, gorgeous." Emily couldn't help but smile before bringing Mike into a kiss. Josh knew they would be all over each other before the night was through. Jess came down after Emily with a dumfounded Matt watching her.
"Hi Matty." Jess smiled at Matt who was shaking with nerves. He looked like a kid in a candy store.
"J-Jess….You look…..stunning." Jess blushed before kissing Matt on the cheek.
"Thank you." Josh smiled as he saw who was coming down. He looked to Chris to see his reaction. Chris's face was already two shades redder than it was before. He was such a dork around Ashley and she looked good. Josh had to admit, Chris was one lucky guy. Josh nudged Chris out of his daze as Ashley came down.
"You good Cochise?" Chris shook his head as the smile on his face grew.
"More than good."
"Hi Chris." Ashley smiled at Chris shyly as she smoothed out the fabric of her dress. Watching the two was almost disgusting with how cute they were.
"H-hey." Chris rubbed the back of his neck as he took Ashley in. "You look great."
"Thanks you do too." Josh looked to Tom who patted him on the back.
"Thanks again man."
"Wait till you see her before you thank me." As he said the words Hannah came down the stairs with a big smile on her face. It warmed Josh's heart to know Hannah was happy. He hated seeing her in so much pain over Mike through the years. He was glad she could have some fun. That left the one person he wanted to see the most.
Hannah looked up to the stairs before yelling.
"Come on Sam." Was she nervous to come down?
"Okay, okay I'm coming." It was as if time stopped for Josh. No one could make him look anywhere but the stairs as she began to walk down. The people talking behind him seemed to disappear as he looked at Sam. She had a shy smile on her face, similar to Ashley's. Her hair looked like silk as it cascaded down her back. Sam almost never had her hair down but it framed her face beautifully. The dress she wore fit her in all the right places. Josh imagined how good it would look if he ripped it off. Fuck he was screwed. He did nothing to hide the expression on his face. He was in awe. Josh couldn't believe how he got so lucky. Sam's smile grew bigger as she approached Josh.
"So how do I look?" She smirked as she slowly spun around. Josh's eyes scanned every part of her to lock it in his memory. He wanted to remember this forever.
"You look amazing Sammy." Josh barley got the words out as he continued to look her over.
"Thank you, you look very handsome." As if a switch went off, Josh went back to his cocky ways. He fiddled with his suit and wiggled his eye brows.
"Of course. Had to impress you."
"Okay, don't let your head get big." Sam laughed before looking at the corsage in his hand.
"This is for you milady." Josh carefully placed the corsage on her wrist. Josh went with the classic red roses, a sunflower wouldn't fit.
"Why thank you kind sir and here for you." Josh held his breath as Sam drew closer to him. He could feel her breath on his chest making him stiff.
"Oh please I wont pin you I promise." Josh let out a small laugh before relaxing a bit. Yet, having Sam this close was dangerous. All we wanted to do was kiss her. Her lips were red from the lipstick she was wearing and looked heavenly. Josh watched as Sam concentrated on pinning his boutonniere. "See all done." Sam smiled up at Josh but didn't move away. He smiled down at her before gazing at her lips for a moment. He was sure she saw.
"Picture time!" The sudden voice made the two move apart much to Josh's dismay. For the next half and hour the couple lined up taking the typical prom pictures. Josh made jokes as they got into their poses. Sam couldn't hold her laughter which made them have to do retakes several times. It finished off when the limo drove up. The couples made their way to the limo, each climbing in with their dates. Josh knew there would be no drinking at the dance so having a pre game wouldn't hurt. Josh held up his canteen before yelling to the group.
"Let's party like we're fucking porn stars."