The Year I was Almost Prom Queen: Pick a Romance Collection by Stacy Lynn Carroll

Author:Stacy Lynn Carroll [Carroll, Stacy Lynn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pink Frog Press LLC
Published: 2024-02-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

I walk down the hallway in a daze. Most of the kids are whispering and pointing in my direction. I glance down as I try and avoid the stares from everyone. But their eyes burn into me, my back scalding as I walk past. Tears prick at my eyes. I blink them back and keep walking. I can’t cry here. I refuse to get emotional and give Taylor even more ammunition to mock me with.

I change as quickly as possible, shoving the crumpled, ruined dress into the bottom of my bag. I feel less conspicuous in my jeans and hoodie, but it doesn’t seem to matter. Everyone is still watching as I hurry to class.

I sit in the back corner of the classroom. Even though it’s 75 degrees in here, I pull up the hood and try my best to hide. I wish I was wearing an invisibility cloak instead. I glance around the room. All eyes are on me, and most of them are laughing. This is Hell. I have died and gone to Hell. I can feel a lump of emotions trying to take up residence in my throat. They’re clogging up my airways and I’m finding it hard to breathe.

The teacher enters the room and, with a stern look, the laughter and chattering stops. But I can still hear it. It rings in my ears for the rest of the period.

I feel my phone buzz and I glance down at it. It’s a new message from Ethan.

is this 4 real? I thot we were in this together?

Wh’d u tell everyone the plan?

find another date for prom. I’m out.

My chest tightens. I shove my phone deep into my backpack. I stare at the wall for the rest of the 90 minutes.

Maybe I should just drop out. That’s it. I’ll go to the principal’s office right after class and tell him I’m backing out of the nomination. It’s not like I wanted to be prom queen in the first place. I wonder if I could transfer schools this late in the year. I’m guessing probably not. I can barely feel my feet beneath me as they move my body down the hall. I’m filled with relief as I see Stephanie walking toward me. As always, she knows exactly what I need. To NOT talk about the assembly right now. She starts telling me a funny story that happened in first period, but I can’t concentrate on what she’s saying.

“Earth to Emma, can you hear me?”

I shake my head and try to focus on the story Stephanie is telling me. “Sorry,” I say, looking her square in the eyes. “I’m listening, continue.” But as soon as her mouth opens, I glance around us again.

Clusters of kids are watching me. I begin feeling paranoid, like I’m on a reality TV show or something. Why can’t they all just live their own lives? Why does everyone have to be so concerned with mine?

“Hey Steph,” I whisper. “Is everyone watching me?”

“Don’t be dumb.

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