Prom: three unique perspectives

Lacy POV:

Prom. The dreamy embodiment of high school. Dress shopping, slow dancing, romance, prom is the dream of teenage girls. I have dreamed about my prom since I was nine years old. I pictured a perfect night. Beautiful dresses and romantic songs filled my teenage dreams. The perfect kiss with the perfect guy. My prom would be a night I would never forget.

When I finally got to my senior year, I was so excited. I even joined the planning committee! I quickly jumped into action planning my perfect night. I started dress shopping five months before the dance. There were so many options. Teal and glitter, red ombre, pink and lace, or royal blue silk? I just couldn't decide, so I asked my gay bestie Alex for advice. Alex really didn't care about prom the same way I did but because he is an amazing friend, he gave me his honest advice. Teal and glitter was way too extra, red ombre would probably get me dress coded, pink and lace was incredibly childish, but royal blue silk was... perfect. It was tight in all the right places and was so, so, gorgeous. I couldn't wait to wear it.

My date is my boyfriend Andrew. He is truly perfect. He is handsome and smart, actually cares about school, and is so sweet! Andrew was my first kiss and second boyfriend. His promposal was the most romantic proposal ever! He texted me saying "we need to talk" and told me to go to his house, so we could talk. When I got there I heard a scream. A dark figure ran up behind me and grabbed my neck. I screamed and Andrew ran out the door, punched the figure, and kissed me. The figure fell and Andrew hugged me. Then he whispered in my ear "so... wanna go to prom with me? Seeing as I just saved your life I think I deserve it." I realized what had happened and started crying. "YES!" I told him and it was final. We were going to prom together!

I heard some rumors that Andrew was going to rent a limo to pick me up in. That would be so romantic! I know it's totally cliché but I really hope he does get a limo. The only time I have ever seen Andrew in a tuxedo was at his fathers charity gala. Andrew's parents are incredibly wealthy, but he really doesn't act spoiled.

Alex POV:

I never really understood what was so great about prom. The entire concept is simply a fantasy. I don't understand "high school marriage". For the last big event before college, prom is pretty, well, meh. It's nothing more than a big excuse to dress up and take cheesy pictures. People like me can't have the full experience without being frowned upon. Besides, I don't have a boyfriend, much less someone to go to prom with.

When my best friend Lacy asked my for dress advice, I would have done anything to get out of the situation. She knows how I feel about prom. But what could I do? I was honest and I really think Lacy appreciated it. She finally decided on the royal blue silk. If we're being honest, they really all looked the same except for the colors. The only thing I really did was nod yes to whatever Lacy said.

My school isn't the most "pride" school in the world. I wouldn't go as far as to say people were homophobic but gay couples were definitely rare. The only person at school who knows I'm gay is Lacy. She is an amazing friend but... well... she fell in love with the fantasies of prom. She loves the idea of a perfect night but I'm afraid that she will be disappointed. I hope that prom lives up to her expectations. I know that Lacy has been looking forward to prom since she was nine.

I guess I don't see the point in prom because I'm gay and no gay couples would go to prom together. The shame would be too great. I'm a lot of things but I'm definitely not willing to risk everything over a stupid dance.

Ms. Gardener POV:

Prom. The one night of the year when all the crazy seniors I teach act mature. I swear, they act like adults. Year after year, the same thing happens. The guys ask out the girls, and they have their dream night with cheesy pictures and romantic kisses and then it's over. Like nothing ever happened. The high school dream is so amazing but oh, so swift.

I personally think that prom is just a dance. Yes a romantic once-in-a-lifetime dance, but still, just a dance. I definitely didn't have the storybook prom. I asked out my crush and... well... I was rejected. I went with my friends and that was that. I'm glad that some girls get that "perfect night" bur I really just can't relate.

This year I finally agreed to be a chaperone. The reason I declined previous invitations is that I know I wouldn't be able to stand watching the prom queen and king get crowned. I know it's stupid that me, an adult, is still hung up about her prom but I really hate being rejected. Conner was the first person in my life who was consistent with me. I was adopted because my biological mom was 16 and didn't believe in abortion. My parents didn't have a lot of money and my dad worked three jobs.

When I was in third grade I met Conner. He and I were best friends but as I got older I developed feelings for him. He had no idea until I asked him to prom. When he rejected me I was not only was romantically rejected but I also lost my best friend. I was never popular but it was much worse when I didn't have Conner to back me up. Ever since then the illusion of prom no longer influenced me.