“It’s just… it happened so fast.
Are you sure she…?”
My son looked up at me, and the smile faded just a little.
“You think she’s playing a joke on me.”
“I didn’t say that,” I tried, backtracking.
“You don’t have to.”
“Honey, I just want to protect you.”
“I know.” His voice was quiet. “But can you just be happy for me?”
I nodded because I could not think of anything to say that would not make it worse.
The truth was, I kept imagining her playing some cruel prank on him, one that would leave him heartbroken.
Prom Night Arrives
Prom night came faster than I wanted it to.
Nathan stood in the entryway in his suit, his hair combed back, a small white corsage box trembling slightly in his hand. He looked older and, for the first time in years, as if he believed he belonged somewhere.
“How do I look?” Nathan asked.
“Like a heartbreaker,” I said, and he laughed.
A car pulled into the driveway, and through the window, I could see her.
Madison.
She had long dark hair, a dress the color of champagne, and she was leaning against the passenger door as if she had been waiting her whole life for him.
She waved at me through the glass. Polite. Composed. Smiling.
I waved back, but my hand felt heavy.
“Be home by midnight,” I said.
“I will.”
NEXT PAGE
He kissed my cheek.
Then I walked him down the driveway. I took a couple of photos of them together, saved Madison’s number in my phone, and made her take mine, just in case. Then she opened the car door for my son, and I stood there watching them with my hand pressed flat against my chest.
“Please,” I whispered in prayer. “Please let me be wrong about this.”
