“What do you want me to do? I can’t force myself to believe something just because you want me to. If this is how I feel about it, then this is just how I feel about it! I’m not saying that I don’t want to be with you, I’m just……feeling a little uneasy. Why is that so hard for you to accept? This doesn’t have to be the end.”
“You know what? You’ve been calling the shots since day one. Everything’s always been on your terms, but this isn’t just about you. I’m not going to put up with the frantic phone calls while I’m at Westwood - with you accusing me of something that I’ve already given you my word is never going to happen! You’ve got until tomorrow night to make up your mind. Are you gonna trust me so we can continue to move forward together, or are we going to stop fighting it and let the anvil drop?” The next second I heard the door open and I watched him walk out on me.
*****
The day of prom, I hadn’t heard from AJ even once. Mom helped me slip into my dress and put the finishing touches on my make-up. She was making a really big deal about this dance – because it was my last I guess. She broke down crying twice and had to leave the room to get herself together. Daddy called us downstairs so that he could get a few pictures of me by myself before AJ arrived. As I maneuvered down the steps I was glad to find this dress much easier to get around in than the one I’d worn to Homecoming. Mom made me pose in front of the fireplace and I took one picture with each of my parents.
The doorbell rang and I clenched my fists as I suddenly became tense. Mom rushed to the door and smiled at AJ as soon as she opened it. “Well, don’t you look handsome?” She moved aside and let him step in. He looked so good that I immediately felt inferior. I closed my mouth and pulled myself together quickly. I couldn’t let my guard down with him just yet because the last encounter we had with one another was him leaving me by myself in the auditorium and I couldn’t be sure of how angry he still was today.
AJ turned to look at me. He was trying to hold his ground and continue to treat me coldly, but he smiled against his will. He hesitated for a few seconds as he looked me up and down. “You look really good,” he said quietly. I could tell that he was still bothered by our argument the day before, but not quite angry.
“Come on you two,” Mom said as she motioned us toward the fireplace for a picture. AJ wrapped his arm around my waist loosely and we both smiled at the camera. The bright flash made my eyes water a little. Mom, fearing that I was about to ruin my eye makeup, quickly grabbed me a tissue to blot the tears away. Daddy took this opportunity to have a man-to-man chat with AJ. They stood next to one another awkwardly as they watched Mom and me.
“She looks stunning,” Daddy said proudly.
“Yes, sir. She absolutely does,” AJ replied.
My father sighed. “You do understand that it’s not a light thing that I’m entrusting her into your care tonight?” Daddy asked.
“ Mr. Kelley, I give you my word that Samantha’s safe with me.”
Daddy turned to look AJ in the eye. Seconds later, the corners of Daddy’s mouth turned up into a smile. That smile probably meant more to me than to anyone else. My father was beginning to show signs of actually liking AJ, and that was huge. They both turned back toward me and Mom.
“Disaster averted,” Mom said as she double checked my mascara.