To the Steadfast by Briana Gaitan Page A

pulling out my chair. “Prom comes but once in a lifetime.”
    “It’s junior prom, not
senior prom.”
    “Nonetheless, these are
the years that shape your memories, and I want to make sure you have some good
ones.”
    “You’re a good friend,
Killian. Thanks.”
    He picks up a camera
and puts one arm around my shoulder as he pulls me close for a selfie.
    “Say cheese.”
    I smile as the camera clicks
a few times. He sits and hands me a basket of French bread.
    “Looks good.” I take a
bite of my lasagna. “You know, I bet most parents are taking pictures of their
daughters before prom.”
    “We don’t have most
parents. I think my dad gave me a box of condoms before prom and told me not to
get anyone impregnated. You know, before election.”
    “Seriously?”
    “Yeah, he didn’t even
get me magnum sized, so I had to toss them.”
    “You jerk!” I cover a
smile but wonder if he’s joking or not. Killian is a tall guy, so it’s
practical to think he might have bigger than average male parts.
    “I’ve been called
worse.”
    The rest of dinner goes
by fast, and before I know it, we’re walking into the school. It’s dark and
decorated with cheesy streamers and balloons. All the excitement I’ve built up
is diminished as I realize this is just another dance; nothing life-changing is
going to happen tonight.
     Violet jumps next to
me as we walk toward the food.
    “Looky at my dress,”
she says. “Got it for a real steal. A five finger discount.”
     She spins around to
show a dangerously low cut back. It’s orange, just like mine. A bit of anger
surges through me. She knew orange was the color of my dress and just had to
show up looking better.
    Swallowing my emotions,
I say, “I thought you weren’t coming.”
    “I’m kind of seeing
this guy and he invited me like half an hour ago. His date got sick or
something.” She lowers her voice. “I have something for you.” She looks at
Killian and extends a hand. “Hi, I’m Violet.”
    “Killian Carmike.”
    “The senator’s son, of
course. Nice to meet you.”
    He puts on that
sickening sweet Killian charm. “You, too.”
    Violet snakes an arm
around me, a wide grin never leaving her face. “We have to go to the bathroom.
Be right back.”
    When we are out of
earshot, she hisses in my ear. “Tell me you are sleeping with him.”
    “Oh, gross. We’re
friends.”
    “Well, you need to.
He’s hot. He’s got that cute baby face and those eyes!”
    “He’s cute, but I’m not
interested in him.”
    “I have an early
birthday present.” She holds up a small blue pill and waves it in my face.
    “What? Is that Viagra?”
    “No, stupid. It’s
ecstasy. Compliments of my date.”
    I push it away. “No,
thanks.”
    She forces it into my
mouth. “I’m not going to roll alone. Now swallow.”
    Giving in to her peer
pressure, and the need to try everything once. I swallow and give her a smile
that says “Happy?”
    “Now, I want to dance
and dance!”
    She grabs my arm and
drags me back into the gym where I find Killian and pull him along with me onto
the dance floor.

 

    I’m hot .That’s the thought that wakes me up. I’m so hot, and I can’t breathe. Opening my eyes, I find
naked arms and legs strewn across me. 
    “Ugh!” I cry out,
moving away from the bodies and rolling off the bed. Violet and a guy I’ve
never been introduced to but have seen at parties are both on the bed naked. I
have on my bra and panties, thankfully. Killian sits in the corner of the room
with his head slumped over. He’s still in his suit.
    “Killian?” I hiss.
“Killian.”
    He groans a little
before lifting his head. “You’re awake.”
    “Yeah, and I have no
idea how we got here.” I remember bits and pieces about last night, but it
feels like a dream.
    “You and Violet danced
all night, and when prom was over you wanted to dance more so you offered up
your house.”
    That’s right. We’re in
one of the guest bedrooms downstairs.
    “Violet