The Prom

John straightened his tie, and ran his fingers through his hair, as he walked up the sidewalk. Tall, dark, and profoundly handsome in his black tuxedo, he crossed the porch and rang the doorbell. The porch light came on and the front door opened.

“Good evening, Mr. Selkirk,” he offered as a man came into view.”

“Hello, John.”

“As you know, I’m here for Sarah. Is she ready?”   

“I think so. Won’t you step in while I check on her? It’ll just take a minute,” replied Sarah’s father.

Stepping into the entryway he could hear muffled footsteps and giggles from somewhere in the back of the house and moments later her mother led her around the corner and into the room.

“Sarah, you’re beautiful!” was all he could say as he beheld his date, clad in a floor-length, emerald green sequined gown, matching shoes, rhinestone necklace, and matching rhinestone earrings. Her blonde hair was done up in the latest style, and her makeup was applied to perfection. Everything accented her from her bright, green eyes to the slender form encased in the dazzling gown.

Offering an orchid corsage he asked, ”May I pin this on?”

Blushing and smiling at the same time, she answered, “Yes, please.”

“Shall we go?” he asked as he offered her his arm and escorted her out the door. Just as they went through the door he glanced at her father and could see tears welling in his eyes.

“Don’t be too late!” called her father as he watched them walk down the sidewalk.

Sarah’s eyes grew wide with amazement when she saw the long, sleek limousine parked at the curb. Looking up at John, she smiled and giggled with excitement. Helping her in, he told the driver that they were ready and headed for the Country Club, where the high school annually held the prom.

On the way. John thought back to the day at church when Sarah had asked him if they could talk for a minute. He had known her family for a while and knew that they were active in the church. His observations of Sarah were that she was shy and didn’t have many friends, which was a pity because she was rather cute in a wholesome sort of way. They had talked from time to time but it always seemed like he had to start the conversation. Once started, however. she would open up and become quite charming. Now he reminisced back to that day and the talk that they had.

“John, can I ask you something?” she had shyly asked.

“Sure, Sarah, what is it?” he replied.

“Would you be my date for the prom?”

Somewhat taken back, John waited for a minute and answered.

“What? Why Sarah, why would you ask me?”

“Well, for one thing, I don’t have a boyfriend. I’ve never been on a date. Boys have never liked me and it’s really hard when you’re not popular. I tend to stay home a lot and either study or read,” she answered as a tear streaked her cheek.

“Sarah, I don’t know what to say,” he answered.

“Will you think about it? I’m a senior this year and it’s my last chance to go to a prom. I always wanted to go but was never asked. I’ve dreamed about dresses, getting my hair done, and having fun. I’ve always wanted to be popular, but I guess it’s not supposed to happen. But I want to go so bad that I don’t care what people will think or say. Will you please think about it?” she pleaded.

“Can I let you know tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

Later that night as he lay in bed with his wife, Julie, he shared the conversation.

“I think it’s wonderful. Are you going to do it?” she asked.

“I don’t know. A 27-year-old man taking a 17-year-old to a dance sounds a little strange.”

“What does that have to do with it? She evidently doesn’t consider it being an issue and she thinks enough of you that she believes she can trust you to not embarrass her.”

“I wouldn’t even consider hurting her. She seems shy and somewhat introverted. I guess my concerns pertain to appearances. There are bound to be a lot of stares and talking behind our backs,” he answered.

“I understand that, but it’s only for one night, a night she’s dreamed about for who knows how long. Are you going to deny her this dream? The Bible says that you are supposed to be all things for all people. Can you be a prom date for Sarah?”

John tossed and turned the rest of the night as he struggled with what he should do.

“John? What are you thinking about? You seem so distant right now,” the voice startled him back to reality. Realizing it was Sarah, he gazed into her eyes.

“I’m sorry. I was just thinking about the day you asked me to be your date. I didn’t mean to ignore you,” he answered.

It’s ok. I’ve thought about that day a lot. You have no idea how terrified I was to ask you. Part of me wanted you to say yes and part of me wanted you to say no. I was afraid that you would laugh at me and treat me like a child,” she replied.

“Did I?”

“No, and that made it easier for me.”

“Good, I felt awkward and didn’t want it to show.”

“Do you like my dress?” she asked, “My parents spent a fortune to make this special for me. They paid $450 for the gown. Dad said that since it was his last opportunity, he was going to do it right. And my necklace was my grandmother’s. I have to be really careful with them because they’re not rhinestones. Mom said that they are real diamonds and have been passed down from generation to generation. It’s been insured for $25,000, but I still have to be careful. I borrowed the purse from one of mom’s friends so I have to be careful with it also. And Mom spent all afternoon on my hair. Just before you picked me up she got out the camera and took some pictures. It’s been a long time since I saw Mom cry, but she did tonight. Anyway, do you like my dress?” she asked while hoping for a good reply.

“Sarah, I would have never guessed that the girl I met at church could be transformed into what you are tonight. Yes, the dress is beautiful and so are you. I can’t believe you couldn’t get a date,” he answered with all sincerity.

“Thank you,” she smiled.

Settling back in the seat, Sarah started thinking about the evening. Wait till Amber and Jessica see me tonight she thought. They’ve pestered me all week about who I was going with. I should have never let them know that I had bought tickets. I wonder if he’s going to be uncomfortable? What will everyone say? Will they laugh at me? Why did he say yes? I can’t believe he spent the money on the limo. And the orchid is beautiful. What do I say? How do I act? Will he ask me to dance? Will anybody else ask me to dance? It’s obvious that he’s comfortable in a tux. He’s probably had a lot of experience with these things. God! Am I a fool?”

All of these thoughts ran through her head as they pulled into the Country Club parking lot. Laughter and teasing could be heard as other couples arrived, and several stood at the entrance talking.

“What have I got myself into?” she nervously thought, “Did I make a mistake?”

Rolling to a stop, John got out and came around to the other side to get her door. Taking her by the hand he helped her out, then offered her his arm as he guided them toward the Club’s entrance.

“Nervous?”

“Extremely!”

“Sarah, this is the night you’ve dreamed of. Just follow my lead and you’ll be fine. So, shall we go and make some boys jealous?”

July 24, 2020