36 - Samantha
Thanks to BrittanyCreston’s grandmother, Harbine High School is having their prom at the Devaroe Estate, just outside of the city limits. The estate, which once was a plantation years ago, belongs to their family, and with Brittany being a senior this year, she wants to give her an outstanding prom. The rest of us benefit from it as well, but I guess Ms. Devaroe was happy to do it.
They restored the main house and surrounding outbuildings into a place where you can hold weddings, galas, or in our case, senior prom. The Devaroe Estate holds quite a prestigious reputation, so it’s an honor to be going.
Cyn came over around noon to go to Roxy’s salon and get our hair done. Prom is one of Roxy’s busiest days at the shop, but we scheduled our appointments in her book months ago. Phillip gives me strict orders that he doesn’t want his princess, me, on her feet much today to prevent swelling. However, getting my hair done is a must and besides, he doesn’t really order me to do anything. But I play along while he reminds me of things to do to help me feel my best.
And I did do everything I can to ensure a good day. I watched my diet very closely all week and had my dialysis the day before prom. I’ve made sure to stay on my meds like clockwork so I can gauge any symptoms quicker. I even wore a jelly cold pack on my face all morning to aid in the puffiness around my eyes. I watched my water intake closer than usual all week to avoid getting dehydrated or having too much water retention. I want tonight to be perfect. I want me to be perfect.
When Cyn and I return from the salon, she stays at my house long enough to do her make up. But her dress and the accessories we shopped for are at her house. She’s going to dress at home because Knox is picking her up there. We originally talked about riding together since we would be hanging out at the prom, but Knox’s uncle offered his sports car for the night and Knox was pretty excited about that. Cynthia, being the theatrical person that she is, told me she would be playing the part of a French spy tonight and Knox is going to be 007. I giggle to myself because she’s always playing a part. Knowing them, I’m afraid it might be foreplay, so I told her it was too much information.
“Sam?” I hear footsteps coming up the stairs.
“In here.” I have just put my dress on and am standing in front of the mirror, mesmerized by the faint swishing of the fabric as I rock my hips side to side.
“Awe!” Roxy clasps her hands together. “You look absolutely beautiful.”
“Thanks.” I can feel my cheeks getting rosy. “You helped!” Roxy did an awesome job on my up-do. My hair dramatically swoops to the side where bangs would be if I had any and does a crisscross design in the back. I’m still not sure how she did that. On top of my head, she made very distinct curls and pinned them in an arrangement reminiscent of a crown. Cyn and I found jeweled bobby pins that we placed here and there with a sprinkled-in effect. To finish it off, I have a few loose, wispy ringlets strategically placed near my ears and dancing along my neckline. It’s gorgeous.
“Phillip’s gonna fall over when he sees you,” Roxy brags, her smile beaming.
“I hope not. All this work for him to pass out?” I smile, considering his reaction. I gotta admit, for the first time in a long time, maybe ever, I truly feel beautiful.
Caught up in the moment, Roxy is startled when the doorbell rings. It breaks her concentration and mine too. Suddenly I’m nervous, reaching for my gloves and shoes.
“I’ll get the door, you finish up,” Roxy blurts wildly before flying out of my bedroom.
I reach for the sides of my gown to spread it out before carefully sitting down on the bench by my vanity. For my shoes, I opted for the comfortable slipper kind. I’m leaving the stilettos to Cyn. My shoes on the other hand, are cushiony and gentle and look a lot like silky ballerina slippers, only they don’t tie up my ankles with ribbons. My dress is long enough that you don’t really see my feet anyway. I’m happy with my choice. Roxy calls my name just as I put my second glove on, and I quickly stand up.
I’m pleased with my appearance. My makeup is flawless. Cyn helped me with my eyes, accenting my top eyeliner more than my bottom for a dramatic effect. I chose to wear extra eyelashes like she is so we can complete our full glamour look. I went more natural with my lip color than she did, though. Mine is more of rose petal and hers is blood red. Of course, she’s wearing a satin black dress that has one shoulder strap and a slit on the side almost reaching her hip. With her choice of red lips, glamour eyes, and stilettos, coupled with her sleek French twist hair style, she definitely looks like a French spy.
Roxy calls my name again and I begin my walk from my bedroom down the stairs where Phillip and Roxy are waiting. I taught her how to use my good camera for today and she has my digital one for back up.
When I reach the top of our staircase and see Phillip waiting at the bottom, my descent toward him becomes effortless. His dimpled smile shines as bright as a six-year-old boy on Christmas morning. His eyes are enchanted as they eagerly follow my every move. I’m not sure if I deserve his devotion or not, but it makes me feel good. Phillip holds a corsage in one hand, and places his free hand to his chest holding it over his tie.
“Samantha.” He says my name as his breath leaves his mouth. “You’re stunning.”
I’m speechless and I don’t want tears wrecking my make-up. As I reach the bottom step, I choke out a response. “You look great too.”
Phillip has on a sleek black and white tuxedo. He chose one with a vest underneath instead of a cummerbund. His tie is a delicate pink to match my dress. I suspect he picked that for himself the day he found my dress. Our corsage and boutonniere are soft pink roses with baby’s breath accents.
“Ok, pictures...stand there.” Roxy waves us together and Phillip puts his arms around me. We pose seriously and do some fun shots too, but then I hear something strange out front. A clopping noise? What can that be?
“Do you hear that?”
Very matter-of-factly, Phillip answers, “Yes.”
“What is it?” He steps aside, allowing me a closer look out the window.
When I pull open the curtain, Phillip answers, “I thought Cinderella needed a carriage for the ball.”
“Is this really happening?” I gasp, my jaw is seriously on the floor. He has surprised me again. I have to remind myself to close my mouth because I’m in shock.
“We need to get going,” Phillip politely nudges. “It takes longer when you’re drawn by horses. Natural horses are slower than the horses under the hood of a car.” I understand this concept. He smiles triumphantly and it makes him even more handsome.
Phillip leads me outside to our escort for the prom. A beautiful carriage with a driver and team of four horses. Each horse has pink satin ribbons tied to their reigns and on the carriage too. Cinderella really is going to the ball.
Phillip holds my hand, helping me into our ride. We wave as Roxy continues taking pictures until we’re out of sight.
“Does the spell break at midnight?”
“Well, the carriage ride is one way to the prom. I’ve already parked my truck over there, so we have it for later. But no, our spell doesn’t break.” He leans over offering a light kiss. This is all so magical.
We have a wonderful ride all the way to Devaroe Estate. Many people wave and stop to look and see who’s in the carriage. Phillip looks very dignified and pleased with the attention we’re getting. When we arrive at dusk, we turn into a long-paved lane leading back to the main house of the property. The driveway is outlined on both sides with towering white magnolia trees that fill our atmosphere with a luscious sweet-smelling fragrance. It’s almost like entering a canopy or long tunnel the way the blooming treetops blanket overhead.
The driveway circles in front then leads off to the side toward a parking lot, but our driver stops to let us out in front of the large plantation house. Its immensely erected white pillars boldly support this vast structure and the doorway leading inside is inviting. We’re greeted by school faculty standing at their posts by the doorway, welcoming us inside. I have a difficult time soaking in all the details as Phillip guides me, weaving through the rooms to our prom which is being held out back.
Large party tents have been installed so we can escape bad weather if need be. White twinkling lights are the backdrop everywhere I turn. We have stars in the sky and fake stars illuminating under the tents. It’s quite beautiful. As Phillip and I pass through, I notice a picture area set up inside the main house. Cherished Moments is the theme, and all the decorations are simple and elegant. Black, white, silver and gold. These colors will go with anyone’s outfit and give everything an expensive look.
Several students are dancing already, while a few couples hug the tables that border the dance floor. We find Knox and Cynthia and quickly join them. I look around and recognize the usual couples from the hallways of our school. Some making out as usual, a few are arguing, but most of them genuinely happy to be where they are.
I’m among the happy. My night is complete and perfect. We’re having the best time, Cyn and Knox, Phillip and me. Even the other students we attend school with look to be having a blast. I can’t dream of anything getting more perfect.
The DJ decides to slow things down a little and chooses one of my all-time favorite songs.
Phillip grabs my hand, “May I have this dance?” He’s so charming, and so handsome. It takes everything I have not to melt into a liquid mess right where I sit.
“I would love that.”
Phillip guides me out to the dance floor joining other couples who are already locked into place with their arms around each other. With one hand around my waist he laces our fingers together with his other, holding them close to his heart. I remember dancing like this at the Homecoming dance our first time. My head falls to his chest and I’m sure my curls tickle his face, but he never falters. I close my eyes as we sway angelically to the song playing all around us. I listen carefully to the lyrics and even though I know the song had been written and recorded long before we were a couple, it sings to me. I believe it was meant for us.
The rest of the room fades away and I can only feel Phillip holding me. We’re together in this magical place, dancing to the most wonderful song. It’s our moment. Our now. A Cherished Moment – which happens to be the theme for our senior prom.
Being on the Yearbook staff has always taught me to seek out the things that shouldn’t be missed, and my heart tells me that this, this special night, is definitely one of those moments. I didn’t want to miss a thing and Phillip made sure I didn’t have to.