NOT MY FIRST BUT MY FOREVER

The hallway was louder than a usual afternoon, everyone talking about prom,laughing,chatting but there I was doing nothing pretending like I don't care but deep down I wish someone would walk up to me and ask me out for prom. “Nina” I turned my head at hearing of my name ,couldn't see the person but I was sure it wasn't my friends. The voice sounded deeper…. definitely a male. “Oh my god…it's Noah” I turned my head back hastily pretending like I didn't notice he was waving at me . But it was too late. He walked up to me and tapped me lightly, I could feel his soft and warm palm sending a cold sensation down my vein and making me shiver . “H..i”with a quivering voice and putting up a smile trying to cover my nervousness. “Do you have a date…i mean for your prom” he asked. Omg his voice alone made my heart skip. “No.. yes.. no.." I blurted out then quickly added “I could go with you” . “Great, what colour would you like to put on” he said easily. ““Pink… like, you know, the kind that makes everything look like cotton candy” what the hell am i saying “I mean… pink is nice. Even horses can look pink if the light is weird.” Oh my.. i f****d up. “I'm so sorry,my nervous system is taking control over me” And before I could embarrass myself even more I walked away embarrassed. “You can give me a call though” I shouted after I was a mile away from him. I didn't wait for his response, I could see him smiling or was he smiling at my awkwardness. *** *** *** Dylan sat at the stairs leading to the emergency exit of him and his friends house listening to music with his eyes closed ,he has always been the introverted one among his friends. Ethan rushed downward hitting him lightly with his leg intentionally which led him to let out a silent annoyed grin. “You didn't even notice Noah was in front of you, “ Noah said, smiling and sweating. Noah stood there ,smiling and slightly let out a breath like he had just finished laughing about something. The three friends all have different personalities making people doubt how they all get along, Ethan was seen as the most playful one he is always fond of turning a serious and tense moment into a joke. While on the other hand Noah is a calm, bright and loving guy his personality was one of the things that made him popular. Meanwhile,Dylan is a complete opposite, should i call him an introvert. The longest word he has ever said was not more than just two words. He is sometimes considered rude and proud but he couldn't care less. “I finally asked Nina out for prom,” Noah said, smiling like he has won a lottery. He has always been debating about asking Nina out but the thought of being rejected scared the lot out of him. *** *** *** I jumped flat on my bed scrolling through my phone to find the most suitable prom dress to order for. “Is someone trying to woo you” Elena asked with a smile plastered all over her face as she was moving sneakily toward Nina trying to peep into her face. “Actually Noah asked me out for prom so I'm trying to shop for my prom outfit” This statement made Aria's attention shift from her phone.”You're kidding right,do you know how badly i wanted him to be my prom date, you don't even talk to him ,i wanted him first”. “I'm sorry i had no choice, matter of fact i love him too i just don't talk about it to you guys not my fault he chose me over you”. Nina said using the fact she was chosen over Aria the school queen bee to rub Aria over the face. Aria said nothing ,she has always been the girl that her actions speak louder than her words. She always plans her ways of getting back at whosoever steps on her and this time Nina forgot the trouble she was welcoming into her life. Prom day feels like the world has paused just to celebrate one evening. The school compound is almost unrecognisable. Where there were once rows of desks and quiet hallways, there are now balloons tied to railings, shimmering ribbons stretching across entrances, and banners fluttering softly in the warm air. The main hall has been transformed into the heart of the event. Soft fairy lights hang from the ceiling like scattered stars, casting a warm glow over everything. Tables are neatly arranged with white tablecloths, glass centrepieces, and small candles that flicker gently. The music system hums in the background, playing a mix of slow R&B and upbeat Afrobeats, the rhythm rising and falling like the mood of the crowd. Outside, the courtyard feels like a red-carpet moment waiting to happen. A decorated walkway leads in, lined with artificial flowers and glowing lights. Students arrive in waves,some laughing nervously, others posing confidently for pictures as phones flash from every direction. Laughter mixes with camera clicks and excited chatter, filling the air with energy that feels almost electric. The scent is a blend of perfumes, fresh flowers, and the faint sweetness of snacks from a nearby refreshment stand. Somewhere, someone screams in excitement after spotting a friend dressed in a stunning outfit, and the sound echoes into more laughter. It’s not just a school event anymore. For this night, everything feels bigger,like everyone is stepping into a moment they’ll remember long after the lights go out and the decorations come down. “The prom queen for this year goes to…” silence fell upon everywhere not because they were curious about who will become the prom queen but who Dylan prom queen would be. “Nina Hayes” my heart skipped a bit and began drumming fast. This was the first time I was called out in a crowd or occasionally and also as Dylan's prom queen . I walked majestically onto the podium to give out a speech .I pulled out the mic from its stand , unknown to me the mic was attached to a string which would trigger a bucket of red paint set ahead of me. I looked motionless at the bowl of paint as it slipped and was heading towards my head,at this moment I knew my life was going to take a whole new turn.All my dreams about Dylan and I in a new world began to reverse right in my brain. In Holland high school once you get bathed with a red paint you become the meme of this school most people ended up committing suicide.