Chapter 11
May 6
It’s my first prom. I stand in front of the bathroom mirror in my rented tuxedo and try repeatedly to get my bow tie to lay straight. It’s a losing battle—first the left side rides up, and then the right. My mom takes a turn at it but doesn’t fare any better. I give up and go downstairs to pace the kitchen while begging the clock to move faster. Then it’s back into the bathroom to check on the status of the ugly pimple on the tip of my nose that chose the worst day to show up. I finally manage to pop it, but it leaves me with an angry red blotch that’s even more noticeable. I dab on flesh-colored blemish cream, which helps.
Charlotte is one of three ninth grade girls on the prom court, so I’m feeling extra pressure. Only juniors are eligible to become prom queen but bei
