All Chapters of The Night Before Prom: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Stacey’s legs moved before her brain could catch up. She excused herself from the field, shrugging past students who barely noticed her in the chaos of warm-ups and whistles. The cold wind bit at her cheeks, and her chest felt tight, like someone was pressing hard on it with a fist.Paul started forward, but Lily grabbed his arm firmly. “Let her be,” she said softly. “She needs time alone.”They watched her retreat toward the edge of the field, her shoulders hunched, and head lowered. Beyond the track, the grass dipped down slightly, and Stacey moved there, away from the sun, away from the noise, and away from everyone. Her steps slowed as her chest rose and fell unevenly. She pressed one hand to it, trying to steady the ache.And then her eyes burst out with tears, it was slow drops at first, then it cascaded down her cheeks, hot and relentless. She wrapped her arms around herself as if hugging her own heart could stop it from breaking.A voice sliced through the quiet. Sharp. Venom

“Alright, eyes up here,” Mr. Jacobs said, clapping his hands once as the general class buzzed with loud noise, laughter, gossips and everything else you can imagine filled the air. The students all turned to look his way, quietening. “Today’s exercise is about teamwork. He began, “Cooperation. Compromise. All the things you seniors seem allergic to.”A ripple of laughter moved through the room, but Stacey didn’t laugh.She sat stiffly beside Lily and Paul, her shoulders locked, her face quiet but tense. She could feel Derick’s eyes on her from across the room — sharp, heavy, impossible to ignore. Every time she looked up, he looked away. Every time she looked away, she felt him staring.It was pure torture.Paul’s jaw was clenched, his arms crossed like he was guarding her. Lily kept glancing between Stacey and Derick, her lips pressed together, worry etched all over her face, she held her friends hands squeezing it. King sat with Derick and the boys two rows ahead, glaring over his

“So… were you both able to talk things through?” Lily asked the moment Stacey walked into the classroom.“Yes,” Stacey answered with a small smile.Lily’s eyes lit up behind her glasses, a mischievous glint dancing there. They were in class, free period, nothing but time and gossip.“I’m still waiting for more,” Lily said, leaning closer.“More what?” Stacey asked innocently, but her cheeks betrayed her, flushing red as she looked away.Lily cleared her throat, then pinched Stacey’s arm.“Ouch!” Stacey cried, spinning to face her. “What was that for?”“For holding back the spicy details,” Lily said, laughing.“I’m shy,” Stacey mumbled, covering her face.Lily rolled her eyes. “Girl, start talking. What did you two do?”Stacey laughed softly, eyes glued to her desk.“Wait,” Lily suddenly said, sitting upright. “You gave him your V card?”“Lily!” Stacey gasped, swatting her arm.“I’m just thinking since you don’t want to talk,” Lily said dramatically. “And look at you—you’re practically

Stacey and Lily waved at each other as she stepped off the bus. Paul had dropped her off earlier since his house was closer. Stacey swallowed hard and lowered her gaze, staring at her sneakers as she walked inside. Her heart hammered against her ribcage, she hoped her mother wasn’t around so she wouldn’t be questioned, and the thought of Derick twisted like a knot in her stomach. She bolted to her room, flung herself onto her bed, and let the tears tumble freely.Her phone buzzed. Thinking it was her mother calling to hand down some instructions, she lazily reached for it, but froze. Derick’s name lit up the screen. Hurt and irritation collided in her chest like a pileup on the freeway. She hissed, hesitating, before the call ended.Then her screen lit up again, a notification: ten unread messages from him. Stacey’s fingers shook as she tapped the screen.“Babe, so I’m thinking about this, I would pretend like we are just casual in school so nobody bullies you?”“What do you think? Yo

Stacey’s eyes widened as she scanned her surroundings. Music thumped through the air, pounding in her chest. The dance floor swirled with bodies, each moving to the beat, lights bouncing off faces and drinks alike. The scent of cocktails and soda filled the room, no strong alcohol could be perceived.“Is this a club?” Stacey shouted over the music.Derick shrugged, a lopsided grin tugging at his lips. “I don’t know, but lovers come here to dance.”Stacey’s gaze drifted over the dance floor, and indeed, every couple seemed glued together, lost in the rhythm. Derick grabbed her hand and pulled her into the crowd. He spun her, laughter tumbling from her lips as her stomach did flips. Then, unexpectedly, he drew her close and pressed his lips to hers. Stacey flushed, her hands hovering awkwardly at her sides. He shook his head, gently placing her hands on his shoulder. She smiled shyly, caught between nerves and excitement.“I’m going to teach you how to be a romantic girlfriend.” Derick