Promtastic Page 5

  She took out her phone to take a photo; she was never going to forget this moment. She took a lot of photos. Then she began to pick up the roses. She would put them in a big white vase in her room. She would think about Chris every time she looked at them. She was going to get a boyfriend at prom.

  “Seriously embarrassing, isn’t it?” Above her, Harry was hanging out of his bedroom window. He shook his head slowly from side to side. “That is one lame gesture.”

  “Shut up, Harry, and go away.”

  “You’re right – better not to be spotted around the tragic crime scene.” The window closed.

  “Hey, wait! Harry!”

  The window opened again. “What? And be quick about it because I’ve got my reputation to consider here.”

  “Did you see who…?”

  Harry sighed. “Do you honestly think I’d keep it quiet if I knew who had done it? I would have gone global to out such a loser. I wanted to get rid of the evidence, but Mum wouldn’t let me. Apparently it’s – Harry made speech marks with his fingers – “‘none of my business’.”

  Alex blushed at the thought of her mother seeing the roses. Never mind. It wasn’t the end of the world. She braced herself as she went into the kitchen. Worse than she thought: her mum and dad were there. She didn’t know why it was, but both your parents being pleased for you about something like this was always going to be a totally hideous experience.

  Her mother gave her one of those knowing mother smiles. Alex managed to smile back; she just had to get through this and then she could be on her own in her room. And phone Grace.

  “You see that I am the wisest of the wise among all mothers and I was right about you being a gorgeous girl and that it was only a matter of time…”

  “OK, Mum! I get it. Thank you very much.”

  “Just saying … that’s all. And who is the lucky boy?”

  Alex flushed bright pink. “I don’t know. You didn’t see him, did you?”

  Her dad shook his head. “No, the deed was done before we got back. Quite the romantic! Sure you don’t have any idea?” His enquiring eyes scanned her face for clues.

  “No. Not a clue. Must get these in water.”

  Her mother rummaged in the cupboard and produced the large white vase and handed it to her, still beaming. “Taking it to your room, are you?” She took a bite of wholemeal toast and jam.

  Alex saw her chance as she filled the vase from the sink tap. “What happened to no carbs?” she murmured.

  “Thank you very much, Sherlock,” her mother replied, cramming the remaining evidence into her mouth. “Now begone with you!”

  Holding the vase carefully, Alex made her escape.

  In her pale blue room she moved a pile of magazines to the floor and placed the roses on her white dressing table where she could see them from her bed. They whispered, “Chris likes you. Chris really likes you,” every time she looked at them. She could still hear the hum of the lawnmower and the birds settling in the trees outside her window. Hanging on the wardrobe door was her prom dress. She got up from her bed, took it down and held it against herself. It had happened at last. This was it. Tomorrow night the boy she had fantasized about for so long was going take her into his arms and pull her close. He wanted to be with her; he had thought about what she had said about her favourite flower. She looked at them for the millionth time; this time they said loudly, “Chris is going to kiss you.” Her heart pounded. Her big dream was coming true. She took out her phone to call Grace – but then put it back on her bedside table. The moment was too perfect; she wanted to savour it all by herself for a while. She hung her dress back on the wardrobe.

  She looked at the time. 8.30 p.m. Why wasn’t it later? She was never going to sleep tonight. Why wouldn’t tomorrow come sooner?

  She caught her reflection in the mirror.

  Oh my god! She had thought she looked all right. But now! She needed to do that deep conditioning oil hair treatment, face pack, body scrub and moisturizing treatment, and make-up practice. She’d never have the time to do everything she needed to be ready on time. She grabbed a towel.

  Got to get started.

  Grace

  9.30 p.m.

  “Grace! I didn’t think I’d get to see you today.”

  Grace wrapped the dog’s lead nervously round her hand; she wasn’t looking forward to this. Her golden Labrador sniffed happily round their ankles as they stood by a low wall. The name “The Bay Tree” was discreetly lit above the door of the restaurant behind them. Fairy lights twinkled in the bay trees standing at intervals along the wall. There was an outside dining terrace where people sat at tables laid with white linen, crystal glass and silverware.

  “Don’t get me wrong – you’ve made my day, but wasn’t it a bit of a risk? This restaurant is quite a walk from your house. And anyway, I’m seeing you tomorrow, right?” The tall, slim boy in chef’s whites, looking at her through his ridiculously long eyelashes, knew her too well.

  “Mum’s talking to caterers for the after-prom party so I told her I would walk Boris. And I had to see you. I’ve got something to tell you, something you won’t like – but please promise me you will listen to the end?”

  The boy frowned, his dark brown eyes suddenly wary. Then he looked at Grace’s anxious face and his expression softened. He reached out to hold her hand, his long fingers wrapped between hers. “OK. Go on. Did you talk to Evan?”

  “Yes, I did. I told him that he shouldn’t live his life as a lie any more – that he should come out and there should be no more pretend relationship between us.”

  “And what did he say?”

  “You said you’d wait till I finish talking.”

  “OK. Sorry.”

  “He says he will – he’s going to come out. But…”

  The boy groaned.

  Grace braced herself. “But he needs some more time.”

  “What?! You’re kidding, Grace! I can’t go to prom with you? It’s what I’ve been living for. I thought we both had.”

  “It’s only for a little bit longer, Jason. Then all this will be over.”

  “Yeah, but it’s prom night tomorrow, Grace. I’ve waited so long for it – for us to be together, for everyone to know. How do you think it makes me feel that I’m such a big secret?”

  Grace bit her lip. “I’m sorry, but I can’t help my stupid mother and I can’t let Evan down, not now.”

  “But you can let me down?”

  Grace sighed. “You know it’s not like that.”

  A voice from the kitchen called out, “Hey, Jason – these guinea fowl won’t cook themselves, you know.”

  Jason turned to the door and yelled, “One minute!” He looked back at Grace. “I’ve got to go – never going to be a Michelin-starred chef if I lose this job.”

  “You won’t. You’re the best apprentice chef they’ve had – they’d be mad to let you go.”

  Jason pulled her closer. “Hope you feel the same way.”

  She rested her head on his white jacket. “These last six months have been the best of my life,” she sighed. “You think after we’ve waited all this time I’d let you go now?”

  He took a deep breath. “So only a bit longer, then?”

  She nodded.

  “Still got your mother to deal with. They’re hardly going to be thrilled that you’re dating a chef. Not quite what they had in mind for Miss Oxbridge, is it? I live in a council house, my parents run a Jamaican food stall down the market, I didn’t finish sixth-form college … not quite the doctor or banker they’re hoping for.”

  “You left sixth-form college because you got an apprenticeship at the best restaurant in town!” Grace exclaimed indignantly. “And ever since I’ve known you you’ve wanted to cook. When you cooked for Tom’s birthday it was the most delicious thing ever. I can taste it now – lime-and-coconut chicken, so fresh and zingy, everyone went mad for it. You could have gone to college; you aced your GCSEs last year. You’re just lucky to know what
you want and have the drive and ambition to go for it now. Unlike most of us who haven’t got a clue what we want to be. You’re the most committed and ambitious person I know.” She stopped herself suddenly and grinned. “In fact, now I come to think of it, you and my mother have a lot in common.”

  “Maybe we will get on, then. If she likes ambitious – I’m her man. Certainly no one’s going to stop me getting to where I want to be.” He took Grace’s face gently between his hands. “I’m proud of who I am. I’m not prepared to hide in the shadows much longer, Grace… I care about you too much. I’m proud of our relationship and I want to shout about it to the world…”

  “Hey! Are you ever coming in?” The voice from the kitchen was more insistent.

  She grasped his jacket. “So do I, Jason, more than anything. Please. Not much longer – then we can tell the world at last. Please. You know how hard it’s going to be for Evan. Huge. If he needs more time … please?”

  Jason looked deep into her eyes, and her stomach did a flip, just as it did every time she really looked at him. “You are a very special girl, Grace – you know that? It drives me mad that you care so much about people, but it’s part of why I’m so crazy about you. Why can’t every girl be exactly like you?”

  “Well, that might be a problem for me,” she laughed.

  He gently pulled her towards him and kissed her, the softest kiss – a kiss that Grace wished could go on for ever.

  “Hey! Jason, are you ever getting back here?”

  Grace reluctantly drew back. “You’d better go.”

  “I can’t stand saying goodbye to you like this.”

  “Soon you won’t have to. Soon this will all be over.”

  “Promise?”

  Her mobile pinged and she jumped as if electrocuted, then glanced at the text and sighed. “Got to go or she’s coming to look for me.” She saw his soft brown eyes cloud over. “Please don’t look at me like that, Jason.”

  Her phone started to ring and she turned away to attend to its jarring tone. She began walking back down the street.

  “Yes, Mum. I’m sorry. Sorry. Yes, I’m on my way.”

  Kristyn

  9.45 p.m.

  “You look very pale.” Diana was frowning at her. “Look, it’s nearly 9.45. Why don’t you pop out for some fresh air? You’ve had to take masses of information since you arrived this evening. I know it’s a lot to remember. Take five. I’ll be here when you get back.”

  Outside Kristyn took some deep breaths. She shouldn’t have come. All she wanted to do was to go to bed and cry. She thought about ringing Lindsay, but she wasn’t exactly a sympathetic friend and she knew it would end up with her complaining about the history test and how unfair it was, and Kristyn didn’t feel like listening to anyone else’s problems tonight. Everyone’s life seemed pretty sweet compared to hers.

  Her dress was ruined.

  And Jessie’s pale face and pleading red eyes had made no difference.

  Her mum had met her at the front door after Kristyn had raced home from the shoe shop. “Now, Kristyn, it was an accident…” She had held out her arms as if to stall her – but Kristyn had barged past and run straight upstairs to her room.

  She looked at her wardrobe: her beautiful dress was gone.

  “Where is it?” she had screeched. “Where is it?”

  Jessie had appeared at the door. Over her arm she was carrying a pure white satin dress – except now it wasn’t. Now it had a large, dirty, dark-brown coffee stain all down the front, the grounds soaked into the fabric like mud splashed on snow.

  Kristyn grabbed it and gave a groan of horror.

  “Kristyn, I’m so sorry, it’s just that Fallon Fernandez is coming in for a few days to have her hair done for a series of massive publicity shoots, and after we’d finished her hair today I just knew that the sparkle on the neckline of your dress would be perfect for the shot…

  Kristyn raised her head slowly.

  Jessie ran swiftly on while she still had a few seconds. “It was only going to take a few minutes – you wouldn’t even have known – but that stupid, stupid junior knocked coffee all over it. Honestly, Kristyn, we tried everything but we couldn’t get it out. I’m so, so sorry.”

  Kristyn stood up, shaking the dress in Jessie’s face. “Do you know how long I worked for this dress. I mean this dress? Do you know how many early mornings I’ve got up, tables I’ve wiped, dishes I’ve washed?” The smart of Chris’s jibes in the coffee bar came back to her. Tears were falling down her face now and she couldn’t stop them.

  “I know. I know!” Jessie’s voice was agonized. “I’ll buy you another dress, I promise. I’ll pay you back every penny it cost!”

  “You can’t pay me back this dress!” Kristyn screamed. “You know it was a one-off. You can never, ever pay me back for what you’ve done.” She sat down on her bed and started to sob, thinking she would never be able to stop. This was a nightmare she couldn’t wake up from – all that work, all that looking forward to wearing the dress, to looking good for once. Evan seeing her in it. People at school noticing her. All those dreams. All ruined. “I can’t go to prom now,” she choked, “I don’t want to go to prom now.”

  Jessie burst into tears.

  “Shut up! Shut up! I don’t know why you’re crying,” Kristyn yelled. “It’s not your life that’s just been trashed. Why couldn’t you let me have just one thing for myself? Just one thing? But no, you had to go and take away even that, didn’t you? Didn’t you?”

  “Tomorrow,” Jessie sobbed, “I’ll take you shopping after work – we’ll get you a wonderful dress.”

  “No, you won’t,” Kristyn said coldly. “I’m not going to prom, so forget your offer. Now if you don’t mind I’ve got a new job starting today.”

  “Do you have to go, love?” her mum asked anxiously. “I don’t think you should in this state.”

  “Yes, I do have to go, if I ever want to have money for anything else in my life. I do. And I can’t stay under the same roof as her for another minute,” she growled. “Now leave me alone.” She chucked a file across the room. “Lindsay is going to come for this later this evening. Just give it to her.”

  She wasn’t sure how she got herself ready for work and out of the house. She was glad her mum took the dress away; she couldn’t look at it without bursting into fresh tears. All that time and effort – for nothing. And whatever dress Jessie could buy her in their town wasn’t going to look like that one.

  When she got to the restaurant she began to feel nervous. It wasn’t anything like the coffee shop. There were bay trees outside in white wooden boxes with twinkling fairy lights. They welcomed you into the kind of place she had certainly never eaten in. Could she do this? The pay was good and the tips would be good too; everyone sitting at the tables looked wealthy. They had to be to eat here – the head chef was famous. Even so, she was relieved she would be working with another waitress – the older, smiling, grey-haired woman called Diana, who had let her take this break. Kristyn walked morosely out to the side of the restaurant and stopped dead. Grace was walking up the road.

  Grace? What was she doing around here? Kristyn dipped behind one of the bay trees; the last person in the world she wanted to see tonight was Grace. Grace who had her wonderful brand-new designer dress safely at home and her gorgeous boyfriend: her prom was going to be perfect.

  Someone was coming out through the restaurant door. It was one of the chefs, the one with a slight Jamaican accent. She’d met him when Diana had taken her around the kitchen. Jason. He was impossible not to notice, with his intelligent brown eyes and soft smiling mouth. Kind, too. When she saw him in the hectic restaurant kitchen he had bothered to take time out of his frantic work to wish her luck and tell her it was a great place, which had made her feel better.

  She watched as he greeted Grace; Kristyn knew he had been at Harper High the previous year. Kristyn went very still, because she could see immediately, from the way they were talking and touchi
ng each other, that they knew each other well. What the hell was going on?

  He had her face in his hands! But Grace had Evan. What was she doing with Jason? She couldn’t be cheating on Evan. Could she? Seriously? Cheating on Evan! Why would anyone do that? If you have the best-looking, nicest boy in the school, what kind of hard-hearted, cold, mean person are you to cheat on him? Or wasn’t Evan enough for Miss I-Have-to-Have-Everything? She just had to have more, didn’t she? When some people had NOTHING. Kristyn’s blood started to boil. She had had enough of selfish, thoughtless people. She got out her phone. Why should Grace get away with it? Why should she have everything her way?

  Jason and Grace didn’t notice her getting out her phone to take a picture of them as they kissed.

  Kristyn put the phone back in her pocket.

  She had the evidence.

  Proof that Grace didn’t deserve Evan.

  Maybe he might look at someone else if he knew the truth.

  Her heart gave a flicker of hope.

  Grace

  6.45 a.m., the day of prom

  “You will go.” Grace’s mother was standing at her bedroom door, dressed in a long pink silk dressing gown, her face thickly iced with a face pack.

  Grace looked at her phone: it was 6.45 a.m. “But Mum, it’s prom tonight – can’t I have a lie-in just once?”

  “Lie-in today, lie-in next week, soon it will be lie-ins every day. No, you’re going to athletics training and that’s that. It will give you a glow for tonight.”

  “I have a glow! A very expensive fake glow. Please, Mum, just one Saturday morning – and I was up late doing that maths project for my tutor.”