Winning My Ex-Crush

Fenella’s POV

The doorbell rang, and I immediately ran out to open the door. Laird stood before me in a dark gray tuxedo, matching gray pants, black shoes, and a cream-colored tie. He slicked back his dark blonde hair. He carried a large bouquet of roses for me, like a prince.

Good gracious Lord! He was so handsome!

“Hi, Laird!” With a rapidly beating heart, I grinned widely at him.

“Hi, wow, Fenella.” Laird smiled, and he gazed at me for a long moment. Was he captivated? Maybe.

“Your blonde hair is back.” He spoke with a broad smile and fixed his gaze on my face.

“Yeah, I wanted to look a little different than before.” I blushed shyly.

“It suits you so well. Just like the Fenella I used to know in a more mature version.” He chuckled, and my face grew warmer with embarrassment.

“Oh, this is for you.” He handed me the bouquet of roses.

“Oh, my goodness, Laird. It’s so beautiful. Thank you.” I took the bouquet with a wide smile and examined each pink-white petal.

“You’re prettier than the bouquet. It seems like you’ve really taken makeup classes. So different from when we were in 4th grade.” Laird chuckled softly.

My mouth dropped open, and I lightly punched his arm. “Stop bringing up 4th-grade incidents!” Laird laughed briefly.

“Wait, let me put the flowers in my room first.”

I went back into my room and placed the bouquet of roses on my desk. Before leaving the room, I checked my appearance in front of the mirror.

I made sure my sleeveless pastel pink dress looked perfect. White high-heeled shoes, a set of silver necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, and straight light-blonde hair that resembled my natural hair. A sparkling white clutch with glitter and a silver chain draped across my body. I looked like a Barbie doll or Amy back in 10th grade, but I didn’t care.

After the prom night event ended, I would be free from Amy. I didn’t even care if Amy got angry with me for looking like this. I wouldn’t see them again after graduating high school. Besides, I heard she and her friends planned to sleep with their boyfriends outside the dorm tonight. So, they wouldn’t bother me.

I didn’t know if Laird and I would take our relationship further than just being best friends. I hoped so, especially after I got into the special session later. I laughed giddily at the thought of Laird’s amazed expression when I confessed on stage, of course, after he rejected Amy.

I walked back to the front door and got ready to leave with Laird. He was waiting for me at the door, and he turned to me as I approached.

“Are you ready?” Laird asked, raising his elbow.

“Just a moment.” I took out a small pink artificial flower brooch that matched my dress color. I pinned the brooch to Laird’s tuxedo pocket.

“I didn’t know you were so prepared.” He chuckled softly.

“Of course. Tonight has to be perfect. Well, now I’m ready.” After neatly pinning the pink flower to Laird’s tuxedo, I wrapped my hand around his elbow.

We walked, arm in arm, along the street towards the school auditorium. Occasionally, we exchanged glances and laughed softly. I was so nervous that I didn’t know how to start a conversation. Until Laird broke the nervous tension by asking me.

“I feel like we’re going on a date. Is the first date always this nerve-wracking?” After clearing his throat, he asked.

“I’m not sure. It feels so different from my first date.”

I remembered my first date with Lloyd back when I was in 9th grade. It felt more casual and relaxed, like just playing around. With Laird, it was so different that it made me unable to calm down.

“Oh, yeah, you went on a date with Lloyd.” Laird suddenly seemed to remember, and the embarrassed smile disappeared from his face instantly. His voice sounded cold, and I felt awkward again.

“Will Lloyd be there? Is he bringing a dance partner?” I hurriedly changed the subject.

“I don’t know, and I don’t care. Do you want to be his dance partner?” He stared sharply at me, his tone becoming very low.

“No! Of course not! I’m already happy to be your dance partner.” I immediately tightened the hands that were holding his arm.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Really, I didn’t want anyone but him to be my dance partner. I had bravely asked him. My plans for tonight would be in vain if I went to prom, not with Laird Evans.

“Good then.” He smiled and patted my hanging hands on his elbow.

We walked to the auditorium more relaxed this time, chatting about many things. Laird and I probably both didn’t want to ruin the atmosphere tonight. We seemed careful not to discuss sensitive topics like our parents’ issues, Amy’s, or our different university choices.

Yes, Laird had been accepted to Harvard College, while I was at a regular private university in Boston. I understood I would never be able to match him in terms of achievement. Even though I tried, my capacity still couldn’t impress the panels from that prestigious university.

Of course, I had expressed my disappointment. He knew, and he didn’t know what to say either. We were so young, so naive, and so clueless. Maybe that’s why he was so kind to me tonight-to comfort me.

We arrived at the auditorium with wide smiles. To commemorate tonight, we took photos together in the photo booth with a Polaroid camera. We tried almost all the food served, praised Skye’s decorations, laughed at funny incidents throughout high school with friends, and danced to the songs played by the DJ.

“I can’t dance. You go ahead by yourself.” He wrinkled his forehead.

“Oh, shut up and dance with me.” I forcefully pulled his arm, and finally, he complied.

“Just follow the rhythm. Like this.”

My hand held his grasp. I swung his hand, hoping my energy would flow through his body and make him dance. He finally followed me, and we danced together. Starting from slow songs to fast-paced ones.

I knew he also wanted tonight to be a perfect night. Without any sadness or disappointment. I knew we’d make it this time. Suddenly, loud background music blasted, and the host stood up on the stage.

“Next, we will watch together the first contestant in tonight’s special show! Here it is: the confessional stage!”

Oh, God! Here it is!