chapter 2.38
Jackson
Dressed in my tux, I strode out into the hallway, hoping the limo was already here. I didn’t want to have to call the place and make Winter wait. God knew I’d already had so many strikes against me with her lately. And this was prom. Her shining moment. She’d built it up in her mind for so long that her wedding would pale in comparison. And if we didn’t make prom king and queen, I didn’t even want to think about it.
Suddenly, I felt a tug on my jacket.
Dressed in my tux, I strode out into the hallway, hoping the limo was already here. I didn’t want to have to call the place and make Winter wait. God knew I’d already had so many strikes against me with her lately. And this was prom. Her shining moment. She’d built it up in her mind for so long that her wedding would pale in comparison. And if we didn’t make prom king and queen, I didn’t even want to think about it.
Suddenly, I felt a tug on my jacket.
“Hey, Jacky, can I go with you?” my little sister’s voice lilted behind me.
Turning around, I saw she’d gotten into the makeup Jianna had given her. She was so cute. Poking her head, I said, “What is this, monkey? Did you take a bath in Ji-Ji’s lipstick?”
She put her hands by her mouth and giggled. “I can’t put it on like Ji-Ji.”
“Well, that’s okay. You look good to me,” I said, lying out my ass, but she didn’t need to know that.
“Can you take me instead? I want to go to prom, too.”
Grabbing her hands, I said, “Sorry, monkey, but I already asked Winter. You wouldn’t want me to make her sad would you?”
Her eyebrows drew up angrily. “She’s so braggy. Why do you like her? Mako is better.”
Patting her head, I said, “The only reason you like Mako is because she gives you candy. That’s not love. It’s bribery.”
“Still...”
Turning, I said, “I’ve gotta jet, monkey. I’ll see you later.”
She launched herself at me, draping her arms around me like a spider monkey. “Please take me, Jacky. I promise I’ll be good. You won’t even know I’m there.”
Shaking my head, I kept walking, dragging her along behind me.
As I entered the living room, Pops whistled. “Goodness, Jackson. I hardly recognize you in a tux. Here. Let’s get a picture.”
Pops and his pictures. I hated it. But if I didn’t let him get his fill, he’d keep me longer. “Just a few, Pops. I’ve got to go. I don’t want to be late.”
“It’ll just take a second. Say cheese!”
“Jacky is going to take me, too, Daddy,” I heard Dakota say behind me.
“Is he?” Dad asked. “Well, that’ll make me sad. I thought we had a date.”
“Nope. Jackson likes me better than that dumb old Winter. Right, Jacky?”
Dad laughed and winked at me. “Right, Jacky?” Dad was having a blast at my expense.
“Come on, monkey,” I answered, sighing. “You know I’ll always love you best, but let’s keep it a secret.”
“Yay!” Dakota cried. “I’ll keep it a secret from everyone except for Winter.”
“You’re a little demon,” I joked.
Pops tapped me on the shoulder. “Limo is here. You better go.”
Opening the door, I heard Pops say, “Be safe, Jackson.”
“We love you!” Dad called out.
I smiled. I had the best family in the world.
Driving up to the place, all my friends collectively sighed when they saw it.
“It’s way cooler than I expected,” I mused.
“It should be for the price of the tickets,” Manu grumbled.
Celia hit him on the shoulder. “Hey...I’m not a cheap date.”
Kissing her on the cheek, he said, “You’re not, but you’re worth it.”
I liked seeing Celia happy with Manu. They fit each other. She was a way better girlfriend with him. I just made her turn into a crazy jealous freak.
Squeezing Winter’s hand, I asked, “Are you ready?”
She bit her lip. “I hope so.”
“Let’s go, Angel.”
First order of business was getting some sparkling cider and taking pictures. It was hard to get everyone from the limo to smile at once. And I couldn’t help but kiss my girl. She pinched my leg and said, “You’re going to ruin the picture!”
But I wouldn’t let her go. Giving her little kisses, I said, “You love it. Admit it.”
Winter giggled and kissed me back.
Winter
Oh. My. God.
PROM!
And my hubby was doing an amazing job making everyone dance and party and have such a blast.
And he was all mine.
I could have danced like that for hours. It was so crazy to see all my friends with us, celebrating. The place was packed with kids from our high school, eating, dancing, taking pictures. What a night!
After several, excruciating hours, the moment I’d been waiting for had finally begun. As president of our senior class, Clarke started the ceremonies, “Hope all of you are having a great time! Are the Llama Kings great or what?”
Everyone whooped and cheered.
Suddenly, my handsome hubby came up behind me and whispered in my ear. “Are you nervous?”
Nervous was an understatement. It felt as if angry bees had decided to forge a large hive in my stomach. I’d been planning for this moment for like three years. Ever since I’d sat next to Jackson in health in tenth grade and here we were. Together, happy, and one of the finalists for prom king and queen. The other couples were Victoria and Ben, Sandra and Mickey, and some other couple who played in the band whom I didn’t know, Brooke Montano and Paul Hasley.
I squeezed Jackson’s hands as he nuzzled my neck. He said, “Don’t worry...even if we don’t win, you’ll always be my queen.”
Aww...he was so sweet.
“And so, without further ado, the winners for A Night in Starlight Shores Prom King and Queen are...”
My heart literally stopped. Come on. What was taking the imbecile so long to say it?
“Jackson Richardson-Day and Winter White!”
The applause was deafening. And before I knew it, Jackson was kissing me, making my head spin.
The curtain behind the stage flung open, revealing a gorgeous picture of us. Tears sprang to my eyes.
Year one of my six-year plan was in full motion! I couldn’t believe it!
“Are you happy, Angel?” Jackson asked between kisses.
All I could do was nod. I was so stunned. It was all so surreal.
Clarke interrupted, “Hey, King and Queen, are you just going to stand there and smooch or are you going to accept your award?”
As we strode up to the podium, Victoria put her fingers in her ears and taunted, “Sucks to be you guys! Ben and I dodged a bullet there! I wouldn’t want my face plastered all over the walls!”
“Babe,” Ben moaned, crossing his arms.
“Sure you wouldn’t, Vick,” Jackson said. “I promise I’ll let you wear my crown, okay? So stop whining like a baby.”
*****
After everything settled down and the dj took over for the night, I decided I needed to freshen up. The bathrooms were so nice. They came with bottles of perfume, lotions and makeup. I was in heaven! I didn’t want this night to end.
Spraying some sweet gardenia perfume next to me, Mako said in a fake syrupy voice, “So...you forced Jackson into becoming your prom king. I hope you’re happy. You know he’s not like you, right? He could care less about superficial things like that.”
I didn’t like the girl before, but now, it was on. She’d showed her cards but unfortunately for her, she didn’t know who she was dealing with. Winter White owned all the aces.
Narrowing my eyes, I countered, “What are you trying to say, Fake-o? Are you jealous? Because if you are, I don’t blame you. You see, Jackson is my boyfriend. Maybe you can’t stand the thought? Not sure.”
She laughed wickedly. “Sure, sure, enjoy your fantasy for the moment. But it’s not going to be you on the road, touring with him. And for your information, our band bus is going to be tight. And cozy.”
“Band bus?” I asked. Jackson never told me about any tour. What was she babbling about?
“Ah...I see...trouble in paradise already. Do you mean your boyfriend didn’t tell you we will be the opening act for the band, Depressed, for the next year? And I’m very sorry to say he won’t be attending Bulliard. He will be on the road. With me.”
Could this be true? Did Jackson not tell me on purpose? The realization of this stung deep, but I couldn’t let this tramp know she’d spurred me. I chuckled. “Are you serious? Of course he’s told me. He tells me everything. Especially when we’re in bed.”
“Enjoy it while you can, ho, because I’m for real. I know what Jackson is about. You don’t.”
Throwing the lipstick in the mirrored box, I growled, low and mean, “Call me a ho again, and you’ll find out exactly what I really am.”
She glared at me, fists tight.
I stood my ground, holding her eyes. I wasn’t going to let some low rent rat from who-knew-where-ghetto intimidate me.
“You’re messing with the wrong girl, bitch,” she spat.
“Bring it on,” I said.
Luci
Walking into the bathroom, I noticed Winter and Mako chatting. It was weird. I sensed a tense vibe. Then I heard the word “bitch” and figured I’d better stick around. The two looked like they might fight at any moment.
I glanced at my phone, pretending to read a text.
Then Mako hissed, “You really want to do this? Here?”
Without another word, Winter flung her body at her like a ball shot from a cannon and before I could say anything, they were slapping each other.
Not knowing what to do, I raced out of the bathroom. There sat Jackson. Maybe he could stop it. “Hey, guys! Jackson!”
“Come quick! Your girlfriend is slapping Mako!”
Author's note: Special thanks to the AMAZING RABOOSKI for designing this incredible nightclub just for Jackson's prom. The theme is Hollywood Glitz and Glam. If you want an upscale place for your sims to play, you may download it here: RECEPTION DESTINATION