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Stan waited downstairs on the couch. He was dressed in a black suit and crisp white button-up, his tie just slightly crooked. His foot tapped gently against the carpet, the nerves finally settling in. Prom night. He’d never cared much for parties or school events, but tonight felt different, he was actually excited. Mostly because of her.
Upstairs, Sharon was helping Wendy in the bathroom, carefully brushing through her hair. “Almost done with your hair!” she said, giggling. Wendy smiled softly, watching Stan’s mom in the mirror. Her heart was fluttering for reasons she couldn’t fully explain.
Stan heard footsteps on the stairs and stood up instinctively. His breath hitched slightly when he looked up and saw Wendy descending. Sharon trailed behind her, hands clasped proudly. Wendy wore a lavender dress with a soft floral print and flowy, sheer sleeves. Her hair was swept into a soft updo, a few strands framing her face. Her eyes flicked down toward her shoes, unusually shy. Stan was speechless. “Wow! Look at you two!” Randy beamed, stepping into the living room with a wide grin. “Randy, aren’t they just adorable?” Sharon squealed, nearly bouncing with joy. Stan and Wendy stood awkwardly side by side, exchanging little smiles and stolen glances. “Before you go, we need a picture!” Randy grabbed the old digital camera off the table. Stan wrapped his arm around Wendy’s waist, a little hesitant at first, then firmer. The flash burst across their faces. Sharon kissed each of them on the cheek, making Wendy laugh. “Have fun, you guys!” “We will! Thank you so much!” Wendy called as she opened the front door. As she stepped out, Stan followed only to be stopped by Randy grabbing his shoulders and straightening his tie. It was a rare moment between them. Stan usually found his dad exhausting, but right then, he couldn’t help but feel a flicker of appreciation.
The place was already buzzing with music and chatter when they arrived. Almost instantly, Wendy was ambushed by a group of girls shrieking compliments. “Wendy, you look amazing!” “That dress is perfect!” Stan blinked as he got pushed to the side by the crowd. “Hey, lookin’ sharp,” came a familiar voice. “Kyle?” Stan turned, surprised. “You showed up? I thought you said prom was dumb.” Kyle chuckled awkwardly as he returned Stan’s hug. “Yeah, well...” He trailed off just as Rebecca Cotswold shyly stepped beside him, grabbing his hand. She gave Stan a nervous smile but didn’t say anything. Stan raised an eyebrow. “Ohhh. Sweet.” “Shut up,” Kyle muttered, dragging Rebecca away before Stan could tease him further. Wendy appeared by Stan’s side and looped her arm through his. “Sorry about that,” she said, smiling up at him. “No problem,” he replied. “Wanna go find drinks?” They made their way to the refreshment table. Stan grabbed a Dr. Pepper, Wendy took a Sprite. They stood shoulder to shoulder, quietly watching the room. Kenny aggressively making out in the corner with a random girl, Kyle and Rebecca dancing and laughing together. The lights shimmered, the music pulsed. Then the opening chords of Don’t Dream It’s Over played. Wendy gasped. “Oh my god, I love this song! Stan, come on!” Before he could protest, she took his hand and pulled him onto the dance floor. Stan hesitated for just a second, then slid his arms around her waist. He felt the tension drain from his shoulders as Wendy wrapped her arms around his neck, smiling softly up at him. Her cheeks flushed. She rested her forehead against his shoulder and swayed with him, eyes closed, as if she could stop time. Wendy eventually pulled back just enough to look at him. Her hand brushed his cheek, and she kissed him gently. Stan instinctively pulled her closer, his fingers clutching the fabric of her dress.
The lights, the music, the sheer volume of everything started to blur together, overwhelming and loud. Without a word, the two of them slipped out of the building, bursting through the doors into the pouring rain. They ran through the parking lot like kids again, chasing each other through puddles, laughing and hollering until their sides hurt. They were soaked to the bone, but neither of them cared. They climbed into Stan’s car, dripping wet, blasting music with the windows down. They screamed along to the lyrics, hair messy, cheeks burning. Stan stole a glance at her, mascara smudged, soaked dress sticking to her skin, eyes full of joy. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.
When they finally pulled into her driveway, Wendy didn’t hesitate. She leaned across the seat and kissed him deeply, her hands tangled in his wet hair. Stan’s eyes widened for a second, then slowly closed as he kissed her back, one hand softly resting on her cheek. She pulled away, breathless and smiling. “I love you! Good night!” She hopped out of the car, giggling as she sprinted up the porch and into the house. Stan sat there for a moment, heart pounding, staring at the front door. “I love you too...” he whispered, and slowly backed out of the driveway.