Memories of Prom

My mom and I met my grama for brunch Sunday at “the home.” While there we chatted for a bit with Helena, one of our favorite servers. We love her to bits. She’s kind and funny and has a smile that lights up the room. She’s just one of those people you’d love to be friends with because you know life would be that much better simply for having her in it.  

She’s going places… 

But for now, it’s school, work–and prom.  Prom was Saturday night, you see. Since we were late getting to brunch, we got to hear all about. We got to see pictures too.  From the sights and sound of things, it was good times had by all.  Just a group of friends, dressing up, going out, dancing, laughing, and staying out late. It was all a prom should be.

For some reason, any time I think of prom, the theme song to Jaws loops in my mind. 

I had to travel to a neighboring state to attend my senior prom.  I use the term “my” loosely, as it was nothing of the sort. My aunt and cousins set me up knowing full well I’d never go on my own.  The thought was lovely… the date, not so much.  Oh sure, he was outgoing and popular.  I might have even been able to look past the baseball cap tan line and the scaley lips.  But his hands were a little clingy.  And when he made fun of a girl who was overweight–who had obviously made her own dress–I was done. 

In all fairness, I had issues of my own.  Since my cousin’s prom was later than my own, the dress selection was meager at best. Add to that I was a size zero, and the selection was positively wretched.  I ended up buying the only dress that fit …

The way my pasty white skin blends with my white dress, white nylons, and white pumps is a nice touch, wouldn’t you agree?  Yikes!  And to think, we thought we looked good.     

Not that the whole night was a bust, mind you.  I did manage to get my cousin and her boyfriend back on good terms. To make her laugh I started dancing like a fool and got my heel stuck in the lace of my dress.  By the time I had hopped on one leg for a good ten minutes as we got it dislodged, she had completely forgotten she was mad.  Other than that, I did enjoy a couple dances.  There was one guy who made the evening memorable.  I don’t remember his name, I only recall that he was tall and he made me laugh.  He’s in prison now. Pity, he seemed so promising.

The evening did end on a positive note for me–not so much for my date. Sneaking up to my cousin and her boyfriend, I begged to be a third wheel home. When my date finally relented and went in for a goodnight hug, he was met with the top of my head. He could not so much as sneak in a kiss–hard-hearted woman that I am!  And to think he had such high hopes for the night (as evidenced by the contents of his tux pocket, discovered by his mother the following morning).

But that’s the beauty of prom … good, bad or ugly, it provides memories for a lifetime. 

And you? What are your memories of prom?  Do tell…