The day started earlier than usual for me, especially since it was a summer day. I woke up and got ready for work. I had a shift that started at eight o’clock in the morning. I was going to be at checkouts on a Saturday, and I knew I had to be ready for anything and everything. Of course, I knew I had to expect the unexpected.

When I arrived at work, ten minutes early like any good employee should, I saw three people that I did not know. After giving them a moment of thought, I realized they were probably new associates in training today with plans on working the checkouts. There were two boys and a girl, all of which looked very shy. I knew once they were working they would start to make friends, and I was sure I would be one of them. I may be thinking a little too highly of myself, but after working checkouts for a few months I was becoming one of the best because I made friends quickly and put the customers at ease. All my supervisors and co-workers loved me, and I loved them, too. All thoughts of the new associates slipped from my mind as I clocked in. I had other things to think about, like that I would be spending the next eight hours wishing everyone would just go home and leave me alone.

Over the next few weeks, I was right about the new associates. Missy, the new girl, and I became instant friends. She was a few months younger than me and we were complete opposites but somehow, we became very close friends at work. The two boys, Mike and Nick, took a little longer to lose their shy side, but eventually we became close. Even though I was friends with them at work, the relationship never left the workplace.

The long eight hours turned quickly into days that evolved into weeks with frightening speed. In what seemed like no time at all, it was March. I had less than a month to find a date to my junior prom. I promised myself that I was not going to go alone. All of my friends had dates, so I needed one, too. After several unsuccessful attempts to find a date, I decided ask someone from work. So, I headed to work with the intention of asking Mike to the prom. I was planning on him giving me a yes.

Unfortunately, fate was working against me. Mike and the store manager had a bitter argument, causing Mike to quit which sent me back to square one. When I found out, through the checkout gossip, that he had a drug problem, I figured I was better off without him as my prom date. Time was running out and I was becoming more worried as the days passed by.

A few days later, I was in the break room pondering my lack of a prom date. Nick, the other new male associate, came in, and we started talking about this and that, nothing really important. ‘Nick is really easy to talk to,’ I thought to myself. He stood to go, explaining that his department was insisting he finish his break later since it was becoming terribly busy.

“Whatever you say,” I paused. “Stock boy.” Nick made a face as he left the break room.

After my break was over, I started thinking that if I asked Nick to the prom, he might say yes, and then my dilemma would be over. I knew the deadline for signing up out of town dates was coming up in a few days. I also knew I was leaving on Thursday night for my school trip to Mexico, so if I was going to ask Nick, today would have to be the day.

When my shift was over, I went to find Nick. Since he had been transferred from checkouts to ‘stock boy’, as I nicknamed him, he was hard to find most of the time. Eventually, I found him in Electronics, covering for someone who was on break. I pretended to be looking for something while he was helping a customer. When he was done explaining the advantages of a 19” screen over that of a 17” television screen, he came over to where I was purposely browsing. We did not really talk about anything in particular. After ten minutes of mindless chatter, I forced myself to ask him the question I hoped he would answer positively.

“Hey, I was wondering, if you weren’t busy, would you mind going with me to my junior prom in April?” I asked. The moment my words were out, I felt silly. Why would a seventeen-year-old boy want to take me to a high school dance that required a tux to be worn, would probably have a lame DJ, and where his list of acquaintances would consist of me when he could be doing something more fun?

“Sure, when is it?” I stood there shocked. Did Nick just say he would go to the prom with me?

“April 29th.” I said quickly, praying he would not be busy that night.

“Okay. It sounds good to me.” He smiled. We both noticed a customer coming into the Electronics section.

“We can finalize the details later. I’ve got to be getting home to finish my homework for tomorrow.” How old am I? I sound like I’m in junior high asking my first crush to sit by me at the football game.

“Okay. Bye.” He smiled and turned to help the customer as I walked away.

I could not believe it. I had a date for the prom! When I got home, my older sister asked if I had a found a date yet. I had told her the night before that I did not have a date yet and like all sisters, she found this information to be a successful source of torment.

“Yes, I have a date for the prom,” I replied calmly, effectively stunning her, my parents, and my younger sister into silence. They had known that I had left for work without a date and were shocked to find out that I came home with a date.

“Who?” My mom asked the question everyone was dying to ask.

“Nick, from work. I asked him tonight. He said yes.” I still could not believe he had said yes.

“Nick who?” My mom asked. It suddenly hit me; I hardly knew anything about him. I knew he was 17 and was home schooled by his mom, but that was it. I did not know his last name, where he was from, or any of the things most people know about a person before deciding to go to the prom together.

“He’s just a guy from work. Don’t worry about it.” Why should they worry about it? I was the one going to my prom with a guy I hardly knew.

The next time was in town, I went to work to pick up my paycheck and get a few items for my trip when I happened to see Nick.

“Hey,” Nick said. I looked at him and smiled, hoping he did not notice how nervous I was.

“Hi.” I could not believe I was nervous around him, but for some reason I was. “What day is your prom again? I didn’t write it down and I forgot it.” I looked at him, and realized how silly I was being. How could I be nervous? I mean, he was just Nick. Nick from work. That is all. There is nothing to be nervous about.

“April 29th.” I was hoping he would not ask me for any details because I had not thought of what our plan would be, and I realized that I had to get going if I was going to finish all my errands on time.

“Okay. Are you working this weekend?” He asked.

“No, I leave for Mexico tonight. I won’t be back working until the second weekend in April. Mexico takes up the last two weekends in March, and then I have ACT’s the first weekend in April. Then, I come back for two weekends worth of work before prom.” I said letting him know my schedule as far as I knew it.

“Mexico?” He seemed surprised. I knew I had mentioned it before to him.

“Yeah, I’m going on a school trip down there for a week.” We talked for a few minutes before I had to leave.

A few weeks later, when I finally went back to work, the details for prom were still undecided. The only thing I knew was Nick and I would be doubling with my friend and her date. Surprisingly, Nick did not ask. I think he knew that I would let him know the plans when the time was ready.

The Sunday before prom was Easter, and both Nick and I had to work. I had finally given him my plan for prom. He had directions to my house, what time to be there, etc. Everything was finally falling into place and I was starting to get a little nervous about prom. I still did not know much about Nick except I had learned his last name, but that was it. One of my supervisors was convinced that we would make a cute couple, and I was kind of shocked at that idea. Nick was my friend, and nothing more, right? As far as I know he did not have a girlfriend, but he was not interested in me like that was he?

I kept thinking these thoughts all day long until five o’clock when he told me to look in his locker when I got off. He gave me the locker number and said it was already open. I could not wait to see what was in his locker that was so important that I had to see it. Thankfully, the supervisor working that night let me go a little early as long as I told her what was in his locker before I left. I went back to the break room, looked in his locker, and was completely surprised at what I saw. He had bought me a stuffed duck for Easter. I was stunned and started thinking maybe he was thinking more into this then I was. In less than a week, I would have my answer.

The day before prom did not start off very well. The original plan for the day was I was to go decorate for prom, come home, relax, and then go to bed at a decent hour. I thought it would be a stress free day. No, it could not be that easy now could it? I woke up and was putting in my contacts when I lost one. It was nowhere to be found, and I did not have any spare ones left. I started freaking out. If the eye doctor did not have a spare one, I was going to have to wear my glasses to prom. Then when I got the gym to decorate for the dance, everything was chaos. There was supposed to be at least fifteen students decorating the gym. Only five of us showed up on time. Since the bus had left the school late, it put everything behind schedule. When everyone did arrive, it got worse instead of better. No one was organized and it seemed as if everybody was yelling at everybody. I was given a simple task with a couple of my friends. I was to sit in a corner, and cut streamers into confetti. Sound simple? Yes it does, but it was not. One of my friends accidentally sliced her thumb while using the paper cutter. She was rushed to the doctor. After an hour or so, we got word that she was fine except she had a huge bandage on her thumb and she would have to wear it tomorrow night.

While I sat in the corner cutting confetti I came up with a brilliant idea. I wanted to find out information about Nick, but I was too embarrassed to ask him myself so I decided to enlist in the help of my friends. I wanted to know at least where he was from. My friends laughed at me for not knowing the details that everyone should know when asking someone to the prom. ‘Bite me’ I muttered under my breath.

After decorating was finished I had nothing to do but go home and wait for tomorrow to come. I was becoming nervous by the minute, and my family was not helping. My mom kept making sure I knew what time I had to be everywhere tomorrow and she made sure I knew that I could not be late for anything or it would throw the entire schedule off balance. I have never been so thankful for ten o’clock to arrive so that I could go bed, and get tomorrow started before I became any more nervous than I already was.

The morning of April 29th was the beginning of a very beautiful spring day. I got up and got ready to start my prom ritual which consisted of having my hair done at a salon and having an ex Mary Kay consultant do my make-up before heading home to get dressed before Nick arrived. My younger sister decided to tag along to keep me company even though she seemed to always find better things to do when I was getting my hair and make-up done.

When I got home my mom and older sister were anxiously awaiting my arrival. My make-up had taken longer than expected, and Nick was due to arrive in a half an hour or less. My mom and my two sisters helped me get ready very fast, and I was just putting on my shoes when Nick pulled into my driveway.

I walked outside to meet him, and was stunned. I had never seen Nick outside of work, and to see him all dressed up in a tux was a complete shock. I was nervous to say anything to him especially since he looked very handsome and all.

“Hi.” I smiled at him.

“Hey. You look very pretty.” He smiled at me, and I realized for the millionth time since I asked Nick to the prom that I should not be nervous around him.

“Thanks. You look very nice yourself. Why don’t we go inside and meet my family.” He nodded and we walked inside. Of course, I was trying very hard not to step on my dress and not to trip since I was not used to wearing heels.

“Everyone, this is Nick. Nick, this is my mom, my older sister, her boyfriend, my younger sister, and my dad.” I pointed everyone out to him even though I’m sure he could have figured it out by himself. My family all said hello to him, and I was scared when he sat down at the table with my dad and my sister’s boyfriend to have a little chat.

“Are you nervous about tonight Nick?” My dad asked. I silently was begging Nick to just smile and nod.

“Yes, I am.” Wait a minute. Did Nick just admit to being nervous? No, he could not have said he was. I mean, it’s me. We’re friends. We’ve been working together for a while now. What is there to be nervous about? All of a sudden I realized that maybe he was thinking more into this. Maybe he was thinking it was an actual date, and not a friend taking another friend to her prom. I kept thinking these thoughts until my mom brought me back to reality.

“As soon as you get your corsage and he gets his boutonniere then we can go take pictures down in the new grove. Kasey, would you pin the boutonniere on Nick?” I looked at my mom and shook my head.

“Mom, I don’t know how, and I don’t want to prick him with the pin. Why don’t you help him?” She nodded and I felt instantly relieved.

After Nick’s boutonniere was pinned on and my beautiful corsage was placed on my wrist my family, Nick, and I all headed down to the new grove to take pictures. Mom positioned Nick and I in front of the prettiest tree and was about ready to take a picture when she suddenly stopped.

“Hey you two. Why don’t you get closer so that you both are in the picture?” We moved closer yet mom was still not satisfied. “Would you please humor me and act like your going to the prom? Link arms together like a couple would so that these pictures don’t turn out frightful.” We moved closer together, linked arms, and smiled for the camera. I sure hope these pictures do not show how embarrassed I was because of the way my mom was acting.

We continued taking pictures until my friend Katie and her date showed up. Then we took pictures of them and with them. After my mom had finally taken enough pictures Katie, her date, Nick, and I left for the school where we would get our professional pictures taken. Once that task was completed, it was off to my grandparents’ house where I would introduce them to Nick.

When we arrived at my grandparents’ house I was nervous, but for him not me. My grandparents are very sweet and loving people, and they love their grandchildren very much. I knew that Nick was going to be in for a big question and answer session, and I only hoped it didn’t scare him off. This was my first date ever, and I wanted it to go well.

“Hi Grandma! Hi Grandpa!” I answered as I walked into their house.

“Hello dear. You look very pretty tonight. Who’s this young fellow with you?” Grandma asked.

“Grandma, Grandpa, this is Nick. He’s my prom date for this evening.” I smiled, and Nick shook hands with each of them.

“Where did you meet Nick?” Grandpa asked.

“We work together. He works as a stock boy,” I said. He glared at me, and I had to refrain from laughing.

“I think we’ve seen you around while visiting Kasey at work. Where are you from?”

“I’m originally from New York, but when my grandmother became ill we moved to Spencer.”

“How long have you lived in Spencer?”

“It’s been a couple years now. My mom, sister, and I had plans to move back to New York once my grandmother became better, but she passed away, and we couldn’t leave Grandpa alone in that house of his, so we decided to stay.” I looked at him. I did not know about anything of that information. I had assumed he had lived around this area his entire life, but I guess I should stop assuming things about him. What little I did know about him made him seem nice, but what I am slowly beginning to learn about him now makes him seem very sweet and honest. It makes me wonder if maybe I should be thinking more into this than I am.

My grandparents had run out of questions for Nick just as my friend and her date were arriving to pick us up. We quickly said our good-byes, and headed to the grand march. Nick and I were not going to be participating in this event, but we went to support my friends. We arrived a few minutes before grand march, and there were no seats available for Nick and me. He asked if I was going to be alright standing for such a long period of time in my heels, but I told him I would be fine.

Nick and I were standing close to the stairs when I heard someone say hi to him. I looked and saw three guys I did not know.

“Hey Nick. What are you doing here?” I could not believe one of the guys asked him that. Let’s examine this situation. Nick is dressed in a tuxedo, and there is a girl standing next to him in a dress. I wonder, what would Nick be doing at a grand march?

“I’m going to the prom with her.” He nodded his head my direction and they understood. “Kasey these are a few guys from my hometown. Guys this is my date Kasey.”

“Hello.” I said to the guys.

“What are you guys doing here?” Nick asked.

“Jackson is here with some Lila chick. We thought we’d come and pay them a visit.” I stood there wishing these guys would be quiet so I could watch grand march in peace. Unfortunately, they decided to start a conversation up with me.

“Hey, how many kids are in your school?” I looked at him wondering why he asked me that stupid question, but since they obviously were friends or something with Nick I decided to answer the question.

“Honestly, I have no idea. There are 40 some in my class.”

Nick’s friends must have realized I was not in the mood for conversation so they left us alone in peace. Once Grand March was over we were going to head to the dinner. Of course what I did not know was that our parents wanted to take more pictures of my friends and me outside. Eventually after people finished taking pictures, we headed to the dinner.

Dinner was going to be a challenge. I mean all my friends and our dates at the same table talking to each for an hour or so before we had to leave for the dance was a scary thought. My friends and I knew each other well, and my friends all knew their dates well enough, but I was still learning about my date. I was scared to hear what my friends had to ask, and I was scared at what answers I might hear. So far everything was going great. Nick really is a great person, but maybe he does have a deep dark secret that my friends will somehow uncover accidentally. I would be crushed if Nick was something other than great.

“Nick, how come we haven’t seen you around before?” Alicia asked. I could tell her something a million times, and she still wouldn’t remember. For the past month I have been talking about Nick to my friends, and yet somehow she completely forgot everything I’ve ever said about him.

“My friends and I have occasionally cruised through this town, but not very often.” Nick answered.

“If you aren’t from around here then how come you are going to the prom with Kasey?” Alicia asked even though she should know the answer to that question.

“Kasey and I work together. We are friends. She asked me to the prom and I accepted. It is as simple as that. Haven’t I seen you visiting Kasey at work?” Nick asked as he smiled at me. I tried my hardest not to burst out laughing. I made a mental note to myself to apologize to him about Alicia. I never thought she would pull one of her blond moments on prom night.

“That’s right. Don’t you stock shelves or something all day long?” Alicia asked.

“Yes Alicia he does, but he does more than that when needed. Can we change the subject? No offense, but neither him nor I really want to discuss work on our night off.” My patience was running thin. This question and answer session with Alicia was tiring, and I had to stay awake until at least 6 in the morning tomorrow.

When the dinner was over, it was time for the evening to officially begin. I became nervous at the thought of dancing with Nick. I already know I can not dance very well, and I am afraid he will make fun of me.

When we arrived, the music was already playing and my friends dragged Nick and me onto the dance floor. Surprisingly, Nick was not a bad dancer, and he did not make me feel like a fool. Before I even realized it, the fast song had ended and a slow song had started. Nick and I were about to go find a table to sit at during the song, but my friends made us dance together. It was such a sweet moment. We made sure to dance every other slow dance together as well except for when my friends decided to switch partners. I became extremely nervous watching my friend Katie dance with Nick. I was stuck dancing with Adam, my cousin Melissa’s prom date.

“What do you keep looking at?” Adam asked me.

“Nothing. I’m just watching everyone here.” I lied. I did not want to tell him I was watching Nick and Katie.

“Katie’s not going to steal Nick away from you. They are just sharing one harmless dance.”

“I told you once already. I am not watching Katie and Nick. I’m watching everyone else here. Why would I want to watch Katie and Nick? I see both of them all the time.”

“You like Nick. Just admit it.” Before I could respond the song was over and Adam was walking away to go find Melissa.

“Hey.” Nick came up behind me and startled me.

“Hey. Do you want to go in the lobby? It’s getting a little hot in here.”

“Sure.” Nick and I headed into the lobby only to see all of my friends there as well. There must be no escaping them tonight.

“Hey guys! Why don’t we take some pictures?” Alicia asked.

“First, all the girls need to get together. Guys you get to take the pictures for us.” Katie said. All I could think of was how my face is going to be sore tomorrow from smiling so much.

“Now, it’s the guys turn.” All the guys groaned. “Come on!” Alicia shouted. They all mumble something, but get into position to get their picture taken.

“Kasey and Nick, if wouldn’t mind would you two sit there and we’ll get a picture of the two of you.” Katie said. The camera flashed. “Kasey would you put your arm around his waist and at least try and look like a couple?” I could not believe Katie just said that. We are not a couple so why would we want to look like one. Just because Nick had his arm around my shoulders for the first picture does not mean we are hooking up.

Once we finished taking a million pictures in the lobby we decided to go change for the after prom party at the school. When we got to my house, Nick suggested that him and I take his car to the after prom party. I told Katie that Nick and I were going to take his car to the after prom party. Somehow, Katie thought I meant we were all going to go in Nick’s car and so she said it was alright since she was tired of driving anyways. I told Nick of the new plans and after we all got changed we headed to the party.

The after prom party was being held at the gym where we had grand march. Games were set up all around so we could win tickets to be used for an auction later on in the night. Alicia and Nick teamed up and played one game for the whole entire time. I checked on them occasionally. I did not play many games because I found them to be kind of boring so I watched Nick and Alicia.

The auction was boring since Nick and I did not have enough tickets to get any cool prizes so we gave the tickets away to Alicia and her date Josh. After the auction we watched a few classmates get hypnotized, and then the after prom party was over. We went to pick up the breakfast pizza my mom was making for us at the convenience store she worked at in town. Then we headed home. Katie and her date Luke fell asleep on the way home even though it’s only a fifteen minute drive. Nick was quiet as he drove so I just looked out the window at the stars.

Everyone at the table looked too tired to even eat, but at least they were nice enough to eat at least one slice of breakfast pizza before crashing. Everyone was sleeping in my room that night or morning whatever you prefer to call it. I took my queen size bed, while Nick slept on the floor of one side of my bed, Katie slept on the other side, and her date Luke slept at the end of my bed. Katie set her travel alarm since she had to be home at a certain time and we all instantly fell asleep. Katie’s alarm was only going to allow us to sleep for two hours. When I woke up a little late since I did not hear the alarm, I could hear Nick and Luke talking.

“Didn’t she hear the alarm?” Luke asked as he looked at me while I was sleeping.

“How did she sleep through the alarm? She was closer to it then I was and I heard it.” Nick said while also watching me sleep. I woke up instantly after that.

“What are you guys staring at?” I smiled.

“How did you sleep through that alarm?” Katie said as she came back into my room. I looked puzzled.

“Your alarm didn’t go off.” All three of them laughed at me. I stuck my tongue out at them and got out of bed. Nick and I walked Katie and Luke to their car.

“I guess I’ll talk to you tomorrow at school Katie. It was nice meeting you Luke.”

“It was nice meeting you too Kasey and Nick.” Luke said.

“I’ll call you later Kasey. Bye Nick.” Katie said. They got into the car, waved at us one last time and drove away. We waited to go inside until they were halfway down the road.