Lexi
May 5, 2017 | 3:00 pm
On Friday, Lexi and Austin were leaving their last class of the day. The classes that had at one point been so painful to sit in, were now very enjoyable because she could sit next to Austin in them. He made some effort to do well in the classes he was already passing, but he knew he had to retake math and history over the summer, he had missed too much when he was hiding from Rick.
In those classes, Austin often distracted Lexi. It was a good thing they were basically done with the material and that Lexi had become a good student. Liam had very graciously offered to switch partners so Lexi and Austin could sit together in math. They sat in the back together in History as well. He sat close to her and held her hand under the table, tracing the lines on her palm with his thumb absentmindedly. Occasionally, he would whisper something in her ear and make her smile or laugh.
It was so effortless, being with Austin. It was like they hadn't spent almost a year apart. He understood her without even trying, she didn't have to explain if she was upset or tired, he already knew that she had trouble sleeping the night before or was missing her parents. He knew when she was in a good mood and when to cheer her up.
Similarly, she knew when he was having nightmares, she held him a little tighter until they passed. She knew when he was upset and how to comfort him. Like just recently, when they announced the graduating class and his name wasn't there, Lexi made sure to hold his hand and kiss him and remind him that she would be by his side the whole summer helping him through the classes he had to repeat.
They both understood each other so well, there was no need to lie, or pretend they weren't hurting. The other knew with just one look, and they also knew exactly what the other needed.
As they walked out of the classroom, Rachel stopped her. "Hey Lexi," she said brightly. She was holding a makeup bag and a dress. "I was hoping you could help me out with something."
"Sure what's up?" Lexi asked.
"I wanted to get a few photos of you in the dress I made you for prom, I didn't get any that I can use for my portfolio," she explained.
Lexi nodded. "Okay, sure," she said. Even though she was certain that they had taken plenty of pictures that night.
"Great, let's go get ready and then we can take pictures in the gym. It has the best lighting," Rachel said, taking her hand and dragging her away from Austin.
She glanced over at him. He had an excited look on his face. She wasn't sure why. "Wait for me?" she asked.
Austin nodded encouragingly. "Yeah, go have fun, I'll see you after." He had this look in his eyes, Lexi wondered what he was thinking about.
She let Rachel drag her to the fashion design room and do her hair and make up. By the time Rachel was done, Lexi looked just as she had the night of prom. She looked herself over in the mirror. The dress was so stunning. She hoped she did it justice.
"Come on," Rachel said, taking her hand excitedly. She led Lexi down the hall towards the gym.
"Where is your camera?" Lexi questioned. Surely she needed a professional camera for a photo shoot.
She waved her hand in the air, shrugging it off. "Already there."
Lexi followed close behind and when they got to the gym door, Rachel peaked in but quickly closed it before Lexi could look in.
"What's up?" Lexi asked.
"Oh nothing," Rachel said standing in front of the door, blocking Lexi's way in.
Lexi raised an eyebrow. What was going on? Suddenly the gym door opened and Liam came out with a big smile on his face. He put his arm around Rachel and glanced over at Lexi.
"This is for you," he said, offering a corsage to her.
Lexi took the box and stared at the beautiful flowers. Rachel carefully put it on her.
"What is going on?" Lexi asked.
They only smiled and glanced at each other. The door opened again and Austin stood there in a suit. A smile slowly formed on Lexi's face.
"No way," she said.
Austin offered his hand and Lexi took it as he guided her inside. Rachel and Liam smiled once more before leaving hand in hand. Lexi glanced back at them and mouthed a "thank you." They both nodded back and closed the door.
Lexi turned back to the gym. It was breathtaking. There were fairy lights hung up in big loops all around and soft lights shone down from the stage. There were streamers and confetti spread about and even balloons. Soft music was playing from the speakers. It looked just like the prom did. Lexi glanced over at Austin who was studying her expression nervously.
"Do you like it?" he asked.
"I love it," she said in awe. "How did you do it all?"
He smiled. "I had a lot of help," he admitted. "Naturally Rachel took charge, that girl has a bright future ahead of her with the way she gets things done, she and Maeve got all the decorations, the playlist, and got the school to let us do it. Liam and his friends, Josh and Ryan, helped set up during the last period so I could still be in class with you and you wouldn't be suspicious."
Lexi smiled. Of course her friends would help Austin pull off something like this and manage to keep it a secret.
"I wanted to give you the senior prom I promised you last year," he explained.
Lexi threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. This boy who held her so tightly loved her like no other and every day he seemed to find new ways to show her that. They broke apart and stood for a moment, their faces inches apart.
"May I have this dance?" he whispered, offering his hand.
Lexi nodded still in awe of everything he had done for her. She couldn't stop smiling as she and Austin slow-danced.
This. This was worth it all. The pain, the misery, the year apart, everything was worth it when she stared into the eyes of the boy who loved her with his entire soul.