The day has finally come—prom. Miles woke up with a smile as he was excited to go with Wanda to the dance. He knew he had some stuff to take care of, but by 6 o’clock tonight, he should be at her door. Miles took things slow throughout the day, playing some video games and cleaning his room. Evelyn had given him off for the day, wanting him to have enough time to get ready. He got his homework done, and by three o’clock, he started on his way to Telsaan to pick up Evelyn’s car.

As he walked into the building, he saw some of the regular customers on the weekend, and said hello, before walking into the shop. The smell of coffee and tea made him smile as it made him feel like home.

“Hey, Evelyn,” Miles greeted as he walked up to the empty counter.

“Miles, how is it going? Getting nervous and excited yet?” Evelyn smiled at him as she cleaned the counter, preparing for the next customer.

“The day is going well, and yes to both.”

“Ah, you got nothing to worry about, Miles; you are just going to have the time of your life,” Will pipped in after returning some of the tea tins to the shelf. Miles felt the pat on the back from Will before he returned behind the counter with Evelyn.

“Yea, I know, but this is my first date after all, and it’s prom no less,” Miles sighed before shoving his hands into his pockets.

“Well, just remember to enjoy yourself and take it slow,” Evelyn prompted before digging into her purse. “Try not to do anything you would regret, though if you do, remember to laugh about it later. Because if you don’t laugh, it’s just going to make you miserable every time you hear about it.”

“Very true,” Will nodded. “Besides, sometimes the stuff you think you might regret is the best times of your life.”

Evelyn handed Miles the keys and reminded him, “Now, just remember: be careful with my car.”

“Yes, ma’am. I will get it back to you, safe and sound. Mom and I have been practicing a whole lot. We even got my test done the other day, and I passed—making me an official driver,” Miles smiled as he pulled out his temporary license from his wallet. Evelyn and Will congratulated Miles before waving him off to go get ready. Miles exited the building before going to the back parking lot, knowing that is where Evelyn parks her car. Once he spotted it, he made his way over to the car, unlocking the door once he reached it. Starting the car, he backed out of the parking spot before heading home. While he was on his way, he saw Wanda with what looked to be her mother laughing as they headed from the beauty salon to her car. And Wanda did look beautiful, with her hair curled, laying lightly on her shoulders. Miles smiled before turning his attention back to the road.

Once he reached the house, he walked in to find his mother waiting. “Miles, you have to get ready. Her parents are going to want to take some pictures before the dance.”

“I know, mom, I just needed to go get the car,” Miles explained before walking to his room.

“Remember to be careful with Evelyn’s car,” his mother reminded him.

“Yes, mom, I am going to do that,” Miles yelled back before closing his door. He gathered up his trouser pants and purple shirt—to match Wanda’s dress—and went to go take a shower. He wanted to be quick about it since he is supposed to arrive at Wanda’s house by 5:30 for dinner. Miles knew his mother was right about wanting to be there early. As the time grew nearer for him to go, he couldn’t help but be excited. Wanda and he were growing closer as they were hanging out as much as possible in school, and it was always fun to run into her outside of school too.

Once he was ready, he walked out of his room, closing the door as he went. He walked to the front door, finding his father’s boots by it. He breathed in before slipping them on. Miles could feel the snugness of the darkened leather as his foot popped into place. After he slipped on the other boot, he turned to find his mother standing behind him. Her eyes were full of tears waiting to spill. Miles knew it was bringing back memories for her since these were his father’s wedding boots.

Miles’ mother walked towards him before adjusting his tie. “Well, don’t you look handsome.” She smiled tearfully before dropping her arms.

“Thanks, mom,” Miles smiled at her. “I love you.”

“I love you too, honey. Now, before you go. I want one picture.”

“But, mom—” Miles whined before his mother cut him off.

“This is a big moment in your life. I get at least one picture of you since I won’t be there to see you with Wanda.”

“Alright,” he sighed before his mother positioned him where she wanted Miles against the wall.

"Now, smile!” Miles smiled the best he could—feeling a little awkward—as his mother snapped a photo. “Thank you, baby.”

“I need to get going, mom,” Miles acknowledged the clock as it chimed for 5:15.

“Alright, you have fun, and be safe,” Miles’ mother listed off as Miles heard her follow him to the car. “And also, remember, by midnight, I want you home. You don’t need to be out forever. And don’t get into any fights or drama—you don’t want it to ruin your night.”

“Yes, mom, I know. I will see you tonight,” Miles replied as he opened and closed the driver’s side door. He waved to his mother from inside the car, and she blew kisses at him before trailing back into the house. Miles smiled at her one last time before backing out of the driveway to go to Wanda’s.

Once he arrived at her place, he parked on the street before racing to her front door. He breathed in as best he could before knocking on the door. Miles felt his palms become sweaty as he tried to rub his hands together to get rid of the feeling. He heard footsteps from inside the house becoming louder and louder before the door opened. Wanda stood on the other side of the screen door, her hair curling around her shoulders. She wore a purple and black strapless ball gown as the fabric tiered off to the bottom.

“Wow,” Miles breathed in as Wanda smiled coyly. “You look beautiful.”

“You look pretty handsome yourself, mister,” Wanda replied before stepping out onto the porch. “You ready to go.”

“Yea, we better go before our friends eat all the food on us.” Miles smiled as Wanda’s laugh floated into his eardrums.

“That is likely to happen. I’m ready though,” Wanda answered as they walked to the car. Wanda held her dress up as she approached the street. Miles walked her to the passenger side of her car before opening it for her. She smiled at him before dropping into the seat. After making sure her dress was all in, Miles shut the door before running over to the driver’s side and getting in.

They looked at each other for a moment before Miles said, “Let’s do this.”