High school was getting over, just two weeks left before graduation, but the idea of it felt heavy. I had taken a week off school. The gravity of the situation made it hard to concentrate. But it was time to confront reality. I decided to drop off my sister at her school and attend my own for those final days. It was a way to stay connected and to keep moving forward despite the lingering sorrow. Tyler offered to pick us up. As he drove us to school, dropping off my sister first, he turned to me with a gaze laced with concern. "Promise me something, okay? If things ever get too overwhelming, if you need someone to talk to, you will come to me."

I managed a smile, my thoughts were a swirl of emotions. "I won't forget, Ty. I'll be fine."

"I know you're strong, Vee."

I nodded, turning to peer out the window, my reflections a swirl of memories, uncertainty, and hope.

The next few weeks passed in a blur of farewells, goodbyes, and a flurry of final moments before the impending exams. Studying became my way to escape the pain, pulling all-nighters alongside Tyler. We finished our exams feeling a mix of relief and readiness for the next chapter. As acceptance letters had already arrived from universities like Brown and Penn State, while my dream of attending a California university was on hold due to a waitlist. Tyler, on the other hand, secured a spot at Stanford. Amid the heartache, our shared dream of California was only half-way there.

As days turned into weeks, prom night was coming close, and I still didn't get a dress. Natalie and I decided to go shopping with her mom for prom dresses. The store was filled with beautiful dresses, each more breathtaking than the last. From a purple A-line form-fitting dress, to a turquoise mermaid fit or a pink princess ball-gown, my eyes were everywhere. There were too many options and it wasn't easy to pick. It got too overwhelming, especially because I had imagined being here at this moment with my mom picking out my dress. I had never shopped without my mom before, and the memories of her flooded my mind.

With a heavy heart, I retreated to a dressing room, overcome with emotion. I let myself cry, mourning my loss.

"Why would you leave at a time like this, maa?

When I need you the most. It was not just my dream, it was yours too. I know you've always wanted to see me in a prom dress. I know you're watching me, but I want you here - with me." I sobbed.

"I don't know what I'm going to do without you. I can't even pick a single dress", I continued sobbing. "I wish you were here right now, ma. I need your help", I whispered to myself, wiping eyes. At that moment, I heard a knock on the door. I pulled myself together and walked out of the dressing room. That's when I saw it - the perfect dress. An emerald green gown, its fabric shimmering like the cosmos, evoking memories of a dress my mom once owned. It felt like a message from her— like she had chosen it for me.

A week later, I stood before the mirror, the weight of the dress constantly reminding me of the special night I had anticipated for years. I showed it to my father, his eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and yearning. Tyler soon joined us, and we enjoyed the moment by taking a number of pictures on our cameras. Our friends had arranged for a limo, ready to make the night even more memorable.

My father pulled me aside and his words resonated deep within me. " You look beautiful, baby. Your mother would be very proud of you"

"I miss her Dad, I really do."

"I miss her too. We always will. But it's okay to enjoy yourself, sweetheart. You deserve it."

With his words echoing in my heart, I entered the limo, a fusion of excitement and melancholy coursing through my veins. As we arrived at the venue, an aura of nostalgia enveloped me. Stars, balloons, and the emblem of our graduation year welcomed us, surrounding us in an ambiance of vintage Hollywood glamour. The air was charged with electricity. It was a night that marked the end of our high school journey—a night where we let go of our childhood and embraced the future.

The prom night was a grand spectacle, a carnival of lights and laughter that spun us into a world of enchantment. Giddy excitement bubbled through the air as the girls twirled in their dresses, each gown a canvas of shimmering elegance against the backdrop of Hollywood-themed decorations. Phones were out in full force, capturing candid moments across the gilded hall.

But amidst the whirlwind of festivities, Tyler's voice drew me into a world of our own. His touch was warm, his hand intertwined with mine, and with a mischievous glint in his eyes, he led me to the photo booth — aka the kissing booth. In there, time paused, and the world felt as if it held its breath, as if it were a part of our story.

As I settled onto his lap, his eyes held mine, and a rush of electricity surged between us.

"I love you, Vee," he whispered, and his words carried a magic that made my heart flutter like the wings of a delicate butterfly. I held his hand tighter, overcome with a warmth that radiated from within.

"Forever and always," I replied, grabbing his hair through my fingers as my lips met his in a kiss. Tyler's grin was playful, his gaze holding mine as if he were trying to decipher the secrets my eyes held. "That's cheesy," he teased, and we laughed, the sound like tinkling chimes on a summer breeze. In that instant, it was as though the world held only us, two souls wrapped in each other's presence.

The night unfolded like a grand tapestry, a canvas of dancing and merriment. The music shifted, and the girls formed a ring of friendship, spinning and laughing as if the night were made for them alone. The melodies weaved through the air, mingling with laughter and joy, painting a picture that was part reality and part dream.

The announcement of the prom king and queen, Nathan and Alisha, was quite expected. Everyone cheered and hooted as they walked to the stage to take their crowns. When it was time for their first dance, they walked to the dance floor and as they swayed in each other's arms, an air of celebration swept over the crowd, making the night feel even more magical.

Amid the celebration, Tyler's hand reached out, inviting me to the dance. As "All of Me" began playing, we moved with the grace of two souls in harmony. He moved with grace, and being in his arms was comforting. In those moments, his embrace shielded me from the world's chaos. The stars above us sparkled like diamonds on velvet, their light mingling with the music's melody.

With each step, the world faded, and it was just Tyler and me, dancing beneath the stars as if the universe itself had orchestrated this moment. The night held a timeless quality, as if it were a page from a fairy tale come to life.

As the evening came to an end, it was time for an afterparty at Nathan's mansion for the entire weekend. We exited the venues and got back into our cars. As the car started, Champagne popped, with laughter rippling like a brook, and the rhythm of the music seemed to meld with the beat of our hearts. As I gazed out at the landscape, I was struck by a realization— I was really enjoying myself. I hadn't thought of my mom for the past few hours. A pang of guilt tugged at me, but it was met with a strange sense of acceptance.

Loud music and booze flowed through the massive rooms. I entered the kitchen to grab something to eat and then settled on the sofa. The dress was too heavy to carry around and I needed to rest my foot after standing on those 6-inch heels for all those hours. When I tried to put my leg up, Tyler grabbed it and placed it on his lap, giving me a warm massage. I dug into the chocolate mousse in my hand while Tyler continued to massage my feet. I was so hungry, I emptied the cup in under a minute. Tyler looked at me and laughed and asked, "Want me to get you another one?"

"Yes, please."

He stood up and walked into the kitchen to get more. I looked around to grasp the scene around me. The party continued to dance around the house while a few were setting up the booze.

I hadn't noticed how long Tyler was taking until I walked into the kitchen myself and noticed Tyler and Alisha hanging on to each other's words and laughing over the counter. He was so engrossed, he didn't even notice me entering. I grabbed the cup from his hand and walked away.

Immediately, he followed me and grabbed my hand. "I'm sorry. She was just talking and I couldn't ignore her."

"Don't tell me you can't see it. She's flirting with you."

"Alisha? Me? No way. We were just talking."

"Yeah. Whatever", I said, trying to get loose from his grip. Instead, he pulled me closer to him.

"Are you jealous, baby?"

"I'm not jealous. I know about you. I just don't trust her."

"Look. There's no need to worry. We were just talking about Stanford."

"Exactly Ty. I don't trust her."

"Come on. Don't think about her. This is our night."

"I know", I said, turning away from him.

"Are you nervous? Because I am", he said, landing a kiss on my nose.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Reader,

If you've come this far, I ammm SOOO grateful. I promise you that the best is yet to come. I'm only getting started. This world of Vee is so much more than you can imagine. Intertwined between mixed cultures and an emotional rollercoaster ( and not to mention some steamy scenes coming up right ahead. If you love romance, this is yours )

Appreciate you being here. Do leave me a comment and let me know what you think of my story, so far.

LOVEEE,

Regina