Although today was a disappointment for some, the same couldn't be said about others. In a dimly lit classroom sat two students and a teacher. The atmosphere is tense, as these students were being reprimanded with a stern look on their faces. At the front of the room, Mrs. Harris, a middle-aged and strict-looking teacher, sat with arms folded across her chest.
"I can't believe I have to endure your constant misbehavior! You two think today being your last day at school makes you untouchable? Well, you both are grounded!" She said, venting her anger on them.
Seated on the first lane was Jayson, a mischievous boy with tousled hair and four chairs to his left, seated Emily, a fearless girl with an irreverent smile. Both look slightly amused, their eyes locked in a silent conversation as Mrs. Harris spoke. She glares at them a few times, causing them to shut up. However, as she concentrated on her own work, Emily jumped a couple of sits, and she was next to Jason.
"Hey Jason, do you have a minute?" she asked.
Jason looked up from his books and smirked, "Yeah, sure, what's up?"
Taking a deep breath, Emily gathered her courage, "So, I know it's too late to be asking about prom since it's a day away, but I was wondering if you would like to go with me?"
Jason's face lit up, "Really? I'd love to, Emily! That's so thoughtful of you to ask."
Emily blushed slightly, relieved by his response. "I'm glad you think so. I just thought it would be fun, and we've been friends for such a long time."
Jason nodded eagerly, "Absolutely! It'll be a great way to end our final year together. Count me in!"
"Jason! Emily! I said, "You both are grounded!"" Mrs. Harris shouted out of frustration. "This isn't a joke!"
Jason looks over at Emily, attempting to stifle a laugh, while Emily covers her mouth, desperately trying to hide her amusement.
Mrs. Harris looked irritated, "Enough! If I hear one more sound from either of you, I will extend your punishment! Do you understand?"
Jason and Emily nodded in unison, trying to keep a straight face. But their shoulders continue to shake with suppressed laughter.
"I hope this punishment teaches you a lesson about respecting the rules! Now, both of you should take out your textbooks and begin studying quietly!"
Jason and Emily exchange a mischievous glance, and unable to contain themselves any longer, they both burst into laughter. The sound fills the classroom, echoing off the walls.
Enraged, Mrs. Harris ordered. "That's it! Both of you! Detention extended! Till school closes, no exceptions!"
___
Elsewhere, Ryan, an average looking teenager, had been eying the captain of the Geiger High female soccer team.
Mustering courage, Ryan approached Jess, nervously searching for the right words.
"Hey Jess, can I talk to you about something?" he asked with a slight hesitation.
Jess smiled warmly, "Sure, Ryan. What's on your mind?"
Ryan took a deep breath, his heart pounding. "Well, prom is coming up tomorrow's night, and I can't think of anyone I'd rather go with than you. Would you do me the honor?"
Jess's eyes widened in surprise, "Oh wow, Ryan! I never expected this. I'd be thrilled to go with you. Thanks for asking!"
Ryan beamed with relief, "You're welcome. You're an amazing person, and I really wanted to make this a memorable experience for both of us."
Jess's face flushed with appreciation, "I appreciate that, Ryan. It means a lot to me. Let's make it a night we'll always remember!"
Jess trots away afterward...
___
Exiting the school, Vaelin was making his way home when he overheard a conversation...
"Hi Mike, I have something to ask you," she said, trying to sound casual. "Would you be interested in going to prom with me?"
Vaelin's ears perked as he turned their way. Abruptly, he was stunned. "Ain't that Savanah from history class?" He whispered to himself.
Mike smiled warmly at Savanah, touched by her courage. "Oh, Savanah, that's really sweet of you to ask! I'd be absolutely thrilled to be your date."
"Whoa...??!" Vaelin almost gashed out a mouthful of blood at what he heard. "What on earth..."
Relief washed over Savanah's face, "I'm so glad you said yes! I've always admired you, and I thought going to prom together would be so much fun."
Mike's eyes sparkled with sincerity, "Likewise, Savanah. You're such an incredible person, and I've always enjoyed spending time with you. Prom with you would be amazing!"
"Incredible??!" Vaelin was lost for words. "The class weirdo and the prideful Mike, coming to a mutual agreement...? Fishy as hell."
Excitement bubbled within Savanah as she responded, "Great! I'm really looking forward to it. It's going to be a night to remember, for sure!"
He started walking away, not giving too much thought to what he had just witnessed. It wasn't his problem anyway.
Upon getting home, he continued on with his daily routine.
It was now supper, the kids and nuns were seated around a grand wooden table, in a dimly lit dining hall engulfed in the warm glow of candlelight. Sister Madeline, the head of the nuns, gracefully blesses the food with closed eyes and reverent hands. The aroma of a freshly cooked meal fills the air, accompanied by delicate whispers of prayers.
The table was adorned with plates piled high with a variety of delicious dishes, each one crafted with love by the skilled hands of the nuns. Amidst the meal, Sister Madeline turns her attention to Vaelin.
"I heard you prom night celebration comes off tomorrow's night, Vaelin?" She asked, "What are your plans, my boy?"
"I reckon, mother, I ain't got no intentions," Vaelin shares with Madeline. "I done made up my mind not to take part."
Vaelin's answer coaxed a lot of chuckles from the other kids, responding with oohs and aahs.
"You can't be serious, my boy." Madeline said with a stern look.
"Probably he's unable to get a girl, all that pretty face for nothing." Another teenager, Teddy, an obese kid teased, to which the other kids laughed.
"See me after dinner, my child." Madeline urges him, clearly dissatisfied about his lack of interest in attending the once in a lifetime prom night celebration.
___
- Later that night -
Inside the small, dimly lit room, Madeline was seated at a worn wooden desk, immersed in her thoughts and the pages of her Bible. The room smelled faintly of incense, giving it an ethereal atmosphere. Her worn hands gently grasped the binoculars resting on the desk as she peered through the window, observing the world outside.
A gentle knock interrupted the quietude of the room, and Madeline's eyes flickered with anticipation. She placed her binoculars delicately on the desk and rose from her chair, her long, flowing habit trailing behind her as she hurriedly approached the door. Opening it slowly, her eyes softened upon seeing the Vaelin standing before her.
"Come in, my child," she beckoned, her voice melodious and soothing. The teenager stepped cautiously into the room, his eyes wandering around the sparsely furnished space. Madeline gestured towards a simple wooden chair nearby, indicating for him to sit.
As he nervously perched on the edge of the chair, Madeline's face filled with motherly concern. She reached out, her wrinkled hands extending gently towards him, her touch offering solace and warmth. She caressed his cheek with a tenderness that conveyed years of love and compassion.
"Tell me, my dear," Madeline spoke with gentle curiosity, "why is it that you do not wish to attend your prom night celebration?"
Vaelin's eyes lowered, his voice betraying a hint of sadness as he replied, "Mother, I'm just not feeling up for it. I'm not in the right space, mentally, you know? It feels like a facade, a night of fleeting happiness amidst a turmoil within."
Madeline's old eyes brimmed with understanding, her gaze reflecting the wisdom of countless encounters with troubled souls. Silently, she moved to sit beside him, her comforting presence enveloping him like a soothing embrace.
With a voice filled with compassion, she whispered, "My child, sometimes it takes great strength to acknowledge our true feelings and to step away from the noise of the world. Remember, your value lies not in conforming to societal expectations but in nurturing the depths of your own soul. Take solace in knowing that sometimes, embracing solitude can be a powerful act of self-care and self-discovery."
Vaelin's eyes filled with gratitude, a silent understanding passing between them. For in that moment, amidst the quiet of the convent, he felt a sense of comfort and solace, as if Madeline had unlocked a path to his own inner sanctuary.
***