Conflicted: Keegan's Chronicles

  Keegan glanced over. “For you? I don’t think so. You have that athletic straight figure, so you want to make it appear that you have curves. You know, an optical illusion.”

  “Shut up, Keegan. I’m not that straight. We can’t all have a J-Lo booty like you.” She pouted, putting the dress back.

  Keegan grabbed a black strapless number that flared out at the waist, and had a purple ribbon around the waist, shoving it in Lauren’s hands. “Here try this one on.”

  “It’s so plain.”

  “Just try it on.”

  Lauren stepped out of the dressing room, and spun around. “Keegan, how do you know this stuff? It’s perfect.”

  “That really does look good. What dress do you think would look good on me?” Anna asked.

  Keegan looked Anna up and down. “You can really wear anything. It’s gotta be funky to match your style. Oh, what about this?” She picked up an all black lacy dress with ruffles. “It’s so vintage looking.”

  “That’s cute, but I kinda like this one.” Anna showed them an off-the-shoulder teal dress that had a flowing top and ruffles on the bottom.

  “You do? That doesn’t look like your style at all. Try them both on.” Keegan pushed her in the dressing room.

  A few minutes later she came out in the all black dress and the girls cooed about how great it looked. Lauren clapped her hands together and said, “Go try on the teal one. I can’t wait to see it on you.”

  When she emerged a couple moments later, both Lauren and Keegan gasped.

  “Wow, Anna, you look amazing. You’re right. You have to go with that one.” Keegan snapped a picture.

  Keegan grabbed a few dresses and tried them on. She could try on clothes all day. She loved them all, but nothing felt like the one. So they moved on to the next store.

  Three stores later, when they were about to give up, Keegan’s phone chirped in her pocket. Where are my pictures?

  “Ugh, guys I forgot to send my mom pictures. Let’s go to the next shop we see and try some on and I’ll go to another mall later with my mom.”

  “What about that store?” Anna pointed to a bridal shop.

  “That’s a wedding shop.” Lauren looked at Anna like she was crazy.

  “Yeah, but they have colorful gowns. Let’s just go try some on, it might be fun.”

  “Sure, why not?” Keegan laced her arms between theirs and they headed to the store.

  The sales lady must have been bored or in need of a sale, because she treated them like royalty. She ran around, grabbing gowns for them to try on and shoving them over the top of the dressing rooms.

  The girls walked their self-made runway, twirling around and posing dramatically. The sales woman seemed to be having as much fun as they were. They snapped tons of pictures to send to Keegan’s mother.

  “Ok, Keegan, you were right. Long gowns are so much cooler. I vote we take back these short dresses and get long ones.” Lauren spun around in a hot pink a-line gown with glitter all over.

  “As long as you promise you are not going to buy that one!” Keegan was laughing so hard her eyes were watering.

  “I didn’t mean this one.” Lauren rolled her eyes. “We need to start looking seriously instead of just playing around.”

  “I’m not taking back my dress. I’ll find somewhere else to wear it. I will get a long gown, though. I hope we’re the only ones with long gowns. We’ll really stand out.” Anna grinned.

  Keegan flung the curtain open and came out in a strapless silver mermaid dress that clung to her curves and sashayed down the walkway.

  “Oh my god! Keegan, that dress is stunning. It looks like it was made just for you.” Lauren took a picture with her phone.

  “She’s right, this is the one you have been looking for. Do you love it?”

  Keegan’s face beamed. “It is perfect!”

  “I love how it has the drop waist to show off your booty, and your tiny waist.” Anna laughed. “Spin around again. Oooh, it even has the corset lace in the back. You have to get this one.”

  “Send a picture to my mom.”

  Anna laughed. “Your mom replied back ‘wrap it up.’”

  “Yay! Okay, let’s find dresses for both of you now.”

  “Oh, I forgot we just got a shipment in,” the clerk said quickly, snapping her fingers. “One minute. I think I might have the perfect dress for both of you.” She hurried to the back of the store.

  She came out holding a long black gown with polka dots, and a few others in various styles and colors.

  Anna grabbed the polka dotted dress. “I call this one.”

  She disappeared into the dressing room. She popped out in the strapless gown, laughing as she spun in a circle. “I love this one! Take my picture and send it to my mom.”

  It was simple and beautiful at the same time. A small dark pink belt was wrapped around the waist, and the bottom of the dress flared out in the front shorter than it was in the back.

  “Okay, now I have to find something,” Lauren said. “What else do you have in that pile?”

  Lauren tried on two that were okay, but not perfect.

  Keegan eyed the substantial pile of dresses they’d built up. Digging one out from underneath, she handed it to Lauren. “Here try this one.”

  Lauren came out in the plum colored, one-shoulder taffeta gown. The color was striking against her alabaster skin and dark hair.

  “Oh, this is the one,” Keegan squealed. “You look so curvy in it.”

  “I look curvy? Well, if I look curvy, I’ll take it!” Lauren declared, making her friends laugh.

  Anna nodded, reaching out to touch the soft material. “It’s very glamorous.”

  Lauren turned side to side, checking herself out in the mirror. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it is. Strike a pose.” Keegan waited for Lauren to turn then snapped a photo.

  “Would you guys like me to take a picture of all three of you?” the clerk offered.

  “Oh, that would be great.” Keegan handed her the camera. I wonder if I should add this picture to Rourk’s scrapbook?

  Since Christmas, when her family had suggested she take pictures for Rourk, she had been gathering some in a small scrapbook. Eventually, she would send it to him. She just never felt the time was right.

  “Should we look for accessories now?” Lauren asked as they left the store with their purchased dresses in hand.

  “I’m too tired. We’ll have to do that another day.” Anna shifted the dress to her other arm and sighed. “Shopping is exhausting. I don’t know how you guys love it so much.”

  “Whatever, you had fun and you know it,” Keegan teased, poking her in the side.

  “I did have fun. Can you believe we will be graduating soon? It’s kinda scary. Soon our lives are going to be so different.”

  “I’m excited about the changes. I can’t wait.” Lauren hugged her dress closer and smiled.

  “We have to promise to get together as often as possible. We also have to Skype.”

  “Agreed.”

  After Keegan dropped them off at their houses, she turned towards home and thought of how much fun she and her friends had together over the years. She smiled wistfully, wishing it didn’t have to change.

  Chapter 25

  “Mom my hair is a mess!” Keegan wailed, staring forlornly in the antique vanity mirror. She lifted her hands to her head, but Emerald swatted them away.

  “It’s not a mess. It looks beautiful. You look beautiful. You’ll be the most gorgeous girl at prom.” Her mother tugged at a curl and laughed as it sprang back up. “I love when you wear your hair curly. It looks natural and wild, just like you.”

  “Do you really think I look okay?” Keegan stared at her mother’s reflection in the mirror. Her mother’s smile was beautiful.

  “More than okay, Keegan. You are a striking young woman. Stand up so I can see the dress.” Emerald gestured with both hands for her daughter to move.

  Keeg
an slowly rose from her chair, brushing her palms nervously down the front of her silver gown. It made her feel feminine.

  “Spin around. You know you want to.”

  Keegan laughed and spun. “It is the perfect dress.”

  “I’m sure your father will say it’s too perfect. It really accents your curves. You are definitely not a little girl anymore.” Emerald sighed. “Makes me sad, in a way. However, I’m also looking forward to the next stage in your life. You’re going to do great things, I know.”

  “Mom, I’m nervous to move so far away from you guys.”

  “I know, honey, I’m nervous too. Who is going to cook for you?” Her mother gave a sad laugh and looked away. “Thank goodness for the internet. We will stay in touch. I can always come see you in Alaska when I need my Keegan fix. Of course, you will come home for the holidays I would hope.”

  “Of course.” Keegan dabbed at her eyes with an old t-shirt and sniffed. “Okay, let’s change the subject before you ruin my makeup.”

  “Donald is picking you up right?”

  “Yes. I’m sure he will look great all dressed up. He’s already so cute.”

  Her daughter’s dreamy eyes made Emerald nervous. She rubbed her face with one hand then looked into Keegan’s eyes. “Keegan, I really hate to ask you this, but I know a lot of kids have sex on prom night. Do I need to be worried? Or get you some protection?”

  “What? No, mom. I’m not ready for that. It hasn’t even crossed my mind. I still have the ‘wait for your chosen’ mentality, I guess.” Keegan looked down and moved her brush around the vanity, surprised she wasn’t embarrassed by her mother’s blunt question.

  Keegan could see how relieved her mom was to hear her answer. “I’m glad to hear that. If you change your mind, please let me know. I know that your situation is different from most. If you feel you are ready, I’ll take you to the doctor and get you on birth control. I don’t want to be a grandmother just yet.”

  “I will, Mom.” Keegan leaned over and gave her mom a quick hug. “Thanks for helping me get ready for prom.”

  “Let’s go show the boys how fabulous you look.” Emerald took her daughter’s hand, tugging her towards the door

  “Wait, I almost forgot the mask.” Keegan grabbed the mask from her bookshelf, It was a very dramatic looking mask. Meant only to rest over her eyes and cheekbones, it had cat-shaped eyes with spiraling lace that feathered from the corner of each. The base of the mask was burnished gold and covered in intricate black designs. A single small hoop rose from the top of the mask like the crown of a tiara.

  As they walked down the stairs, Keegan holding her mother’s arm for support, Emerald yelled “Check out the princess!”

  Her father looked up from his Macbook when they rounded the corner into the living room. “I think you need to go back up and change into something that doesn’t make you look so...what is the word I’m looking for?” Keegan’s face fell as he paused, but he rubbed his beard and grinned. “Just kidding. You look wonderful, Keegan. It’s hard for me to see you so grown up.”

  “Dad, I’m almost eighteen. You need to let go of the little girl image you have of me.”

  “Never,” he said with a smile.

  “What do you think, Thaddeus?” Keegan glanced over at her brother.

  He was sprawled across the love seat, his feet propped up on one arm and a book open across his chest. Raising an eyebrow, he answered, “You look ugly. However, I’m sure you already know that with your big ego.”

  “Funny.” Keegan swatted him on the shoulder.

  “Ouch. Did you see that mom?”

  The doorbell rang and the four of them yelled in unison, “Come in.”

  “Hey!” Donald called as the front door clicked open. A second later, he appeared in the archway between the foyer and the living room. His tux was black and the vest peeking through the jacket was the exact silver of Keegan’s dress.

  When his bright blue eyes landed on Keegan standing in the middle of the room, he stared. “Wow.” He paused, unable to find any more words, and blushed when the rest of the family laughed. “Sorry, that’s all I can think to say.”

  “Thaddeus, go grab my camera,” Emerald said. “Let’s get some photos of these two together.”

  They spent the next twenty minutes taking photos, some nice and posed and a few goofy ones added at the end for good measure. Keegan smiled thinking about how someday she would look back at the photos and recall a wonderful moment in her life. Photography was the greatest invention.

  “Ok, we really need to get out of here,” Keegan said, waving at her family as she took her boyfriend’s arm. “Come on, Donald. Bye guys, don’t wait up.”

  Richard cleared his throat and stood, looming menacingly over the two of them. “Donald, just because it’s prom night don’t get any ideas in your head.”

  “Of course not. I respect your daughter. You have made it clear as long as she is living under your roof…”

  “If I had my way, I’d lock her up until she was thirty,” Richard said gruffly, scowling.

  Keegan rolled her eyes. “Bye!”

  Her mother yelled out the door as they left. “You forgot your mask.”

  Keegan let go of Donald and ran back inside to grab it. “Thank you. I’d be lost without you.”

  “Yes, you would.” Emerald chuckled.

  Donald held the door open to his mother’s sedan. He gave her a lopsided grin. “I borrowed the good car.”

  After she was settled, he walked around and got in on the driver’s side. In the silence before he started the car, he said softly, “Keegan, you are too stunning for words.”

  “Don’t make me blush,” she replied, her cheeks already heated. Giving him a sideways glance, she said, “You look pretty sexy yourself in that tux. I noticed you couldn’t go without the Chucks. I like it.”

  “Thanks.”

  They stared at each other a moment longer before they met in the middle of the car for a deep kiss. He wrapped one of her curls around his finger as she slid one of her hands across the smooth fabric of his suit jacket. Keegan felt flushed when he finally pulled away, her lips warm. “Let’s get to the hotel before we miss all the fun.”

  Keegan was impressed that they could turn a boring room into a beautiful space for a masquerade ball. Lauren, who had worked tirelessly on the prom committee, must have aimed to make sure everything was perfect.

  As she and Donald walked through the door, confetti was thrown over them and Keegan laughed in delight. They entered beneath an arch of purple, gold, and black balloons with a large, hand painted sign that read “Masquerade” in swirly letters.

  From the ceiling of the ballroom, purple and black sheer cloth draped elegantly, framing a beautiful chandelier of cut glass that was dimmed enough to only cast a little light on the dance floor. Tables of students spread around the area where other kids mingled or danced.

  The band was playing a slow song so she pulled Donald straight to the dance floor.

  “This is amazing.” Keegan laid her head against his chest.

  “Yes, it really is. This has been the best school year for me. I almost wish it didn’t have to end.”

  “I know what you mean.” Keegan pulled him a little tighter.

  After the song was over, Keegan said. “I need to find the girls so I can see them in their dresses.”

  “Sure, I’ll go find the guys and we can meet up in about half an hour.”

  Keegan gave him a quick kiss and hurried off in search of them. People kept stopping her to tell her how much they loved her dress, which made her glow with pride. She finally saw Lauren and Anna together near the punch table.

  “Someone spiked the punch.” Anna handed a cup to Keegan.

  “Awesome. It was probably Spencer or Calvron.” They laughed and downed their drinks. The fruity liquid had a strong taste of alcohol.

  “Where are your dates?” Keegan asked. The two of them had accepted invitations from two guys from their cl
ass.

  Anna giggled, grabbing the spoon and refilling Keegan’s cup as she held it out. “We ditched them.”

  “You ditched them? Why?”

  “Because they were lame.”

  Lauren nodded her agreement, her face hidden behind her cup.

  “I guess that’s a good reason. Give me another.”

  When they all had another drink in hand, Keegan raised her paper cup. “To us magical creatures.”

  The tapped their cups and downed the liquid.

  “Whoa, this stuff is strong.” Anna giggled.

  “You’re cut off.” Lauren took her cup.

  Keegan put an arm around both of their shoulders. “You guys are great. So are you having fun? You both look gorgeous.”

  “Sure, if you call standing by yourself in the corner drinking spiked punch fun,” Lauren mumbled.

  “Well let’s get out there and dance.” Keegan grabbed them and started pulling them along.

  “Hey, I wanted another drink,” Anna complained.

  “Lauren cut you off. Come on.”

  They spent the evening dancing, laughing and having a great time. Eventually, the guys joined them. Everyone cleared a spot for Lauren and Donald to have a dance off. It was a riot.

  After the prom, they all congregated outside in the parking lot.

  “Calvron, I think you should make a magical land for us to hang out in for the evening,” Keegan said, looking over at him expectantly.

  Only Calvron could pull off the blindingly white tuxedo with a baby blue shirt. His shoes had pointy toes that made Keegan giggle. He tapped his chin thoughtfully. “That’s a great idea. It will take me a little while. Let’s all head over to the location and I can get started.”

  “Yay!” Keegan gazed up into Donald’s eyes, smiling. “This will be a prom to remember, that’s for sure.”

  ***

  “It’s ready!” Calvron yelled an hour later, his voice drifting over from the darkness beyond the light of the headlights.