It was a short drive back to Clark’s house. After turning onto Hendryx Street, Clark wiped his forehead as he began to breathe heavily. By now, Melody was well aware of Clark’s nervous condition and tried to be understanding. She wanted him to enjoy himself and have a memorable evening without getting all worked up. In a soothing voice, Melody offered words of encouragement.
“Clark, do I really make you this nervous?” she asked. “Whatever you’re worried about, forget it. I want us to have a good time. Just relax and be yourself.”
“That’s half my problem,” Clark sighed. “I am being myself. You’re not the one making me edgy though, it’s my parents. I’m sure they will find a way to embarrass me.”
Melody laughed. “Clark, they’re parents. They’re supposed to embarrass you. Don’t worry about it.”
“You must think I’m pathetic,” Clark moaned. “I promise to act like a normal person once we get to Zeke’s and I see my friends.”
Clark parallel parked in front of his house, then rushed around the car to open the door for Melody. She accepted his hand and the two of them walked to his front door arm in arm. After Clark opened the door for her, Melody stepped into a small living room and came face to face with the Reynolds family. Clark began the introductions as he shut the front door behind him.
“This is my father, Matthew. This is my mother, Jacklyn, and my sister, Rose Marie. Everyone, this is Melody.”
Melody shook hands as the surprised family stared in awe. In Melody’s opinion, Matthew Reynolds was not a bad looking man. For Clark’s sake, she was glad there was still hope. Judging by their looks of disbelief, Melody assumed correctly that not only was she the first girl Clark had ever brought home, but was in actuality, his first date. Clark’s flabbergasted mother looked as if she could not believe her son had actually pulled it off.
“You’re as beautiful as Clark said you were!” Rose Marie said with widened eyes. “No wonder he went to all those volleyball games.”
“Why, thank you Rose,” Melody said as Clark’s face turned beet red. “What grade are you in?”
“I’m in fifth,” Rose Marie answered proudly.
“We don’t get many celebrities in this house,” Clark’s father pitched in. “I hear you’re quite the renowned athlete.”
“Oh, I don’t know about all that,” Melody answered.
“Melody is just being modest,” Clark assured them. “She almost single-handedly destroyed Paw Paw this year.
The small talk continued for another five minutes, but for Clark it seemed an eternity. As Melody told Mrs. Reynolds where she found her dress and how long it took to do her hair, Rose Marie stood next to Melody. After placing her hand on top of her own head, Rose Marie slid it sideways until the side of her hand touched just above Melody’s elbow. Then, leaving her hand in place, Rose Marie stood back.
“You’re so tall!” Rose Marie exclaimed. “I bet you’re taller than Daddy!”
Melody looked down at her and smiled. “When I was your age, I ate all my vegetables and drank my milk.”
“Are those colored contacts?” Rose Marie asked, pointing at Melody’s face. “I’ve heard about contact lenses that change the color of your eyes. How much did those cost?”
“Rose!” Clark exclaimed.
“These are my real eyes,” Melody explained, still smiling. “I’ve always considered them a blessing.”
“They’re beautiful!” Rose Marie said with admiration. “I wish I had eyes like you. They look like ice cubes!”
Much to Clark’s relief, his father finally appeared with a camera in his hands. “I know you kids want to get going,” he said. “But the relatives would kill me if I did not take some photographs.”
“I want a picture with Melody too!” Rose Marie yelled excitedly.
After having her picture taken with her big brother’s date, Rose stepped aside and watched Melody in silent reverence. Clark stood next to Melody as his father took snapshots inside, and then two more outside. Clark silently prayed they would be in focus, so he could treasure them for the rest of his life.
As Melody shook hands with Mister Reynolds and exchanged final pleasantries with Rose Marie, Clark had a moment alone with his mother. He too had noticed the astonished look on his mother’s face and all he could say was, “I don’t know, Mom. Tonight, I’m with the most beautiful girl in the world and I don’t know why.”
Jacklyn could only smile.
Melody waited patiently by the passenger car door as Clark’s father had some private words with his son. “You get that girl home safe, and on time. I love you, Son. Have a good time.” Upon shaking his father’s hand, Clark felt the cash his father had passed him.
“Dinner’s on me,” he said with a wink.
When they finally pulled away, Clark paid attention to the road as Melody waved to the unbelieving family that remained in the yard to see them off.
“Thank God that’s over,” Clark sighed in relief. “Let’s go have some fun.”
“I am having fun,” Melody said. “You have a lovely family and I’m looking forward to meeting your friends.”
“Oh, you mean the nerd herd?” Clark asked. “Be careful what you wish for.”
After parking at Zeke’s, Clark walked Melody inside the restaurant. He had recognized his friends’ cars in the parking lot, so he already knew he and Melody were the last to arrive. Upon entering, Clark told the man at the door they were with the prom party. Walking briskly, the host led them to a large round table that seated ten. As Clark and Melody approached, all conversation ceased as curious faces turned their way. Before seating her, Clark introduced Melody to the mixed group of five boys and three girls. As jaws dropped and eyes widened, Melody could see this was Clark’s crowd.
Melody recognized their faces from school. They were the misfits, geeks, and outsiders who roamed the campus of Union High under the radar. They were the students that always got picked on but banded together for both protection and company. As Melody sat down, she considered herself to be one of them. Though she had enjoyed her share of popularity as a jock, Melody knew that without volleyball, she was really no different. In fact, because of her secret, she considered herself the biggest oddball of them all.
As dinner and conversation ensued, Melody learned that the girls were not anyone’s date, they just belonged to the group. Clark and his friends talked about obscure science fiction movies, Dungeons & Dragons, and Star Trek; subjects Melody knew nothing about. Clark however, had nothing to worry about. Melody was enjoying herself even if she was a little out of her element. She contributed, to Clark’s great delight, by saying she liked Godzilla movies and the Friday night horror films on channel 54. Everyone at the table wanted their turn to have her attention, even the girls. Melody answered their questions and asked a few of her own. Though Melody still considered herself socially awkward, everyone found her charming and surprisingly friendly.
After dinner, the group left Zeke’s and headed for the Union High campus. As soon as they entered the gymnasium, Clark and his friends insisted they get their pictures taken right away. As they posed for their photo, Melody felt Clark’s sweaty palm on her forearm, but made no mention of it. It was warm inside the gym and she took into consideration his uncomfortable tuxedo. Clark then posed for more photos with his friends. Finally, a group photo, including Melody, was taken. Soon afterward, Melody helped Clark fill out the forms and offered him money so she could have her own copies. Clark would not hear of it and assured Melody he would pay for all the photographs she cared to have.
Melody thought the gym looked beautiful enough to be a real ballroom. Suddenly grateful not to be sitting at home or bagging groceries, she became lost in the moment as she admired her classmates. Melody smiled, sincerely thankful that Clark had asked her. As she gazed dreamily at a large banner that read ‘Hold onto Your Dreams Class of 89’, Melody felt a nudge at her arm. Clark was beside her with a cup in each hand.
“I thought you might like some punch,” he offered.
“Thank you, Clark,” Melody said. “Isn’t it lovely tonight? Thank you for inviting me. I would have missed all this if you hadn’t.”
Clark looked down at his feet, momentarily at a loss for words. He was grateful beyond words to be with Melody. If she had said no, he would not have had the nerve to ask another girl and might have stayed home himself. “I’m glad you’re here too,” he finally managed to say.
Clark’s friends formed a protective circle and kept mostly to themselves, but Melody would not let Clark stay among them for long periods of time. Instead, she took him out onto the dance floor where he was utterly hopeless. However, with her encouragement, he did his best to dance, despite his insecurity. Later, Melody introduced him to Claire who was accompanied by Union High’s second baseman. Throughout the night they mingled together, saying hello to classmates they knew, while ignoring the laughter and strange looks they received from others. Clark would not have objected if Melody danced with other boys, but she politely refused three different proposals. She stuck with Clark throughout the night and never left his side. When the final song was announced, Melody led Clark to an empty spot on the dance floor. She placed Clark’s hands around her waist and put her arms over his shoulders as Journey’s “Open Arms” played. Clark wished the moment could last forever.
***
Clark returned Melody to her house at 11:50. Although he had just experienced the greatest night of his life, he wanted nothing more than to get out of his sweaty tuxedo. He cut the ignition and fiddled with the keys for a moment.
“Melody, would you be honest with me?” he finally asked.
“Of course.”
“Why did you really go to the prom with me?”
“Because you asked me,” Melody answered honestly.
“No, I mean…Well… Was I a pity date?”
Melody smiled at Clark with a hint of sadness in her eyes. “If you really want the truth, Clark, I will tell you. I went with you, because the person I had originally planned to go with, is unavailable.”
“Oh,” Clark mumbled. “I see. A fella you like asked someone else?”
“No, that’s not it,” Melody explained. “I was supposed to be with Becky Valentine tonight.”
Clark raised his head and looked at Melody with a shocked expression. “Becky Valentine? You mean the girl who-”
“Yes,” Melody interrupted. “We were girlfriends and very much in love. She was my world. I wanted prom night to be the beginning of our happily ever after… But she’s gone.”
“I’m sorry, Melody. I had no idea.”
“It’s OK,” Melody continued. “No one knew. We were very discreet. Before she passed, I used to imagine us coming out on prom night. We were so tired of keeping our secret bottled up. I wanted to go to the prom with her so everyone, including my parents, could finally see us for what we were. It was going to be our big surprise before we left for Florida together. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be.”
“I remember Becky,” Clark said. “I had a few classes with her. We never spoke. I’ve never been comfortable talking to girls, but I liked her. She was so different. I guess because she wasn’t from around here. I never would have guessed she was a…”
“Lesbian?” Melody asked. “It’s OK to say. It’s not a dirty word.”
“I don’t see you any differently,” Clark said. “I wish you had gone to the prom with her… Instead, you ended up with me. What a bummer.”
“Now you just hold on right there, Mister Clark Reynolds.” Melody said sternly. “You are a perfect gentleman. I had a lovely time and you showed me a wonderful evening. Except for Becky, I cannot honestly think of anyone I would have rather gone with. This is my first date since I lost her.”
“It is?”
“Yes, and I’m going to tell you something else,” Melody continued. “Do you remember when you asked me?”
Clark nodded.
“You were so scared, I thought you were going to have a heart attack,” Melody teased. “But you went through with it. Even though you barely knew me, you gathered all your courage to ask me to the prom. That’s how you need to live your life, Clark. Take chances, step outside your comfort zone, and do things that make you nervous. Things won’t always work out the way you want them to, but you have to accept that. Sometimes, the girl will say no, but it doesn’t matter. It’s the rush that makes life worth living. Do you understand?”
Clark nodded again but remained silent.
“Life is short, Clark. It’s too short, and it can end anytime, even when we are young and at our happiest. That’s the lesson Becky taught me. I was frightened and confused when I first developed feelings for her. I’m thankful now that I followed my heart and made the most of the time we had together. If I could change anything, I would not have waited. I should have told her I loved her the moment I knew. My heart is still broken, Clark, but at least she died knowing exactly how I felt about her. Sometimes that’s the only thought that holds me together.”
“Thank you, Melody,” Clark said. “That gives me a lot to think about... And don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.”
“I know you won’t, Clark,” Melody said, patting his hand. “You’re going to college soon. There are tons of girls at Michigan State, and I’m sure some will be interested in you. When you see a girl you like, just walk up to her, say hello, and see what happens!”
Clark nodded again but smiled with sincerity.
“Now, would you be so kind as to walk me to my door?” Melody asked.
Clark got out of the car, walked around the hood, opened the door, and took Melody’s hand. After assisting her for the last time, Clark led Melody up the walkway. They did not speak again until they reached the front door. The porch light had been left on for them.
“Thank you again for tonight,” Clark said, facing her. “I will not embarrass myself by telling you how much this all meant to me. I will never forget it.” He then wiped his palm on his pants and extended his hand for a goodnight handshake.
Melody placed her hands on the sides of Clark’s face, bent her head down, and kissed him fully on the lips. When she finished, Clark backed away in astonishment.
“You thought you were going home without a kiss?” Melody asked. “It’s prom night!”
ns 15.158.61.54da2
