“Well,” Maya began, “I’m sure it’s felt like forever, waiting for this. First, allow me to announce the candidates. When your name is called, please come onto the stage.”

“Finally,” Ophelia muttered again.

“Tiffani Royale…”

“About time,” Tiffani muttered, hurrying up to the stage.

“Sherrie Aldrich…”

Sherrie strode up to the stage, head held high, a smirk on her face.

“Emily Desjardin…”

“Oh God, this is it,” Emily whispered, making her way to the stage and trying not to trip over her skirt.

“Ophelia Foley…”

“Let’s just get this over with,” Ophelia muttered.

“AJ Desjardin…”

“Whatever. I’m going to lose anyway,” AJ mumbled.

“And Lyle Robbins.”

Lyle grinned and stepped onto the stage.

“This year’s a big deal,” Maya continued, “because the winner for Prom Queen received only one vote more than the person who is first runner-up.” She slowly opened the envelope. “The moment of truth,” she said, carefully unfolding the paper inside. She peered at the page, and a frown briefly appeared on her face, before she plastered a big false grin on her face and announced, “This year’s Prom King is Lyle Robbins, and this year’s Prom Queen is Sherrie Aldrich!”


Ophelia, Emily, Tiffani, AJ, and Maya made their way off the stage while Lyle and Sherrie posed for pictures. Ophelia and Emily headed over to the refreshment table for punch, followed by several students, who appeared to be consoling them. AJ glanced over at Maya, who was scowling at the paper.

“You must be really ticked about the results?” he said to her.

“Like you wouldn’t believe,” Maya replied. “One damn vote.”


Ophelia sighed and leaned against the wall, peering out the window. So, that’s it, she thought. The popular people have won again. I haven’t made any changes, any impact. All that, for nothing. Whatever, though, right? Did it even matter in the long run?

Emily opened the door, looking for a trash can. She grinned when she saw a person standing right outside the door. “Hey… hey, Lia,” Emily said, nudging her friend. “Someone’s here for you.”

“Who is it?” Ophelia asked.


Cy stepped into the room and grinned. “I told you I’d try to make it,” she said.

Ophelia laughed and hugged Cy tightly. “You know, I’m really happy to see you right now,” she replied. “How about driving me and Em and a few other people to IHOP?”

“Sounds good.”


“So…” AJ said slowly. “Who would have won?”

Maya sighed and handed him the paper. AJ read the paper and gasped. “Seriously?” he asked.

“Yeah. You can tell her, if you think it’ll make her feel better.”

AJ looked across the room, where Ophelia, Emily, and Cy were talking excitedly. Ophelia was radiant with joy. “No,” he replied, folding the paper and returning it to Maya. “I think she’s already got everything she needs to be happy already.”