My dad stands in the living room with me, smiling.

“Nervous?” He asks me.

“No. It’s just prom, dad.” I reply. I roll my eyes to joke with him and we both smile.

“Sure, but you’re going with Autumn.” He says.

“Dad, we’re just friends. Why does everyone think we’re dating? Just because Sidney and I broke up does not mean I’m dating Autumn.” I groan.

It’s been a some months since Autumn’s first date and my break up with Sidney. I’ve really been focusing on Autumn, making sure she’s always all right and safe. We barely leave each other’s side, not like we left it much before. I’ve also been waiting for a time to tell her how I feel. But, I don’t want to push her or scare her away, especially not after that night. I was hoping that tonight I’ll be able to have the balls to tell her.

Autumn and my mom walk into the living room from my parent’s room and like I found myself doing a few months ago, my jaw drops. We’re getting closer to our eighteenth birthdays and Autumn gets more beautiful with each day.

“Oh, look at you two, all eighteen and grown up, going to prom. In a few months you’ll be off at college.” My mom says as Autumn walks over to me.

Autumn and I smile at her.

“College isn’t that far away.” Autumn says.

“Oh, I know…” Mom sighs and smiles. “Do ya’ll have your camping gear and everything?” She asks.

“Yep. It’s all loaded into dad’s truck.” I say.

After prom, we’re heading out to camp with Cal, Aron, Annie, and Carly. Annie’s uncle owns a cabin on the outskirts of Riverview. So, I guess it technically isn’t camping, but an out-of-the-city experience, not that Hidden Springs is that much of a city.

The limo honks from outside.

“Alright mom, we’re leaving.” I smile. She smiles and pulls both of us into a hug.

“We love ya’ll. Have fun and be safe.” Dad says.

“We will be.” Autumn smiles, then turns to walk out with me.

********************

Music blares through the speakers as we finish dinner. As the dance floor fills up with people Autumn grabs my hand and I feel warmth begin to radiate through me from her touch. Cal and Carly move onto the dance floor while Aron and Annie stay at the table. A slow dance comes on and I look to Autumn.

“Would you like to dance?” I ask her, smiling.

“Oh, sure.” She blushes and follows me to the dance floor.

I pull her close and gently wrap her hand in mine. She leans in to me and lets her head rest on my shoulder. I close my eyes and smile, cherishing this moment. Maybe she doesn’t feel like I do, and that’s okay. But I’ll enjoy every moment with her that I can.

The fabric of her dress is smooth under my fingertips. It clings to her figure and the warmth of her body can be felt through it. I feel her body exhale and strand of her hair tickle my cheek.

I pull away a little, the words I’ve been wanting to say ready to spill from my mouth. She looks at me, confused.

“Oh, hello.” I hear and look up to see the source. Sidney. I feel Autumn tense against me.

“Go away.” I say, not wanting to deal with her.

“Excuse me? I’m the head of the committee that set this whole thing up.” She sneers.

Autumn stays tense in my arms, not letting go and not looking at Sidney. Apparently, after the date thing Sidney cornered Autumn in the bathroom and teased her about it. She won’t tell me exactly what happened and has been afraid of Sidney ever since.

“We got a dance. Can we just go?” Autumn mumbles next to my ear.

Cal and Aron are watching nearby with their dates, old friends and cheerleaders with Sidney. Luckily they weren’t as mean as she was.

“Sure.” I tell Autumn, giving her a reassuring smile. I turn, keeping Autumn close to me, and begin to head towards the group and the doors.

“Oh, leaving so soon?” Sidney calls mockingly.

We ignore her and head outside. Cal lets out a whoop and smiles.

“Let’s head to the cabin and get this party started!” He yells. We all laugh and make our way to our vehicles.