The Prom

The Prom

B.E. Smith

Lamar Ranked in the National Top 1% for Most Challenging High Schools.
In its latest list of America’s Most Challenging High Schools for 2017, The Washington Post lists Lamar High School at rank 152. This ranking places Lamar not only in the top 1% of all high schools nationally, but also as one of the highest ranking comprehensive high schools in Texas.

“Hi Debby, this is Vince Maires.”
“Hi Vince, you’ve never called me before. What’s up?”
“Well, I know it is still six months till our prom, but I wanted to talk to you about that.”
“OK”
“I wonder if you would consider going to the prom with me.”
“Don’t you think it’s a bit early? And besides you and I have never dated before. Why would I commit to going to the prom with you six months in advance?”

“We are competing to be the valedictorian. We would make a nice couple,”

“I expect that I will get that honor. You will have to settle with being the Salutatorian.”
“Don’t count your chickens before they hatch,” said Vince.
“You’re right; it is competitive. I just expect that I will win the competition.”
“Not only are you smart, but you are the prettiest girl in our class. You may even be the prettiest girl in America. We would make a nice couple.”
“You already said that. But frankly, you’re not too bad yourself.”
“That’s what I mean. Where are you going to college? Or are you going to college?”

“Of course, I am going to college. I am going to Harvard if I get accepted. Where are you going?”
“I am headed for Cal Tech if they accept me. Otherwise Rice. Not too shabby either.”
“I can go to the prom with you, subject to one condition.”
“What would that be?”

“No sex.”
“Do you kiss?
“Yes, we can kiss, but you need to keep your hands to yourself.”
“You may be the only girl in the class that would put that kind of condition on an invitation to the prom.”
“Maybe, but that’s it for me.”
“OK, let’s put it on our schedule. What are you going to wear?”

“I haven’t decided yet. It is six months away, or didn’t you already know that?”
“I am wearing a white Dinner Jacket with paisley cummerbund and bow tie.”
“Maybe I will wear a white three-quarter length strapless.”
“That sounds nice but sexy. Are you sure you want to look that enticing?”
“I want to look as good as you do.”
“I will send you an orchid corsage, if that is ok with you?”
“That would be beautiful. You seemed to have this all planned out.”

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while. Jim Seyler and Dick Wheeler and I are thinking about renting a cottage down at Galveston South Beach. We would change and drive there after the dance.”

“Do you drink?”
“Yes, I will drink white wine but not too much and no pot.”
“Ok, I drink white wine too and don’t use pot.”
“I wanted to get you to come over in the afternoon before the prom and help me bake a cake.”
“Bake a cake, what on earth is that about?”
“I was thinking of a chocolate cake with a soufflé filling. It’s pretty hard to make. Are you up to that kind of challenge?”
“I can make an outstanding chocolate cake.”

“You can change for the dance at my house. My parents will be home so you will be safe from any sexual advances I might attempt.”
“OK, that’s good with me.”
“About 2 p..m. ok? I will pick you up and bring you over to the house, and I will purchase all the ingredients for the cake before you get here.”
“All right. That’s a date. I have it on my calendar. And you better not stand me up. That’s the most important date of the year.”
“I will be there and I will bring some condoms just in case you change your mind.”

“Bye.”