Back in the spring of 1991, in the small Kentucky village of Paris, there lived a young woman by the name of Eveline Green who was blessed with looks that would turn any guy’s head. Even as a child, this golden haired little girl was called pretty, but she truly transformed when she turned 13 and got her boobs. Her momma told her that her beauty was both a blessing and a curse—a girl like her had to be careful not to attract the wrong type of guy. Eveline’s problem was that she liked the wrong type of guy.

On a Thursday afternoon, in the spring of their senior year, she and her best friend, Lynn Wagner, decided to drive after school the 20 miles to Lexington to go window shopping for prom dresses. Lynn whipped her brand-new, blue Corvette out of the school parking lot, and they sped away.

“Can we stop at the Dairy Queen first? It’s so hot and muggy,” Eveline said, checking her face in the mirror.

Lynn said, “I suppose we could stop—” but suddenly broke off as she smacked the horn. “Hey, Brandon!” she yelled, flailing her arm out the open window.

“Don’t, don’t,” Eveline hissed, poking her in the ribs.

“Why? Brandon really likes you,” she said as they passed him, taking another look at him in the side mirror. “I think he wants to ask you to the prom.”

Eveline thought Brandon was nice and all. She had known him, of course, forever, but she hadn’t stopped hoping that it would be Gene Withrow who would ask her to the Senior Prom.

“You’re impossible, Eveline,” Lynn said, chewing her gum faster as she sped up. “Just ask him. If you wait too long, you won’t have a date at all. You’re Homecoming Queen, for God’s sake.”

Eveline rolled her eyes. It annoyed her that Lynn would dare suggest that she could be without a date for the prom. The Corvette swerved into the Dairy Queen parking lot.

“Eveline, could you buy me a Coke? I’ll get you back.”

“Sure, I suppose,” she sighed, shaking her head. It was irksome how many times Lynn had made that promise. 

Lynn smiled, bounding from the car and skipping spritely toward the door. But before they reached it, a muscular, tattooed arm pushed it open from the inside, holding it for two smaller guys who were walking out. 

“Hey, Rodger!” giggled Lynn excitedly to the owner of the arm. “Remember me?”

Rodger was a tall, bulky brute, older than the girls by probably 10 years. He turned and cocked his head. Half of his dark brown mullet brushed the border where his AC/DC muscle shirt met the rest of his shoulder. “Ain’t you Todd’s little sister?” he said with a squint.

“Yeah, but I ain’t that little anymore,” she said. “I’ll be eighteen in three months.”

“Well, I guess you think you’re all grown up, then,” he teased. “So who’s your friend?”

“I’m Eveline,” she said, trying to look unimpressed and twirling a lock of hair around her finger.

Rodger smiled. “How come I ain’t seen you before?” he said, with a wink.

Eveline was speechless at the directness of a grown man. She blushed and stood with her mouth hanging open.

“She was Paris High Homecoming Queen this year,” volunteered Lynn.

“Hey Rodge, we gotta get going,” yelled his nervous friend with the bad teeth. He stood shrugging his shoulders glaring at Rodger with his jaw clenched.

“Yeah, later girls.” Rodger said winking back at Eveline. The girls heard him cussing at his friends as they walked away.

“So who’s this Rodger guy?” Eveline asked.

“Oh, he’s just a friend of my brother. They used to get into trouble a lot.”

“Oh yeah? I think he’s hot.”

“You would,” said Lynn smirking.

Chapter 2

That following Monday afternoon, just after school, Lynn’s car came to a screeching halt beside the curb in front of the Green’s home. It was a modest suburban colonial on the outskirts of town. Eveline jumped out, waved goodbye, and ran to the door. Her younger brother, Jason, met her, shirtless, eating a popsicle. “Eveline, some stupid boy called tonight wanting to talk to you,” he said licking at the syrup that dripped onto his hand.

“Who was it? You get his number?” she yelled, getting up in his face with her hands on her hips.

“Uh, I dunno. He said he’d call back later.”

“Ugh, I can’t believe you didn’t ask his name,” she said rolling her eyes. “You’re a dick.” She brushed past his lanky, hairless torso glaring with a sneer.

“And you’re in trouble. Mom’s looking for you,” he grinned.

She stormed into the kitchen slapping her book bag on the counter. Her mom, who was putting away dishes, turned around with a snarled gaze. She held up her left wrist tapping it with her index finger.

“Eveline, where’ve you been? You were supposed to be home hours ago,” she hollered, planting her hands on her waist, and nodding a scowling face that looked like a more weathered version of her daughter, flushed with a wisp of brown hair falling across her eye.

Eveline cocked her head and sighed. “I was out with Lynn. We went to Lexington to look at prom dresses. I told you last night we were going.” she said standing with righteous indignation.

“No, I don’t remember anything like that. You were supposed to be looking for prom dresses last week. You know you aren’t supposed to be out this late on a school night.”

“Oh Jesus, Mom! I’ll be eighteen in two months. I don’t need to be told what to do.”

“Don’t you get smart with me, young lady,” she said pointing. “As long as you live under this roof, you’re gonna live by our rules. And don’t be rolling your eyes at me.”

“Ugh! Okay, but it’s really stressful right now.” Eveline turned away and sat down at the table. She put her elbows on the table and placed her head in her hands. “I got assigned this stupid book report that’s due next week and I still ain’t got a date for the prom. Jason said some guy called, but he didn’t ask him for a name or number.”

“That’s still no excuse for being late, but I do remember what it was like being your age.” Her mother walked over and placed her hand on Eveline’s shoulder. “I’m sure he’ll call back. If he doesn’t, maybe you can be the one to ask a boy to be your date.”

“Jesus,  Mom!” she gasped, “I shouldn’t have to ask. I was Homecoming Queen for God’s sake,” she said clenching her jaw. 

“What about Brandon?” she said bending down to look into Eveline’s face buried under her hair. “He’s a nice boy. Hasn’t he asked you yet?”

Eveline sat up scrunching her face, she took a big breath, and forcibly exhaled “No, I like Jason, but I was hoping Gene would ask me.”

“Oh, well If you wait too long, the boy you want to go with will be taken.”

Eveline’s jaw dropped as she put her hand to her forehead looking towards the ceiling, “Aghhh.” She stood and turned away in a huff.

“Supper’s in the oven. We had meatloaf,” Her mom said, going back to the dishes.

Eveline clenched her fists and growled, but considered her mom’s words. She sulked back toward the oven, took the plate from it, and as she sat down, the phone rang.

“Eveline! It’s for you!” said Jason yelling from the TV room.

She ran to the phone all giddy. “Hello?”

“Uh yeah, is this Eveline? said a timid male voice. “This is Brandon.” 

“Oh, hi Brandon,” she said rolling her eyes.

“I was just calling… to ask if you would like to go to the prom with me.”

She hesitated, “You know…I’d love to go with you, Brandon, but I already have a date that night. Thanks for asking, though.”

“Uh, well that’s okay. You have a good night, Eveline,” he said sounding disappointed.

“You too, Brandon,” she said, hanging up the phone. Eveline looked up at her mom standing by the door, shaking her head in disgust.

Eveline harrumphed,“I’m gonna ask Gene tomorrow,” she said evading her mom’s gaze and slinking towards the kitchen.

Chapter 3

The next morning, Eveline donned her low-cut red dress, exposing some cleavage and too much thigh. She knew her mom wouldn’t approve, so Eveline concealed it under a sweater. She spent an hour curling her hair and perfecting her make-up. As she stood staring in the mirror, she marveled at her confident white smile. If only her breasts were just a bit bigger, she thought, pushing up her boobs. She entertained fantasies of Gene being so smitten by her looks that he’d be compelled to ask her to the prom. It irked her why he hadn’t asked her yet.

“Eveline, come on down. Your breakfast is getting cold,” her mom yelled.

She made one last check in the mirror checking every detail. She grabbed her sweater and was putting it on as she walked down the stairs. 

Brandon stood at the base of the stairs and snickered, “You wearing that to school?”

“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” she sneered.

“Nothing, unless you’re a hooker,” he snickered again. “Mom won’t let you wear that.”

When Eveline walked into the kitchen, their mom gazed at Eveline suspiciously and raised an eyebrow . “Eveline, you’re not wearing that to school. Now go right back upstairs and change.”

“But Mom, all the girls dress like this,” she said, stamping her foot and waving her thin arms. Besides, I’ll be wearing this sweater over top.”

“Sorry, but you ain’t wearing that dress to school. I ain’t arguing with you. You go right back upstairs and change into something more reasonable,” her mom said grabbing her arm and leading her towards the stairs.

“Aughhhh!” she screamed running back upstairs. She took it off and shoved it in her purse. She changed into a more practical one with the intent of changing back in the girl’s restroom at school.

It wasn’t long before Lynn pulled up and blew her horn. Eveline grabbed her purse and rushed outside, slamming the door behind her. She slung open the passenger door and plopped down in the front seat.

“What’s wrong? You look pissed off,” said Lynn.

“Mom made me take off my red dress. She said it looked too skimpy. I brought it anyway. Got it right here in my purse.” 

“You plan to ask Gene to the prom?”

“Yes, I guess I have to now. Someone called last night, but stupid Jason didn’t ask his name. I’m so mad.”

When they arrived at school, Eveline snuck off to the restroom to change into her red dress. Gene stood by his locker wearing his black and orange varsity jacket, his hands on his hips facing his his jock friends. Eveline waved at Gene, he smiled and waved back. 

“I’ll see you in class,” said Lynn walking away.

“I’ll be right there.” She strutted over towards Gene and noticed his friends staring at her with a hungry look. “Do you guys mind if I talk to Gene alone?” she said putting her hand on her hip and flicking her hair. They snickered and walked off to class.

“Hi Gene,” she said batting her eyes. 

“I tried to call you last night, but Jason said you hadn’t got home from school. I called to ask if you’d go to the prom with me,” said Gene shuffling his feet and staring at the ground.

“You did?” she said coyly. “Jason wouldn’t tell me who called.”

“I talked to Brandon after that and he said that you already had a date for the prom. So I uh, asked Donna Jo,” he said shrugging his shoulders and cocking his head.

Eveline’s eyes grew wide and her eyebrows furrowed.“You did what?” she screeched. “You can just tell her no! I was going to call you back last night, but Jason wouldn’t tell me who called,” she said as her face contorted. The students stopped and turned towards the commotion.

“I can’t cancel on Donna Jo. It would hurt her feelings, especially since I asked her first,” he said staring at the ground. Crowds of students gathered in a circle around them. Some of the guys started to chuckle.

“I can’t fuckin believe this! You asked Donna Jo without actually talking to me first? Unfuckinbelievable!”she screeched, storming off towards the restroom. Tears ran down her cheeks. She ducked into a stall and sat crying silently. She didn’t want anyone to see her tears. She was furious at Brandon for telling Gene. 

Later that morning in History class, Mr Pitt, was discussing the Vietnam War, the Gulf of Tonkin incident, and the use of propaganda. He was a tall, lean, nellie man in his fifties with a goatee and tweed jacket. He paced across the floor, his head held aloft by his overly starched collar, calling upon unsuspecting students. Eveline stared out the window looking forlorn, wondering what she was going to do about finding a date for the prom.

Mr Pitt stood directly in front of Eveline’s desk. “Would you care to tell us what you know about The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, Eveline, and how it led to the escalation to war,” asked Mr Pitt cocking his head to the side waiting for an answer.

Eveline snapped out of her daze. All eyes were upon her, eager to hear her reply. “Uh, I really wasn’t paying attention, Mr Pitt, I’ve had a lot on my mind lately.”

“Would you care to expand on that Miss Green? Tell us what is more important than paying attention in our class,” he said looking out the window with his fingers pulling at his goatee. 

Eveline was put in the spotlight. She gulped and looked across the aisle. Gene shrugged his shoulders, and in the front row, miss smarty pants Darcy and her mousy friend Linda had turned around and were glaring at her. “As seniors we’re focused on the prom, graduation, and college applications. There’s only two weeks left and most seniors don’t care about their classes now. I doubt that we’ll ever use this information ever again once we graduate,” she said looking around seeking approval.

Mr Pitt nodded his head as he slowly walked down the aisle. “Hmm, profound. I think you brought up an important point, Miss Green. Public apathy, this is how the government uses people to take us into wars, to rob people of their civil rights and convince them to do things they would not normally agree to. It was this apathy that allowed our government to spread propaganda to make them fear the Communist threat. This is what brought us into the Vietnam War that killed thousands of innocent young men as well as citizens over there. Thank you Miss Green for your enlightening take on the topic,” he said in a sarcastic touché. 

The other kids burst into laughter. Eveline slumped with her head down staring at her hands. She managed to compose herself, but her fury left her unable to concentrate. 

During lunch, Eveline sat at a table by herself. Lynn spied her across the room, grabbed her tray, and rushed to her side. “Eveline, why are you sitting here by yourself?”

Eveline rolled her eyes and sighed, retelling the melodramatic details to her wide-eyed friend.

“It’s not Brandon’s fault. Can’t you ask some other boy?” Lynn said putting her arm on Eveline’s shoulder.

Eveline’s eyes filled with rage, “No, the only boys left are the geeks and nerds. Ughh! forget it,” she said, shaking her head and looking down at her lunch. Eveline stood, grabbed her tray and bolted towards the trash can where she slammed the tray on the counter beside it. Lynn got up and followed her.

Eveline ran outside the double doors towards the empty bleachers and sat staring out upon the playing field. Lynn sat beside her and put her arm around her shoulder, pulling her close, “Don’t worry, you’ll find someone hot to take you to the prom. I actually have a hot looking cousin who goes to Bourbon County High. I’ll ask him if he’ll go with you. He’s on the football team.”

Eveline looked up wiping away tears and mascara, “Do you really think he’ll go?” she said smiling.

“Sure, we grew up together. We were good friends as kids. I’ll ask him to call you tonight,” said Lynn.

“If he is a good looking guy, does he have a girlfriend?”

“I don’t think so. He never talks about girls much. Mostly just football and hunting.”

Eveline composed herself and went back to her classes feeling a bit more hopeful. A sexy boy from another school might just make Gene jealous she thought. That would teach him to ask some other girl.

Chapter 4

That night during dinner, Eveline sat patiently by the phone. Around seven pm the phone rang and Eveline raced to answer it first. 

“Hello, uh is this Eveline? This is Pete Wolfenbarger. My cousin Lynn said you needed a date to the prom.”

“Hi Pete, Yes I do need a date. So you really on the football team?”

“Yes, is that a problem?”

“No, not at all. In fact I think that is very cool. The prom is this coming Saturday. I’ll give you directions. Could you pick me up at seven?”

“Sure, Eveline looking forward to it. No need to give me directions. I’ll be driving Lynn and her date as well. She knows where you live. See you then.”

“Bye, Pete,” she said hanging up the phone feeling elated. She wondered what Pete looked like, but Lynn had assured her that he was a total stud. 

She waltzed into the kitchen whistling some tune. Her mother looked around as she loaded the dishwasher and eyed her suspiciously. “So was that the boy who was going to ask you to the prom?”

“It was and I said yes. I have a date to the prom.”

“So how well do you know this boy? Does he have good grades? Is he nice? Do you know anything about this boy?”

“He is Lynn’s cousin, he’s on the football team and Lynn says he is really hot.”

Her mother put her hands on her hips and cocked her head. “Is that all you think about, whether a boy is popular and hot? You are in for a world of hurt young lady if that is the only basis by which you choose to date boys. I want to meet this boy before the prom. You call that boy up and have him come by and meet me and your father. You understand me, Eveline?”

“Yes, mother,” she said rolling her eyes. 

 Chapter 5

The next day at school, Eveline was in a much better mood. Her confidence had returned as she strutted down the hallway. She knew that guys stared at her with lust in their eyes and that other girls envied her looks. For girls like Eveline, being beautiful was both a blessing and a curse. She never really had to work as hard as other girls. She was easily picked to be a cheerleader over more athletic girls. In general, teachers didn’t grade the popular kids as harshly as the other kids, especially when they played on a team sport or was a cheerleader. But the curse was that she never really learned to do much on her own.

Brandon approached her several times during the day, but she pretended to be in a hurry. It was known that Brandon had had a crush on her ever since middle school. She liked Brandon, but not the same way he liked her. It made her uncomfortable, but she didn’t want to hurt his feelings. She wished for the days when they were just childhood friends, but puberty had changed all that.

Eveline met Lynn in homeroom and said that she couldn’t go until her family met Pete in person first. Lynn said she’d ask Pete to stop by her house later that night.

Halfway through lunch, Lynn left to go to study for a final test when Melody, Sue, and Donna Jo, fellow cheerleaders who worked on the prom committee, sat at the table beside her.

“So Eveline, who’s taking you to the prom?” said Melody Smoot, the head cheerleader.

“Lynn’s cousin, Pete, who goes to Bourbon County High. He’s on the football team. You probably don’t know him.”

“You mean Pete Wolfenbarger? The veterinarian’s son?” said Sue Clarke all excited.

“Uh yeah, do you know him?” Eveline said shocked.

“He’s like the hottest guy on the team, duh. All the girls have been after him. I’m impressed,” said Sue. “Not only is he good looking, but he is rich too. He lives on a horse farm.”

“We assumed you’d be going with Gene. I hope you don’t mind that Gene asked me to the prom,” said Donna Jo looking for a response.

“No, that’s okay,” Eveline said smiling but trying to contain her rage boiling beneath the surface. Eveline struggled to remain calm and eat her lunch, but giving her blessing to Donna Jo was too much. “Well, see you all in class,” she said getting up from the table only half eating her lunch. She dumped her tray, rushed outside and sat on the bleachers alone and cried. 

Later that day while the Green Family was eating dinner, a shiny, black Camaro parked in front of the Green’s home. Jason ran to the window and looked out. 

“Hey there’s some tall dude coming towards the door,” he said peeking through the venetian blind. 

Eveline jumped up from the table all excited and wiped her face with a napkin. “I bet that’s Pete.” The doorbell rang and Jason opened the door.

“Is Eveline here?” Pete said nervously.

“Yeah, I’ll go…” Jason said being cut off as Eveline pushed her way in front of him.

Eveline’s mouth dropped open and formed a big smile as she gazed upwards at the strikingly handsome man that stood before her. At nearly 6’3” Pete had dark brown hair buzzed on the sides and deep blue eyes. He was thickly built wearing a maroon and gold varsity jacket that said Bourbon County High Colonels.

“Hi, are you Eveline?” he asked, smiling.

“Yes, come on in and have a seat. My parents are just finishing dinner.”

She led Pete to the living room and sat down on the couch beside him. He looked around nervously with his hands folded in his lap. “So you’re Eveline. Lynn is always telling me about you and how you two are best friends.”

“Yeah, we’ve been best friends since second grade,” she said, batting her eyes. “I think it’s so cool that you play football.”

“I play full back on the team and compete in the hammer throw during track and field, but most of the time I like to go hunting and fishing with friends,” he said fumbling with his hands.

There was an awkward silence when Eveline’s parents entered the room.

“Howdy, young man. I’m Derek, Eveline’s father and this is Eveline’s mother, Samantha. We have been curious to meet the guy who’s taking Eveline to the prom. So tell us a little about yourself. Where do you live and who are your parents?”

Pete and Eveline’s dad talked on and on. Eveline sat staring at Pete in a daze. She couldn’t believe how incredibly handsome and tall he was. She was giddy with excitement. After a half hour or so had passed, Pete announced that he had to get back home and check on one of their horses that was pregnant. Pete thanked them for inviting him over and shook Eveline’s father’s hand as he walked out the door. As Pete was getting in the car and driving away, Eveline said, “So what did you guys think of Pete?”

“I must say that he seems like a very responsible young man and he seems to be from a very well-to-do family,” said her father.

“I think he’s dreamy,” said Eveline, beaming.

“So Mom, is it okay if Pete takes me to the prom?”

“Yes, I don’t see why not. Just keep your wits about you.”

After talking to her mom about prom preparations, Eveline dialed Lynn’s number.

“Hey Lynn its me Eveline. Pete just left. Oh my God! You were right. He’s better than I could have imagined. Gene’s going to be so jealous when he gets a look at Pete,” said Eveline all excited. “Hell, maybe he might want to see me afterwards.”

“You’re welcome Eveline. So you happy now that you finally have a date?”

“Oh hell yeah! Maybe it was a good thing I waited. Thanks so much for asking your cousin. So why did Pete decide to go to the prom with me, if he can have any girl he wants? He hadn’t even met me before. I can’t believe he doesn’t have a girlfriend.”

“Eveline, I think there’s something you should know about Pete that I didn’t tell you,” she said sounding nervous.

Eveline’s heart sank. “What is it Lynn. I knew this was too good to be true. Is he in trouble with the law? Does he have another girlfriend?”

“It’s nothing bad really. Pete’s gay. Don’t worry he isn’t out and no one else knows except me and his boyfriend.”

“Boyfriend? Who’s his boyfriend? Do I know him?”

“If I tell you, you must promise not to tell anyone, okay? It’s Alex Turner,” said Lynn.

“Oh my God! Alex- the same guy who plays football with Gene- is gay? But isn’t he your date to the prom?”

“Yes, that’s why Pete got all excited when I suggested he ask you. Are you okay Eveline? I know I should have told you sooner.”

“Yeah, Its fine I guess. I am a bit disappointed, but at least when Gene sees me with Pete, he’ll be jealous as hell. He deserves it anyway for asking Donna over me. Thanks so much Lynn. You’re the best friend ever.”

Chapter 6

On Friday morning Eveline stood in the hallway opening her locker when Brandon walked up behind her.

“Eveline, who asked you to the prom?  Do I know him?” he said raising an eyebrow.

His name’s Pete Wolfenbarger, he’s Lynn’s cousin. He’s a really nice guy and goes to Bourbon County High. Who are you going with?”

“I asked Kate Plummer, but she had to cancel because her Grandma died and they had to go to Louisville for the funeral. I couldn’t find any other girl to go with so I asked my sister. It’s my own fault. I really wanted to go with you Eveline, but I waited too long. I should have known that you’d have a date early,” Brandon said shrugging his shoulders. “Hey but would you save me a dance, Eveline?”

“Uh, sure Brandon, of course,” she said, feeling guilty. “I’ll see you there.”

“Awesome, looking forward to it,” Brandon smiled and strutted down the hall. He’d been her friend since elementary school and she knew he always had a crush on her. The little red headed kid with glasses who was the butt of jokes. But since the tenth grade he grew taller and became a rather handsome boy. He just didn’t become part of the popular crowd. She shook her head and sighed trying to put the thought from her mind.

Lynn ran up to her in the hallway as she walked to homeroom. “Eveline wait up!” she yelled. “Aren’t you excited about tomorrow night? I talked to Pete and he rented a limo for all of us. And then there is this after-party at the country club. It’s going to be so awesome,” she said beaming.

“Yeah, that sounds great,” Eveline said half smiling.

“What’s wrong? You don’t seem very happy. What happened?”

“This whole thing feels fake. The only reason I’m going, is to try and make Gene jealous and to put on some show. I would’ve been better off going with Brandon.”

“Feeling regrets, huh? It’s just a dance. We can hang out with whoever we want once we get there. The point is to just have fun.”

“You’re right. It’s just a stupid dance. And I’m going to show up with one of the hottest guys there. People will be impressed.”

“That’s the spirit. It’s gonna be so much fun,” said Lynn tossing her hair and smiling.

Chapter 7

On the day of the prom, Eveline’s mom was all excited. Eveline tried on her new, low-cut, red charmeuse prom dress and stood looking at herself in the mirror. It fit perfectly.  Her mom walked in and said, “Eveline you look absolutely stunning in that dress.”

“You really think so, Mom? I want everything to be perfect.”

“Honey, not many girls look as pretty as you do, and I’m not just saying that because I’m your mother. I never looked that good at your age. Any guy would be proud to be seen with you. Now hold your head up and smile. Today is your day to shine. Now change clothes because I’m gonna take you to the stylist to have your hair done up right.” 

Eveline and her mother arrived at the stylist around 1pm. As they walked in the door, Eveline noticed two other girls from her class getting their hair cut. Darcy Evans was a short, fat, smart kid with long, brown hair .Her friend, Linda Brown, was slightly taller and thin with strawberry blond hair. She wore glasses and had an overbite which made Eveline think she looked like a rabbit. Being that they weren’t one of the popular kids, Eveline knew hardly anything about them, but they knew of Eveline. 

“Hi Eveline. So who’s taking you to the prom?” asked Darcy looking up and smirking.

“Pete Wolfenbarger, he’s a boy that goes to Bourbon County High.”

“Oh yeah? I thought you were supposed to be going with Gene Withrow,” she said, raising an eyebrow. The two girls looked at each other and giggled between themselves. 

Eveline rolled her eyes and pursed her lips. “Gene had his chance. He waited too long. Pete asked me first. He lives on a horse farm going towards Lexington. His dad’s a veterinarian. He rented a limo and everything,” she said, bragging.

“Ooh, sounds fancy,” said Darcy. They both snickered to themselves again. Eveline was fuming inside. They’re just jealous she thought.  

A stylist with dark hair teased high on her head told Eveline to take a seat. Eveline’s mom started talking to one of the stylists in the back room. 

“So you have any particular style in mind?” asked the woman. “I have a booklet you can look through if you want.”

While she was looking through a catalog she looked up and saw that rough looking man she’d met the week before at the Dairy Queen named Rodger. He was standing out front wearing his cut-off muscle shirt, dirty jeans and a bandana around his long hair. He wore some bad-ass tattoos on his big arms that made him look like a biker. He seemed to be in his late twenties, but his goofy friends seemed to be a bit younger, she thought. 

“Find anything that interests you?” the woman asked.

“I think I want the ends evened up, a perm to give it a slight curl and a couple of french braids added here like in this picture,” she said. 

Rodger leaned against the side of his car smoking a cigarette. Eveline caught him winking at her a few times as he glanced towards the shop. She pretended as if she didn’t see, but once he caught her and she smiled, giving herself away.

The stylist started cutting Eveline’s hair as her mom walked out of the back room. “What sort of cut are you getting Eveline?”

She held up a magazine and pointed to a picture of Alicia Silverstone. “Oh that looks great.”

The two other girls having their hair permed and teased stood up and paid up front. “See you tonight, Eveline,” they giggled, exiting the shop. 

As they walked past Rodger, he made a face and said, “Moo!” His buddies laughed as the girls rushed past them. Eveline smiled feeling somewhat vindicated.

Halfway through the haircut, Rodger and his friends hopped in his car as he revved the engine. Eveline looked up and he gave her a quick wink and peeled out onto the road. 

“Those boys are a nuisance. They park and hang out all day disturbing my customers,” said the woman cutting her hair. 

“Do you know them?” asked Eveline.

“The oldest one’s that damned Workman boy. His dad was John Workman. Mean as shit he was. He was always getting arrested for being a drunkard and beating his wife. But she always bailed the bastard out. I kinda feel sorry for Rodger because he turned out the way he did.”

“I heard he got caught selling dope,” Eveline’s mother said in a whisper, cupping her hand over her mouth. “Didn’t Rodger have an older brother? A cripple wasn’t he?”

“Yeah, it was kinda tragic. The poor kid was paralyzed in a car accident from the neck down. Mmm, mmm, mmmm,” the stylist said shaking her head, “The things people gotta endure. Lord help us. I also heard,…” She bent over and whispered something into Eveline’s mother’s ear.

“Oh, dear Lord! When is she expecting?” said Eveline’s mom.

The stylist smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

“Who are you talking about, Momma?”

“Never you mind, girl. You best stay away from boys like that.”

“Sure, Momma,” said Eveline rolling her eyes.

Later on that afternoon as 7 pm grew near, her father was busy taking pictures of Eveline in her gown. Her mom was busy looking out the window when a shiny, black limo pulled up in front of their house.

“Eveline! He’s here,” she screamed.

Eveline ran to the mirror for one last check to make sure everything was perfect. The limo honked the horn.

“Brandon, run out and tell Pete and the rest of them to come inside. I want to get pictures,” said Derek.

The back door to the limo opened and Pete stepped out dressed in a black tux and a red carnation in his pocket. He was carrying a corsage. Lynn was dressed in a pink gown, red heels and her brown hair teased high on her head with glitter. She got out of the other side along with Alex Turner, a stocky blond football player from their school dressed in a black tux as well. The three walked up to the door. 

Once inside, the couples posed for pictures. Samantha couldn’t compliment them enough, telling them how wonderful they looked, and minutes later the proud parents of Eveline Green waved goodbye to their daughter from the doorstep as the limo sped away.

Chapter 8

The black stretch limo pulled up in front of the Paris High School just before 8pm. The moment Eveline stepped out of the limo, she felt like royalty. This was the moment she’d been waiting for her entire high school career. She took a deep breath as Pete led her through the front door holding her hand. At the entrance to the gymnasium, a huge banner of crepe paper and balloons said, “Welcome To: A Midnight At The Oasis.” There were cardboard and crepe paper palm trees, cardboard camels, tents filled with pillows, cardboard sand dunes. Tables were set with punch and snacks. There was a place for couples to walk between two palm trees to have their pictures taken and a band was playing on stage.  

As Pete and Eveline walked towards the stage, all eyes gazed upon them. Eveline felt as glamorous as a movie star next to Pete. 

“Wow, Eveline, everyone’s looking at us,” said Lynn. 

“Yeah, I think we’re the hit of the ball,” said Eveline, smiling and waving like a queen. She scanned the crowd looking for Gene and found him sitting on a chair beside Donna Jo drinking punch. She clenched her jaw and sighed.

Mrs Beecher, the math teacher, was sitting at a table having the guests sign in. “You kids look so grown up tonight. I hope you have a fun night.  I don’t think I’ve met this handsome man before. You don’t go to this school,” she said looking up at Pete.

“No ma’am, I go to Bourbon County High School. I’m Pete Wolfenbarger,” he said.

“If you wouldn’t mind standing over there, we are taking pictures of all the couples,”

Eveline and Pete held hands and posed between the two palm trees. “This is my night to shine,” she thought as the cameraman snapped their photos. She imagined how jealous the other girls must be with Pete by her side. She looked over and saw Darcy and Linda looking miserable sitting by themselves holding cups of punch. Their dates seemed more interested in hanging out with a group of boys at the snack table. 

Pete suggested that he and Alex go get some refreshments while they mingled in the crowd. As they were walking away, Brandon approached Eveline from behind and tapped her on the shoulder.

“Hi Eveline, Hi Lynn. You girls look so beautiful tonight. I’m so glad to see you here,” said Brandon, dressed in a dark blue tux. Eveline thought Brandon looked rather handsome dressed up, since he normally wore sweaters, sneakers and a ratty toboggan.

“Wow, Brandon, you clean up well,” said Lynn smiling. “You look great in a tux.”

“Thanks, Lynn,” he said blushing. 

“Great to see you here also, Brandon. Where’s your sister?”

“She’s over there talking with her friends. I saw the guy you walked in with. He’s a lucky guy. Oh and by the way, you got my vote for prom queen, Eveline.”

“Thanks Brandon, I appreciate that,” said Eveline beaming.

“I best get going. Don’t want your date to be pissed at me, but do I still get that dance, Eveline?”

“Sure, Brandon,” she said giving him a hug.

‘I’ll take a dance too if you don’t mind,” said Lynn.

“Uh, sure Lynn, That would be swell,” he smiled and blushed as he walked away clumsily.

“Wow, I never realized how handsome Brandon was until now. He looks hot,” said Lynn.

“Yeah, I suppose he does. I just never noticed before, said Eveline. 

Pete and Alex came back with the drinks and snacks.

“Nice party, huh?” said Pete. “It was so nice of you to have me take you to the prom, Eveline. I’ve been wanting so bad to go to the prom with my boyfriend, but no one would understand if we showed up together. We’ll dance a few dances to make it look legit, okay?”

“Sure, Pete,” Eveline said. At that moment the sparkle of the night lost its glitter. It was fake, a fraud. The guy she really wanted was getting all cozy with Donna Jo. 

After the band played a few songs, principal Calhoun announced on the loudspeaker that is was time to vote for prom king and queen. Lynn said she would vote for Eveline. They both agreed to vote for Pete as prom king. The band played a few fast songs and a few couples were on the dance floor. Someone came by and took up the ballots to be counted.

A while later, principal Calhoun got on the mic and said he was about to announce the King and Queen of the Midnight At the Oasis Prom. Eveline, Pete, Lynn, and Alex stood together in anticipation. Eveline brushed her hair back, straightened her dress, stood up straight and took in a deep breath.

“The prom king of 1991 Midnight At The Oasis is…Gene Withrow,” he said as the crowd clapped.

Eveline’s mouth dropped open. She crossed her fingers, closed her eyes and held her lucky butterfly pin tightly, hoping to hear her name called next. “Oh, please Lord, let it be me,” she said silently to herself.

“And this year’s prom queen of 1991 Midnight At The Oasis is… Donna Jo Smoot. Let’s make way for the King and Queen on the stage.”

The crowd broke into applause as the couple took the stage where crowns were placed upon their heads. Eveline stood shocked with her mouth hanging open. She could feel the anger rising in her throat. She looked over and met eyes with Darcy who glared back at her, clapping wildly. Eveline felt rage, but tried to hold her smile.

“I’m sorry, Eveline, I voted for you and I know Brandon voted for you also,” said Lynn.

“So did we,” said Pete putting his hand on her shoulder.

Eveline watched as Gene and Donna Jo walked out onto the dance floor as the band played, “Forever Young.” Pete took Eveline’s hand and asked her if she would like to dance. As Pete held her close, she watched as Gene and Donna Jo slow danced together, and then suddenly Gene kissed Donna Jo passionately and they held each other close. Eveline felt a mixture of rage and despair wash over her. She buried her face in Pete’s chest and quietly wept.

Lynn who was slow dancing with Alex, caught Eveline’s gaze, mouthed the words, “Are you okay Eveline? But she didn’t answer.

After two slow dances, the band played faster songs again. Pete and Alex excused themselves and walked over to the snack table. Eveline and Lynn took a seat on a far corner of the room.

“Are you okay, Eveline? I’m worried about you,” said Lynn, putting her arm on her shoulder.

“I can’t believe they won. I can’t believe he’s kissing her,” Eveline said shaking her head and sobbing. My life is falling apart.”

Brandon walked over and said, “Is everything okay? Eveline, you’re crying!” he said all concerned and touching her shoulder.

She tried to compose herself and force a smile. “I’ll be okay, Brandon. Just a bit disappointed is all,” she said wiping tears and mascara.

“I came to ask if you would dance with me Eveline. I was hoping…” he said, but Eveline cut him off.

“Sorry, Brandon, maybe in a bit, but why don’t you two dance. I’ll sit here for now,” she said.

“Would you like this dance, madam?” he said bowing and extending his hand.

“Yes I would, kind sir,” Lynn said taking his hand. “We’ll be back shortly. You gonna be okay Eveline?”

“Yes,” she said waving them off. She watched as Lynn and Brandon danced to a fast song. They laughed and looked happy together. She looked over and saw Gene and Donna Jo kissing by the wall. Suddenly a slow song came on and Gene and Donna once again danced holding each other tightly. Then she saw Lynn and Brandon also holding each other close in the slow dance. She sat shaking in rage, which spiraled into a depression she had never felt before. Overcome by emotion, Eveline stood and fled, briskly rushing towards the door. Once outside she burst into tears needing to cry alone. She stood for the longest time staring up at the sky as if God had forsaken her.  “It should have been me. Gene should be taking me to the motel,” she thought. She looked back at the door and saw her classmates dancing and having fun. She sighed and turned towards the parking lot, hanging her head in defeat. And that was the last that was seen of poor Eveline Green. 

 Chapter 9 

As the band played two more slow songs for those attending the prom of ‘91, Brandon held Lynn in his arms and confessed his love for Eveline. Gene asked Donna Jo if she wanted to slip off to a motel. Brandon escorted Lynn back to where Eveline had been sitting but they couldn’t find her. Lynn checked the restroom while Brandon checked outside on the bleachers where Lynn said she would often go to cry, but she was nowhere to be found. 

As Brandon walked back towards the gymnasium, he heard whispering in the bushes. He stopped and listened quietly. He heard a male voice whispering.

“Who’s there?” Brandon yelled. There was silence. “Come out from under them bushes. I heard you talking.”

A tall shadowy figure walked out from the shrubbery. He was breathing heavy and his clothes disheveled from partial undress. Brandon recognized him as Pete. Brandon rushed forward in anger. “Where’s Eveline? Is she back there with you? Eveline?” he said excitedly.

“I haven’t seen her since our last dance. Is something wrong?” Pete said shaking.

“She’s missing. Who’s back there with you?” Brandon said pulling back the branches. Alex crept out from under the bushes on his hands and knees. He was partially clothed and shaking. Brandon stepped back both shocked and relieved. 

“Brandon, please don’t tell anyone you saw us together. We’re not out to our families yet,” said Pete.

“Uh, sure. I ain’t saying nothing. When I saw you, I thought you were screwing Eveline or maybe doing something worse, but we can’t find Eveline. Lynn says that Eveline got upset over something and we don’t know where she went. Can you help me find her?” Brandon said frantically.

“Sure, sure give us a minute to get dressed. We’ll meet you inside,” said Alex.

Lynn walked out the door with a few of her friends as Brandon approached from beside the building. “We’ve looked all over. She ain’t in there. Did you see her outside? I’m worried something might have happened,” said Lynn out of breath. 

“She ain’t at the bleachers either,” said Brandon. 

Pete heard Lynn’s voice and walked out of the shadows. Lynn sighed with relief and said, “Pete, is Alex with you? We need to find Eveline. I think something’s wrong.”

“Shouldn’t we call her parents? Maybe she went home,” said Brandon.

“No, let’s not worry them yet. Let’s go drive around. Maybe we’ll find her walking or something,” said Pete.

Brandon grabbed his sister and the five of them piled into the limo. They spent the next hour frantically driving around the streets of Paris. Finally Lynn decided that it was time to call her parents. Lynn got off the phone and they said they hadn’t heard anything and decided to call the police. 

As they drove around once more, Brandon spotted something odd in the middle of the road. Pete ordered the limo driver to stop. Brandon jumped out and ran back to retrieve the object. Brandon bent over and picked up the object examining it carefully and then darted back to the limo and opened the door to show them what he found. Lynn screamed and said it was Eveline’s red shoe.

Chapter 10

Blue and red lights flashed on the faces of kids decked out in tuxes and gowns, standing dazed and bewildered in the street beside the police cruiser. There was a crackle of the police walkie talkies as the officers called the station. So surreal that one so young and beautiful should go missing on the most anticipated night of their young life. Hushed whispers were heard from those still hanging around the school. Eveline’s devastated parents arrived frantically asking her friends when they saw her last and why she was upset. Police, family, and friends searched the streets of Paris in vain, but she was nowhere to be found.

The following day, the local news reported a girl had gone missing. Flyers were posted on telephone poles all over town saying, “Have you seen this missing girl,” with Eveline’s smiling face. The police suspected foul play because her shoe was found with a spot of blood on it. Midnight vigils were held at the school and at the spot where her shoe was found. Brandon, Pete, Gene, and Lynn were all taken in for questioning. There were those who didn’t care for Eveline, but Eveline did nothing to make someone want to kill her. Everyone had a sound alibi. She was simply missing.

Weeks passed and her name was mentioned at graduation with a poster of her smiling face on stage as her classmates came forward to receive their diplomas. The little shrines of flowers and stuffed animals left in the memory of Eveline Green faded, decomposed in the weather. Eveline’s grieving parents divorced soon afterwards and moved away. People simply went on with their lives as the case grew cold. Eveline Green’s disappearance became a local legend and a cautionary tale told by parents to children wandering out alone at night. 

Chapter 11

In truth, what happened to Eveline was much less sinister than people imagined. After leaving the gymnasium, she wandered off into the night. She didn’t care which direction. She didn’t want to go home. She just wanted to get away from everyone, somewhere quiet, somewhere alone. Her mascara smeared and bled down her cheeks like a tragic clown. She stumbled awkwardly on the shoulder of the road like a crippled bird. She had difficulty walking on the rough pavement in high heels. She twisted her ankle and broke the heel part. In her anger she took the shoe and threw it into the street near the public library. “Fuck it!” she cried. Her big toe was bleeding where she stubbed it earlier in the night. She took off the other shoe and walked barefoot towards the edge of town. 

As she stumbled in the darkness, a car pulled up beside her. “Hey girl, what you doin’ out here all by your lonesome?” the voice said.

“Just walking, ain’t going nowhere,” she said angrily.

“Don’t I know you? Yeah, you’re that Eveline chick I met last week. I saw you this afternoon at the salon. You need a lift?”

“Who are you?” 

“You don’t remember me? Rodger? I sure remember you,” he said with a wink.

“Oh yeah, yeah I remember you now. You’re that guy that was staring at me while I was getting my hair done.”

“You know it. Get in girl. You don’t need to be walking home barefoot and all dressed up like that,” said Rodger opening the passenger door.

Eveline got in and closed the door. She sat staring straight ahead, not saying anything.

“Where do you want to go?” he said. “Damn girl, you’re shaking like a leaf,” he said, putting his hand on her shoulder.

“Take me somewhere quiet. Somewhere far from here,” she said.

“Sure you don’t want to go home?”

“No, just drive.”

Chapter 12

Winding down narrow country roads, Rodger drove Eveline to an old barn on his uncle’s place where he and his buddies would go drinking and partying without being messed with by the police. He parked the car and took a bottle of whiskey out of the glove compartment that he’d bought earlier. Eveline quietly followed Rodger through the tall grass towards the barn.

The barn was old and hadn’t been used in years. Many of the planks were broken or missing. Rodger led her inside past the door fallen off its rusted hinges. Piles of old rusted car parts littered the floor. They sat down together on some bales of hay near one of the far walls. Eveline sat with her head down, rubbing her hands together with a nervousness. He opened the bottle of whiskey and took a big swig.

“You want some, babe?” he said handing her the bottle.

Eveline grabbed the bottle and drank. She recoiled and made a face as the whiskey burned her throat. She took another gulp and forced it down.

“Damn, girl, take it easy. Looks like you never drank alcohol before, have ya?” 

“No, but fuck it,” she said taking another swig.

“Save some for me,” he said grabbing the bottle.

They sat drinking for the longest time. Eveline told him about how Gene, a boy she liked, kissed a girl named Donna Jo and how her best friend was getting close with Brandon. She cried and then laughed. The alcohol was getting to her.

“You are one hot chick, you know that? Baby you are so fine. Not many girls look as nice as you?” he said rubbing her hair. “Those other girls have nothing on you.”

“You think so? I thought you looked hot when I first saw you with those other boys. All tough and rugged looking. Like a bad boy,” she said looking into his eyes. She reached over and gave him a kiss.

“Damn girl. You hot for that shit are ya?” he said returning the kiss more forcefully. “Maybe you might want to take some of this fluff off,” he said as he started to unbutton her dress.

“Nah, I better not,” she said pulling away. 

“Alright, my bad. I thought you wanted to have a fun time,” he said shaking his head and taking another swig.

“This was supposed to be the happiest night of my life, and it just turned to shit,” she said sobbing as her mascara ran down her cheek. “This was a mistake, can you take me home?”

“Sure, fuck it!” he grumbled and then lit a cigarette.  

Eveline stumbled to her feet. She stood wobbling.

“Girl, you best wait up before you trip over somethin.” Rodger stood up trying to balance her, but she backed up. 

“Where you going girl. I ain’t trying to hurt you,” he said trying to grab her hand. Eveline stumbled over a piece of machinery, spinning clumsily in the loose hay and then fell backwards against the side of the barn smacking her head with a dull thump. She slumped down only slightly and remained standing. 

Rodger started to chuckle, “Oh fuck! Are you okay? Eveline…?” 

She just stood there motionless with a blank stare in her eyes.

“Eveline? You okay?” he asked cocking his head. But she didn’t answer. Her eyes fluttered momentarily and rolled back into her head exposing the whites of her eyes. Rodger stood dumbfounded. He reached out, took her arm and tried pulling her away from the wall, but something held her locked in place. He took out his lighter, looked behind her head and noticed a large nail had penetrated the back of her skull. Blood poured from the wound. He panicked and paced back and forth. “Oh God oh God oh God.” He stopped and looked at her again. “I told you to wait up and look what you did. Fuck!”

That next morning Rodger sat staring at Eveline’s corpse hanging against the side of the barn, like a beautiful butterfly pinned to the wall, surreal, unmoving and still. Swarms of flies buzzed around her body. This wasn’t the first time he’d seen a dead body. When he was nine years old and living in an old apartment over the post office, he found his older brother lying in a heap, blue and cold like a broken doll. His brother had been an invalid as long as he could remember, and he was happy to see his brother dead. That pitiful creature finally looked at peace, just like Eveline hanging there like an angel. He sat staring in disbelief for the longest time.  He knew he couldn’t leave her like that, and couldn’t tell anyone either. It was just an accident, but who would believe a known trouble maker like himself? The idea of him receiving the death penalty ran through his head as he rocked back and forth on his knees. His life was over. How could he go on living with this over his head? he thought.

He decided his best option would be to just bury the body, so he dug a grave among the brush and rubble with an old broken shovel he found. He walked back inside and stared at her lifeless body. It was a shame to bury something so pretty, but it needed to be done. He plucked her stiff body from the rough boards, the nail came out still embedded in her skull. He nervously carried her out of the barn, looking around to see if anyone was there. He carefully lay her body in the hole. He buried her there beside the barn and covered the grave with rubble and brush. He scrubbed the blood from the wall and covered the floor with a layer of dirt and hay. No one came out this way very often. The old barn was falling apart and hadn’t used for anything in years.

Rodger sighed, and got in his car. He drove to the gate hoping he hadn’t been seen. He calmly drove home that morning never telling a soul. He simply returned to his old life as if nothing had happened. That was the way he hoped it would remain, yet there was always that underlying fear in the pit of his stomach, that her body would be found and the evidence would somehow point back at him. Eveline was his secret shame.