Chapter 60

Totally caught off guard, Adele begins to display an anxious countenance. It was almost like repeating that first day in his Sociology class; when he had put her on the spot by asking her to explain the meaning of sociology to the class…almost. Adele has become more confident over the past months; and though she still remains more timid than most of her peers at school, she can at least now respond when called upon without converting into a seeming basket case. "My thoughts; Mr. Trudeaux?" "Yes, Adele. What do you think this year's Junior Prom theme should be?" Adele initially looks to Nadine to seek comfort; but instead finds immediate inspiration. She smiles; then without any provocation whatsoever, stands up and emphatically answers… "Hawaii." Suddenly, she realizes that everyone's staring at her; and she slowly sits back down. "Hawaii?" "Yes, sir; Mr. Trudeaux." "Interesting choice. And may I ask why you chose Hawaii as your choice for the prom's theme, Ms. Wilson?" "Well…Nadine always wanted to go to Hawaii…but she couldn't go before because she was sick then. And she can't go now…because she's sick again…and she's gonna die." Adele becomes momentarily silent before explaining, "She may never have the chance to go there…so I just thought…well…if the theme of the prom was Hawaii… well; then maybe it would be like she did go." She pauses briefly before asking, "Don't you think?" Instantly, a reverent silence takes over the room; as nearly everyone at the table, almost as if in unison, gradually bow their heads slightly and reflect upon what Adele had proposed…the atmosphere seeming quite similar to that of when a priest might ask everyone to take a moment of silence during a church service. This goes on for nearly a minute, until Leah speaks out… "I think Hawaii is a great idea. I second it." Eddie immediately follows. "I third it!" This was the first time since returning to school that Nadine has heard Eddie's voice. She smiles as she thinks to herself how much she's missed hearing it; and how glad she's finally hearing it again. He turns to Hector. "What do you say, Hector? Hawaii…that's pretty good; right?" Hector looks to a demonstratively sick looking Nadine; but all he sees is the gentle smile extending across her face at this time. He quickly fights back the lump starting to form in his throat so he can answer. "Yeah…it is pretty good. Actually; really good…I say we go with that." The ‘Cool Crew' representatives are waiting for their leader to respond before they voice their opinions; which will, of course, be consistent with Christy's. It is in Christy Rosenberg's nature to always do whatever it takes to get her own way; and never let anyone out best her. She has always referred to Nadine Martin as the ‘thorn in her side', viewing her as a constant threat to her popularity status; and has made it her endeavor to do anything it takes to keep Nadine from surpassing her in the ranking. As for the ‘Freak'…Adele Wilson…she has always represented that which Christy could never bring herself to ever accept. Adele was, to Christy Rosenberg, the epitome of un-coolness and non-conformity; which made Adele Wilson the perfect target for belittling and humiliating for her own self-gratification and amusement. So naturally, everyone sitting at the committee table pretty much expects that Christy Rosenberg isn't about to go along with any suggestion that Adele Wilson suggests…especially one that's meant to please Nadine Martin. To everybody's amazement, Christy does the unthinkable. She doesn't say that she agrees that the theme should be Hawaii…but, she doesn't fight the idea either. She merely responds in a cold, matter of fact manner… "Whatever…I don't care." With that, the rest of the ‘Cool Crew' silently abstains from the voting process. And with no formal objections given, the theme of this year's Roosevelt High School Junior Prom will be…Hawaii. Having been too sick to attend school the past couple of weeks, and still feeling weak when the day of the prom finally arrives, Nadine decides not to attend; even despite the fact that Adele had chosen the theme specifically for her. She feels it's best not to chance attempting to go, getting sick and having an episode; ruining the prom for everybody else there. Nadine's sure that the best thing to do is just stay home in bed and relax. But she's also absolutely certain about one other thing…Adele should go to the prom.