Chapter 65

"Christy Rosenberg won the Prom Queen crown…big surprise…but I still think this is a nice little crown. And on you, Nadine…it sure beats the heck out of Christy's." She hands the crown to Adele. "Here, Adele; you do the honors." Adele smiles happily as she gently places the crown on Nadine's kerchief adorned head and devoutly tells her, "You're a real queen now, Nadine." Victoria gives her flowers to Nadine and then begins to walk away; but stops and turns to Adele. "By the way, Adele; you were right. Those "Anne" books are great…I'm really enjoying reading them. Thanks for the tip." As Victoria joins the others at the party, Adele once again whispers in Mr. Trudeaux's ear. "Ah yes." He begins another announcement. "Ahem…your attention again, please." He pauses for silence before continuing, "And now that we have our Prom Queen…I suppose we'll need a king as well. So…without further ado…I present your Prom King…Mr. Edward Cooper." Eddie starts to come forward; but is stopped by Hector. "Yo, come on." "What?" "She's got a crown…don't you think you should have one, too?" "Hector; what are you…" "Just shut up and come on." Hector tells the group, "Excuse us for a minute everyone; we'll be right back." As they leave, Nadine pulls Mr. Trudeaux aside to talk. "I still can't believe that everyone did all this for me. That they left the real prom and came here for me tonight." Mr. Trudeaux looks to her and smiles. "You know, Ms. Martin; though I'm sure they have come tonight in part for you…you seem to have overlooked something of greater significance." He looks about the backyard; while Nadine follows suit. "These people in attendance this evening are not only here because of you…but they're also here because Adele asked them to come." Nadine looks to Mr. Trudeaux with tears now forming in her eyes. "That's right, Ms. Martin…because she asked them. Kudos to you, Ms. Martin…you have achieved what it was you had set forth to do. Adele Wilson is starting to be accepted by her classmates." He removes the handkerchief from his shirt pocket and gently wipes the tears from her face. "And that is greatly in part due to you." More tears begin to form in the corner of her eyes as she realizes that Mr. Trudeaux was right. Nadine knew that people were beginning to treat Adele better at school; at least not being as mean as they were to her. But for them to abandon their actual prom and help Adele make this special one just for her because Adele asked them to…then people were really, honestly, truly starting to accept Adele; some of them anyway. And that was enough to fill Nadine's heart with elated joy; for she knows that it's only a matter of time before more and more people start appreciating Adele for the wonderful person that she is. She could now die without feeling any guilt; relieved knowing that she won't leave Adele behind all by herself. Tonight proves that Adele Wilson is accepted by some of her peers. Adele has…and always will have…friends. When they return, Eddie's wearing a paper Burger King Crown that Hector's little brother left in the back seat of his car. Hector proclaims, "Hey everyone…may I present your Prom King…King Eddie." Everybody laughs and claps as Eddie raises his hand and repeatedly nods as he passes by, while walking towards Nadine. He graciously jests… "Alright…thank you…thank you…no stop, really; you're all to kind…" He stands by Nadine's side. Adele whispers to Mr. Trudeaux; who then raises the microphone to announce… "And now, if you'll please; let's make room for our Prom Queen and King to have the prom's ceremonious Royal Dance." Mr. Trudeaux nods to Corrine; who begins to play a slow, romantic song on the stereo. Meanwhile, everyone steps back to create a makeshift dance floor. Eddie bows to Nadine, extending out his hand to her. "Nadine; will you allow me the pleasure of this dance?" Nadine smiles and curtsies. "But of course…Your Majesty."