Chapter 51: Prom night

"Here comes the prettiest lady in the party," Jace said, a wide grin spreading across his face as he sighted Jason and Dorah walking toward their table. The lights above glinted off Dorah's soft curls as they bounced gently with each step. "Hey, babe," he added warmly, standing up to greet her. With a light, gentlemanly gesture, he took her free hand and pressed a kiss to the back of her palm. "My knight," Dorah said with a chuckle, her eyes twinkling, and Jace smiled at her affectionately. "Hey, queen," Max chimed in playfully, giving her a wink. "What's up? Where are your dates?" she asked, glancing around the noisy hall filled with music, chatter, and glittering lights. The soft rhythm of a solemn tune played in the background, weaving through the buzz of conversations. "Did we tell you we have any?" Jace replied smoothly as they all sat down, each settling comfortably into the mood of the evening. "Hey, buddy. What's up?" Max greeted Jason, nudging him slightly. "Oh, finally you notice me," Jason replied sarcastically, rolling his eyes with exaggerated flair. "I don't intend to notice you," Jace shot back, a smirk playing on his lips. "Why?" Dorah asked, tilting her head as she turned to him. "He stole my date. Now I'm here without one," Jace said, narrowing his eyes at Jason, who wore an unapologetic smirk. "It's not my fault you're slow-witted," Jason shrugged casually, resting an elbow on the back of the chair beside him. "Where's Ronald?" Dorah asked, scanning the hall once again. "Why are you asking for him?" Jace asked, his face shifting slightly into a frown. "What's with the look? He's supposed to be here, at this table," she emphasized, her brows slightly furrowed. "Whatever," Jace muttered, his eyes darting elsewhere. "Seriously?" Dorah asked, squinting at him. "Don't mind him. He's just acting like a jerk," Jason said, reaching out and taking Dorah's hand in his, giving it a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "Ronald isn't here yet, but he should be here already with...... You know who he's with," Max added. "Yeah, Madison. He told me about it," Dorah said with a casual shrug. "Hey, everyone!" A voice rang out across the hall, clear and confident. The music halted instantly, conversations quieted, and students returned to their seats. Attention quickly turned to the stage, where the school's social prefect stood with a mic in hand. "Now, it's time to announce the prom king and queen!" she said with excitement, and the hall erupted into loud cheers. The large television screen above the stage flickered and displayed the male nominees. Names scrolled across as votes began to tally live. Jace's name popped up, leading by two votes ahead of Ronald and a senior named James. The crowd roared with applause as Jace's name and photo were boldly displayed on the screen. "Wow, congrats man. You took the spotlight," Max said, nudging Jace's shoulder in admiration. "I never expected that at all," Jace replied with a surprised chuckle, standing up and adjusting his shirt collar. "Acting all cute, right?" Jason teased, smirking. Jace glared at him playfully. "Just go," Dorah said with a smile, motioning him toward the stage. Jace made his way up, the applause still echoing. Lights danced across the stage as students clapped and whistled for him. "You've got some nerves, J. No junior has ever become prom king," Diane, the social prefect, remarked with a grin as he approached. Jace chuckled, slightly bowing his head so she could crown him. "Congrats, J," she said, placing the crown neatly on his head. "Thanks," he replied, a bright smile lighting up his face. "Isn't he cute?" Dorah said fondly as she brought out her phone and snapped a picture of him standing on the stage, crown glittering under the lights. The cheering died down again as the screen switched to display the female nominees. The school president, Jasmine, led the chart. Known for her charm and popularity, it was no surprise when her name topped the list. Jasmine ascended the stage gracefully as applause filled the hall. "Now, let the prom king and queen have their first dance," Diane announced. Music began to play again, a sweet, slow rhythm. Jace and Jasmine clasped hands and walked to the center of the floor as the students watched with smiles. Just as the pair began to dance, a sudden flicker took over the screen. A video started to play. "What's…?" Dorah trailed off, her voice soft with curiosity. Gasps and "Awwwwn" sounds filled the room as students reacted to the content on the screen. Jace and Jasmine paused mid-dance, staring up. "What the heck!" Jace exclaimed, his face tightening with alarm. His feet moved instinctively as if to walk off, but Jasmine held his hand firmly. "What?" he asked, irritated and confused. "You can't just leave like that, you know," she said with a composed smile, trying to maintain the mood. He exhaled heavily, ruffling his hair. "Fuck," he muttered under his breath. "What's wrong? Does the video affect you that much?" Jasmine asked as they resumed dancing. "No. But it does affect someone," he said, scanning the crowd. His eyes caught Dorah fleeing the hall, with Jason and Max chasing after her. "You seem distant. Do you want to leave so bad?" she asked. "Yes," he said without hesitation. "It's just a video. How can it affect you this much?" she asked again, her voice softer this time. "You can't understand," he said, twirling her absentmindedly. "It doesn't affect me. It affects someone more important to me than anyone else." "Oh, the almighty Jace is actually scared. Don't worry, the song will soon end," Jasmine said lightly, and he nodded but remained lost in thought. As soon as the music ended, Jace dashed out of the hall, pushing past students. The night air felt cooler outside, but his pulse was racing. He looked around, uncertain of which direction to take. His last glimpse had been Dorah rushing out with Max and Jason hot on her heels. He pulled his phone from his pocket and quickly dialed Max. "Hey, guy," he said urgently as the call connected. "We're at the basketball court," Max replied, and the line went dead. Jace didn't waste a second. He sprinted toward the basketball court, his shoes pounding against the pavement. On his way, he collided with someone, Ronald. At the court, Dorah sat on the ground, her arms wrapped around herself as she stared blankly into space. Max and Jason stood close by, watching her every move, anxious and unsure of how to comfort her. Suddenly, Emma ran in, stopping in front of Dorah, panting heavily from the rush. "What's up?" Dorah asked, her voice flat, her expression unreadable. "Jace… he… he..." "He what?" Dorah shot up to her feet, startled, her tone sharp. Max and Jason mirrored her reaction. "Ronald, Jace… they… he… they…" "Fuck! Emmanuelle, talk!" Dorah shouted, her voice cracking with desperation.