Core Beliefs - Chapter 27 - Prom

Core Beliefs – Chapter 27 - Prom

Back on the farm, a very special day approached—April 26, a night that Ellie had looked forward to for months, and now, more than ever.

It was prom night, and Doug was her date. Charlotte had helped pick her dress and personally escorted her to a salon for the full treatment—hair, facial, manicure, pedicure, and makeup.

Once back at the farm, Charlotte and Marcy applied the final touches.

Doug arrived in a limo, climbed the steps to the farmhouse porch, and lightly rapped on the door.

Eldridge opened it and smiled widely. “You clean up right well, young man,” he motioned him into the house.

“Oh my,” Marcy sauntered into the room. “I think he looks better than any old movie star.”

Doug blushed and dropped his eyes before glancing up the stairs. Together, they stood silently in the living room, their eyes fixed on the landing, waiting.

Ellie appeared at the top. Doug’s mouth went dry, his feet stopped shuffling on the carpet, and he felt his heart skip a beat as she descended. She was beautiful beyond words, a tall goddess with a face that made him weak, eyes that held him captive, and a smile that melted him.

The young woman he saw descending the steps reflected all the inward beauty he had come to love. He and Ellie had talked about everything. Her intelligence was obvious, but he had found wisdom in her that made him realize he had been too cavalier about many of life’s issues.

***

Eldridge stood quietly and watched as Doug pinned a corsage on Ellie’s dress. It was a bit awkward, the dress being low-cut, and the only place to pin it was right over her bosom. Doug looked into her eyes and didn’t fumble or flinch, gently pinning the flowers in place.

The two posed for pictures, and just as they stepped toward the door, Eldridge said, “This is about as perfect as it gets. I could not have asked for anyone better to be with my daughter.” Then, gazing misty-eyed at Ellie, “I could not be more proud and honored than I am tonight to be your dad.”

He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and, with a sniffle, went and stood with Marcy.

The two glided down the porch steps, disappeared into the limo, and were off.

Marcy held Eldridge’s arm. “I couldn’t be more proud of you than tonight, and I want you to know that I love you more now than ever.”

***

Doug had reservations at a great restaurant; there were several other prom couples. When they finished, they headed to the festivities.

Ellie did have friends at school, and this was the first time some got an up-close look at Doug. At 6’1” and a very physically fit 195 lbs., he was impressive, more so if you looked into his steely blue eyes.

The story of this great-looking guy walking in and freeing Ellie from class had circulated for weeks. He was indeed a curiosity, but no more than Ellie, who was stunningly beautiful, like a fairytale princess. Indeed, they looked good together.

They danced, talked, and mingled. One of Ellie’s friends asked if she and Doug were running for Prom King and Queen.

Ellie looked at Doug. He shook his head.

She turned to her friend. “I’m not interested in being queen. I just want to be me.”

Doug leaned over and kissed her. “Another reason why I love you.”

***

They ended the night at a hamburger joint. Several of Ellie’s friends had joined them. They talked about graduation and eventually asked what each planned to do. Ellie was asked about her summer plans, and she quickly glanced at Doug. “I’m pretty much committed.”

Someone else asked who was going to college in the fall, and hands went up, including Ellie’s.

They each talked about where they were going, and finally, one of the girls said, “Okay, Ellie, what about you?”

She glanced at Doug. “I’m not sure yet. There are a lot of variables to consider, and I need more time to decide.”

“We might go together?” Doug said.

“But what about the research?” Ellie asked. “There’s so much to do!”

Doug hushed her with a finger to her lips. “I think that flexibility and common sense will guide us to the right decisions.”

She leaned in and kissed him. “Another reason why I love you so much.”

***

A little after 1:00 in the morning, the limo pulled back into the drive at the farm. There was one table lamp lit downstairs, and the rest of the house was dark.

“You can come in if you like,” Ellie said as they stood on the porch. “You could even spend the night if you like.”

Doug pulled her close and held her tight. “I want someday to spend the night with you, the whole night. I dream about you, and sometimes it drives me crazy, but I want to prove to you that I not only love you but also respect you. I will wait until it is right.”

She melted in his arms as they kissed long, with a fire and passion Ellie had never known before. She felt lightheaded. A flutter in her tummy tingled its way to her toes and fingertips. This was perfect, and she had never hoped for such happiness.