Blood And Ashes

Rose

I was out to burn that prom to the ground, to burn out this sadness that dwelled in the pit of my chest and watch the smoke evaporate into the atmosphere, to solo dance till my legs gave out.

I was a bit strong to carry that out.

I was here alone. Miss Beatrice was here with me and Morris; of course, we couldn't leave him behind.

They just had to be there to take pictures with me and go back home, I was going to get back home on my own.

"Rose Clifford!" Miss Beatrice's high-pitched voice bounced from the vinyl interior of the car straight to my eardrums

"Yes, Miss Beatrice Clifford."

"Now I need you to listen to the fuckk up." She said the f-word inaudible as she didn't want Morris to pick that.

"When you get in, dear, please, I beg you, young lady, do not get drunk. Don't break any stuff because I'm not gonna pay shit."

Saying shit inaudibly.

"Got that?"

"Got that right ma'am."

Only if she had never tasted anything other than freshly squeezed fruit juices.

Speaking of breaking stuff, I wasn't like one of those Texas kids who are high-ranked vandalizers.

We got to the hotel where the prom was held. We were late because I had to let the effects of those drugs die down.

Some teenagers were already at the entrance of the reception taking pictures with their family members.

"We've got to find a decent place to take pics; this place is ridden with a bunch of teenagers." Miss Beatrice had a smothering look on her face as she surveyed the room.

"How about that angle?" I pointed to the well-lighted spot in the reception hall that had no kid hovering around.

"Yes, that's a nice spot right there. Hurry, let's go take a picture."

We hurried to take pictures, all of each I took with the same pose.

I needed to get to the dancefloor; I could feel the beat of the pop music from the banquet hall in my chest alongside the looping sounds of the DJ.

"Alright, chup chup, now let me go have my fun."

"Rose is up to something, I smell it on her mama." Morris finally spoke after leaving the house. He squinted his eyes like he was trying to see through my soul.

"The only thing I'm up to is spanking your butt right back home." I wouldn't go a day without saying something to piss me off.

He stuck out his tongue at me; I took it and stuck mine at him.

Too late boy, today is exceptional.

"We're out of your way, go have fun." She grabbed Morris by the arm, ready to leave when she called back.

"Hold on Rose." I stopped abruptly. "Yeah."

"Come give me a quick hug." She wore a sweet smile on that chubby face of hers. I walked back to where she was, sinking into her fully loaded chest, letting out a breath with my eyes closed.

I brought my face back to meet hers.

"I'll see you at home."

"I know you don't have a date but I know you'll figure that out."

"Sure." I chuckled.

With that, they left, I stood as they called a cab and I watched the car zoom off till I couldn't see the back lights vanish.

"Prom date?" I scoffed.

******

I stood alone at the entrance corner of the dance hall, arms were webbed to my back.

I looked around to see everyone paired, boys were dressed in nice tuxedos and girls in their elegant dresses.

They had probably had their nice dinner, I was late for that one.

I didn't have much time to look in on who dressed nicer than me.

My life surpassed that at this point.

Mirrors by Justin Timberlake played from the sound systems. This song has every epitome of romance I fantasize about.

"Hey, Rose." A voice called me from behind; I almost tripped as I turned to get a view of the person who called me.

The dance hall was poorly lit; the strobe and disco lights were the major source of lights, which made it difficult to get a better few of the guys I strained my eyes to see. For all I knew, he was slightly the same height as me but nicely muscular.

I need my fucking glass; they're sitting prettily on my nightstand.

"You look nice tonight."

"Oh, Gibson."

The hell.

"Yeah, I haven't seen you since the last time at the Lab. We heard what happened and we are…?"

"Who's this we?"

Is learning how to mind one's goddamn business difficult to do these days? You could imagine this guy

"Well…"

I didn't want him to speak.

"Look, I'm good, okay, alright? I'm not looking for anyone's pity. Yes, I'm cancerous, and so what.?"

"You want to give this cancer girl some pep talks because it's her last night on time earth, ain't that right?"

"What the fuck is your problem by the way?"

Phew, nice vent.

He was left dumbstruck

The music has stopped. Everyone had their eyes fixated on me and Gibson.

It's the second time he's causing an audiences

Thanks, Gibson.

Gosh, I fucking hate this guy

I went straight to the bartender by the corner of the dance hall, leaving the kids to stare at me all they wanted. Gibson had spoiled my evening, always in my business.

I was right behind me, still howling my name.

"Get away from me."

Maybe when Miss Beatrice said I burned this prom to the ground l, she meant Gibson in particular.

"Three shots, please," I said to the bartender, who poured vodka into three small cups in front.

I shot my eyes, I downed one at once.

Burns.

It's my first time taking this

"You just got here, you shouldn't be having that."

"I said get the fuck off." He threw the two extra cups that were on the bar slab on his stupid, sophisticated tuxedos.

"You don't fucking listen, I said…" I emptied my stomach at the spot, retching continuously.