When it was all over-- the drama, the backbiting, the inane amount of humiliation and competition-- and things returned more or less to normal, they agreed that the whole problem started because of a single poster and a poorly communicated plan. Had it not been for those two things, perhaps the events would not have unfolded…

Tiffani stared at the poster for several seconds, her eyes narrowed in a look of unusually deep concentration as she read and reread the vivid blue letters:

Prom, May 10th
This year’s theme will be “Time of Your Life”

Applications for prom court are now available in room 241. Applications will be accepted until April 25th.

Make this year’s prom memorable!

Her eyes focused on this last part, and she smiled to herself, an idea forming in her head as she finally turned away from the poster and began walking to class.


“Memorable,” Ophelia murmured, staring at the poster. She toyed with a lock of hair, thinking.

I’m sick of all these preppy princesses being crowned every year. It’s always one airhead after another, and the only reason they win is because the other preps are the ones who vote. The nerds and alt crowd don’t even bother voting anymore because there’s no one they see as worth voting for. At least, that’s how I felt in the past. But… but if I ran, maybe things could be different. I mean, there’s a lot more of us “weird” people than there are “popular” people. I could probably win, if I did things right. I’m sure of it! It’s time for change. Yeah, let’s make this real memorable!

With a nod, she strode away, head held high.


“Memorable,” Emily thought, glancing back up at the sign, then at the people walking past, hoping that they didn’t notice her looking so closely at the poster.

Memorable, she thought again. For most of my educational career, I’ve been pretty passive and have done pretty much all academic stuff. Maybe, just this once, I’ll try something different. I know I won’t win this-- it’s just a big popularity contest anyway, and I’m not one bit popular. But, at least I can say I tried something new. The experience will be what really matters. Besides, it’s not like they’ll dump pig blood on me. That only happens in movie, right? Right.

With a quiet smile to herself, she turned away from the poster and walked to class.


“Memorable,” Angela muttered, rolling her eyes. “It’s always the same skinny air headed cheerleaders who win every year.” This thought stopped Angela in her mental tracks, so to speak. A smile slowly formed on her face, a smile that, had Dunstan been there to see it, would have sent him racing to make sure his gun had not been stolen again.

Those b***hes kicked me out just so Sawyer’s sister could join and take my place. They thought I would just sit back and take it. Well, those chicks have a surprise waiting for them. I’m way better looking than any of them are, and I don’t starve myself. Plus, with a little of Dunstan’s money properly utilized, I’ll have the joy of taking votes away from them. I know Sherrie’s planning to run-- she’s been talking about it for months. Bet she didn’t expect any competition from me, though. Oh, yes, this will be fun…


“Hey,” Tiffani said excitedly, joining Emily, Angela, and Ophelia at a table. “Guess what!”

“What?” Emily asked.

“I just had the most awesome idea ever,” Tiffani declared. “Every year, the head cheerleader runs for prom queen, and ever year she wins, usually because there’s no suitable competition.”

“Right,” Ophelia said, nodding.

“Well, here’s what I was thinking: what if this year one of us ran? I mean, our show gets just as much exposure, and we appeal to a wider range of people. We could easily get just as many votes, maybe even win.”

“I totally agree with you,” Angela said quickly.

“Yeah, I get exactly what you’re saying,” Ophelia agreed.

“Exactly what I was thinking,” Emily added.

“Good, glad you all agree with me,” Tiffani responded.


“Come on, dude,” Lyle whined. “It’ll be no fun to run unopposed.”

AJ rolled his eyes and shut his locker. “What makes you so sure you’ll run unopposed?” he asked.

“Glad you asked,” Lyle responded, in his usual chipper manner. “The prom is typically seen as a girl thing, and guys are just kind of there for it. As a result, not too many guys run for prom court.”

“So, why do you want me to run, then?” AJ asked.

“Well, having it just handed to me is boring. I’d like a little competition. I figured you’d be a worthy opponent.”

“I’m flattered,” AJ replied dryly.

“Look, dude, it’ll be great. I mean, just think about it, this is a big romantic thing in chicks’ minds, right? If you win, your girl’s going to be extra-happy, you know?” Lyle said, winking.

“I guess.”

“Dude, show some enthusiasm. And why didn’t you come over the other day?”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Hell, I don’t believe it myself.”