Was someone paying him?
Was this going to become another story everyone at school would laugh about?
My mother noticed how nervous I was.
“You deserve to have a good night,” she told me while helping me get ready.
The dress wasn't expensive.
It didn't come from a famous designer.
But my mother had chosen it carefully, and when I looked in the mirror, I actually felt beautiful.
For once, I didn't immediately focus on my birthmark.
I focused on the person looking back at me.
When Caleb arrived, he smiled.
“You look amazing.”
I almost cried.
Not because I was sad.
Because someone had finally said something kind without making me feel like they were doing me a favor.
At the prom, Caleb held my hand.
We walked into the gym together.
And immediately, people started staring.
At first, I tried to ignore them.
Then someone laughed.
Another person whispered something.
A few seconds later, a voice came from behind us.
“Did Caleb decide to host a charity event tonight?”
Several people laughed.
My stomach dropped.
Then another girl shouted:
“Oh my God! Did someone actually pay Caleb to do this?”
More laughter.
I wanted the floor to swallow me.
I looked at Caleb.
His smile had disappeared.
He was angry.