40

HUDSON

THE DAY HASN'T EVEN STARTED and I'm already sick of everything. I was lounging in the hallway, leaning against my lockers, minding my business. My thoughts drifted, a rare moment of peace in the bustling school. Until Cynthia strode towards me with a smug expression. She stuck a brightly colored poster on the wall beside me. I watched as she took a step back to admire her handiwork, before giving me a sidelong glance. Curious, I glanced at the poster and saw her campaign for prom queen, her narcissistic face plastered across it.

"No one's going to vote for you."

She placed her hands on her hips with a sneer.

"It's not like there's anyone else to vote for. I'm the only option, and everyone knows it."

She turned and sashayed down the hallway, confident in her inevitable victory. Once she's out of sight, I yank the poster off the wall and crumple it in my hand. I tossed it in the trash with a satisfying flick. Eli approached, a grin spreading across his face.

"I saw that." He said, nodding towards the trash can.

I shrugged, feigning innocence.

"What are you talking about?"

He smirked and shrugged his backpack off his shoulder before opening it and revealing a stash of crumpled-up posters.

"Looks like we had the same idea."

We laughed, reveling in the moment of rebellion. After discarding the evidence, he turned to me with a knowing look.

"When are you asking Luna to prom?"

I leaned back, one foot crossed over the other with a thoughtful expression.

"Soon. I have an idea. I need to make it perfect."

He raised an eyebrow, a hint of concern in his eyes.

"Don't take too long. She might think you're trying to get out of it."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair, as it had almost grown over my eyes. I needed a trim.

"She already thinks that."

He clapped me on the back.

"This better be good."

"It will. Luna deserves the best."

?

It was late at night, nearing midnight, as I waited under the treehouse, my breath visible in the crisp air. A trail of twinkling lights led from the edge of the woods to the treehouse, casting a magical glow through the trees. I adjusted the collar of my leather jacket, surveying the area to ensure everything was perfect.

As I waited, the sound of footsteps reached my ears. I looked up to see Luna approaching. Her eyes widened as she took in the enchanting scene, her face illuminated by the lights. She looked ethereal, happiness radiating from her smile. Our eyes locked, and my heart swelled with adoration.

"What's going on?" She asked, her voice filled with wonder.

I smirked, holding out my hand.

"Follow me."

She took my hand, showcasing her full trust in me. I helped her up the ladder into the treehouse. She gasped as she stepped inside, her eyes wide with amazement. Fairy lights adorned the interior, casting a golden glow over the cozy space. A beautifully arranged picnic awaited us, with her favorite treats. I guided her to the edge.

"Look down."

She peered out of the treehouse, her eyes almost burst from how wide they became. Spelled out in candles, the word PROM? shone in the night. Tears of happiness brimmed in her eyes as she turned to face me.

"I thought you hated prom?"

I shrugged; a soft smile played on my lips.

"I do, but I love a girl who loves prom."

Her smile widened as she wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me into a kiss. We savored the moment, our hearts beating in sync. After a moment, I pulled back, my arms still wrapped around her.

"So, yes?" I asked, my eyes twinkling with hope.

"I would love nothing more." She said, before we kissed to seal the promise.

We pulled away, and I led her to the picnic. Her eyes shined with appreciation.

"This is unbelievable."

I scratched the back of my neck, feeling nervous.

"Your mom helped."

She laughed; her heart full.

"It's perfect. Thank you."

We sat down, enjoying the spread. The night felt magical; the atmosphere was filled with warmth and love. It created the perfect moment, but I noticed a sudden shift in her mood. Concern clouded her eyes as she stared in front of her, lost in thought. I brushed my knuckles against her cheek.

"What's wrong?" I asked, my voice filled with concern.

She took a deep inhale, her caramel eyes meeting mine.

"I can't help but worry about us, and when I leave for college."

I scooted closer to her on the ground, hoping my presence would comfort her.

"Long distance won't change how I feel about you."

Her worry doesn't dissipate completely. She bit her lip and dropped her head.

"What happens if you find someone else?"

I laughed at her words, cupping her face in my hands and looking into her eyes with unwavering confidence.

"You're my past, present, and future, Luna Delgato. Nothing, or no one, will ever change that."

To solidify my reassurance, I pulled her into a tender kiss. When we pulled away, her lips raised into a teasing smirk.

"Are you going to be jealous of all the college guys that are going to be around me?"

Her eyes held a mischievous glint. My lips raised as arrogance washed over me.

"Not at all," I said, twirling a strand of her hair around my finger. "I know how to fight."

She giggled, the sound infectious, before pulling me into another kiss. The worries of the future faded, replaced by the certainty of our love and shared bond. We eventually pulled apart, our foreheads resting together as we basked in closeness.

"I love you."

"I love you too, Snow." I said, my voice filled with conviction. "We'll make this work, no matter what."

With that promise, we continued our picnic. The future held many uncertainties, but we knew we could face them together.

?

I inhaled as I crossed the street to Luna's house. When I rang the doorbell, her mother answered.

"Hey, Hudson."

"Hey, Mrs. Delgato. Is Luna home?"

She shook her head.

"She went out with Maya."

I nodded and thanked her, ready to leave, until she stopped me.

"Wait," she said, a hint of emotion in her voice. "I have something I need to give you."

Curious, I stepped inside and sat down in the living room, waiting for her to return from somewhere. She returned with a small box, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She handed it to me. I looked at her in confusion.

"Your mother wanted you to have this as a graduation present." She said. "When she got sick, she asked me to give it to you."

I opened the box, swallowing down the lump in my throat. Inside, I found a note from my mother.

I'm sorry I'm not there to see you graduate, but I am so proud of you. Forever in your heart x.

My eyes welled up with tears as I read her heartfelt words. I glanced inside and saw the old locket she never took off. Inside was a picture of the three of us during a vacation at the beach when I was five. Overcome with emotion, I sobbed, clutching the locket to my chest. Mrs. Delgato moved closer and placed her arm around my shoulder, her tears falling in shared grief.

"I miss her every day." She whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "She would be so proud of you."

I looked at the locket with her engraved initials. Its significance weighed in my hands. With trembling fingers, I placed it around my neck, feeling an immediate sense of closeness to her. The tears kept flowing, but I felt a sense of peace mixed with them. Despite it all, my mother would be with me for more than my graduation.