Vanessa's prom nightmare

As the months went by, Vanessa found herself with the guy of her dreams. This night was the night of senior prom, the most important and magical night of a teenage girls life. Her date, the handsome princely class president, William. Her dress, a sky blue, light-as-a-feather gown that accented her blazing orange locks perfectly. She wore make-up for the first time- applied, with grace, by her mother. This would be a night to remember. THE night to remember.

As this was the first time she ever wore a dress, Vanessa's parents snapped off several pictures of her alone and several more of her and her date before they left.

As they arrived, the other guest watched as the two entered the building. Vanessa's friends cheering her on. Williams' buddies patting him on the shoulder. Ellen Bachratti scowling as they pass. Ellen's date, a massive dumb looking jock looks on with a smile in support of William.

A couple of hours into the event, a couple of Williams friends approach him alone, out on the second story balcony.

Friend1: dude, great on the rebound! I knew the Samson chick had it in her, but man! She cleans up great! She looks like a different person! You did your boys proud!

William: Yeah, well, sometimes, you gotta look into people to see who they really are...

Friend2: Hey man. What 'bout your old girl, Ellen? She's fumin' like a firecracker in there. You saw her face?

The two friends slap hands in celebration. William smiles reluctantly

Inside, Vanessa is surrounded by her friends as well as other girls who wish to talk to her.

Vanessa: He's great! Just as great as I thought he'd be!

Friend1: Girl, I can't believe you landed this boy! You should be so happy right now. I wish I was you! Oh, my god!

Vanessa: Well, with a little determination, you can get a man half as good.

They all laugh.

Friend2: So... you let him... You know?

Vanessa: I will after the party. (Sigh) I'm giving him everything...

Friend2: You really love him, don't you?

Vanessa blushes. The girls voices raise in unison as they express their excitement at the idea. As the 'whoos' Continue among the small group, a determined Ellen makes her way across the busy room toward the stairs.

William: It's complicated guys...

Friend1: Like how? You got a good one here man. Hit it, now! Tonight's the night. You didn't have a problem with Ellen.

William: She's... I don't know, she's different. I mean, if Vanessa's ready, she's ready... but she'll be the one to...

Ellen:...The one to, what?

The guys turn to see Ellen standing behind them, arms crossed.

Friend2: Oh.. I'll leave you two alone.

Friend1: Yeah. Se ya inside, Will. ( Starts for the doorway) Evening Elle..

Ellen: Get lost, creep.

Ellen approaches William.

William: (Sigh) Yeah...?

Ellen: Did I hear right? You and that tramp? Tonight?

William: Vanessa is not a tramp! Is this why you came here? To badmouth my date?

Ellen: What happened to us?

William:...You!

Ellen: Will, I only wanted some space. It was supposed to be temporary, Will! I would never have.. Oh, god... if I had known my baby would be so lost without me...

William: I wasn't lost. I... was confused, angry, but not lost.

Ellen: Well, I was. I'm sorry, honey. I was wrong.

William: ..Excuse me?

Ellen: Yeah, I said it. I was wrong. There. See, Even I can admit it. It just... When I see you and another girl together. It hurts to see the mistake I made come back to hurt me.

William: Baby, I'm not trying to hurt you... I, I just...

Ellen: (sniff) Did you miss me?

William: You know I did. Every day. The way you smile, the way you laugh, they way you looked at me. You were my first and my best.

Ellen: ( Leans in closer) Did you miss my touch... My kisses.

William: always...

Vanessa searches the floor. She stops one of Williams friends as he passes.

Vanessa: You seen Will around?

Friend1: Uh.. I think he went to the... restroom. Yeah.

Vanessa: ...Right.

A guy turns towards them.

Guy: Will? Yeah, I saw him go upstairs ten minutes ago.

Vanessa: Thanks!

Vanessa makes her way across the floor towards the stairs.

Ellen: You know, if you were gonna leave me for another girl, I would think she'd be more... lady-like.

William: Vanessa's O.k.

Eleen: If you like 'em... strong.

William: Elle...

Ellen: I'm just saying... She's a basketball player, they're not exactly the most... feminine. How do you think they get those hands around the ball? I'm thinking some tranny shit's goin' on.

William: (Laughs) O.k. Enough...

Ellen looks him in the eyes

William: ...about her.

Ellen: You and me then?

William: Forever.

Vanessa makes her way to the top of the stairs and stops as she passes the open door to the balcony. A look of absolute horror takes over her face as she looks out to the scene on the balcony.

William and Ellen are locked in full embrace engaged in a kiss so deep one would swear they were attempting to consume one another. Vanessa raises her hands to her face. William opens his eyes and notices her.

William: Vanessa!...

Vanessa: No... No... No...

Ellen: ( smiles) Thanks for keeping my man warm for me while I was gone.

William: Now, Vanessa. Let's talk about this...

Vanessa: (Tearing up, in a low voice) You... scum... How could you...

Vanessa starts backing away.

William: It's complicated... I'm...

Vanessa: (Taking heavy breaths) ...I trusted you... I...

Vanessa's hands tremble as if to remove some stubborn filth. She gasps for air as words escape her.

Ellen: What is there to talk about? She sees every thing she needs to know.

William: Elle, please. Look, Vanessa... VANESSA!

Vanessa rushes away. William runs after her. The crowed watches as the red head and the prince scramble down the stairs across the crowded floor and out the door. Vanessa's friends make for her as she leaves the building in a rush followed by the one who would be her prince. Williams friends watch.

William: VANESSA!

Friend1: I guess that means he aint getting any tonight.

Elle stands at the top of the stairs and looks out over the crowed, smiling triumphantly.

Vanessa hops on one leg as she pries one of her heels off and then the other. Now, barefoot, her long, muscular legs carry her off onto the dark of the night. William losses sight of his date now far down the road. Only the slaps of bare feet on the asphalt keep him after her. soon, however, the more athletic princess out runs her pursuing prince and the chase must be forfeited. William places his hands on his knees in defeat as he senses neither sight nor sound of the girl with a broken heart. Vanessa tears away from the light of the street, her blue dress vanishing into blackness.

In the dark of some empty back yard, Vanessa throws herself against a wall, curls her legs up to her chin and weeps. she lets her expensive heels fall to the ground next to her as her tears soak her soiled gown.

Suddenly, the black night became as brilliant as day. A deafening explosion made the problems of man instantly, meaningless. Vanessa stands to her feet and looks in the direction of the sound at a sight that would haunt her dreams forever...

... A mushroom cloud.