Elena Sergio.

"Ugh!" I grumbled. Finally, the prom came near like an expected night from the day. Everyone was all hyped for the event and I was sure they had put on their best outfits to slay all night. Here I was stuck in my bed, all covered with my blanket trying to skip the whole activity after my heart got smashed by the worst person I could ever meet. My sister had my dress all washed and properly ironed. She must have thought I was going to slay in my best looks this evening but I was about to disappoint her. So sad.

"Elena are you ready?" Karen yelled from downstairs. Her voice was so loud that it could be heard if I was sitting outside the building. One of the reasons why we avoid her screams and loud noise especially when she gets all hyped about something or someone.

She often doesn't scream like this. It occurred when she wanted to get any of our attention or call us to order when we argue. I remember the last time it happened, but it was a different story entirely. Her ears were blocked with her earbuds and she was vibing to one of her favorite jams. It got her in the mood and she began to sing it loud word for word, causing distress to our ears. I had to call her back from the cloud nine she was taken to before it all died down.

Back to reality, I wasn't ready to go to the prom. My self-confidence was lost and my energy was drained. There was nothing no one could do to get my ass up from this bed. I was ready to be reluctant and act stubborn. My sister stumbled her feet on the stairs, rushing upstairs to my room to check what was going on in my space. Her eyes won't be able to take in what she was about to see.

"Are you kidding me?" I spoke too soon. She was about to burst into flames as she saw me all covered in bed with my favorite blue blanket. Her face was all red and disappointed. I never wanted her to feel like I wasted her time when I saw her getting my dress prepared before now. It'd ruin her morale for the night. She had pictured this day to be a memorable day for me in high school since she had gotten her own experiences. All she wanted was good for me but I messed up her feelings.

"I'm sorry but I don't feel like going," I opened up from where I lay, unfolding the blanket from my body, rising to sit upright on my bed by the edge side.

"You knew you weren't going and you made me spend my whole afternoon getting a nice dress and makeup kit for you to look so good this evening?" She sounded more disappointed every second her words rushed out. I crushed her feelings to the ground like broken glass.

"I'm sorry," my tears began to slip down like a leaking bucket losing its content. I wasn't supposed to get emotional. "I just feel less confident right now." Only if I told her about how messed up my feelings were because of Kadjiri, she'd have helped me. Her anger diluted the moment she saw me break down. She became worried and walked slowly toward me to embrace me. I felt loved and secure, knowing fully well my sister got my back.

"What's wrong?" She inquired. The truth will be out anyway. No need to hold back the story.

"Kadjiri messed me up. He was playing me this whole time. And he publicly said it in front of the whole school at the pre-prom party. I feel so stupid right now," my tears rushed out even more like a flowing river. I grabbed her tightly and rested my head on her shoulder. Only at that point could I confide in Karen.

"I knew he was bad luck after he bailed out on you when I was having my tournament. I'd whip his ass when next I see that son of a bitch."

"It's okay. Don't make it worst," my head was raised to look at Karen's face, just to let her know that her nerves needed to be calm at the moment.

"I don't know how many times I have to say it but you're beautiful sis. Nothing can take that away from you. I wish you could see yourself as I see you." Her words sounded so sweet but it wasn't enough to get me back to my feet. I wasn't broken beyond repair but I wasn't just brave enough to take in those sweet words said by Karen.

"You know what? Stand up! Right now. No more pampering of feelings!" Her tone changed in a blink. I raised my head from her shoulder and watched her being all commanding. She pulled me up and took me to a standing mirror where we both stood in front.

"What do you see?" She questioned me while we stood in front of the mirror. I wiped my tears with my midarm and sought answers while I looked into the morrow deeply. I was still seeing a girl who was insecure and less confident about how she looked like. I wasn't sure of what my sister wanted me to look for but I wasn't just seeing it.

"You don't see it, do you?" She asked for confirmation and I nodded in reply. She face-palmed herself and shook her head. I was stressed about the poor girl and she was taking it easy.

"This is pointless Sis. I'm not seeing anything," I gave you at that point and planned on taking my seat but I was stopped while I turned my back. She wasn't ready to give you on me and I shouldn't also.

"Look harder!" She insisted and turned me to the mirror. I sighed and took a deep breath. My eyes looked upon the mirror seeking answers my sister had in mind already. Suddenly everything seemed beautiful. I saw that beautiful girl standing in front of the mirror. That person was created beautifully and wonderfully. The one whose skin speaks well of her and her hair was properly made. That girl was me. It was me! The one who I never accepted, she stood in front of the mirror looking so wonderful.

"I'm beautiful!" I muttered under my breath while I admired what figure I was. Smiles filled my face as I had so much joy in me. I saw what I never knew I possess. That beauty and poise. The elegance that made me stand out.

"I'm beautiful!" I said again while my voice tone increased. My sister placed her hands on my shoulder, a sign of confirmation that I did what she requested and I passed the test. At that moment my confidence was restored and I was ready to take myself to that prom and strike my pose like the queen that I was. I hugged my sister who stood behind me. It meant to thank you for always being there and giving me confidence when I needed it.

"I believe you're ready to go to that prom," My sister said with my dress in her hand. She spread them widely and I admired what she picked out for me. She gave me space to change into my outfit and I did. I walked to the mirror and sat before it, looking at hie beautiful I was. I was putting on a navy blue fitted gown, armless to be specific. It revealed my curves which I never noticed where there all this while. I alerted my sister that I was done for her to walk in and fix my makeup.

I was finally set for the prom which seemed like a ball. Royalty was seen upon me and my crown fitted my head properly. Karen leaned behind my room door, adoring what manner of beauty I was filled with. I appreciated her at that point for making me stand out even though it wasn't my style. She offered to take me to school but I declined at first. She was being a good sister and I realized that but it felt like I was misusing her presence even though she wasn't going to stay at home for long. She insisted and I finally agreed.

She picked me up from home and we arrived at the venue in thirty minutes. Luckily for us, traffic wasn't there to hold us down. The school was decorated attractively and disco light was seen flashing from the inner rooms. I hugged her in the car before leaving and thanked her for her help once again before she drove off.

I lifted my gown a bit and adjusted my feet before taking any step. I accessed the whole atmosphere before making any move, making sure my mind was settled and ready for whatever I was going to face. I walked into the school premises slowly, making my steps along the corridor, getting nearer to the main hall where the event was holding while hearing the sound of music and howling. It was seen that everyone was having fun with their prom date but I was left alone to share the day.

That didn't affect me from having fun. I walked into the main hall and grabbed a drink. Everyone danced with their partners while I watched it all happen. It might look like I was left out but self-love wasn't disallowed. My eyes sighted Kadjiri, someone who I never wanted to set my eyes upon again but this time it was different. He seemed disappointed and sad from the way his expression was on his face but I wasn't going to let myself get deceived since he was seen with Anabel. I should have known all along when I noticed Anabel was scarce back when we were having classes. She wasn't seen much around him but no one could tell that she had a devilish plan in mind.

I avoided eye contact with him and danced solo. I loved the vibe and the way the beat made me feel. With the plastic cup in my hand filled with apple juice, I danced carefully, being mindful of spilling drinks on my cloth.

It was finally time to announce the prom king and queen for our set. Those who put in their names had high expectations to win but I was unbothered. No one was going to take that title away from Anabel no matter how they tried. I wasn't sure of the boys though. I looked around to see if Matthew was present but I saw nothing. I know deep down he won't miss this for the world, no matter the circumstances that might arise.

"The prom queen and king are.." the principal said while he walked into the hall with a red sealed envelope in his hand. He kept everyone in suspense a bit before planning to tell us the name of the winners. "Is Anabel and Kadjiri!" The last name stopped me from joining others to clap and cheer for their victory. I had it at the back of my mind that Anabel was taking the crown home but Kadjiri? He didn't deserve it one bit. Another result of Anabel's influence. They both climbed up the stage together as they seemed like a couple and we have presented the crown for them to wear upon their heads. Anabel couldn't contain her excitement and Kadjiri wasn't giving in either. She waved toward the crowd like she was in a beauty pageant and smiled. The audience couldn't help but keep on clapping and cheering while they got down from the stage.

Deep down, I felt heavy. Some words need to be said. Words that everyone needed to know about. I need to climb to that stage and let everyone know my feelings since the school's first term was coming to an end. I wasn't feeling intimidated and this was a perfect opportunity for me to be open-minded. I took that boldness and walked directly to that stage. It felt like my pace was played in slow motion. All eyes were on me while I made my way to that stage. Everyone wondered what I was planning on doing but they were in for a surprise.

I got on that stage and grabbed the nearest mic available. Murmurs were heard echoing in the hall but that didn't give me a second thought about what I planned on saying. There on that stage, I could see Matthews hanging out with Clara and Kadjiri's eyes all over me while Anabel fought for his attention. A perfect time and a perfect place for my feelings to be heard.

"Hey Everyone!" I stammered. This wasn't thought through and my words were still trying to add up together. I don't want to humiliate myself for the second time.

"Y'all may all know me as Elena white or bleached skin or rather all other insults you used to call me," this caused everyone to be silent to give an ear to what I was saying. "Erm! I get it. Those were the name you all called me in the previous years just because of my skin and insecurities. I get it. It's the thing that hunted me my entire life and define me. I have come to realize that I'm so much more than all those names I was called. I'm a sister. I'm a best friend, mostly the good and bad sometimes and I'm sorry for that. I'm smart and I'm fun. I play piano and I'm good at it. Being this way makes me, me. And I like me, the same way y'all should like yourselves too. We are all good enough and when we come to realize it, no one can take it away. Y'all can go ahead and keep calling me names but you know what? I can take it. But what y'all can't take away from me is my self-confidence and beauty I was made with."

I felt relieved a bit after my long speech. I turned to get down from the stage when I heard Matthews' scream my name and start the cheers for me before everyone joined in. This truly meant they understood was I was saying and they could relate to that feeling. I was proud of myself even though it took me the whole of high school to realize that. I was glad that I was able to realize all these even when it took me a while. I was proud of who I've made myself to be.

I planned to take my exit from the hall when I stopped my Kadjiri. He practically ran after me after my given long speech, probably to say a few things to my face.

"Elena I'm so so sorry for everything. I'm sorry. Your speech was beautiful and you said absolutely nothing but the truth." I watched him say all these with sentiments but weirdly I wasn't angry at his presence or anything. The weight on my heart was lifted away after that speech. There was no room for anger or sadness.

"Thank you!" I replied without no grudges

"I can't stand being with Anabel. It's you I always think of all the time," that came out so fast. He didn't pause before saying his feelings straight forward. My speech must have given him an edge.

"Is there any chance we can start all over?" He asked softly with his eyes looking all dreamy while he stared at me. I stared back at him, feeling his words in my heart. At that point, he looked honest and truthful.

"No! I'm sorry!" I turned and took my exit finally. Nothing was going to make me fall back to my vomit.