Prom Queen, The (Life at Kingston High Book #3) by Melody Carlson

“You ditched me.”
    “Seriously?” Zoë frowned. “You honestly think I ditched you?”
    Megan firmly nodded. “I know you did. I remember when I told you that I couldn’t be friends with Devin Gartolli. I knew she was into drugs and alcohol and I just didn’t want to go there. But you insisted on hanging with her. It was like you chose her over me. Don’t you remember that?”
    “Maybe it was a mutual ditching,” she conceded.
    “Can I ask you something?” Megan turned into Zoë’s subdivision.
    “I guess.”
    “Are you glad you made the choices you did?”
    Zoë laughed, but there was a lot of sadness in it.
    “I mean, if you could do it over, would you do it all the same way?”
    “Obviously I’d do some things differently.” Zoë pulled her backpack onto her lap and removed a package of cigarettes, shaking one out.
    Megan didn’t want her to smoke in the car, but Zoë’s house was only a few blocks away, so she didn’t say anything as Zoë lit up, although she did put her window down. “Well, maybe we can be friends now,” Megan said as she pulled in front of Zoë’s house. It looked a lot more run down than it used to.
    “Yeah, right. I’m sure we’re going to be best friends now.” Zoë opened the door and stuck a foot out.
    “Fine, maybe we won’t be best friends.” Megan gave her a wistful smile. “But at least we can say hi and stuff, can’t we?”
    “Sure. Why not?” Zoë climbed out.
    “Take care.”
    Zoë leaned down with a sad little smile. “Thanks for helping me.”
    Megan just nodded and waved as Zoë closed the door. As she drove home, she wished she’d said something more to her. Maybe she should’ve invited Zoë to come to youth group on Saturday. Or maybe that was pushing too hard. The important thing was that it seemed like she’d made a real connection with her old friend. And it seemed like Zoë had appreciated it. That felt amazingly good.

9
    T he first good news Megan heard on Friday was that she was “official.” Thanks to several of her friends, she’d been nominated as a candidate for prom queen.
    “Congratulations,” Lishia told her as the four friends met at lunch.
    “Thanks.” Megan nodded humbly. “I’ll do my best to make you guys proud.”
    “Well, it must be a relief.” Janelle picked up a tray. “After all you’ve invested in it already.” She nodded to Chelsea. “And you can thank her for getting you nominated.”
    “Really, did you—”
    “I just mentioned to several people on the nominating committee that you would make a wonderful prom queen,” Chelsea told her. “I guess they listened.”
    “Unfortunately, your competition is stiff,” Lishia pointed out.
    “No surprises there,” Megan admitted. “Amanda and Hallie.”
    “But maybe you’re right about them,” Chelsea reminded her. “You know, your theory about splitting the popular vote. That could work to your benefit.”
    “I sure hope so.” Megan put a cap on her diet soda, trying not to reveal how scary this was becoming. What if she was in over her head? Would she end up looking like a complete fool? But instead of obsessing, she reminded herself of Pastor Robbie’s words, and remembering her sister’s advice, she held her head high.
    At the end of the day, Megan heard more good news—she’d gotten the part of Golde in the musical. She wasn’t sure if it was because of her own audition or because of her relationship with Jack, but she didn’t really care either. To be participating in a show, singing with friends, and just being with Jack was an unexpected dream for her. All in all, it had been a very encouraging day!
    However, she was aware that this new commitment might make her campaign for prom queen a bit more challenging. Some might even consider the musical a distraction, but she truly believed she was up for it. And, she told herself, being in the musical was a way to be in the spotlight, to make friends, and hopefully to gain votes. Really,