This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story to the theme, “not everyone fits a prom dress.” You can take inspiration from Ellis Delaney’s song, the photo, or any spark of imagination. Who doesn’t fit and why? What is the tone? You can set the genre. Go where the prompt leads!

While prom is not ‘a thing’ here in Australia, our graduating students have formals and semi-formals, we all know what it is from television shows and movies.
Dressed for the Prom
She surprised them when she emerged, resplendent in formal gown, announcing, “I’m going to the prom.” With a smile as wide as a rainbow after rain, she twirled for them to admire her from every angle. Gorgeous, they agreed, though it was a little wide in the shoulders and a little long in the hem. The neckline would be revealing without underclothes. Someone suggested the beads were overdone, that one or two strands would suffice, but the decision was made. As soon as Billy arrived in the limo for big sister Maud, she was ready. What was keeping him?

Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thought.
Delightful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jennie. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Norah.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Adorable! I bet little sister would have been a hit at the prom, if she was allowed to go. In my small New Jersey town, the prom was a big thing, and I did go to the Junior Prom (with a guy friend and it was not much fun) and the Senior Prom with my then boyfriend. I realized that the prep beforehand (we seniors decorated the gym for a week before the big dance) was much more fun than the actual event.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with you about little sister. 💖
I’m pleased you have some good memories of your prom, Pam. Sometimes the best memories come in unexpected ways.
LikeLike
Pingback: Not Everyone Fits « Carrot Ranch Literary Community
Such a sweet thought, going to prom with Big Sis, impatient for that boyfriend to arrive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah. She’s all ready. Why isn’t he here? I think I’d like to be that child in that family. She’s very loved.
LikeLike
I didn’t go to my own prom, but I did a couple of years later with a girl after I’d graduated. It was an odd feeling for me to feel old and slightly out of place at age 20. Great job on the prompt!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Old at twenty. 😉😂😅 If only we knew then, eh?
LikeLiked by 2 people
There were no proms last year. I can see how disappointing the high school students were. Even graduation was a drive-through, getting out of the car to receive the diploma and get back into the car! Well done with your flash, Norah.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m pleased you enjoyed the flash, Miriam. Thank you. Yes, many milestones went uncelebrated last year and this. It is disappointing.
LikeLike
We had our shares, Norah. We missed going to two family weddings, didn’t go to Nora’s birth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hopefully we’ll be back to doing those things soon, Miriam. While we can’t go back in time to pick up what we’ve missed, we can look forward to good times ahead.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re exactly right, Norah. My granddaughter Nora was not sociable right after things and places open up. It took a long time for her to warm up with me. She started going to daycare this month and hopefully she picks up and interacts with other kids.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope she warms to you quickly when you can get back together, Miriam. I’m sure she will. 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
She did on the last few days of my visit, Norah. When we walked on the street, she extended her hand and wanted me to hold her hand! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
lol and we buy into yet another usa custom … nice one Norah and love that little cutie all dolled up 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kate. She is a cutie, isn’t she?
LikeLiked by 1 person
sure is!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Norah, oh I love this – what a nice picture of a little sister. Hope you are doing well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind comment, Barbara. I think it paints a nice picture of her big sister and her boyfriend too. I hope so anyway. 🙂
Yes, I’m doing well, thank you. I hope you are too. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes all is well here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
I skipped my senior prom; if you’ve seen my high school photo, you’ll know why… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think I’ve seen it, Jim, and I can’t imagine why.
LikeLiked by 1 person
picture what you think a nerd looks like, and that is what my school id looked like… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think plenty of us are nerds at that stage. It’s par for the course. Why should you be any different? 😅
LikeLiked by 1 person
but there were always the cool kids, too… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know. I used to watch them too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a darling story. I wonder what Maud and Billy did?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jacqui. Maud and Billy may have had trouble getting away. I’m sure Billy would tell her how gorgeous she looks and maybe have a dance with her before they leave. I think it’s a loving family with kind kids.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is wonderful. It appeals to my need for HEA endings–which you always have in your stories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful, Norah. I took from this piece that he’s not showing. This leaves me with so many questions (which, as you know, I love in short fiction).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sarah. No, he’ll show. The mc is the little sister who’d love to go with them. She’s just impatient for him to come. I’m sorry it wasn’t clear. Thanks for your comment letting me know.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, I see that, too. My mind just went to a darker place (as usual). A cute piece with little sis wanting to go. 🙂 Maybe he’ll save her a dance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He will. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this flash. We knew it was a little girl from the photo, but the punchline still took me by surprise. Great writing.
PS. Have you read The Member of the Wedding? It’s about a much older child, but a similar sentiment. I did wonder with your character how she would cope when they left without her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m pleased you enjoyed it, Anne, and realised it was about the child. I’m not sure how she’ll cope when she can’t go with them. They obviously include her at other times. Maybe he’ll have a dance with her before they leave.
I haven’t read The Member of the Wedding. Should I? I’m listening to The Gods of Love at the moment.
LikeLike
It’s all playing dress-up isn’t it. Maude and Billy may have trouble getting out the door. Love the mc.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know. I don’t think the little one will be happy when they go without her. It’s always difficult being left behind. Especially when you so want to go, and you’re so ready. 😉
LikeLike
the prom is always a time of great excitement for some here -)
LikeLiked by 1 person
It always sounds so exciting, Beth. It seems to hold so much importance to many.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does and it can also be a time of sadness for some. I love the trend of people going with a small group of friends and not worrying if they have their dream date or not
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think that’s a great trend. More inclusive and supportive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Norah, I enjoyed your piece on the Prom! A tradition that’s come over from America to the U.K. but is also known as a formal. My son’s was three years ago and the shopping for the three piece suit, very snazzy indeed, became an event itself! It’s special to see the young people all dressed up and so excited, heading out on the road of adulthood!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is exciting. The formal’s can be a great celebration and a lot of fun for them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How lovely, Norah. We have something like this here too, but not last year or this year.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So much has had to be sacrificed to Covid. So disappointing.
LikeLiked by 1 person