Live Love Laugh Learn … Create the possibilities

Dressed for the Prom #flashfiction

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 blog post

Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thought.

Comments

50 responses to “Dressed for the Prom #flashfiction”

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Jennie. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie Avatar

        You’re welcome, Norah.

        Liked by 1 person

  1. roughwighting Avatar

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      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.

      Like

  2. Not Everyone Fits « Carrot Ranch Literary Community Avatar

    […] Dressed for the Prom by Norah Colvin […]

    Like

  3. Charli Mills Avatar

    Such a sweet thought, going to prom with Big Sis, impatient for that boyfriend to arrive.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      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.

      Like

  4. petespringerauthor Avatar
    petespringerauthor

    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!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Old at twenty. 😉😂😅 If only we knew then, eh?

      Liked by 2 people

  5. Miriam Hurdle Avatar

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      I’m pleased you enjoyed the flash, Miriam. Thank you. Yes, many milestones went uncelebrated last year and this. It is disappointing.

      Like

      1. Miriam Hurdle Avatar

        We had our shares, Norah. We missed going to two family weddings, didn’t go to Nora’s birth.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Norah Avatar

          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.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Miriam Hurdle Avatar

            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.

            Liked by 1 person

            1. Norah Avatar

              I hope she warms to you quickly when you can get back together, Miriam. I’m sure she will. 💖

              Liked by 1 person

              1. Miriam Hurdle Avatar

                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! ❤

                Liked by 1 person

  6. calmkate Avatar

    lol and we buy into yet another usa custom … nice one Norah and love that little cutie all dolled up 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thanks, Kate. She is a cutie, isn’t she?

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Book Club Mom Avatar

    Hi Norah, oh I love this – what a nice picture of a little sister. Hope you are doing well!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      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. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Book Club Mom Avatar

        Yes all is well here!

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Jim Borden Avatar

    I skipped my senior prom; if you’ve seen my high school photo, you’ll know why… 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      I don’t think I’ve seen it, Jim, and I can’t imagine why.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jim Borden Avatar

        picture what you think a nerd looks like, and that is what my school id looked like… 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Norah Avatar

          I think plenty of us are nerds at that stage. It’s par for the course. Why should you be any different? 😅

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Jim Borden Avatar

            but there were always the cool kids, too… 🙂

            Liked by 1 person

            1. Norah Avatar

              I know. I used to watch them too.

              Liked by 1 person

  9. Jacqui Murray Avatar

    What a darling story. I wonder what Maud and Billy did?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      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.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jacqui Murray Avatar

        That is wonderful. It appeals to my need for HEA endings–which you always have in your stories.

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Sarah Brentyn Avatar

    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).

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      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.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sarah Brentyn Avatar

        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.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Norah Avatar

          He will. 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

  11. Anne Goodwin is bringing Matilda Windsor home Avatar

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      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.

      Like

  12. D. Avery @shiftnshake Avatar

    It’s all playing dress-up isn’t it. Maude and Billy may have trouble getting out the door. Love the mc.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      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. 😉

      Like

  13. beth Avatar

    the prom is always a time of great excitement for some here -)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      It always sounds so exciting, Beth. It seems to hold so much importance to many.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. beth Avatar

        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

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Norah Avatar

          I think that’s a great trend. More inclusive and supportive.

          Liked by 1 person

  14. Annika Perry Avatar

    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!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      It is exciting. The formal’s can be a great celebration and a lot of fun for them.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. robbiesinspiration Avatar

    How lovely, Norah. We have something like this here too, but not last year or this year.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Norah Avatar

      So much has had to be sacrificed to Covid. So disappointing.

      Liked by 1 person

Leave a reply to Sarah Brentyn Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.