Different But Same (Eli "Hawk" Moskowitz)

XXXIX. A Night to Remember

Lainey stood anxiously in her room. She stared at herself in the mirror and patted down her blue dress.

Prom night. The night she'd waited for. The butterflies in her stomach were constant.

She smiled at herself in the mirror and examined her hair. Her long curls were more prominent as the front had been braided.

Lainey applied lip gloss and placed it into her purse.

She grabbed her phone and noticed a message from Eli. He was on his way with Miguel.

Her heart beat in her chest. She was so excited and so nervous. All of the emotions rushed through her body.

Lainey grabbed her silver heels and put them on.

"Lainey, Sam!" their mom called.

Both girls exited their rooms. Sam smiled at her sister.

"You look beautiful!" Sam beamed.

"You look hot!" Lainey grinned as she clutched her sister's hand.

Sam laughed. "I love your heels."

"I love your makeup!" Lainey replied.

"Girls, stop it and come down here!" Amanda laughed.

Sam headed down the stairs.

"Oh shoot," Lainey mumbled.

"What is it?" Sam asked.

"I forgot the boutonniere for Eli."

"Alright, I'll be downstairs."

Lainey rushed into her room and grabbed the small plastic box that contained the blue flower.

She closed the door behind her and headed down the stairs. A big smile etched onto her face when she locked eyes with Eli.

"I didn't know you were here already," Lainey grinned.

"We just got here," Miguel explained as he stood beside Sam.

Eli couldn't pull his eyes away from Lainey and how breathtaking she was. The way she carried herself. Her confidence was rebuilding, Eli had never felt so proud. As she reached the bottom step, Eli clutched her hand.

"You look beautiful." Eli smiled.

"You do too," Lainey replied as she cupped his face gently. "This is for you," Lainey said as she presented him the small box. Lainey grabbed the blue flower from the box. Eli reached into his blazer pocket and pulled out a box that contained a white corsage.

Lainey pinned the flower onto his blazer, Eli placed the corsage onto her wrist as he kissed her hand softly.

"Where's dad?" Lainey asked.

"Out," Amanda replied.

"Why?"

"He'll be back soon."

"Alright, because our ride should be here soon."

Amanda nodded. "Sure will be."

Lainey turned to Eli. "You look so handsome," she said as she kissed him softly.

"You are beautiful," Eli explained as she grabbed her hand softly.

"You two are just a picture!" Louie beamed.

Lainey giggled. "I didn't know you were here?"

"Sure, your grandma is here too!"

Lainey laughed as Louie stared at her.