Prom Prom

Just about a month before High School graduation!

Rah Rah Ree! Kick 'em in the knee! 

Rah Rah Rass! Kick 'em in the other knee!

Yeah, there are some classes left, but mostly it is about finishing strong - socially.  Buy a Year Book, get lots of signings from classmates, get ready for life changing events, like Senior Prom.  The reality is that the academic year is shot - and everyone knows it from the principal on down to the Life Skills teacher.

Discrete inquiries have been made as Grant passes through the living room with ear buds plugged deep into his skull; "Son, do you think you will be going to Senior Prom this year?" 
"Yeah. Probably."
"Will you being taking a girl or anything like that?"
"Maybe."
"Speaking for you mother and me, I am glad that is settled.  Goodnight."

Observing the adolescent life is much like watching a duck in a pond; mostly what I notice is Grant sitting for hours at the computer with his ipod hung from his temples, similar to a duck idly floating in the pond.  But like the view of the duck from below the water's surface, you will notice furiously paddling feet; likewise, the serene continence of youth may not reflect at all the furious complexities swirling beneath the life's surface.

Later, another discrete inquiry on the subject of Senior Prom, elicited a half-formed plan from Grant to ask Emma to go with him to the Prom.  But there was a problem. The problem was that Emma no longer lived in town, in fact Emma no longer lived in the hemisphere.  Emma lives in New Zealand.  It now appears that the limousine charges to import Emma for the prom would be a bit rich.  Emma was an exchange student and friend of Grant's, who returned home at the end of last semester, though Emma may return to Garland for graduation ceremonies, she won't be in town for prom. 

On second thought, Grant opined that girls can be way too complicated.  It is dicey as to whether one can correctly read their minds, live up to expectations and make all the right moves for a whole, entire pressure-packed social evening.  He and his buddies considered the consequences and dangers of being formally attached to just a single female for the entire evening and opted to go with the "group strategy".  This "group strategy" has been used as a survival strategy by small fish fleeing from barracudas, wildebeests fleeing from hunting lionesses and employed with similar success by less socially savvy school boys when thrown in amongst graduating Senior Girls in expensive prom dresses.  Any social awkwardness can be diffused amongst the group much more readily than within a formal couple, and with social pressure lowered while employing the group survival strategy, the boys have a much better chance at enjoying the evening.  Though, it is acceptable to pair-off for a "picture date"; where a couple will stand in front of the camera and record the moment, two-by-two.

With no formal pairings for the prom, money is saved, expectations lowered and the peaceable kingdom where everyone can be "just friends" reigns.  Grant had his plan in place and all was well with the world.

Then, one Sunday evening, Grant was asked  by Kerrie to accompany her to the Berkner High School Prom in Richardson, the next suburb to the west.  Of course, being imbued with more social grace than many of his peers he accepted.

Just when he thought he had it all planned out....
Keep those duck feet paddling below the surface, because now he has two prom ponds to navigate.