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Trixie's Prom Plans Change

Saturday, May 2
5:45 a.m.

Trixie Belden felt as if she would suffocate if she didn't get outside for some fresh air. At least half the upperclassmen of Sleepyside Junior-Senior High were attending Honey Wheeler's all-night post-prom party. While the Manor House was large enough to handle the crowd and she certainly should not have felt claustrophobic, she did. Of course it was more a matter of feeling that way than being that way.

The normally upbeat and energetic teen sighed as she pulled open a French door and stepped out onto the wide veranda. She inhaled the cool pre-dawn air as she crossed over to the railing and stared out over the wide expanse of manicured lawns towards the woods. The sky was beginning to lighten in the east and she could just barely make out the shapes of the shrubbery and other landscaping.

She inhaled deeply and closed her eyes. She felt confused and out of sorts. One moment she was gloriously happy, the next on the verge of tears. She wondered what might justify the emotional roller coaster she had been on the past twelve hours. As she considered the possible reasons for her turmoil, she realized that these feelings might have started much more than twelve hours earlier, perhaps several weeks earlier.

x x x

Thursday, April 9
7:30 p.m.

"I can't believe it," Trixie moaned as she slumped against the wall and slowly slid down it until her buttocks hit the floor of the upstairs hallway of Crabapple Farm. She switched the phone receiver from one ear to the other.

"I'm sorry Trixie. If there were any way."

"I know, I know," Trixie offered.

"I asked to take the exam early and Professor Bird wouldn't even consider it."

"I understand," Trixie muttered, even though her tone of voice betrayed the words.

"I have to stay over until Saturday morning. I can come up afterwards. I'll be there by Saturday afternoon."

"But the dance is Friday." Trixie tried to choke back the tears. "Prom is Friday night. And that's my birthday, too." She couldn't believe how disappointed she felt.

"The school doesn't require you to have a date. You can go with Honey and Di."

And Brian and Mart. My brothers. Oh, yeah. Once again, Tomboy Trixie tags along; this time showing up to her prom dateless. "I guess."

"I'll be there Saturday as soon as I can. I'll make it up to you then. We'll go to the Country Club, anywhere you want." The deep voice on the other end of the phone line offered. "You'll have a special birthday, Trix. I promise I'll make it up to you."

"Sure Jim. We'll do something together that Saturday." Trixie agreed less than enthusiastically. "Listen, I need to go. I have a lot of studying to do." She just wanted to get off the phone. She needed to think.

"I'm sorry Trixie. I want to take you."

"I know," Trixie said as she hung up the phone. She continued to sit on the hallway floor trying to make some sense of the unwelcome news. Now what, Belden? Your steady boyfriend can't take you to the prom. You have no other interested males. Ha! Like they're lined up waiting for you. Even if someone were interested, everyone already has a date.

Trixie Belden had lived her entire life on a small farm near Sleepyside-on-the-Hudson, New York with her parents and three brothers. Honey Wheeler and her adopted brother, Jim Frayne, lived on a large estate adjacent to Crabapple Farm. Honey, Jim, and Trixie, her two older brothers, Brian and Mart, along with Diana Lynch, who lived just up the road, and Dan Mangan, who lived on the Wheeler estate, were close friends who had formed a club, the Bob-Whites of the Glen, when they were in high school. Now the boys were all in college and only the three girls remained at Sleepyside Junior-Senior High School, where they were nearing the end of their senior year. Trixie had received her acceptance at her first choice of colleges and had plans for an unforgettable eighteenth birthday, prom and graduation. The next few weeks were supposed to be among the most exciting and memorable of her life. With one short phone call, all her plans had been destroyed or at least most of them had been.

For months Trixie, Honey, and Diana had planned a triple date for prom night. The girls had reserved a stretch limousine and ensured that Tom Delanoy, the Wheelers chauffeur, would be available to drive it. They had selected elegant, flattering gowns, made reservations for dinner at an exclusive country inn, planned an evening at the formal dance itself, and were hosting an all night party at Honey's palatial home, Manor House. Trixie had purchased her dress at a Manhattan boutique in mid-March, spending far more than she could afford for the midnight-blue off-the-shoulder gown. Since the evening was both prom and her eighteenth birthday, she had decided to splurge and her mother had encouraged her to do so. It never occurred to any of the three girls that their steady boyfriends might not make it home from college for the big weekend.

Trixie's brother, Mart, had made certain he'd be home from Ohio State University. He'd arranged his schedule and made plane reservations well in advance. He had been in love with the exotic Diana Lynch since he was seven years old, and they had been an exclusive couple for over two years. She had shared his Senior Prom the prior year and he wanted to be there for hers as well.

Brian Belden and Jim Frayne shared an apartment in Manhattan where they both attended Columbia University. No one had ever questioned their being able to make the short commute to Sleepyside to escort Honey and Trixie. Like his younger brother and Diana, Brian was determined that no one else share such an important evening with Honey. Jim Frayne and Trixie Belden had been a devoted and exclusive couple since Jim had given Trixie an identification bracelet several years earlier. They had always planned on Jim's being Trixie's escort. When Jim's final exam schedule was posted, he learned that he had two exams scheduled for Friday and one Saturday morning of prom weekend. Although he knew he would be exhausted by that Saturday evening, it wouldn't deter him from participating. Then, just that week, he had learned that the dance was being held Friday evening, not Saturday as he'd always assumed. He'd gone to the instructor of the class with the exam scheduled for Saturday and begged to take it at another time. His request was denied. He'd be in exams all day Friday and again at 8:00 a.m. Saturday. It would be impossible to make the hour-plus trip out to Sleepyside, attend the prom, and then make it back into the City for the morning exam. Reluctantly, he advised Trixie that he couldn't attend.

Now Trixie was faced with having to attend prom as a fifth wheel, try to return her beautiful dress and stay home, or make some other arrangements. She was debating calling Honey about her dilemma when the phone rang. Of course, it was Honey. Jim had just shared his bad news with her, hoping she might ease Trixies disappointment.

"Trixie, I just spoke to Jim. I'm so sorry," Honey offered sympathetically.

"Mmm." Trixie needed to talk, but she could barely speak.

"You can still go to the dance and then on Saturday..."

"I'm not sure I want to go without a date."

"We'll find you one."

"Oh right. Prom's in two weeks! The only guys left are Hermy Wormy and..." Trixie couldn't face the thought of showing up at prom with Herman Worman. His name alone scared most girls away, but his perpetually broken glasses and less than amiable personality insured that he'd be dateless that evening.

"It doesn't have to be another senior." Honey offered.

Trixie couldn't respond. She wondered if she'd ever felt so miserable.

"Dan!" Honey yelled out, referring to the seventh member of their club, the Bob-Whites of the Glen. Unlike the other six Bob-Whites, he had never paired off with a steady. And unlike the other three male members of the club, he had not gone away to school.

"What about Dan?" Trixie mumbled. "Jane Sligo asked him."

"And he turned her down. Jane is always asking him out."

Trixie knew about Dan's feelings for Jane or at least his lack of feelings for the girl. She considered what Honey was suggesting. "I don't want a pity date."

"It's not, Trixie. You'd just be asking him to escort you."

"That's a pity date. He'd have to get a tuxedo."

"He can wear Jim's." Honey's brother owned his own formal attire.

"Jim's bigger than Dan. It wouldn't fit." While both young men were about the same height, Jim had filled out more than Dan.

Honey sighed in frustration. Trixie could be so stubborn sometimes. "He can rent one."

"Can he afford it?"

"If not, I can." Honey's father was one of the wealthiest businessmen in New York. While Honey could afford anything anytime, she was always careful not to flaunt that wealth. But she was as determined that her best friend go to prom as the friend seemed determined to make excuses not to go.

"I don't know, Honey."

"Trixie, Dan would love to take you and he'll have a good time with you, with Mart and Brian." Honey shook her fist at the phone. "Call him, please."

Trixie pondered the idea.

"If you won't, I will."

"Oh, Honey. You CAN'T. That REALLY would be a pity date."

"Then will you call him?"

"I guess." Trixie offered unenthusiastically.

"Call him right now, and then call me and let me know what he says."

Trixie couldn't believe how bossy the once shy Honey Wheeler could be. "Okay." She agreed weakly.

Trixie was shocked when Dan agreed immediately and eagerly to take her to her prom. He assured her that he would be delighted to spend the evening with her and he'd take care of his tuxedo and "all those other things you girls like."

Trixie laughed. "What other things?"

Dan had sensed his good friend's embarrassment in having to ask him and tried to reassure her. "Oh, you know. Dancing. Flowers. Whatever. You do want flowers don't you?"

"I guess," Trixie was unsure what to expect when the girl asked the boy to the dance and just as friends. "But I can take care of all that."

"Oh no, Trixie, I'll get them. We'll have a great time. Just wait and see."

The two talked about other things for a while before disconnecting. Dan sat and held the phone for some time after Trixie hung up. Trixie Belden. Formal gown. Formal dinner and dance. Flowers. This ought to be quite an experience. He couldn't believe his luck in sharing an evening with one of the most entertaining and interesting people he knew. He would do whatever necessary to make it special for her. For the first time in over four years he felt sorry for his good friend Jim Frayne.

To Trixie it seemed that Dan Mangan had saved a drowning woman, sinking for the third time. She had quickly gone from despair to delight now that her good friend would be taking her to prom. For years Dan had been her closest confidant other than Honey. In turn, Trixie had been one of his strongest supporters, encouraging the former drop-out in his studies until he managed to be tapped for membership into the National Honor Society his senior year; an honor that had eluded Trixie. Their friendship had grown especially close this past year with Jim, Brian and Mart away at school and Dan remaining at home to attend the Community College. Trixie remained totally enamored with Jim and had never seen Dan as anything but a friend, but he was a special friend. She began to believe that it made perfect sense that he escort her to the prom if Jim couldn't.

x x x

As prom night neared, Trixie became increasingly nervous. Despite her usual self-doubts, Trixie knew that the special dress she had selected was unusually flattering. She had allowed Honey and Diana to convince her to get "the works", manicure, pedicure, professionally styled hair and make-up, for the evening. She was anxious to see the results and present a new image to her family and friends.

Dan was surprised by his own growing anxiety about the upcoming evening. He'd managed to take Rosalind Howell, class president and Homecoming Queen, to his own prom the prior year and hadn't been half as nervous. He cared immensely for Trixie and wanted to ensure that she had a memorable evening. He considered her having invited him a great opportunity to have a good time, but also a great responsibility.

Jim Frayne also was anxious about the upcoming evening. He was less than delighted to have Dan escort Trixie. While Jim had never questioned his own relationship with Trixie, he was well aware of Dan's proclivity to "attract chicks like a magnet", as Trixie said, and he knew how close the two had grown the past year. And Jim was well aware that despite the baggy shirts and jeans she usually wore, Tomboy Trixie was becoming a desirable young woman. While he certainly trusted Trixie, and he trusted Dan to treat her exactly how she deserved, Jim was becoming increasingly worried about sharing his special girl with another young man, even a good friend.

x x x

The first of May dawned warm and sunny. Since the dance was on a Friday evening, seniors were excused from class that day. Even with the day off from school, Trixie arose early enough to hear her youngest brother, ten year old Bobby, leave for school. In addition to her usual morning chores, she wanted to spend some time with her two older brothers before heading out with Honey and Diana to enjoy the full beauty treatment.

As she rolled over to turn off her alarm, Trixie saw the sign she had posted on her dresser mirror. "Say Rabbit."

"Rabbit! Rabbit!" She yelled out. "Yes! Yes! I did it! Double good luck! It's the first day of the month AND its my birthday." Trixie leaped out of bed and began dancing around her bedroom. Since she was a little girl, Trixie had practiced the ritual of making a wish before going to bed on the last day of the month, believing that if the first thing she said the next morning were Rabbit, Rabbit, the wish would come true. Occasionally she'd remember, but she had never before remembered to say it on May first, her birthday.

Hoping the wish she'd made the night before might come true, she grabbed her robe and headed up the hall to the bathroom. Trixie took a quick shower before going downstairs. She glanced out the window as she was walking towards the back stairs and was surprised to see a large roan horse tied up at their barn.

"Danny!" She called out as she hurried down the stairs. She couldn't miss her mother's hiding something behind her back and the sheepish look Dan gave her when she ran into the kitchen. "Okay, what's up?"

"Nothing, Trixie. Dan just stopped by hoping I'd made blueberry pancakes." Mrs. Belden backed towards the door into the dining room. "He's in luck. They're stacked in the warming oven. Help yourself." She turned and left the room. "Oh! Happy Birthday dear." She called out as she ran through the front hallway and up the stairs.

Trixie stared at her mother before turning around and glaring at her friend.

"Happy Birthday, Trixie." Dan knew she hadn't missed anything. "Mmmm, where are those pancakes?" He tried to distract her before she asked any further questions. "Got syrup?"

"What's going on, Dan?"

"Nothing, Trixie. It's your mom who's acting strangely. I thought your mom might make these since it's your birthday." He rambled as he pulled the platter from the oven.

Trixie frowned and continued to stare into the dining room as she and Dan helped themselves to pancakes and homemade sausage. Before she could begin drilling him, her mother came down the back stairs and scurried over to the sink. "I'd love some orange juice, would you like some Dan? Trixie would you get the juice from the fridge?"

Trixie got up from the table and walked over to the refrigerator, mumbling to herself that her mother was closer. She grabbed the large pitcher and just as she was turning back around she saw her mother handing Dan a small piece of ribbon. "Okay, guys. What the heck is going on?"

Dan's face turned red. "Gee, Trixie, can't I ever surprise you?"

Her mother held up several pieces of ribbon. "Dan wanted to match your dress," she offered.

Trixie didn't understand. "Match, why?"

"I didn't want to get just plain white ribbon, so your mom's helping me select the right color for the ribbon of your corsage," Dan offered. "And if I'm to get the corsage in time for tonight, I need to get to the florist before my first class." He took the ribbon Mrs. Belden offered and put it in his jacket pocket. "I need to go."

"Dan, you have time to finish your pancakes," Trixie said as she sat down at the table. "They are delish."

Dan sat down and finished his breakfast. He had promised himself that he would make Trixie's evening special and he was embarrassed that she had caught him in his endeavors.

Trixie shook her head. She'd never heard of someone taking so much trouble to match corsage ribbon. Especially for a dance.

x x x

Bill Regan adjusted his nephew's bow tie for the umpteenth time. He stepped back and looked at it. He cocked his head to one side and stared at it some more. "Why the heck didn't you get one of those pre-tied ones that snap in the back?" He asked.

"This is Trixie's big night. I wanted to get a nice tux."

"I know. I've heard that at least a thousand times the past two weeks. 'This is Trixie's big night. This is Trixie's big night.'" Regan laughed. "A fake tie was good enough for his own prom last year." He stepped back to survey his nephew's entire appearance. Darn he is one nice looking boy. No wonder the girls go for him. "Do you have the corsage?"

"Yeah, Uncle Bill. It's on the kitchen table." Dan combed his hair for at least the fifteenth time in the past half-hour.

"And you're having dinner at l'Auberge Provencale?"

"Yeah."

"I can't afford to eat there. How can you?"

"I don't have to. The girls are paying for it."

Regan shook his head. Girls buying dinner; teen-aged girls buying dinner?

"Gee, Uncle Bill. Get out of the dark ages."

"Where have I heard that before? I didn't say a word."

"The girls made the reservations weeks ago. Even Honey and Di are paying. They say it's their prom and they asked us guys."

"I know. Then you're going straight to the dance?"

"And from there directly to Honey's... in the limo. I'm sure you'll be able to hear the party all night."

"And you're not leaving Honey's?"

Dan shook his head no. "I'm not. Trixie wouldn't."

"Okay. I just have to ask." He gave his nephew a light hug. "It's my job to bug you, Dan."

"Gee, Uncle Bill. Trixie and I are just going as friends." Dan made sure his uncle could hear the disgust in his voice.

"I know." Regan wished he were sure of that. He knew that Dan and Trixie shared a special friendship and Trixie had eyes only for his employer's adopted son. However, he suspected that Dan's feelings for Trixie went a bit further. Until now, he'd recognized that Dan respected Trixie and Jim Frayne too much to act upon those feelings, but he was afraid that tonight's invitation might open doors formerly closed to Dan.

They both started at the knock on the door. "I guess that's Tom." Dan looked over at the door. Regan took his shoulders in his hands. "You have a good time, Dan."

"I will, Uncle Bill. Gee, I'll be with Trixie. How could I not?" Dan grabbed the corsage off the table and opened the door.

Tom Delanoy let out a long whistle. "Don't you look sharp."

Dan gave his friend a sly grin. "Seeing a special lady tonight." He nodded to his uncle as he shut the door behind him.

x x x

"Is that really me?" Trixie stood in front of the cheval mirror her mother had brought up from the master bedroom. After adjusting the drop shoulders of her midnight blue gown, she turned around and looked at her mother. "I feel like Cinderella."

Helen Belden hugged her only daughter and wiped tears from her eyes. "You're beautiful, Trixie." She placed two hands on Trixie's shoulders and kissed her forehead. "I think this dress was worth every penny." She turned Trixie back around and looked over her shoulder into the reflection. "And aren't you glad Honey and Diana talked you into going to the salon with them?

Trixie had spent the entire afternoon with her friends at an exclusive salon in White Plains. While she had to admit she was very pleased with what they had done to her normally tangled curls, she couldn't see much change otherwise. At least not enough to justify all the time and suffering related to the other treatments. But she did have to admit that she looked just a little older and all the pampering had made her feel different. She really did feel transformed. Now if she could only relax enough to enjoy the change.

"Trix?" Her brother Brian tapped on the door to her room.

"Come on in, Bri," Trixie called to him.

"Oh!" Brian gulped when he stepped into the room. "Oh Trix." He barely recognized his sister. "You're." He couldn't find the words to express his feelings about his baby sister.

"Isn't she gorgeous?" Mrs. Belden asked as she pulled the dress back up onto Trixie's shoulders.

"Uh,uh,yeah. Uh, Trixie, uh, the limo just pulled into." Brian was still speechless.

Ding Dong! The doorbell interrupted.

"Oh! Oh!" Trixie rushed around the room grabbing things. "Oh, gleeps. Moms, where's the boutonniere? Oh Moms, where's my purse? Oh, gleeps. Do I have everything?" She ran back over to the mirror. "My hair?" She pushed the shoulders of her gown back down onto her arms.

"Calm down, Sis!" Mart Belden stuck his head into the room. "You'd think there's a prom or something tonight." Mart noticed his sister's appearance for the first time. "Oh! Oh gee, Trix. You're..." He couldn't seem to find the words either. He stared silently before turning and leaving the room. "I'll see you downstairs."

Brian followed quickly behind. "I'll tell Dan you're almost ready. Then you can make your grand entrance."

"Grand entrance?" Trixie asked her mother.

"Yes, you have to make a grand sweep down the stairs." Mrs. Belden tried to reassure her. "Render ALL the men folk speechless."

"And trip in these heels and fall flat."

"You'll be fine." Mrs. Belden arranged the shoulders of Trixie's gown again, checked her make-up one last time, and fluffed the curls that cascaded down her back. "Dan's waiting." She turned to leave the room. "I'll go down the back stairs, dear, and make sure all the gentlemen are waiting for you."

"For my grand entrance?" Trixie half moaned.

"Oh yes." Her mother winked at her.

Trixie counted to fifty, looked back into the mirror. She tugged at the low cut bodice of her gown, praying that she wouldn't pop out or something and counted to fifty again. She smoothed and then tugged at the full skirt of her gown. "Well, here I go to meet my pity date."

Dan stood in the foyer of Crabapple Farm with Mart, Brian and their father. He glanced up the stairs and then looked at his watch. They had plenty of time so why be so anxious? He grinned nervously at Trixie's father and brothers before turning to see Mrs. Belden come up the hallway from the kitchen. "She's almost ready." She said to Dan as she handed Mart and Brian their corsages. She kept a third florist's box in her hand as she joined the four men looking up the stairs. Just as she started to call up, Trixie came to the head of the stairs and looked down. Knowing how beautiful Trixie was that evening, she looked over at Dan and her husband to see their reaction.

Dan's mouth fell open. He always thought of Trixie as cute, pretty even. He was far more attracted to her personality than her freckles and curls. But a gorgeous young woman was looking down the stairs at him. A wide smile spread across her face and her eyes lit up when she saw him and started down the stairs. It quickly disappeared when she saw the shocked look on his face, rather than his usual cocky grin. She stopped halfway down the stairs, wondering if something were wrong.

"Princess," her father said as he stepped up and offered his hand up to her. "You're beautiful."

"Beautiful?" Bobby called out as he came down the hall from the family room, half a peanut butter sandwich in his hand, the other in his mouth. "Trixie beautiful?" He laughed aloud thinking it was a joke until he also saw his sister. He joined Dan and the other Beldens at the bottom of the stairs gaping up at Trixie.

Trixie took her father's hand and proceeded down the stairs. She was half-appalled and half-delighted at the reaction to her appearance. For the first time in her life she realized that she was capable of rendering a roomful of men speechless.

x x x

After the requisite exchange of corsage and boutonniere, Trixie and the three young men got into the back of the limousine and headed to Maple Crest, the Lynch estate, to pick up Diana. While Trixie had felt transformed at Crabapple Farm, her euphoria quickly vanished when Diana made her grand entrance into the large foyer of the mansion. Trixie envied her friend's glamour and confidence in her natural beauty. Like Trixie, she had chosen a long, off-the-shoulder gown. But unlike Trixie, no one was surprised at Diana's perfectly coifed hair, the way her gown and matching amethyst jewelry enhanced her violet eyes, or her easy grace. Diana looked as beautiful as she did every day.

What Trixie didn't realize was that Dan barely noticed Diana. He found himself totally mesmerized by his own date for the evening. While he was somewhat surprised by her appearance, what really surprised him was that he wasn't intimidated by her transformation; in fact he was drawn to it as a moth is to a flame.

From Maple Crest, the limousine went directly to Manor House, with the Lynches following behind in a separate car. It had been agreed in advance that while the Beldens and Lynches might take a few photographs at home, the couples would pose in the formal gardens of Manor House for most of the pictures.

Once the troupe arrived at Manor House, Honey Wheeler made her own grand entrance. Due to her parents' wealth and position, Honey was forced to dress formally quite often and chose to dress more simply than her two friends. While Trixie and Diana had chosen long, off-the-shoulder gowns, she had chosen a short less-formal evening dress. She was wearing gold, like her friends, a variation of her signature color.

The three couples posed patiently for the countless photographs taken by the Beldens, Lynches, Honey's former governess Miss Trask, Dan's Uncle Bill Regan, a professional photographer hired by Mr. Wheeler, and Celia and Tom Delanoy. Even Dan's employer, Mr. Maypenny, had ventured from his cabin in the game preserve to see the couples off. After what seemed an eternity to Trixie, someone announced that if they didn't leave immediately they would miss their dinner reservations.

L'Auberge Provencale was a country inn and restaurant near Sleepyside that was owned by a fifth-generation French chef and his American-born wife. The cost and challenge of getting reservations on a weekend discouraged most couples from dining there before prom, but Diana had been determined that the evening be memorable and, with the help of her father's secretary, managed to make the necessary arrangements. When Di shared her accomplishment with her friends, Trixie had been certain she would never survive an entire meal at such an exclusive restaurant. Honey and Diana had reassured her and the boys that dining at l'Auberge was no different than dining at Manor House or Maple Crest.

Her worries were eased when the owners, Monsieur and Madame Borel, met them at the door and ushered their party into a private dining room. Once seated, the three couples received exemplary service and assistance. They were never allowed to feel that they were anything but well-respected and valued patrons. Honey had been studying French since elementary school and Dan had taken the requisite two years for high school graduation. With their assistance, Trixie found making each of her selections from La Carte quite pleasurable. Her selections of Les Légumes À La Crème Fraiche De Truffe; Tomate Et Cos Grillé À L'Escabeche LEntreActe ; Le Snapper À La Brochette D'Asperges Et De Crevettes were complimented by the waiter who only smiled when each of the boys ordered Filet Mignon Provencale.

When each course was served, the food was presented as if it were works of art. Trixie kept thinking that she wished she could take pictures of the beautiful and appetizing plates, but hesitated saying so for fear it would make her appear too uncouth. When Honey expressed similar thoughts to Monsieur Borel, she finally relaxed and found the food tasted as delicious as it looked.

The relaxing background music, attentive care of staff, and excellent food allowed each of the young people to unwind and enjoy themselves. Trixie marveled at how mellow she felt when the girls excused themselves to the ladies room. While the person she saw in the mirror of her bedroom earlier that afternoon had seemed a stranger, the person she saw looking back from the mirror of the ladies lounge was now familiar. By the time the three couples left for the dance, the transformation was complete. Trixie knew she could be as sophisticated and beautiful as her two friends.

As is the tradition at many schools, each year the junior class at Sleepyside Junior-Senior High is responsible for making all the arrangements and hosting the senior class at a combined prom. The prior year, the three girls had served on the prom committee and were involved in all the planning of the evening long before it arrived. This year they knew little about the prom before hand other than the name of the band playing and the location. The decorations, theme, and other details were to be a surprise to them until they entered the ballroom.

The three couples stood at the entrance, taking in the atmosphere. The walls of the ballroom were covered with a gold fabric and the plush carpeting was in a dark blue and gold pattern. The room was so elegant, the decorating committee had decided to keep their additions to a minimum, settling for dark blue toppers over white linen tablecloths and golden twinkle lights around the room. A sign behind the bandstand proclaimed it an "Enchanted Evening".

Honey and Trixie looked at each other horrified before breaking out into gales of laughter. The others stared, trying to understand what amused them.

"Our dresses!" They spurted out. Diana understood but the boys continued to stare.

While Honey and Trixie continued to laugh, Di tried to explain to the boys that their dresses matched the room. She then ushered her friends to the ladies lounge to freshen up the make up that had smeared from their tears.

The three young men headed across the room to find a table. "I don't get it." Mart shook his head as they sat down. "Are they upset or happy?"

"A little of both, maybe," Brian said. "At least I think so. Who cares if their dresses match the rug?"

"Here they come," Mart interrupted before standing up to meet Diana and take her out onto the dance floor. Brian quickly followed with Honey. Dan stood waiting for Trixie.

"Please don't feel you have to." Trixie started to say as Dan took her hand and led her onto the dance floor.

"I'll dance every dance with you if that's what you want," Dan offered as he pulled her closer.

It did seem as if they danced every dance, at least every one that Trixie didn't dance with someone else. While the ballroom was filled with lovely young ladies, Trixie stood apart in her transformation. Most of the boys in attendance had known her since elementary school when she was always considered one of the guys, playing ball or tagging along with her older brothers. They were all anxious to rediscover the beautiful blonde classmate.

Finally it was time to crown that year's King and Queen. The six Bob-Whites gathered to one side of the room to await the announcement by the junior class president. Mart, feeling certain that Diana would be named Queen, grasped her hand in anticipation. The other Bob White couples stood on either side of them.

The entire room went wild when Diana's name was read as the Queen. Most people hadn't even considered voting for another girl. She was not only the most beautiful girl in the senior class, but was considered one of the kindest and most talented. Mart led Diana across the room and watched in awe as she ascended the steps to the stage. Once the tiara had been placed in her hair, the room quieted down, everyone waiting for the announcement of the King. When Nick Roberts name was read the room erupted in cheers and applause that was almost as enthusiastic as that for Diana. While Nick's selection had not been as certain as Diana's, he was equally respected and admired by their classmates.

As was the tradition at Sleepyside High, the Prom King and Queen were expected to dance at least one dance together after their coronation. As Nick led Diana across the dance floor, Mart nodded to Nick's date and followed them out. Dan immediately led Trixie out onto the floor as the band began playing.

Dan leaned down and began to sing along into her ear.

Look into my eyes - you will see
What you mean to me
Search your heart - search your soul
And when you find me there you'll search no more

Trixie looked up at him. Was he really singing to her? And where did he get that beautiful voice? She knew his father had been a musician, but she had never heard Dan sing before. He was smiling, but it was completely different from his usual cocky grin. His eyes lit up when he realized she was staring at him. For the first time she realized that they weren't solid black or dark brown, but were a deep blue with specs of gold that seemed to reflect the golden lights in the room. The smile spread across his face as he continued to sing.

Oh - you can't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more
I would fight for you - I'd lie for you
Walk the wire for you - yeah I'd die for you

"Your eyes are smiling." Trixie interrupted.

Dan pulled Trixie closer. "Why shouldn't they? I'm dancing with the most stunning girl in the room tonight."

Trixie shook her head. She started to protest when someone walked up to Dan. She looked up to see Nick Roberts.

"May I?" He asked Dan. He then turned to Trixie. "Would you mind?"

Dan dropped his hands and stepped away from Trixie.

"I had to dance at least once with you, Trixie. I had to tell you how terrific you look," Nick offered as they danced away. Trixie smiled up at him before looking over to see Dan being grabbed by Jane Sligo.

x x x

The remainder of the dance passed quickly. Trixie danced with many of her classmates as did the other Bob-Whites and they were quite surprised when the last dance was announced. Each of the boys quickly grabbed his date and led her out onto the dance floor.

"So Trix, have you had a nice time?" Dan asked as the band began playing.

"Oh, Dan. It's been, it's been." Trixie couldn't find the right words to describe the evening. "Thank you." Trixie leaned her head against Dan's shoulder. She closed her eyes, fighting back tears.

Dan realized Trixie was crying and wondered what to do or say. He thought she had been having a good time. He'd done everything he could think of to ensure that. Was she happy? Or did she wish Jim...

"He'd be here if he could." He fumbled with the words and closed his eyes. Oh Trixie, he thought, I'm sorry I'm not Jim. Sorry in so many ways.

"Oh no, Dan. Oh no." Trixie couldn't finish what she wanted to say. They both said nothing as they continued dancing.

Once the music ended, the three couples quickly got into the waiting limousine and rushed back to Manor House. While they were away, the formal reception rooms had been decorated, a disc jockey had set up his equipment, and long tables had been loaded with all kinds of food and refreshments to sustain at least a hundred teens until a breakfast would be served at dawn. After checking out the arrangements and grabbing a few nibbles, they all hurried upstairs to change before the other guests arrived.

Trixie stood in front of the large mirror in Honey's bathroom, taking in her reflection one last time before changing. She couldn't believe that an evening she had actually dreaded had been so enjoyable.

"You see, Trixie. You ARE beautiful and you DID have a great time," Honey said as she stepped up and peered over her friend's shoulder.

"And the nights still young!" Trixie forced a laugh as she went over to get her usual attire of jeans and sneakers. "C'mon! Let's PARTEE!" She called out as she heard the DJ put on the first recording.

x x x

The DJ had long ago packed up and left the party when Trixie escaped onto the veranda for fresh air. As she leaned against the railing, waiting for the sky to lighten, and contemplating the new experiences and emotions of the past hours, she was startled back to the present by someone approaching her from the other end of the veranda. She looked up and smiled at the familiar grin.

"Penny for your thoughts."

"You can have them for free once I figure out what they are."

"You have seemed a little, I dunno, maybe distant since we got here. Frankly, I haven't been able to figure you out all evening."

Trixie smiled up at her companion. He knew her so well. Perhaps even better than she knew herself. He'd always figured her out in the past. And, now, when she was so confused about her feelings, he was too.

"I thought you were having a good time. I tried."

"Oh, no Dan. The entire evening has been..." Trixie stopped him before turning to stare out across the lawns again. It's been the most romantic evening of my life. She shook her head.

Dan hesitated before touching her shoulder. Dressed for the prom, she had been breathtaking, but she was even more appealing standing in the breaking light wearing her slightly rumpled shirt and jeans. He dropped his hand. Don't go there. She's a friend. She's dating a friend. He reminded himself.

Trixie turned and looked up at him. Her eyes widened as she tried to understand what he was thinking. "I've had a wonderful time. I wore a beautiful gown, enjoyed an incredible dinner, had the most handsome and considerate date who made me feel so special." She hesitated before continuing. "And you sang to me. You sang to me as we danced." But you weren't Jim. "You never once made me feel as if you were my pity date."

"Is that what you think?" Dan stopped her short. "That I came tonight out of pity? "Trix, I, I enjoy being with you more than any other girl I know. Oh geez." He turned away. He had no right to have these feelings.

They both stood in silence, watching the sky slowly lighten in the east.

"Dan."

"Trix."

They laughed, having broken the silence at the same time. Once again, they became quiet.

Trixie looked up at Dan again. "Thank you." She reached up to touch his cheek. Before she could touch him, Dan had grabbed her at the waist and pulled her to him. Refusing to deny his feelings for Trixie any longer, he gave into the desire to touch her, to kiss her, to feel her soft curves pressed against him.

Instinctively, Trixie placed her arms around him and moved even closer. Sensing her response and encouragement, Dan deepened the kiss. He forgot all the times that he had told himself that Trixie was off-limits.

Without realizing it, Trixie sighed aloud before pulling away, just for a moment, to catch her breath. While her body remained pliant in his arms, the separation made Dan aware of where he was, what he was doing, and with whom.

"Ohmigosh. Trix. I..." He pushed her away. "I..." Stepping back he began to panic. "I'm so sorry. Oh, Trix. I never. Oh gee."

Trixie stood speechless, willing her legs to hold her up while she tried to understand what had just happened, to understand her feelings, both physical and emotional. "Dan, I, it's okay."

"No. No, it's not. Oh Trix,I'm so sorry." He continued to back away. "I never. I..." He stared at her, embarrassed by his actions, confused by his feelings, and not knowing what to say or do next. He was completely surprised when Trixie reached to him and pulled him back to her. He had no choice but to respond.

"Trixie? Dan? Are you out here?" Honey called from the doorway at the far end of the veranda. They quickly pulled apart from each other. Even in the dark, Dan could see Trixie blush and recognized the trembling of her lips. "Just, ah, enjoying the fresh air." He managed to call out to Honey.

Honey went back into the house, shutting the door behind her. Trixie and Dan stared at each other, embarrassed as much by the interruption as their understanding of what had happened between them. "I need to get down to the stables, Trix." Dan fumbled for an excuse to leave her. He knew he couldn't remain there without touching her again and he definitely did not want to return to the party.

"You do?" Trixie tried to speak. She didn't want him to leave, but she understood his need to.

"Trix, I." Dan hadn't a clue what to say. He feared anything he said or did would only confuse matters more. "I have to help Uncle Bill and you need some beauty sleep." He smiled. "Don't you have another big date tonight?"

Trixie's look of distress caused him to immediately regret the words. But they had to be said. Trixie was Jim's girl. Trixie loved Jim. He had no right. He had crossed the line and needed to step back over it. Trixie didn't need his playing with her emotions.

"I'm sorry Trix. I...This was a mistake. We'll just forget it ever happened. Okay?"

Holding back tears, Trixie nodded. She tried to speak. "Mmmistake," she finally blurted out.

Dan nodded before turning. He wanted so badly to touch her, but knew he couldn't, so he walked away as quickly as possible, refusing to look back. It was important that they move on. After all, they were friends. Just friends.

DISCLAIMER: Trixie Belden® is the registered, copyrighted property of Random House Publishing, as are most of the characters in this story. I am only borrowing their use. This story is written only for entertainment and I do not intend to profit financially from it in any way.

AUTHORS NOTES: This is another of the many short dots that I have started over time and never finished or connected into a longer story. This one sat for a VERY long time. It was my first attempt to write about the BWGs as teens. It was a difficult task because I wanted to capture the characters as we grew to know and love them in the original books while easing them into my own "univrese". I may or may not have been successful. There are a few rough areas in the flow, but what the heck: Here it is!

The lyrics that Dan sang to Trixie are from "(Everything I Do) I do it For You", by B. Adams, M. Kamel, R.J. Lange, ©1991. Title and closing lines are taken from "As Time Goes By", by H. Hupfield, © 1931. Of course, that's from one of my all-time favorite movies, "Casablanca", and I thought the words quite appropriate to describe a first but not necessarily a last kiss.

For anyone who might be interested, l'Auberge Provencale is the name of a real country inn run by the Borel family in White Post, Virginia, about 75 miles west of Washington, DC. Dining there is an incredible experience, well worth the trip if you are in D.C. The food Trixie and the boys selected was taken directly from their menu. Trixie's selections are translated as: Grilled Vegetable & Polenta "Lasagna" with Truffle Crème Fraiche; Grilled Tomato & Romaine with Escabeche & Chive Olive Oil; Citrus Lavender Compote in a Clementine Cup; and for Les Poisson et Les Viandes, Pan Seared Snapper with Asparagus & Shrimp Brochettes, served with Grilled Lemon Hollandaise Sauce and Potato Gallettes. The three boys ordered Filet Mignon served with a Basil, Tomato, &Olive Tart.