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| Growing Up Smart |
Ian Smart's prom night comes to an abrupt halt when an urgent phone call forces him to make an unexpected choice. As he and Fiona rush to the hospital to support a classmate in need, Ian discovers that doing the right thing often requires the greatest sacrifice.
Episode 12 | The Longest Night
Ian took a final glance in the hallway mirror. He should be thinking about the dance but his mind was on Emily.
“I hope Emily is okay,” he said aloud. “She really looked upset.”
“Oh my goodness, Ian!” Raina said. “Look at you! A total emperor.”
“Oh...Hey Mom.”
“The Napoleon costume is perfect! Your father and I weren't sure you could pull it off,
but you look amazing. Let me get my phone. I need a picture for the church group chat and your father.”
“Mom please. No pic,” Ian said. “ I'm really not in the mood right now.”
“Not in the mood?” Raina said. “ Ian, it's the night of the biggest costume party of
the year! You've been talking about this for weeks. You're going with Fiona!
This is the best night of your life.”
“Yeah. I know it is.”
Raina gave him a look. “Sweetie, what's wrong? You look like you’re somewhere else.
Are you nervous about the dance? Fiona?”
“No… it's not the dance or Fiona. It's just..."
His cell phone buzzed.
He didn’t answer.
“It's fine.”
“Well, whatever it is, put it out of your mind tonight. You worked hard this year, and you deserve to go have fun.”
A moment later, the sound of a car horn was heard outside.
“That must be Fiona,” Raina said. Go on Your Majesty. Don't keep your date waiting.”
Ian nodded. “Yeah. Okay. See you later Mom.”
***
Ian walked outside to see a long, black limousine. A moment later, the door opened and Fiona dressed like Marie Antoinette stepped out. He couldn’t help but smile.
“Well, look at us!” Ian said.
Fiona returned his smile. “Napoleon?”
Ian posed to bring the character to life; Fiona clapped in excitement. “The Emperor and the Queen of France, riding in style. Ian, we are definitely winning the best dressed couple award tonight.”
“I already have a place for it.” Ian slid in the seat next to Fiona. “ You look incredible, Fiona. Seriously. The hair, the dress...you look like real royalty.”
“I wanted tonight to be absolutely perfect for us,” Fiona said. “ We both worked so hard this year. The limo is a gift from my mom.”
“I have to thank her,” Ian said.
Fiona looked around the back of the limousine and laughed. “I've never been in one of these before.”
Ian ran his hand across the leather seat. “Me neither.”
He looked at the tiny glasses and the soft lights running along the ceiling. “This feels like we're famous for a night.”
As they rode to the dance, Ian’s mind drifted to Emily. He couldn’t shake the fact that she had come to him for help. Was he being selfish for not talking to her?
“Your Majesty?” Fiona said. “You seem a little distant. Are you okay?”
Ian didn’t respond.
“You're not getting cold feet about the dance are you?”
“No. Not at all,” Ian finally said. “I'm so excited to be here with you. It's just... I have something on my mind from today.”
“Well, leave it at the door tonight, Emperor,” Fiona said. “For the next few hours, you just have to worry about ruling the dance floor with me.”
“You're right,” Ian said. “Tonight is about us. Let’s just have fun.”
The ringing of his cell phone filled the air. He looked to see Riley’s name.
“It's Riley.”
“Maybe he changed his mind about the dance,” Fiona said. “Answer it.”
Ian answered.
“Riley? “Slow down man. What do you mean? Who?...Emily? Oh no....no…”
Ian’s heart dropped.
She tried to talk to me earlier.
I told her I didn't have time.. because of the prom..
Riley... is she going to be okay?"
...Oh thank God.
...Thanks for letting me know.”
Ian sighed.
“Emily Chester is in the ER. She took something. Riley said she's asking for me.
Fiona..
I'm so sorry.
You look so beautiful, and you've waited for this night forever.
But if I don't go to that hospital....
I won't be able to look in the mirror again.”
“Ian, look at me,” Fiona said. “It’s just a dance. Emily’s life is what matters.
I'll tell the driver to turn around.”
***
Ian and Fiona hurried into the emergency room.
"Fiona, thank you for coming,” Ian said. I know this isn't your burden to carry.
“You didn't ask for this."
“It's fine, Ian,” Fiona said. “Go find Riley. Find out about Emily.”
“Will I ever be a normal teenager?” Ian said.
“Maybe you’re not supposed to be.”
They spotted Riley at the front desk.
“Ian, thank you for coming,” Riley said.
“I'm glad you called,” Ian said. “Take me to Emily.”
“Follow me,” Riley said. They both disappeared through a set of double doors.
🔄 Previous Episode 11: The Price of the Costume
🔙 Next Episode 13: Coming Soon
After an unforgettable night at the hospital, Ian is left reflecting on the choices that define character. As life begins to return to normal, a new challenge is already waiting around the corner.
Note: The story above is a work of fiction created for inspirational purposes. Any resemblance to actual individuals or events is purely coincidental.
📚 More from Growing Up Smart
The story doesn’t end here. Follow Ian Smart and his friends as they navigate high school, friendships, family, choices, and faith in the Growing Up Smart series. Visit the Growing Up Smart Series Page »
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