 |
| Growing Up Smart |
The dance is finally here, and Ian Smart can't believe he'll be attending his first high school dance dressed as Napoleon. As he spends the afternoon with his father preparing for the big night, a heartfelt conversation reminds Ian just how much family means. Later, a stop at DeeDee's with his friends is filled with laughter and excitement—but one quiet conversation leaves Ian wondering if something is troubling Riley.
Episode 10 | The Big Night
Ian turned slowly in front of the mirror.
The blue military coat fit surprisingly well.
The hat, however…
He sighed.
"I thought prom was supposed to be tuxedos, loud music, and pretending you knew how to dance. Then our school decided to turn it into a theme prom. Pick a century.
I thought they were joking.
They weren't.
And now I'm Napoleon.
Just what every high school student dreams of. Great. Just great.”
***
Dr. Stephon Smart walked into the boutique. Ian asked him to meet him there to pick up a costume for the high school dance. He spotted Sara McAlister behind the counter.
"Good afternoon, Sara,” he said. “ How are you? “
“I'm good,” Sara said. “What about yourself?”
“Things could be better, but it’s coming along.”
Dr. Smart’s eyes dropped to her bulging stomach. “Congratulations on the baby.”
Sara placed a hand to her stomach. “Thanks! My husband and I are over the moon. “
“You should be,” Dr. Smart said. “I'm sure Riley is looking forward to being a big brother. “
Sara's smile faded as she touched her stomach. “I don’t know.”
Stephon blinked. "I'm...sorry."
She gave him a small smile. "It's okay. I was sorry to hear about you and your wife.”
Dr. Smart nodded. “Life is like that sometimes, but we will make it through.”
“I'll be praying for you,” Sara said.
“Thank you,” Dr. Smart said.
***
Dressed as Napoleon, Ian walked out to find his father talking with Sara.
“Dad, you made it!”
Dr. Smart laughed.
“Now THIS is what I am talking about! Look at that outfit!”
Ian was irritated. But it was his fault for waiting to the last minute to get a costume.
“I look ridiculous!”
Dr. Smart chuckled.” Well...you do look like you're about to invade a small country."
Ian rolled his eyes.
"Dad.” Dr. Smart smiled and tapped his son on the arm.
“You look fine, son. Why Napoleon?”
“It's all they had left. I'm going to take off this silly outfit.”
“I'll wait for you out in the car.”
Dr. Smart waved to Sara and walked out the door.
***
A few minutes later, Stephon eased the car onto the highway. The late afternoon sun spilled across the dashboard, and for a while neither of them spoke. Ian stared out the window, Napoleon's hat resting awkwardly on his lap.
“I think that went well,” Dr. Smart said.
“I’m going to my first dance dressed as Napoleon,” Ian said. "I have no clue who Fiona picked."
“It will be fine,” Dr. Smart said. “You guys will work it out. I’m just happy to share this moment with you. Your first dance. I mean, look at you.”
“I hope I don't trip all over myself,” Ian said.
“You got this, nothing to worry about.”
“I hope so,” Ian said. “Going with Fiona makes it easier for me.”
“I like her, she's smart, beautiful, and patient,” Dr. Smart said. “Especially with you.”
“She is beautiful,” Ian said. “Honestly, I never thought she'd say yes.”
“Why not?” Dr. Smart said. “You're a good kid. Even though your mom and I are going through some things, we got one thing right—we raised you well."
"Dad, you don't have to explain anything to me,” Ian said. “ I know you'll be around."
Silence fell between them.
"I like this,” Ian said “I like us talking."
"Me too, son,” Dr. Smart said. “Me too."
"Let's never stop talking," Ian said. "You got it." Dr. Smart said.
***
DeeDee's was buzzing with students talking about the upcoming prom. Laughter bounced off the walls as waitresses balanced trays of burgers, fries, and milkshakes between crowded booths.
Ian spotted Riley and Lee in their usual corner booth. Riley looked up as Ian slid into the empty seat.
"So...did you find a costume?"
Ian groaned.
"Don't ask."
Lee grinned.
"That bad?"
Ian leaned back in the booth.
"I waited too long. There was exactly one costume left."
Riley raised an eyebrow.
"And?"
Ian sighed.
"Napoleon."
Lee stared at him for a second.
"No way."
He leaned back, laughing.
"I've known you since kindergarten, and somehow this is the funniest thing you've ever told me."
Ian pointed at him.
"You're enjoying this way too much."
Riley chuckled.
"You? Napoleon? I'd have paid to see that."
"I changed before I left the shop."
Lee snapped his fingers.
"There goes my evening."
Ian pointed across the table.
"You're a terrible friend."
"Speaking of terrible decisions...you should come to the dance."
Riley shook his head.
"I already picked up a shift at the hospital."
Ian frowned.
"You've been working every weekend."
"So?"
"So one night off won't kill you."
Lee nodded.
"He's right."
Riley shrugged.
"I'd rather work.”
Cindy the waitress set three drinks on the table.
"I heard that."
Riley looked up.
"You taking Ian's side too?"
"I am."
She smiled.
"You boys only get one dance."
Riley slid a straw into his drink.
"And I only get one paycheck Friday."
Cindy laughed.
"Fair enough."
“Lee, you still going as a pirate?” Ian said.
Lee nodded. “Already got the outfit. What about Fiona?”
“She won't tell me,” Ian said. “She wants it to be a surprise.”
Riley stood. He left a five-dollar tip on the table. “I need to get going. I don’t want to be late.”
“Think about what I said,” Cindy called as Riley walked out the door.
She watched Riley leave.
"I've watched that boy grow up. He's smiling less every week."
Ian watched Riley walk across the parking lot.
“I’ve been talking with him,” Ian said
“He's been down since his dad remarried, and with the new baby on the way.” Cindy shook her head. “I’m worried about him.”
"I'll check on him later," Ian said.
“He's lucky to have you as a friend,” Cindy said. “Thanks for the work you do at the Christian center. The Kids need someone their age to talk to.”
“You're welcome,” Ian said.
Cindy smiled. “It’s your calling.”
🔙 Next Episode 11: The Price of the Costume
As dance night finally arrives, Ian and Fiona's long-awaited evening begins with laughter, surprises, and one unforgettable limousine ride. But an unexpected encounter leaves Ian unable to shake the feeling that someone may need his help.
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 »
🎬 Prefer to watch?
Catch up on previous Growing Up Smart episodes in video and follow the story from the beginning. Watch Growing Up Smart »
☕ If you’ve enjoyed Growing Up Smart and our other inspirational stories, you can treat us to a cup of coffee through PayPal or visit the Faithfully Encourage Shop for notebooks, mugs, candles, and more inspired by everyday faith.
No comments:
Post a Comment