Shattered Fairytales
The New Year Ball was all anyone could talk about at Crostwood High. Students gushed over their outfits, rehearsed dance moves, and planned their perfect night. The air buzzed with excitement—especially among couples.
For Maya, it was supposed to be a dream come true.
This year's theme was Fairy Tale Romance, and she already pictured herself as Barbie to Vic's Ken.
The thought alone sent a thrill through her as she picked up her phone.
Maya: I found the perfect tux for you! You're gonna look so hot 😍
No reply.
Her fingers hovered. Maybe he was busy? One more message wouldn't hurt.
Maya: Come on, babe. Just say yes.
Still nothing.
Maya swallowed the small knot forming in her stomach. He'll answer later. He always does.
She pushed the thought aside and focused on the next exciting task—finding the perfect dress.
Shopping with the girls was exactly what she needed.
Luna, Sally, and Jackie combed through the racks, pulling out dazzling gowns and holding them up to each other. Laughter filled the boutique as they debated styles and colors.
And then Maya saw it.
A pink gown, shimmering under the soft lighting. Delicate. Feminine. Perfect.
She rushed to try it on, excitement thrumming through her veins. The second she stepped in front of the mirror, she felt like a princess.
Luna gasped. "Oh my God, Maya. That's the one."
Sally clapped. "Vic's gonna die when he sees you in that."
Jackie tilted her head slightly. "Yeah… it's really pretty."
Maya grinned, snapping a picture and sending it to Vic.
Seconds passed. Then minutes.
Finally, her phone buzzed.
Vic: Looks cheap. Pick something else.
Her heart sank.
Cheap?
She turned back to the mirror, her smile fading.
Had she misjudged? Maybe it wasn't as elegant as she thought. Vic always had good taste. If he thought it looked cheap… maybe it did.
Wordlessly, she stepped out of the dressing room.
"What's wrong?" Luna asked.
Maya forced a smile. "Changed my mind. I'll find something else."
Jackie's expression didn't shift.
In the end, Maya bought a blue gown—simple, elegant, safe.
But it didn't make her feel like a princess.
The morning of the ball, Maya woke up with nervous excitement.
She sent Vic a message before even getting out of bed.
Maya: Good morning, love! Can't wait to see you tonight ❤️
No response.
She told herself not to overthink it. He was probably busy.
After hours of hair, makeup, and last-minute adjustments, she finally felt beautiful.
At Sally's house, they waited.
And waited.
Luna had already left with her boyfriend.
Jackie sent a text.
Jackie: I'll meet you guys there.
Maya checked her phone again.
Vic hadn't answered. Hadn't even acknowledged her.
Her stomach twisted, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Maybe he's just running late."
Sally hesitated. "Maya… maybe we should just go."
Maya didn't want to. She wanted to wait just five more minutes.
But Vic wasn't coming.
For the first time in her life, she arrived at a ball alone.
The venue was magical.
Soft golden lights twinkled above, the ballroom filled with students twirling under a massive chandelier. Music played, couples swayed in perfect rhythm, the night unfolding like a scene from a fairy tale.
Except Maya's date was missing.
She stood at the entrance, eyes scanning the room.
Nothing.
Her throat tightened, but she refused to let anyone see how much it hurt. He'll come. He has to.
Laughter echoed nearby.
She turned toward a group of guys standing by the restroom, one of them holding up his phone.
Vic's name flashed on the screen.
"Dude, Maya looked insane tonight," one of them said. "You sure you're not coming?"
Vic's voice rang clear over the speaker.
Maya stilled.
"Who cares?" he scoffed. "I never even liked her."
The words slammed into her like a punch to the stomach.
"She was easy," Vic continued, laughing. "Didn't argue much, didn't ask for much. Just dumb, obedient, and desperate for attention."
Laughter.
"She was fun for a while. But that's all she ever was."
Maya couldn't breathe.
Her hands trembled, her vision blurred. The walls of the ballroom suddenly felt too tight.
She turned and ran.
The cold night air hit her like a slap.
Maya staggered to a bench, gasping for breath.
Tears blurred her vision. Her chest ached.
A sob broke free, and she covered her mouth, shaking.
A shadow loomed over her.
She barely noticed until a hand appeared, holding out a tissue.
She looked up, but the person had already turned away.
A deep voice murmured, "You'll be okay."
Maya's breath hitched.
She only caught a glimpse—tall, broad shoulders, walking into the night.
She clutched the tissue, her sobs quieting.
Who was that?
Back inside, the grand ballroom doors swung open.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Maya turned, her heart pounding.
And then—her world shattered.
Jackie walked in.
Draped in a familiar pink dress. The one Maya had wanted. The one Vic had hated.
And she wasn't alone.
Eddie stood beside her, looking way too comfortable at her side.
Maya felt her stomach drop.
Jackie lifted her chin, locking eyes with her.
And then she smirked.
Everything clicked.
The weird silences. The unreadable looks. The fact that Jackie had never given her real opinion on the dress.
Jackie had wanted it.
Jackie had wanted him.
Maya's breath came shallow.
Her fingers curled into fists, but her face remained unreadable. Cold. Empty.
And then Vic walked in.
Casual. Relaxed. Like he hadn't just ripped her heart out.
Maya's body screamed at her to react. To cry. To scream. To do something.
Instead, she lifted her chin, squared her shoulders.
Her heels clicked against the floor as she turned.
Not a single word.
Not a single glance.
She walked out, her expression composed.
But inside?