Treat You Better 💙❤️
Part 28: A Night To Remember
Wally x Maddie
Info and warnings: everyone is Alive AU, set in 2023-24 (in line with the show), swearing, time jump, crime, bullying, sex (!!!!).
I've described some of what the group wear to prom which I based off what the actors have worn! I was going to do all of them but that would've taken way too long 😅 so for the rest, just use your imagination.
Maddie's dress is described what Peyton wore to the season 2 premiere of school spirits Wally's suit is described what Milo wore at the season 2 premiere of school spirits. Charey's suit is described what Nick wore at the glaad awards Yuri's suit is described what Miles wore at the season 3 premiere of school spirits.
Also sorry for the delay, I had a family emergency and had to travel away for it. And I also wanted to make this chapter as perfect as possible.
Summary: As winter turns into spring, a lot can happen in a short few months. As the group get closer and closer to graduation, before that, is prom. What drama will unfold?
Masterlist
A lot can happen in a few months. Somewhere between winter turning into spring, life had shifted into something Wally barely recognised compared to last year.
A couple of weeks after the wedding, his dad called. Wally almost ignored it, but he answered anyway. Part of him thought maybe his dad would apologise, acknowledge what he said was out of line.
Wally admitted that he regretted punching him, that the situation shouldn’t have escalated like it did. But Edward didn’t apologise for his cruel words, doubling down on poor behaviour. That was it. The years of pressure, disappointment and impossible expectations was finally too much for him. He was done. Wally was firm with his words, stating that this would be the last time they ever spoke. Then he hung up.
At first, Edward tried reaching out. Calls every few days, short texts pretending nothing happened. Passive aggressive voicemails asking why Wally was ignoring him, until eventually the messages stopped.
Things with his mother changed too. Football stopped dominating every conversation, no more talk of recruiters over dinner, no more pressure hidden behind “advice.” She accepted that football wasn’t what he wanted anymore and stopped acting like that made him a disappointment.
For the first time in a long time, Wally felt like his mom was finally seeing who he really was instead of the unachievable version she had wanted him to become.
By March, he got a job at the sporting goods store in town. His meager attempt to save as much as he could to pay for school. Most afternoons and weekends were spent folding clothes, reorganising displays, hauling boxes from the storeroom or helping frustrated parents find football boots for kids who reminded him too much of himself at twelve years old.
Then April came, and so did college decisions. The entire friend group was glued to their phones, pretending they weren’t stressed when all of them so obviously were. One by one, acceptance emails came through. And surprisingly, they all got into their first choices of schools.
Wally stared at his acceptance letter for University of Illinois, Chicago longer than anyone else. Staring at the words on the screen, trying to let them sink in his future finally felt like something chosen by him instead of for him.
Things with Maddie only grew stronger, becoming closer to her than ever before. No matter how exhausted he was after work or how stressed he was about college, he always made time for her. Late night drives, study dates stretched across the bedroom floor, falling asleep together with textbooks abandoned somewhere between them, small diner dates after his shifts even when all he wanted to do was sleep.
Being with her never felt draining, it felt easy. Safe.
They also grew closer physically, their once nervous, hesitant touches becoming more sure, more welcome. Exploring one another at their own pace. Eventually around mid-April, Maddie told him she was ready. Not because she expected anything immediately, and not because she felt pressured. She just wanted him to know that if it happened, she trusted him completely.
Then, at the end of April, Wally’s life experienced a shocking twist as Edward’s life imploded.
It was a seemingly regular Wednesday afternoon. Wally was working his usual after school shift, refolding shirts stacked on the sales table, when the looks started. Customers staring too long, voices dropping when he passed, a woman glancing between him and the newspaper in her hands.
At first, Wally didn’t understand what was happening, he wondered if he was imagining everyone staring at him, thinking it was all in his head, until his manager quietly slid the paper across the counter.
FORMER SPLIT RIVER BUSINESS MOGUL ARRESTED IN MALIBU FOR EMBEZZLEMENT.
Wally’s stomach dropped.
The photo of his dad took up half of the front page. Edward in his expensive suit, handcuffs around his wrists, two police officers on either side of him.
For a second, Wally thought it must be fake. He excused himself and went into the break room, calling his mom, wondering if what was in the papers was real or not.
He called his mom asking if what was in the papers was true, she only just found out about it herself. She was just as blindsided by this like he was.
By the end of the day, it was everywhere, all over his social media, local news channels, gossip spreading through town faster than a wildfire.
It was one of the things Wally hated most about living in a small town, that everyone knew everyone. Something this big became entertainment almost instantly.
Everywhere Wally went, people stared. At school, conversations stopped when he walked by. The whispers followed Bea too. People watched them everywhere they went, wondering if they knew, if they were involved, how long had Edward been stealing the money.
When Wally got home that first day, he found Bea pacing in the kitchen, one hand pressed on her forehead as she spoke to a reporter. “I’m sorry, I can’t answer any questions. My lawyer has advised me against this.”
The landline didn’t stop ringing after that until she gave up and left it unhooked.
Over the next couple of days, Maddie noticed Wally shutting down again. He kept conversations short, giving quick answers before walking away, spending more time alone than usual. When Charley suggested everyone hang out at his house Wally declined, saying he had work. But Maddie knew his schedule. He wasn’t working.
She could tell he was spiralling, even if he kept insisting he was fine. Ever since the article came out, Wally carried this constant tension around him that never seemed to ease.
One day after school, Maddie got home from school to find Sandra sitting on the couch with a cup of tea in her hands. The TV played quietly in the background as another news segment of Edward’s arrest before Sandra muted it quickly.
“How’s Wally doing?” Sandra asked softly.
Maddie dropped her bag beside the couch before sitting next to her. “Not great,” she admitted. “He’s just… distant. Quieter than usual.”
Sandra nodded slightly. “That’s to be expected. No matter how angry he is at his dad, it’s still hard. It probably doesn’t help that it’s the talk of town.”
“I know,” Maddie said, picking at a thread on her sleeve. “I just hate seeing him like this. He’s isolating himself, which I get it, it’s his way of coping…” she trailed off, trying to find the right thing to say. “I just miss him, even though he’s right there.”
“Just give him some time, Mads,” Sandra said, placing her mug on the coffee table. “Be there for him, even if he pushes you away a little.”
Maddie glanced down at the floor. “I just don’t know how to help him.”
Sandra placed her hand gently on top of Maddie’s. “Just be you. Remind him that he’s not alone in this.”
A small smile spread across her face. “Thanks, mom.”
Sandra picked up her mug again and leaned back into the couch. “This might sound selfish, but I’m glad all of this happened after the divorce. Bea’s finances are completely separate, so she has nothing to do with this mess.”
“It’s not selfish to look out for your friend,” Maddie said.
Sandra gave a small nod. “I guess.”
After dinner, Maddie walked across the street to Wally’s house, the sky turning into a deep blue as the streetlights flickered on. She walked down the hallway after Bea let her in, lightly knocking before opening Wally’s bedroom door.
Wally was stretched across his bed, absently scrolling on his phone. The only light in the room came from the lamp on his desk.
“Hey,” Maddie said softly.
Wally sat up slightly when he saw her. “Hey, babe.”
Maddie sat beside him, and before she could say anything, Wally spoke first.
“I’ve been acting like a jerk,” he admitted quietly. “I know I’ve been pushing you and everyone else away.”
Maddie immediately reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. “You’re not a jerk, Wally. You’re going through a lot right now.”
“It’s still not an excuse.”
Maddie looked at him for a second. “I think your parent being arrested for embezzlement is a pretty decent excuse.”
A quiet laugh almost escaped him, but it faded just as quickly.
Wally’s gaze dropped to the floor. “You’re not stuck in this with me, you know.”
Maddie frowned slightly. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“People are talking, Mads.” His jaw tightened. “My dad got arrested and this whole thing is a mess.”
Maddie stayed quiet, letting him continue.
Wally swallowed hard before speaking again. “Maybe… maybe we should take a break until all of this is over.”
Maddie’s expression fell instantly. “What?”
“I’m just saying maybe it’d be easier for you,” Wally said quietly. “Until people stop talking about it.”
Maddie stared at him for a second, disbelief flashing across her face. “You seriously think I give a shit about any of that?”
“I just hate that you’re getting dragged into this because of me,” Wally muttered.
“You stood by me when people talked shit about me and my mom,” Maddie shifted closer to him, holding his gaze. “Nothing about any of this changes how I feel about you. Nothing.”
The tension in his expression eased slightly.
“You’re it for me, Wally,” she said quietly. “I’m not going anywhere.”
A small smile finally pulled at his face. “You’re it for me too, Mads.”
Friday May 17th night before prom.
By the time Maddie and Wally got back to her house, both of them were exhausted. They barely made it through the front door before kicking off their shoes and collapsing onto the couch beside each other, the cushions dipping under their weight. Wally let his head fall back while Maddie curled into his side, stretching her aching legs out across the coffee table with a groan.
The entire afternoon had been spent at the Split River Recreation Centre helping set up for prom, which meant Charley directing people around like he was personally producing an award show. As head of the prom committee, he’d taken this year’s Hollywood glamour theme painfully seriously. Black, gold and velvet red decorations covered most of the recreation centre, and they still weren’t even hallway done.
At one point, Charley made Simon climb a ladder three separate times because the gold sequin drapes were apparently “not hung correctly” even though you could only hang them one way.
Wally still had flecks of gold glitter stuck in his hair after Charley accidently knocked over an entire container of it on top of him. Maddie had already tried brushing some of it out twice at the recreation centre, but somehow it kept reappearing.
Maddie let out a tired laugh against his shoulder. “I think Charley enjoyed bossing everyone around a little too much.”
“A little?” Wally turned his head toward her. “Mads, he threatened to fire me twice. From something I’m doing for free.”
“That’s because you kept putting the gold centrepieces on the wrong tables.”
“They all looked the same.”
“Tell that to Charley.”
Before either of them could continue arguing about Charley’s decorating standards, Sandra walked into the living room. Maddie immediately noticed the nervous expression on her face.
Sandra smoothed her hands down the front of her dark blouse before looking between them. “I still can’t believe Bea somehow talked me into this blind double date.”
Maddie smiled slightly from where she was curled against Wally’s side. “You’ll be fine, mom.”
Sandra let out a nervous laugh. “Easy for you to say. I haven’t been on a date since…” she trailed off for a second before shaking her head lightly. “Since your dad.”
Maddie sat up a little straighter. “You’re not doing it alone, though. That kind of makes it easier, right?”
“A little,” Sandra admitted. “But not a lot.” Wally laughed quietly. “Where are you guys even going?”
“Dinner at Baker’s Bistro in Stillwater,” Sandra said, smoothing her blouse again. “Then a movie.”
A second later, there was a knock at the door.
Sandra opened the front door as Bea stepped inside. “I’m glad you’re ready. I was starting to think you backed out.”
“I’m considering it.” Sandra replied dryly.
“No, you’re not,” Bea said easily. “Relax. Worst case scenario, the men are awful and we ditch them at the movies.”
“I’m holding you to that.”
Maddie and Wally stood from the couch as the two women headed toward the front door.
“Have fun,” Maddie said.
“Yeah,” Wally added. “Try not to scare the poor guys away.”
Sandra laughed quietly while grabbing her purse from the armchair. “No promises.”
“You two have fun too,” Bea said casually as she turned the door knob.
Sandra pointed between them. “But not too much fun.”
Maddie immediately groaned. “Mom.”
Bea laughed under her breath as the two women headed outside, the front door shutting behind them a second later, leaving a quietness settling over the house.
Wally looked over at her. “So… what now?”
Maddie laughed softly. “Let's get some food and we can watch a movie.”
“Sounds good.”
About half an hour later, takeout containers were scattered across the coffee table while some random action movie played in the background. Maddie was curled against Wally’s side, one of his arms draped loosely around her shoulders as his fingers absentmindedly traced against her arm. The room was dim except for the TV casting soft flickers of light across the living room.
Wally looked more relaxed than he had in weeks. That made something warm settle in Maddie’s chest.
The movie played quietly in the background, but Maddie wasn’t paying attention to it anymore. Maddie’s eyes fixated on Wally instead, taking in the relaxed smile on his face, the faint traces of glitter still stubbornly caught in his hair, the way he finally looked lighter after weeks of carrying stress around his shoulders.
Wally caught her staring after a moment and smiled slightly. “What?” Maddie’s expression softened. “I like seeing you happy. Not weighed by a million things for once.”
Wally’s hand slid slowly against her waist, his thumb brushing back and forth absentmindedly beneath the fabric of her shirt. “That’s because I’m with you.”
Maddie moved closer, her lips crashed against his, sudden and desperate enough to catch Wally off guard for barely half a second before he kissed her back just as hard. One of his hands immediately cupped her face while the other tightened against her waist, pulling her closer against him. The kiss deepened quickly.
Wally pulled her fully onto his lap without breaking the kiss, his hands sliding along her back while Maddie’s fingers tangled into his hair. The movie quickly became background noise as they kissed harder, slower, then desperate again, neither of them able to stay apart for more than a second. Maddie found herself tugging at the bottom of his shirt between kisses.
Wally pulled back just enough to breathe, his forehead brushing against hers. “Are you sure?” he asked quietly.
“Positive,” Maddie breathed. Then she grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head.
Wally kissed her again instantly, deeper this time as he shifted beneath her before carefully flipping her onto her back against the couch cushions, his body settling between her legs as his mouth found hers again.
Maddie’s hands slid up his shoulders, pulling him closer for another kiss before she suddenly paused, breath uneven.
Wally pulled back slightly, immediately searching her face. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” she said, slightly breathless. “As much as I want to do this… I don’t want my first time to be on my couch.”
A quiet laugh slipped out of Wally as he rested his forehead briefly against hers, “Fair point.” Maddie smiled as Wally pushed himself up from the couch, reaching down to help her stand. Her fingers stayed intertwined with his as they made their way toward the hallway.
Halfway to her room Maddie stopped.
Wally turned back toward her, concern flickering across his face immediately. “Mads?”
Maddie bit lightly against her lip. “What about protection?”
“Oh- right” Wally nodded quickly before heading back into the living room, grabbing his bag from beside the couch. He unzipped the front pocket and pulled out a single condom before he headed back into the hallway.
“When you told me you were ready, I got some just in case. Not because I was expecting anything to happen, I just wanted to be safe.”
A small laugh escaped as some of the tension eased from her shoulders. “Good,” she said. “Because it would’ve been such a mood killer if we had to leave right now and buy some.”
Wally laughed, shaking his head as he stepped back toward her. “Yeah, that probably would’ve ruined the moment a little.”
Maddie smiled before taking his hand again, leading him toward her bedroom.
Maddie’s room was dimly lit, the only light coming from the string lights she had left on before. She shut the door behind him and wrapped her arms around the back of his head, pulling him closer.
He guided her toward her bed, not breaking apart the kiss, he gently laid her on top of the bed and climbed on top of her. One knee resting on her side, the other between her legs.
Wally’s lips went from Maddie’s lips down her chin down to her neck, leaving soft kisses as he made his way further down. Maddie couldn't help but let out a soft moan as he continued kissing down her neck. One of Wally’s hands played with the hem of her shirt, until she eventually arched her back up off the bed for Wally to tug her shirt over her head revealing her black bra. His fingers lightly traced along her chest, with every new touch it sent heat through her entire body in a way she has never experienced before.
Wally’s lips pressed back on to hers, soft and delicate. He broke apart the kiss and looked deep into her eyes.
“Are you sure about this?” he asked once more, like he needed to hear her confirming it again before he would continue. “We can stop. It wouldn't affect anything between us.”
Maddie could have sworn she felt her heart skip a beat. How did she end up with someone so sweet? Someone so caring for her needs instead of their own. If she wasn't head over heels in love with him already, that would have done it for her.
“I have never been more sure of anything in my life, Wally,” she confirmed. “I want this with you, right now.”
Wally nodded as Maddie moved further up onto her bed, her head resting her pillows as she slid off her jeans, leaving her in nothing but her underwear. Wally stood, pulling his shorts down, pooling at the bottom of his ankles then swiftly kicked them to the side. He slowly crawled over her, hovering just over her body. Wally ghosted his fingers along her chest, slowly caressing her skin as his lips met hers again.
Maddie’s hands ran up and down his back until they eventually landed on the edge of his boxer briefs, pulling them off completely. Maddie could feel him instantly, hard on her stomach.
Wally then tugged at her panties down to her ankles, Maddie flicking them off. His finger then pulled at her bra strap down her shoulder. She arched her back for him to undo the clasp of her bra, throwing it off onto the floor with their other clothes.
“Fuck, Maddie.” Wally breathed, as his eyes scanned over her body laying underneath him.
He then rolled off her, opening the condom wrapper, rolling it on. Within seconds, he was back on top of her. He paused, lightly teasing her core. His eyes met hers again and without saying anything, Maddie nodded and that was all he needed.
Her eyes widened in surprise as he entered her for the first time. For a brief moment, it felt a bit uncomfortable as he thrust into her. But the feeling quickly faded and Maddie started to fully enjoy it.
Wally’s lips crashed onto hers again as he thrust into her, slowly. His lips trailed down her neck again, leaving soft, delicate kisses as he went. One of his hands lightly caressed her breast, hitching her breath as his hand travelled along.
Wally began increasing his pace, slowly but surely until Maddie felt her whole body start to shake under him, she clutched at his back, eyes squeezing shut as she reached her climax.
He continued thrusting until he finally reached the apex letting out a groan, Wally slowed, pulling himself out, and rolling onto his side. Maddie felt like she was seeing stars as he lay beside her.
“That was…” she said breathlessly. “Worth the wait.”
Wally smiled. “It definitely was.”
They laid there in silence for a bit, side by side until Wally eventually sat up, grabbing the tissue box and delicately cleaned her up. Then he grabbed another one and tossed the condom in the bin. He then found his boxer briefs on the floor and quickly put them on.
Wally looked over at Maddie, propped up on her elbows, watching him. “Damn,” she bit her lip.
Wally laughed, striding back to bed. “You might want to go to the bathroom. It’s normally a good idea after having sex.”
Maddie nodded. “Right.”
She opened her drawers, throwing one of Wally’s old shirts. The oversized fit hung low enough that it looked more like a dress than a T-shirt.
When she returned, Wally was under the covers, wearing one of the old shirts he kept at her house. “I figured I should put something on,” he said, tossing back the corner of the blanket for her. “I don’t want your mom coming home later and finding her daughter and boyfriends half-naked in bed.”
Maddie laughed. “Good idea, I don’t need my mom having a heart attack or anything.”
She slipped under the covers beside him, curling up against his side and resting her head on his chest.
“Ready for prom tomorrow?” “Yeah, I am.” Wally nodded. “I can’t wait to see what you’re wearing. Can I at least get some kind of hint?”
Maddie tilted her head up to look at him. “You’re just going to have to be patient and wait until tomorrow night.”
Wally groaned dramatically. “Okay. Fine.”
Maddie let out a small laugh, settling back against him.
They spent the next hour talking about prom, graduation, summer plans - anything that kept Wally’s mind off his dad for a little while. Eventually, their conversations grew quieter, words becoming less frequent as exhaustion finally caught up to them. Before long, they drifted off to sleep wrapped in each other’s arms.
Sunlight filtered through the sheer purple curtains in Maddie’s room, casting a warm, golden glow across the bed.
Maddie’s eyes fluttered open to see Wally still asleep beside her, hair messy against the pillow. Thoughts of last night immediately flooded her mind - the way Wally stayed in control the entire time, constantly making sure she was comfortable before continuing, making her feel safe through all of it.
Maddie never really had a clear vision of what she wanted her first time to be like, but if she did, it would’ve been exactly like last night.
Wally slowly opened his eyes immediately catching Maddie staring at him. A small smile tugged at his lips. “You’re staring again, babe.”
“I’m not even sorry,” Maddie laughed softly. “I can’t help that you’re cute.” His smile widened slightly before he leaned closer across the pillows, kissing her slowly.
After a moment Wally pulled back and rolled onto his back with a quiet grin. “What time are we supposed to be back at the rec centre?”
Maddie reached for her phone beside the bed. “I think it's 8:30.” Her eyes widened slightly as the screen lit up. “Shit, it’s almost ten.” She quickly opened the group chat. “Everyone’s asking where we are.”
“Fuck,” Wally muttered, immediately throwing the covers back “Charley’s gonna murder us.”
They hurriedly got dressed before rushing out into the living room where Sandra sat flipping through a magazine on the couch.
“Morning, sleeping beauties,” Sandra said casually, glancing up at them.
“Morning, mom.” Maddie replied while shoving her converse sneakers on. “We overslept. We’re really late.”
“What about breakfast?” Sandra asked.
“I don’t know if we have time to eat anything,” Wally said while grabbing his bag, quickly stuffing his shirt Maddie tossed absentmindedly last night, before Sandra noticed.
“Nonsense,” Sandra stood and headed into the kitchen. A moment later, she returned with bananas and a couple of granola bars. “Here. Something quick and easy you can eat on the drive.”
“Thanks, Mom. We’ll talk later about your big date last night.” Maddie said as they hurried toward the front door.
By the time Maddie and Wally rushed into the Split River Recreation Centre, the place was already chaotic.
Music echoed through the room while people rushed around carrying ladders, boxes and decorations from one side of the room to the other. The Hollywood glamour theme was finally starting to come together. A mini-Hollywood sign sat near the entrance beside a rolled out red carpet lined with velvet ropes, while gold sequin draped curtains framed the walls beneath hanging stars suspended from the ceiling. Black, gold and red balloon arches were still being assembled near the stage beside faux film reels and a large Oscar cardboard cutout, Charley insisted was “the centrepiece of the entire prom.” Half- finished walk of fame stars were scattered across the floor waiting to be painted while a nearby table overflowed with black, gold and red velvet centrepieces ready to be spread across dining tables later that afternoon.
The second Charley spotted them, he pointed dramatically across the room. “Oh, look who finally decided to show up.”
“We overslept,” Maddie said quickly as they approached.
Rhonda looked up from where she sat cross-legged on the floor painting gold lettering onto one of the stars. “By almost two hours?”
“We watched a few movies really late last night and forgot to set an alarm.” Maddie said.
Simon adjusted the box in his arms. “You two picked a terrible day to oversleep.”
Janet glanced up from the star she was painting. “At least you’re here now. Charley’s been spiraling for the last hour.”
“I have not been spiralling,” Charley called from across the room while readjusting one of the balloon arches for the fifth time.
“You literally threatened to send out a search party,” Nicole pointed out.
“It’s called being concerned about where my best friends are, my dear Nicole.”
Before anyone could keep talking, Charley walked across the room with his iPad in hand, rapidly checking things off his list. “Okay, enough talking. We’re already behind schedule.” He pointed to the far side of the room. “Wally, can you help Conrad finish setting up the lighting around the photo wall?”
“Sure,” Wally said before heading toward the other side of the room.
Then Charley pointed to the scattered stars across the floor. “Maddie, can you help finish the walk of fame stars?”
Maddie nodded, dropping down beside Rhonda grabbing some gold paint before starting on one of the unfinished stars.
For the next few hours, the recreation centre stayed loud and chaotic as everyone scattered around finishing the last of the decorations. Music blasted through the speakers while ladders scraped across the linoleum floor, and Charley somehow managed to be in six places at once directing people around with his iPad clutched against his chest like he was running an actual Hollywood production.
Maddie spent most of the afternoon on the floor with Rhonda, Nicole, Janet, Dawn and Quinn finishing the walk of fame stars while Wally helped Conrad, Yuri and Simon adjust lighting, hang the last of the ceiling stars and then rearranging the tables. Even from opposite sides of the room, Maddie and Wally kept catching themselves looking for each other. Small glances across the room turned into quiet smiles whenever the other noticed, both of them slipping into their own little world for a second before someone pulled their attention back to decorating. Every now and then Wally would catch Maddie already looking at him, immediately making her smile before pretending to focus back on painting.
By the time the clock pushed past two in the afternoon, the recreation centre finally looked complete.
The red carpet had been rolled out properly, the balloon arches were finished, the tables were set, and the giant Oscar trophy Charley insisted on renting stood along the side of the stage.
Everyone looked exhausted.
Charley slowly turned in a circle near the middle of the room, taking everything in with his hands pressed dramatically against his chest. “This,” he announced emotionally, “is my masterpiece.” Simon dropped into one of the chairs nearby. “You said that about the Snow Ball too.”
“And I was right then too.”
Rhonda tossed a paintbrush onto the crate of craft supplies on the floor. “If I see another damn gold star after today, I’m actually going to lose my mind.”
“You say that now,” Quinn replied, “but wait until tonight when everything’s lit up.”
Nicole slowly looked around the room, taking in the finished decorations properly for the first time all day. “Okay… this is kind of incredible.”
Charley immediately placed a hand against his chest. “Kind of?” he repeated, offended. “Nicole this is incredible.”
Rhonda snorted beside Maddie. “Careful. Complimenting him only makes him worse.”
“Too late,” Simon muttered. “We created a monster yesterday.”
A laugh slipped out of Yuri before he could stop it.
Charley slowly turned toward him, narrowing his eyes dramatically.
Yuri immediately cleared his throat. “Right. Not funny. Sorry.”
Conrad dropped into a chair beside Simon and Wally with a dramatic groan. “My arms are officially dead after moving those tables around for 2 hours.”
“That’s because you guys didn’t understand visual balance,” Charley defended immediately.
“None of us knows what that is.” Simon replied.
After a few minutes of cleaning, everyone gathered their bags.
“Alright, Charley clapped his hands together. “Everybody go home, shower, make yourselves look attractive and be back by six.” “Bossy,” Rhonda muttered standing up.
One by one, the group headed toward the exit, exhausted after spending hours decorating but excited for prom, finally being only a few hours away.
The afternoon slipped by quietly as Maddie moved between her bedroom and bathroom getting ready for prom.
After showering, she stood in front of the bathroom mirror carefully doing her makeup while music played softly from the speaker beside the sink. Soft bronzed eyeshadow blended around her eyes with a darker shadow smoked lightly at the corners, paired with thin eyeliner and mascara. Her skin glowed under the bathroom lights, finished with subtle highlighter and a glossy nude lipstick that tied everything together.
Her short hair took less time, though she still spent longer on it than she cared to admit. Soft waves curved neatly around her jaw and just above her shoulders, styled with enough volume to give it that old Hollywood feel but still feeling like it was her. The blonde pieces framed her face perfectly, one side she tucked behind her ear, securing it with a few bobby pins, while the other side fell naturally across her cheekbone.
By the time she finished, the bathroom smelled like hairspray, perfume and the steam still clinging to the mirrors.
Back in her room, her black dress hung from the closet door waiting for her. The second Maddie stepped into it, everything suddenly started to feel real.
The dress fit perfectly, the black fabric hugging against her waist before falling smoothly to the floor. The strapless neckline dipped slightly at the front, elegant and dramatic without feeling over the top. Paired with the soft waves in her hair and darker makeup, the whole Hollywood glamour theme finally came together.
Maddie reached behind herself, struggling with the zipper for a second before sighing. “Mom?”
A few seconds later, Sandra appeared in the doorway. “Need help?”
“The zipper hates me.”
Sandra laughed softly before stepping behind her, carefully pulling the zipper the rest of the way up. For a moment, Maddie caught her mom’s reflection in the mirror before smiling quietly to herself.
“What?” Maddie asked.
Sandra shook her head lightly. “Nothing. You just look really beautiful.”
Maddie’s expression softened. “Thanks, mom.”
Sandra smoothed down the back of the dress gently before stepping back to admire her properly, wiping a small tear away from her eye. “I really wish your dad was here. He would’ve been so proud of you.”
A small smile pulled at her lips as her fingers instinctively brushed against the silver compass necklace resting against her collarbone. “Yeah. Me too.”
“I’ll let you finish,” Sandra said. “I need to find my camera.”
Maddie smiled as Sandra hurried out of the room, already muttering to herself trying to remember where she last had it.
Maddie slipped into her black wedges before reaching for the silver jewellery laid neatly across her dresser. A couple of thin rings slid onto her fingers, followed by small silver earrings that caught the light every time she moved.
She was adding her things into her small black bag when a knock sounded at the front door.
A second later, Sandra’s voice carried through the house. “Maddie, Wally’s here!”
Heat immediately rushed into her cheeks. Maddie took one last look in the mirror, smoothing her hands down the front of her dress before stepping out of her room into the hallway. She could already hear Bea talking loudly near the front door while Sandra laughed at something she said.
Maddie then rounded the corner into the living room.
Wally looked up and immediately forgot how to breathe for a second. Everything else in the room faded.
He stood near the front door beside Bea, dressed in a black suit with a crisp white button-up underneath and a white bow tie slightly loosened in that effortless way only Wally could somehow pull off. A watch sat against his wrist, and his dark hair had been styled back neatly, though a few pieces had already fallen naturally over his forehead. In one hand, he held a small black corsage box.
But none of that seemed to matter anymore the second Maddie stepped into the room. His expression completely softened.
Maddie watched his eyes slowly move over for a second before landing back on her face, almost like he was trying to process that she was real.
Sandra smiled warmly as she looked between them. “You two look so good together.”
Bea immediately pointed at Wally. “And he looks seconds away from passing out.”
Sandra laughed as she grabbed the boutonniere box, handing it to Maddie.
A small smile pulled at Wally’s mouth as he stepped closer to Maddie. “Wow. You look beautiful.”
“Thank you,” Maddie said, smiling. “You look really handsome.”
Wally finally seemed to remember the corsage box still sitting in his hand. He glanced at it with a quiet laugh before holding it out toward her. “Right. I got distracted.”
Maddie smiled as she took the small black box from him, seeing the familiar deep red roses wrapped neatly with black ribbon that she and Wally had picked out together earlier in the week.
Wally gently took the corsage from the box before carefully sliding it onto her wrist, his fingers brushing lightly against her skin as he adjusted it into place.
“I’m glad we picked roses,” Maddie said, holding her wrist up as she admired the details of the corsage.
Wally nodded. “They do look better with your dress.”
Maddie looked up at him with a small smile. “Thank you for finally admitting I was right.”
“You were definitely right.” Wally laughed.
Maddie held out the boutonniere box for Wally before opening it, revealing matching deep red roses wrapped with black ribbon. She lifted his left lapel, carefully securing the boutonniere onto his jacket.
“You two are simply gorgeous,” Bea said. “Time for photos. Outside. Now.”
By the time everyone stepped out the front door, the sun had started lowering in the sky, casting everything in a soft golden light.
They stood on the steps of the front door as Sandra and Bea took photo after photo of them in different poses, the entire thing lasting a solid ten minutes.
Sandra and Bea continued snapping pictures before Wally finally laughed quietly. “Mom, I think you have enough photos.”
“Oh, just one more,” Bea said immediately. “You look so handsome.”
Bea took one last photo just as the sun shifted aside them, the golden light catching against Maddie’s dress and the edges of Wally’s suit perfectly.
“Okay,” Bea said, lowering the camera with satisfaction. “That one was the one.”
“We really need to get going now,” Wally said.
“All right,” Sandra replied with a smile. “Have fun, you two.”
Maddie smiled. “Thanks, Mom. Have fun at book club.”
“Oh, we will,” Bea said. “We just finished Fourth Wing. It was so good.”
Wally glanced over at Maddie with a mildly horrified expression. “Doesn’t that book have…”
Maddie nodded immediately, already knowing what he meant. “Yep.”
“Gross.”
“What?” Bea defended. “We’re both single women. We can enjoy a book that has a little-”
“We’re leaving now,” Wally interrupted quickly, grabbing Maddie’s hand and guiding her toward his truck across the street. “Bye.”
Wally and Maddie walked hand in hand across the street to his truck. He opened the passenger door for her, offering his hand as she climbed in and carefully gathering the fabric of her dress so it wouldn’t catch before shutting the door behind her. He rounded the front of the truck and slid into the driver's seat.
The second the doors closed, Wally looked over at her.
“Okay,” he said. “Now that it’s just us… you look really fucking hot, babe.”
Maddie smiled. “Don’t get used to it.” She gestured toward the dress and makeup. “This isn’t exactly me.”
Wally looked at her for a moment before shaking his head. “Maddie, I’ve been in love with you since before any of this.”
Maddie’s cheeks warmed.
“The dress is nice,” he admitted. “But you’re still my favorite part.”
Maddie felt her chest tighten in the best way. “God, I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
The parking lot was already packed by the time Wally pulled into the recreation centre. Music drifted through the evening air as groups of students crossed the parking lot in dresses, suits and heels, all making their way toward the entrance.
Wally came around to Maddie’s side of the truck, taking her hand the second she stepped down the pavement. Together, they followed the crowd toward the doors.
As soon as they stepped through the front door, everything looked completely different now the lights were on.
Gold sequin drapes lined both sides of the red carpet, illuminated by warm string lights woven through the fabric. Velvet ropes bordered the walkway while dozens of gold stars hung overhead, glittering softly whenever they caught the light.
Maddie and Wally followed the red carpet to the main room.
The rest of the prom opened up before them.
Black, gold and velvet red decorations filled the recreation centre. A gold mirror ball hung above the dance floor in the centre of the room, scattering flecks of light across the walls and ceiling. Alongside the room stood a large cardboard Oscar’s statue cutout, while faux film reels and black, gold and red balloon arches framed different sections of the room.
The stars Maddie, Rhonda, Nicole, Janet, Dawn and Quinn had spent hours painting now stretched across sections of the floor. Near the entrance sat a small sign reading: The Split River walk of fame. Find your star.
Across the far wall, students lined up around the Hollywood themed photo wall while others crowded around the bar carrying mocktails, sparkling juice and sodas.
Wally spotted their friends gathered near the bar.
“MADDIE YOU LOOK FABULOUS.” Charley yelled over the music, not caring about all the looks he was receiving.
Maddie laughed as she and Wally made their way over. “You look great, Char.”
Charley had embraced the Hollywood theme more than anyone else. His fitted black jacket and matching dress shirt were paired with a satin bow at his collar, but it was the black glitter-flecked trousers that stole the show, catching light every time he moved.
Charley spun on the spot. “Thank you, my sweet,” he said before looking over at Wally. “I’m sorry, is this my friend Wally or someone different?”
“Ha-ha,” Wally replied dryly.
“No seriously,” Charley said. “I had no idea you could… dress like that.”
“Uhhh… thank you? I think.”
“It’s definitely a compliment,” Yuri added. “Now Charley’s discovered his college major, he’s going around critiquing what everyone wears. I tried on five different suits before he found one he liked.”
Yuri had opted for something simpler. A black suit jacket hung neatly over a white dress shirt with the top few buttons left undone, giving the outfit a relaxed feel that suited him perfectly.
“And you look handsome, Yuri,” Charley said before taking a sip of his mocktail.
The group continued talking near the bar as more students filtered into the room.
A few minutes later, Rhonda and Quinn appeared through the crowd together, Quinn immediately slipping in beside Rhonda as they joined the conversation. Conrad arrived not long after, drawing more than a few smiles and waves as he crossed the room. Ever since Wally and Maddie had started dating, he unexpectedly became the most sought-after guys in their grade.
Janet and Dawn showed up together a few minutes later, already halfway through a conversation as they approached. Simon arrived shortly after, looking exactly as thrilled to be attending prom as everyone expected.
Eventually, they all migrated to one of the tables, conversations overlapping as they exchanged compliments and looked around the room, pointing out the decorations.
A few minutes later, Nicole appeared through the crowd with Teo beside her.
“You look amazing, Nic,” Maddie said as Nicole and Teo joined the group at the table. “Hey, Teo. It’s nice to see you again.” “You too, Maddie.”
Maddie’s eyebrows lifted. “We didn’t know Teo was coming.” Nicole laughed. “Neither did I.”
“Seriously?” Wally asked.
She nodded. “He surprised me this morning. Drove all the way down from Steven’s Point.”
Teo smiled. “Prom seemed like a pretty good reason to make the drive.”
“Okay,” Charley said. “That’s adorable.”
Before anyone else could say anything, the music faded and the room quieted as Principal Hartman stepped onto stage, microphone in hand.
“Good evening, seniors,” he said. “First of all, I want to congratulate everyone who helped put tonight together. The decorations look fantastic.”
Charley immediately sat a little taller.
“Secondly, don’t forget to submit your votes for Prom King and Queen before nine o’clock, so votes can be tallied.”
He glanced around the room.
“Food will be served in thirty minutes. Until then, enjoy yourselves, make some memories, and have a great night. You deserve it.”
A small round of applause broke across the recreation centre as Hartman stepped away from the microphone and the music began playing once more.
Before long, the room was in full swing.
Students crowded the dance floor, gathered around tables, and drifted between conversations. The Hollywood backdrop along the far wall rarely sat empty for more than a minute, while laughter and music echoed throughout the recreation centre beneath the hanging stars overhead.
After spending some time with the group, Wally and Maddie joined the line for the photo wall.
A handful of couples waited ahead of them, shifting forward a little at a time as the photographer directed people through poses. Before long, it was their turn.
Up close, the photo wall looked even better than it had from when they first walked into the room. A red carpet stretched out in front of a black and gold backdrop decorated with stars and faux film reels, while warm marquee lights illuminated the large HOLLYWOOD sign above it. Red velvet ropes framed either side, making the entire set up feel like a miniature movie premiere.
As the photographer adjusted the camera, Wally’s hand settled comfortably against the small of her back. Maddie glanced up at him and immediately forgot she was supposed to be looking at the lens.
The warm lights caught his brown eyes, making them sparkle. His dark hair gleaned beneath the overhead lights, a few stands refusing to stay exactly where he styled them earlier. He looked confident tonight- comfortable in a way that seemed effortless, his natural charisma impossible not to notice.
Every smile, every glance, every small touch felt easy. His thumb brushed lightly against her back as they shifted into another pose, and Maddie couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips.
Less than twenty-four hours ago, it had been just the two of them. Curled up together
on her bed long after midnight, talking while the rest of the world faded around them. The memory was still close enough to make her cheeks warm.
Nothing between them had changed. Yet somehow everything did.
The nervousness she expected never came. There was no awkwardness, no uncertainty. Just the same Wally she’d known for years – the boy who made her laugh when she was upset, who showed up when she needed him, who somehow made every room feel a little lighter the second he walked into it.
His hand remained steady at the small of her back as the camera flashed again.
Looking at him was easy.
Not for the first time that night, Maddie found herself wondering how she’d gotten so lucky.
Later in the evening, the music shifted and a slow song drifted through the speakers. Almost immediately, couples began making their way back onto the dance floor.
Wally didn’t hesitate. His hand found Maddie’s and a moment later they were both swaying beneath the mirror ball along with everyone else.
From across the room, Charley watched them over the rim of his mocktail.
“Interesting,” he said slowly.
Beside him, Rhonda glanced up. “What?”
“Tell me I’m not imagining things.”
“That depends entirely on what you’re about to say.”
Charley nodded toward the dance floor.
Maddie was laughing at something Wally had whispered in her ear. His hands rested against her waist while hers sat loosely behind his head. Every few seconds one of them would smile and the other would immediately smile back.
“They seem weirdly happy tonight.” Rhonda deadpanned. “They’re dating. That’s what happens when you’re dating.”
“No, I know they’re dating.” Charley waved a hand dismissively. “This is different.”
“Different how?”
“I don’t know.” He narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. “There’s just… something different about them.”
“Or they’re just having a good time at prom?”
“Maybe.” Charley continued staring suspiciously.
Rhonda rolled her eyes. “Shouldn’t you be dancing with your boyfriend instead of investigating your best friends?”
Charley blinked. “Right.”
A second later he was gone, weaving through the crowd to find Yuri.
Eventually, after many songs later, Maddie and Wally left the dance floor, making their way back to the group.
“I’m going to run to the bathroom.” Maddie said.
Wally nodded. “Okay I’ll get us some drinks.
Maddie smiled before disappearing down the hall.
The bathroom was empty when Maddie walked in. A few minutes later, while she sat in one of the stalls, the door opened and two familiar voices drifted inside- Claire and Chloe.
“Did you see him out there?” Chloe asked.
“Who?”
“Wally.”
Claire laughed. “Kind of hard to miss him.”
“Seriously though, can you imagine showing up to prom while your dad’s all over the news?”
“Former Split River business mogul arrested in Malibu.” Claire recited dramatically.
Both girls giggled.
Maddie felt her jaw tighten.
“There is no way he didn’t know,” Chloe continued. “People don’t just steal millions of dollars, and their family has absolutely no clue.”
“Exactly. Everyone acts like he’s some innocent victim.”
“Because everyone loves Wally Clark,” Chloe said. “Golden boy football player. Good grades. Nice smile.”
“Perfect family,” Claire added.
“Guess that didn’t work out. Ever since daddy Clark fucked some other woman.”
Another round of laughter echoed through the bathroom.
“His dad’s probably going to end up a felon,” Chloe continued. “Imagine having that attached to you going into college.”
“Went from hometown hero to son of a criminal overnight.”
“Honestly, I’m glad I got over that crush months ago,” Chloe said with a snort. “Can you imagine dating into that mess? I don’t need my name attached to that kind of drama.”
The stall door slammed open.
Claire and Chloe looked up from the mirrors. Chloe’s eyebrows shot up before a grin spread across her face.
“Well, that’s awkward.”
Maddie folded her arms across her chest. “You know, I always wondered whether you two were actually this pathetic or of it was just an act.”
Claire rolled her eyes. “Oh, please.”
“No, seriously. I’ve spent the last five minutes listening you talk about Wally like he’s responsible for what his father did. Edward stole the money, Edward got arrested. Edward’s the one facing charges. Not Wally.”
Chloe shrugged “It’s a small town, Maddie. People are gonna talk.”
“We were talking,” Claire added. “People are allowed to talk.”
Maddie let out a humourless laugh. “Yeah, and what you were saying was fucked up. You want to talk shit about Edward? Fine. Trust me, nobody’s defending that asshole. But dragging Wally into it because his dad turned out to be a selfish piece of shit is low, even for you two.”
Claire exchanged an amused look with Chloe. “People are going to judge him. It’s just reality.”
“Then maybe stop contributing to it.”
“We’re not the only ones saying it.”
“I know you’re not,” Maddie snapped. “That’s the fucking problem. Everyone suddenly thinks they’re entitled to an opinion because they read a headline online. None of you know a fucking thing about what he’s been dealing with.”
Chloe crossed her arms. “Family reputation matters.”
Maddie stared at her for a second before laughing again. “God, listen to yourself. Wally has spent most of his life trying not to become his father. He’s kinder than half the people in this town, works harder than anyone I know, and somehow he’s the one getting judged for someone else’s mistakes.
“Whatever you say,” Claire replied.
“No, not whatever I say. It’s the truth. The fact that you can’t tell the difference between Wally and Edward says a hell of a lot more about you then it does about him.”
Maddie grabbed her clutch from the counter and headed for the door. Before leaving, she glanced back over her shoulder.
“And Chloe? If your biggest concern is whether someone else’s family problems might affect your reputation, maybe you should spend less time worrying about Wally and more time fixing your own shit.”
Chloe laughed. “Cute.”
“Fuck off.” Then Maddie walked out.
Wally stood in line at the bar waiting to grab drinks for himself and Maddie when Xavier stepped in behind him.
“Maddie looks so fucking hot tonight.”
Wally rolled his eyes and turned toward him. “Can you not say that about my girlfriend?”
Xavier laughed. “Relax. It was giving her a compliment.”
“Whatever.”
Wally turned back around and ordered two piña colada mocktails.
“You know,” Xavier continued, “it’s still weird seeing her with someone else.”
Wally accepted the drinks from the bartender.
“What’s weird is that you slept with someone else while you were dating her.” He shook his head. “You had your chance and you fucked up.”
Wally started to walk away before pausing and glancing back over his shoulder.
“Now she’s with someone who actually treats her right.” His jaw tightened slightly. “And unlike you, I don’t plan on fucking that up.”
By the time Maddie returned from the bathroom, she took the empty seat beside Simon. He immediately noticed the look on her face.
“What happened?”
Maddie leaned closer. “Claire and Chloe were in the bathroom talking shit about Wally and his dad, the usual bullshit going around town.” She rolled her eyes. “Then I told them to fuck off.”
Simon let out a short laugh. “Good.”
A few minutes later, Wally returned carrying two piña colada mocktails and slid into the chair beside her, setting one in front of her. “What did I miss?” “Maddie told Claire and Chloe to fuck off when they started talking shit about you and your dad. The usual crap.” Simon grabbed his drink.
Wally laughed. “I don’t care what either of them say.”
Maddie nodded. “I honestly can’t wait until next when we’re in Illinois away from this small-town shit.”
“A couple more months,” Simon said, taking a sip of his drink. “Then we’re free from shit river.”
The rest of the night passed in a blur. The group drifted between the dance floor and their table, conversations overlapping as songs changed and students came and went around them. Wally spent most of the night exactly where everyone expected him to be- in the middle of the dance floor, not caring what people were saying about him and his dad. Maddie even admitted that she was having fun dancing and laughing as he attempted to convince reluctant classmates to dance.
Later, votes were counted and Principal Hartman returned to the stage to announce Prom King and Queen. Conrad and Chloe took the crowns – a result that surprised no one- Chloe looked as thrilled as she accepted her crown while Conrad appeared slightly overwhelmed with all the attention.
As the night wound down and more and more students began heading home, exhaustion finally started catching up to Maddie. Between the excitement of prom, the dancing, and the emotional rollercoaster of the past few months, she felt completely drained. Wally looked equally tired despite his best efforts to pretend otherwise.
After saying goodbye to their friends, they slipped out into the cool night air. Neither of them felt ready for the evening to end just yet, so instead of immediately calling it a night, they headed back to Wally’s house, changed into comfier clothes, and curled up on his bed and watched some TV. Before either of them made it through the full episode, sleep pulled them under.
Part 27 Part 29
Wellll that was a lot huh? What do you think of everything? Let me know in the comments
Only 2 more chapters and this story is over 😭
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