The Real Prom Queens of Westfield High Read Free Page B

back on this day as the beginning of all the good things that are to come.”
    Victoria gestures to us with open palms. “How would you girls like to become reality television stars?” Her smile is so huge I instinctively look behind me to see who she’s grinning at. All that’s back there is a poster of a puppy resting his head on an enormous bone with black letters commanding us to DREAM BIG.
    â€œWe’re proposing the most unique unscripted show ever conceived.” Victoria raises her arms as if forming an invisible billboard and announces, “ From Wannabes to Prom Queens !”
    Kelly mocks, “Cause The Greatest Loser is already taken, right?”
    Ignoring her, Victoria goes on, “You girls will be treated to full makeovers during your six-week stay at Prom Queen Camp, which is being set up at this very moment in a top secret location. Then, your new Social Advisement Coaches will help guide you up, up, up the social ladder while hidden cameras capture your rise to success !”
    Mickey seems more businesslike. “The show will be exploring the factors that control a girl’s level of popularity at any given point in her high school career. The complete average-ness of Wakefield High makes it perfect.”
    â€œIt’s Westfield,” Victoria corrects under her breath. She pushes her shoulders back and asks perkily, “What factors turn an otherwise normal girl into a social liability?” She looks around as if this isn’t a rhetorical question, then answers herself. “Looks. Social skills. Boyfriends. These are things we can give you!” She holds her arms out toward us, and I glance behind me again. The puppy has made no progress on his bone. “This show is an amazing opportunity.” Victoria practically explodes with joy. “It’s part hidden-camera reality show, part makeover show, part competition! It has everything !”
    Kelly leans back in her chair, crosses her arms in front of her chest, and rolls her eyes so hard I’m afraid she’ll strain her eyeballs. But Amy has stopped rocking and appears to be listening.
    â€œAt Prom Queen Camp, the three of you will receive complete and total, head-to-toe, physical and mental makeovers ,” Victoria says. “Your classmates are going to go crazy over how you look when you walk into this school building in September. And our hidden cameras will catch every head as it turns to watch you.”
    â€œWith our team of professional experts guiding you from behind the scenes,” Mickey says, “we are confident any one of you can meet the steep challenge of winning that ultimate badge of popularity and acceptance—being crowned Prom Queen!”
    â€œCount me out,” Kelly deadpans. “I’d be mortified to be the Prom Queen.”
    This whole thing feels too surreal for me to speak, and I cram my shoulders more deeply into my ears. Mickey gives Victoria a nod, and Victoria’s eyes start dancing. In a totally obnoxious game-show-host voice, she raises her hands over her head and announces, “The girl who is voted Prom Queen will also win…”
    Mickey joins her in shouting, “ One! Million! Dollars! ”
    Amy lets out a small laugh and doesn’t bother shutting her mouth afterward. Even Kelly uncrosses her arms and leans forward. My head just echoes one-million-dollars-one-million-dollars-one-million-dollars . Teenage millionaires do not exactly exist in our town. It could offer me a whole new thing to be known for.
    The women look smug. “So, are you girls ready to turn this school’s social order upside down?” Mickey challenges.
    â€œAre you wannabes ready to become Prom Queens?” Victoria calls out, in a way that makes me suspect we’re already being taped.
    The screen in the front of the room flashes to life with, From Wannabes to Prom Queens , written in giant pink letters.
    Mickey turns all business and