When you blame others you give up your power to change. (Douglas Adams)

Nicky drove back to our building and we kissed at the bottom of the stairs. He wanted to come up but I knew Tommy was in my apartment.

I needed an out.

With my prom dress still on, I ran. I dove in the pool with a titanic splash.

He laughed. “What are you doing? You're nuts.”

So (obviously) I extended my hand for him to help me out. He acted surprised when I pulled him in but, come on, he had to see that coming. We splashed and kissed. We didn't notice Tommy emerge from my apartment and we definitely didn't notice the hairdryer in his hand. Nicky lifted me out of the water. With his hands on my stomach, he balanced me above his head and spun me around as I extended my arms out like I was flying.

I saw Tommy coming. I could tell that he was strung out before I saw the hairdryer dangling from the cord wrapped around his hand. I realized what was happening and I yelled, “Look out!”

I dove headfirst into the water and hoisted myself out of the pool. I was reached for Nicky. He was almost out. My hand was firmly around his. But his escape wasn’t complete when the hairdryer electrified the water. I felt the shock sear my synapses through Nicky's body. We collapsed beside the pool. I felt burnt and not in a good way. Nicky was twitching but he hadn't been completely submerged when the hairdryer was dropped in. Nicky was still alive and he would survive. My prom night ended with attempted murder.