Until two weeks ago, I didn’t think I was going to prom. As a sophomore, an upperclassman would have to ask me, and that hadn’t happened. Then, during lunch one day, senior Katie LaPointe suddenly exclaimed, “Hey! Do you want to go to prom with me?”

I was surprised, then excited, then disappointed. I was under the impression that I had lost my chance to go to prom after the May 1 deadline. After asking a few knowledgeable juniors, however, I found out I could just pay at the door, although I wouldn’t receive the souvenir boxer shorts. Oh no. How terrible.

Cut to Sunday, May 11. I am trying on dresses at Bergner’s. The only dress I really like is too tight. They don’t have my size.

On Wednesday I visit M2, amazed at the gorgeous poofiness. Of the five dresses they have in my size, I fall in love with one. Crap. It’s, like, $300. Not happening. Another is just $75. It fits me perfectly, it’s pretty, but it’s not me. The woman there tries to convince me that prom is the perfect time to be someone whom I might not usually be. Sorry, I grew out of my rosy-pink-with-fake-flowers-and-tulle-skirt stage when I turned 8.

Next I try David’s Bridal. It lives up to its name in the sense that nothing there is appropriate for prom. Back to Bergner’s. Maybe they have some new dresses. I search for the one I liked earlier, but they still don’t have it in my size.

I’ve almost chosen a long blue-draped gown. I think I like it. Suddenly Mom brings a few more for me to try on. They don’t look promising, but I’m pretty much desperate. I dismiss the purple one. I already tried it. It’s hideous. I try on the pink one.

It’s perfect. It fits right. It’s cute. I love the color. And, the price is decent.

It’s Saturday. Prom day. I don’t have shoes. A frantic search ensues. Finally, super-high, sparkly silver heels are calling to me. Soon, Katie is calling, too. She is at my house and I am still doing my hair.

Finally, we make it to dinner. Za’s is our destination; inexpensive yet delicious pasta, garlic bread, and tiramisu fill me up. We almost stop at Big Lots, just for fun, but decide the immense pothole-filled parking lot is too much for our high-heeled feet.

Next comes the main event: prom. The red carpet, delicious food, and multiple photographers make me feel a little like a movie star.

After a long day of shopping, primping, and dancing, however, Katie and I watched an episode of “House, M.D.” and promptly fell asleep.

It’s all just proof that, even with only two week’s notice, prom can be loads of fun.