Not Getting Away With It


Tears filled Aiden’s eyes as he stood beside the limo they had arrived in.
The news he had just heard was unbelievable to him. In spite of his dress, he was shocked that the principal would bar him from the prom.
Jake, Aiden’s boyfriend, wouldn’t let that happen. There would be a price to pay for what the principal did. There would be no doubt about it because Jake would ensure it.
Their Home


Jake and Aiden grew up in Tampa. Their dream was to make it their home one day. As well as the liberal culture surrounding them, they liked the people.
Recent years, however, have seen a shift in this trend.
They were facing opposition from the city they had grown to love. They just didn’t realize the extent of the damage.
The Best Couple


There was no doubt in everyone’s mind that Aiden and Jake were the best couple.
Three years had passed since they’d begun dating, and many of their friends believed they’d get married as soon as Aiden completed his senior year.
Principal Shepard, in particular, had no idea how deep their love was. In the end, he had to learn a hard lesson.
Excitement


He was nearing the end of his school year. In a few days, he would graduate, and he was eagerly anticipating it.
But prom was the one thing on his mind the entire year.
Months had passed since he had been preparing for such a special night with the man in his life. He had no idea that things would go wrong.
The Perfect Outfit


It was Aiden’s goal to make this night as special as possible. It was, therefore, extremely important to him to choose the right outfit.
His choice was something that was a little unconventional after thinking of everything he could wear. Aiden wanted to wear an eye-catching red dress.
Is he at risk of expulsion? Is he going to miss his special night because of it?
Overwhelming Support


Aiden’s decision was unanimously accepted by everyone who knew what the dress represented.
His decision wouldn’t make sense to people who didn’t know him until he explained why he chose a dress.
What was his motivation? Is there a reason why people would understand once he explained himself? Is it necessary for him to explain himself?
His Reasoning


Aiden believes clothing doesn’t define a person. Wearing what makes you feel comfortable is something everyone should be able to do.
The same as suits shouldn’t be reserved for men, and dresses shouldn’t be just for women.
There was no such thing as a wrong way to dress in this world because everyone was a free creature. There was, however, a difference of opinion among people.
Compliments


As the big night approached, Aiden donned the bright red dress he had spent months making.
In the end, he found it to be a perfect fit, and his family has been very supportive of his decision.
It was more than he could’ve imagined that everyone told him he looked good. One person disagreed, however.
Content


Aiden felt special that evening. In his opinion, he looked good.
Having made the right choice for himself and feeling comfortable in his skin made him feel at ease. It was a pleasure for him to end the year in the way he wanted.
There was someone who was determined to ruin everything Aiden held dear, and the night was just beginning. Were they going to succeed?
Principal Shepard


Upon pulling up at the school’s entrance, Jake’s limo arrived, and the driver quickly jumped out to unlock the door.
When Aiden saw Principal Shepard at the door, he was startled.
Every outfit that passed through the door was being scrutinized by him with his arms folded over his chest.
Just As He Got Out


As soon as Aiden put his foot out of the door, Principal Shepard was standing in front of him.
His arms were still folded over his chest, but his eyes were glued to the red dress.
“What’s this?” Principal Shepard asked. “A dress,” Aiden said matter-of-factly. “Why? Is there a problem with it?” The principal looked up, and Aiden’s heart instantly sank.
Furious


Principal Shepard’s fury was clear in his eyes. He clearly had a problem with a man wearing a dress.
And Aiden knew he was about to receive a lecture, but he was ready for it. He would just express his opinion, and that would be it.
Unfortunately, the principal wasn’t willing to listen, and that would ultimately lead to his downfall.
Told To Leave


Principal Shepard didn’t even give Aiden a chance to speak. All the man did was push Aiden down and back into his seat.
“If you want to attend this prom, you’re going to go home and change into something a man will wear,” the principal said.
“I’m not doing that,” Aiden responded. “Then don’t bother coming back.”
Caught Off Guard


Aiden was stunned into silence. He had no idea the principal would be so stubborn about something that he felt should be normal.
People dressed the way they wanted to all the time. So what made him the exception? Why wasn’t he allowed to be unique?
Aiden’s eyes stung with tears, but this was nowhere near the end.
Jake Stepped In


Jake patted Aiden’s arm, and the two of them stepped out of the car. The moment Principal Shepard saw who Aiden’s date was, the color drained from his face.
“I’m Jake Davits,” Jake said, extending a hand toward the principal. “And I do believe the school board would agree with Aiden’s decision, don’t you?” Principal Shepard swallowed the lump in his throat. He had no idea he would be in this much trouble.
In order to protect the privacy of those depicted, some names, locations, and identifying characteristics have been changed and are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblances to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, are entirely coincidental.