After all this time...

Chapter 2: NEW ME

8 years later

When we are all little, parents and teachers ask us what we want to be. Of course, just like any other 5-year-old princess was the answer. Although as I grew up I fell in love with anything to do with words. Books, writing and well that's really it. My answers changed over the years sometimes it was a librarian, or an author, even a teacher. But once I was in my high school years it was journalism that I fell in love with. But secretly an author was the top goal. Still is ironically.

Currently, I am a senior editor for the New York Times. I damn well should be. I am so good at my job. Or I like to think I am. I have worked so hard to get where I am. I am so proud of myself, and I have a good right to be.

I live in an apartment in New York with my roommate Olivia and her boyfriend Andrew. They have been together for as long as I can remember. Olivia and I went to University together. We became great friends, and eventually decided it would work best if we moved in together after we both graduated. It was also cheaper on all of our behalfs if Andrew moved in so it was a win-win for all of us.

I'm sitting on our living room couch when they both walk in the door. Olivia trying to not scream? I'm assuming. She looks like someone lit her ass on fire. It is honestly so funny to watch as she makes her way inside. "Liz guess what?" She actually screams. Andrew is laughing his ass off while having a gigantic grin on his face. I look at her waiting for an answer. When she realizes that I'm not going to reply she finishes talking. "Andrew just got offered this huge position at this multi-million dollar company!" She legit squeaks out. "Billion. Multi-billion dollar company actually." He smirks.

I roll my eyes. "Wow, Andrew, that is incredible. Like holy shit, how much money is your salary?" He shrugs his shoulders. Well okay then. Before I can say anything else Olivia starts to speak again. "That's not even the best part. There is a gala. A fucking gala. Which means we get to go out and party with all the rich folks." Her smile is so big. Like it's fucking creepy I haven't seen her this excited, in well ever. "Wow, have fun you two. Cause that is not my scene at all." I get up to leave so she doesn't force me to go because I hate people. Well, more so rich, arrogant, and snobby people. And parties. Parties are gross.

Before I even get close to leaving Olivia grabs my hand and spins me around to face her. She has this look in her eye. I already know I am going to hate the words that are about to come out of her mouth. "Well, Elizabeth you do not have a choice in the matter. Huge company we are talking about here. It's a perfect opportunity to write about. Please come! I have beautiful dresses I know you will absolutely love."

I sigh. She is actually persuading enough. "Ugh, fine I will go." There is no point in fighting. I just nod my head as she squeals. I'm hoping she gave me enough time before this gala is supposed to take place. But nope the next few words out of her mouth are the exact opposite. "Yes! So much work to do in so little time." Andrew just finds this so entertaining he is still laughing his ass off in his chair. "Huh? When is this gala anyway?" I ask. "In 4 hours." Olivia gladly answers with a huge ass smile on her face. My mouth just falls. Fuck me.

~~~

Olivia has great taste in style. She loves to dress up and wear fancy clothes every chance she gets. This shows extremely well when she opens the door of her closet. I'm sitting on her bed as she looks for the dresses that she wants us to wear tonight. "Aha, perfect." She says from inside her closet. She emerges with two dresses in bags. It is very tempting, to say the least. The first bag that she unzips the bag and reveals a stunning lavender-coloured dress. It's very simple but so beautiful at the same time. It has lacework at the top and a very simple bottom. "Beautiful, right? And it's totally my colour." Olivia says. She sets down the dress and begins to unzip the second bag.

The bag reveals an absolutely gorgeous black sparkly dress. It looks like it has a slit down the side and I am amazed. It is something I wouldn't dare put on, but something is drawing me to this dress. I want to wear it. "Liv it's gorgeous. Please tell me I can put it on?" She nods her head as I undress and slip it on my body. 5-year-old Elizabeth would be so happy right now. I feel gorgeous. Like a total princess. "Wow, Elizabeth you look drop-dead gorgeous."

I am smiling so brightly. Okay, I am a little excited to attend this gala now. Olivia is getting ready beside me, as I try and glam myself up a bit. "Ladies let's go! The car is going to be here any second" Andrew yells at us from the living room. I look at Olivia "Car?" She smirks. "Yep, they sent a car to pick us up!" Wow, I think to myself. Sweet. Olivia and I make our way out of the bathroom and towards Andrew. Olivia does a little spin for him and he smacks her ass. "Sexy lady. Come on I need to make a good impression with my chicks." Andrew winks at us.

Andrew has always been the flirty type. With any of Olivia's friends. Sure he is very attractive but not my type at all. He has long blond hair, a wide build and is not very tall. Well in my view anyway. He's like 5'11. I think. Olivia is only 5'4 so he's tall to her. But my tall is like 6'2, 6'3. Anyways not important. I'm just in my head. Dreaming. The car pulls up and the three of us get into the car and drive off.