Unraveling Eden ✔ [ONC 2021]

Chapter One

Chapter One

2021

The music was already drifting up the stairs and into my bedroom. The party was in full swing and as usual, I was fashionably late. Founders Day was just a stupid excuse for the rich people of this town to get together, put on one of their many expensive outfits, and talk poorly about those who did not have as much as them and of course, my parents were at the head of the pack hosting the ridiculous event. The theme this year was a masquerade ball, a homage to the historical coming of age celebration where the Prince would choose his bride. I was under strict orders to be on my best behavior and support the image that my parents built, one big happy family when we were anything but.

A new dress, new shoes, no matter how beautiful, were just a bribe whether my parents wanted to admit it or not. I turned toward the mirror and pursed my lips together, spreading my lipgloss evenly. Tully waltzed over to me, stumbling on her very high heels, already tipsy. With a giggle, she linked her arm through mine and took a sip on the champagne in her free hand. "This dress is gorgeous, you look so fine," she gushed and pulled the strap back up onto my shoulder.

"It is, but it's not just a dress," I huffed, taking in the black satan. The dress clung to my hips before flaring out toward the floor, doing a good job of accentuating what little curves I had. The square neckline was very modest, yet my sides and back were completely on show. "It's a ball and chain."

Tully scooped her mask off the bed and held it up over her eyes, looking me over.

"Here." She placed the glass in my hand and chuckled. "You need this more than I do. Drink up, once we get out there there's no more where that came from." I brought the glass to my lips only for Tully to tip it even further, sending every last drop of liquid burning its way down my throat.

My hand flew to my chest as I coughed champagne bubbles and warmth traveled from my esophagus to my stomach, the alcohol settling. "Tull!"

With the roll of her eyes, she took my black lace mask from my dresser and nearly blinded me as she placed it over my face. "Now you're ready." She gave me a light tug and opened my bedroom door, leaving me to fiddle with the laces behind my head.

"Thanks, Tull," I muttered, bumping my hip against hers as I found my eyes drifting toward my sister's closed-door just at the top of the stairs. Clearing my throat, I pulled my eyes away and looked out over the mezzanine. There must have been at least one hundred people filling the open concept living area, talking over the string quartet.

She wrapped her arms around me from behind and hugged me tight, swaying back and forth as she kissed my cheek. Her black curls poured down on my face. "What are friends for if not for getting you drunk at your parents' big Founders Day party with all eyes watching?" she joked, but I could tell she was frowning even without looking at her. She was a good liar, but she could never get past me. Nine years of friendship was enough to make it impossible to lie to each other. "Come on." She took me by the hand and started down the staircase.

I caught sight of Brian moving through the crowd. Tully was every guy's dream girl. Confident, gorgeous, and kind. There was always someone waiting in the wings to whisk her away. Too bad they never stuck. Brian was her most recent arm candy and boyfriend. He was actually a nice guy so I was hoping they would last. He lit up when he saw her, smiling from ear to ear with a hand on the banister.

"Don't he look handsome?" Tully whispered in my ear almost bouncing in excitement.

"Go get him!" I urged as he stood at the bottom of the staircase, ready to take her by the hand and sweep her off her feet. My heart ached, reminding me of the person-sized hole that I had in my chest. Don't get me wrong, I was happy for her. I just wished that I had someone special in my life who would always be there for me. Unconditionally. I knew I had Tully, but someday she'd go off to school, get married, and start a family. And I'd be left here, letting the loneliness chip at my interior.