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I'm Just A Bundle Of Nerves In A Pretty Purple Dress

"This is bullshit." I muttered to myself, checking my outfit in the mirror. I was starting to get used to living in Alexandria when Deanna insisted on throwing a welcome party.

I tugged the T-shirt off, the trousers I wore following. I didn't come here with many clothes to begin with, so I had to start considering whatever was packed into the drawers. It was mostly simple things like white T-shirts and jeans, but I knew none of that would be party appropriate.

"You doing okay?" Maggie asked with an amused tone, walking into the room. I gave her a short glare, turning back to the heap of clothes on the bed.

"I've never been to a party before, Maggie. I don't know what to wear." I groaned with frustration. It didn't matter to me what I looked like, but I knew I needed to at least try to blend in. Parties weren't my usual scene.

"Calm down, we've got at least another hour. Come on." She took my hand and pulled me to the bathroom, sitting me on the edge of the bathtub and turning the shower on. She sifted through the nearest drawers, collecting an array of unfamiliar items before turning back to me.

"You ever shaved your legs before?"

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"See, this is a nice color on you." She held a purple dress against me, a smile on her face. I looked in the mirror, seeing what I looked like.

It was a nice dress, the light purple color matched well, but I wasn't really the type to wear it. Still, Maggie had a sparkle in her eye that I hadn't seen for a long time, and I knew it would make her happy. I gave her a playful eye roll, slipping the dress over my head and letting it fall to my knees.

"Well, you both look beautiful." Glenn said from the doorway. I smiled at him, watching as he opened the door and made an exaggerated wave towards it, making me laugh. We walked down the stairs and I saw Tara and Noah waiting for us, ready to leave. I slipped on my worn boots, tying the laces and exiting through the door.

The whole of Alexandria was dark and quiet, except for the bright bustling house in the middle. And that's where we were going. My feet took me closer and closer to the door, my heart hammering against my ribs. I could hear the chatter from here, I knew there would be adults drinking and having fun.

I spun on my heel, planning to make a quick getaway to the house when I came face to face with Tara. "Hey, I'm scared, too. But we're almost there now. How about we go together?" I nervously nodded my head, taking her outstretched hand and walking through the front door. There was music playing, people were laughing and I could hear Judith's giggles from somewhere in the house. I noticed certain members of the group dispersed throughout. Abraham and Rosita were by the table, where the beer was, Rick was holding Judith in his arms, speaking to a woman with blond hair. I think her name was Jessie. Michonne was speaking with Deanna and her husband Reg in the corner, a small drink in her hand.

Maggie encouraged me to follow her and Glenn, and I wasn't about to separate myself from them. I stood by them as they spoke to several new people, nodding along to the conversations but never joining them. It had been a while and I still hadn't found who I was looking for.

"Hey, why don't you go talk to Carl? You don't have to stick with us if you don't want to." Glenn murmured to me.

"Can you see him?" I had been looking around all night.

"He's by the door, talking to some other kids. Go on, make some friends." He pointed in a direction and I followed it, peering through the bustling people. As I got nearer, I finally saw him. I assumed the other two kids there were Ron and Mikey, one of them blonde and the other with dark hair. I furrowed my eyebrows when Enid was nowhere to be seen. She was probably the only person I liked here. When I realised she hadn't attended the party, I quickly changed my course, stepping out the back door. It was much cooler out here, and I could finally catch my breath.