Spotlight on the Mirror

Chapter Seventeen

Holliday could barely focus on anyone or anything at her party hosted by Carmen Cylla. All she could think about was Natasha's diary. She wondered what stories would it share but most importantly, she wondered if it would reveal the secret to end the switch. Holliday didn't even have the time to read one single page before Wanda burst into Natasha's bedroom. Holiday quickly hid the diary again and prepared for the party at CC's.

All night people congratulated her or questioned her about the upcoming tour but everything was a blur. Holliday decided to smoke some weed before she left Natasha's house but for the most part, she was sober. She didn't feel like experiencing a hangover the next day so she saved her glass of champagne for the toast. The local newspaper reporters were present and taking pictures while Ms. Cylla gave her speech. Holliday was standing next to her and tried to maintain her fake smile. She zoned out and didn't hear one word that Ms. Cylla said but she didn't care. She could see Ms. Dee trying to keep Wanda and her two dollar gold digger dress off the stage. As much as Holliday wanted to laugh, she kept her composure.

Once Ms. Cylla finally finished her speech, everyone toasted to Natasha and Holliday was finally able to leave the stage. She answered a few questions for the newspaper articles then quietly snuck off to the only place that brought her pure and innocent joy.

The dance studio.

The smell of the barres and the feel of the dance floor gave her true happiness. She looked closely in the mirror and saw a small glimmer of light in the corner. She turned around to see Madison sitting on the floor, on her cell phone.

"Oh, hey, Madison. I almost didn't see you there."

"Hey, Natasha. Umm... Congratulations."

"Thanks."

"Sorry I'm not engaging at your party but I didn't want to be bothered by the fakeness tonight."

As Holliday sat next to Madison she responded, "I feel you. I left to get away myself. It's too much going on."

"True... Holliday's parents told me that you visited her again. They were so happy that you did and I think that was really nice of you."

"Oh... Yeah. I just felt like I should show support. Holliday was there when I needed a friend so I'm just returning the favor, you know?"

"I get it. Holliday is such a good friend and I truly miss her. I have so much to tell her and I fully believe that she will wake up soon."

"I was told by Mr. Mosely to visit Holliday's mom at home to give my support but I'm not sure if I feel comfortable with that. What do you think?"

Madison thought for a moment then replied, "Umm... Holliday's mom is... Hmm... Delicate. I would just send a card or something. She hasn't visited the hospital once so I think she's just dealing in her own way."

"I understand. Thanks. I just-"

Before Holliday could finished, Wanda stormed in the studio. She was stumbling and screaming.

"Where the fuck have you been, Natasha? I've been looking for you everywhere! Get your ass up so we can take some more pictures before the reporters leave."

To avoid further embarrassment, Holliday immediately stood up and smiled at Madison before leaving the studio with Wanda.

Because there was no pictures of "Natasha" enjoying her party, Wanda kept giving Holliday alcohol to drink. By the second glass, Holliday knew that Wanda had drugged her again because she was experiencing that weird feeling. She did everything that Wanda told her to do and laughed for the pictures. Because no one knew the truth, it appeared that "Natasha" was having the night of her life. Holliday danced to the most popular songs and engaged in boring conversations about Natasha's future. Wanda made sure that she was in most of the pictures. Ms. Dee tried her best to prevent that but Wanda was always one step ahead.