Judged

Chapter 14 - part one

"I am an arms dealer, fitting you with weapons in the form of words." -This Ain't a Scene It's an Arms Race, Fall Out Boy

Chapter 14 - part one

"Chop chop everyone! We're going to be late!" My mom yells.

I groan loudly as I struggle to put on my red hightop converse without falling over. As I slip my right foot into the shoe, my sock falls off and I curse under my breath.

Putting on shoes while standing up proves to be too difficult, so I sit down on my bed, untie the laces and put them on the proper way. 

"Harper!"

"Coming," I yell.

I take one last glance in the mirror, checking my makeup. It'd been so long since I'd put on eyeliner, I had to redo it about three times before finally getting it right. I apply more lip balm, rubbing my lips together to make sure it's on thoroughly. Then I comb my fingers threw my straightened hair, undoing the tangles.

For the first time in months, I feel good. I look good. Mom had let me buy a new dress for tonight, and I absolutely loved it, although she thought it was too 'revealing'.

It was black, and had a part cut out of the lower back, with a criss cross pattern going across the top. It came to mid thigh, and wasn't too dressy nor too girly. 

I grabbed my bag, and my coat since it was snowing outside, and headed down the stairs.

"Finally!" My mom exhales. "Wait, you're wearing converse with a dress?"

"Mom, just be happy I'm wearing a dress, or even going for that matter."

My dad comes down the hall dressed in a subtle suit and tie, the twins following behind him in their best attire. My mom also looks amazing, of course.

"She has a point," My dad adds.

"Okay, I'll take what I can get, I guess," She whines.

The doorbell rings and we all frown considering we were just about to leave, and weren't expecting company.

Tonight is the annual Christmas party that's held at my dad's work. We've went to it every year, the day before Christmas Eve, for  as long as I can remember.

My mom opens the door and smiles.

"Declan, I thought you were meeting us over there!" She says.

Unfortunately, I'm stuck behind the door, so I can't see him.

"I thought I could drive anyone you didn't have room for," Declan explains.

My dad chuckles and eyes me funnily, then looks back at Declan. 

"We own a van, but nice try, Declan. Really, that was a good one." My dad replies. 

I laugh, covering my mouth to prevent from being heard by Declan, who is probably very embarrassed. 

"Declan, you and Harper can just meet us there. No one will care if you're late," My mom says hurriedly. "We, however, cannot be late! So, let's go!"

I watch as my dad and the twins shuffle out the door after my distressed mother and feel relieved that I don't have to ride with that.

Walking into the door frame, I watch as much family pile into our red van and drive away. Then my eyes fall on Declan, and I  become speechless as I take in his appearance. 

He's wearing a black button down shirt, brown pants, and a grey bow tie. His nose and cheeks are pink from the cold, making his eyes stand out. He's taking in my appearance as well, which makes a blush violently flood my cheeks.

I clear my throat and swing the door shut behind me, locking it. He's rocking back and forth on his heels when I turn around, waiting for me.

"Nice bow tie," I tease, tugging on it lightly as I walk past him.

For once, I make him blush, and he stays rooted in his spot as I continue to walk towards the mustang. I hear him laugh quietly to himself, and then he runs and catches up with me.

"You look cute," He says with a smirk, rounding the car to the drivers side.

"Thanks," I mumble shyly as I open the door and get in.

The drive to my dads office building is short, but takes longer than usual considering I'm the one giving Declan directions.

Now, I'm no idiot, but asking me for directions is like asking for rain in the desert.

Eventually though, we find it, and are making our way into the building.

"You should ask your parents for a gps for Christmas," Declan says while laughing.

"Don't be mean!" I sock him in the shoulder, causing him to laugh even harder. "Seriously? Declan! Stop! Stop  laughing! It's not even that funny!"

"Oh, but it is," He defends, holding the door open for me as we enter the building.

"It's not my fault I'm directionally challenged!"

We both slowly go into the elevator, and I push the button for the fourth floor. I fix my attention on the light above the doors as it goes to each floor, and stops on the fourth. When the doors open, I stand still.

Instead of the doors opening to reveal a bustling Christmas party, it revealed an empty office space under construction.  The sound of Declan bursting into laughter behind me makes me literally face palm.

"Are you kidding me!" Declan exclaims playfully. "Remind me to never follow directions given by you. Ever."

I laugh sarcastically and press the button for the fifth floor, certain that must be it. When the doors open to reveal yet another empty workspace I cringe at my own stupidity.

"Don't say a word," I warn Declan, trying to save any hope of dignity I still had.

I almost bust out giggling at the sound of him trying to contain his. A little muffled sound escapes his mouth, sending us both over the edge into a fit of uproarious laughter.  I have to grab onto his arm for support to keep from falling to the ground. My elbow accidentally bumps the button for the third floor.

"Oops," I say in a giddy tone. 

The doors open to the third floor and I'm relieved to see that we've finally found the right floor.

Christmas music is playing loudly and obnoxiously overhead. A group of kids are in a corner of the room playing some game, while the adults are dancing and others are standing around chatting, enjoying the free refreshments.

I step out of the elevator with Declan behind me, and I freeze in my spot, causing Declan to bump into me by accident.

I immediately want to retreat back into the elevator when I see the two people I hate most a mere twenty feet in front of me, dancing emotionless.

"Isn't that?" Declan stops mid sentence.

"Yup," I say worriedly.

He was referring to Zach, but what makes it worse is the person he's dancing with.

Kaley Monk.

******
Hey all, I know I haven't updated in so so so long,  and I apologise for that. I've probably lost many readers because it's taken me so long to update, which is unfortunate.
Truth is, I just didn't really feel motivated to update this story. I was actually considering putting it on hold, and I'm still considering doing that, so maybe I can rewrite the story and try to improve it. I feel like there's a lot of gaps, which is understandable considering it was my first story.
Idk though. If you like it the way it is, comment or message me and let me know what you think?
I already know what I want to write for the next update, so it will be up in a couple of days!
Also, if you want to read a story that's updated a lot, try checking out my other story Harsh Realm. I update it twice a week or more. 
Sorry again that it took so long for this update. Comment? Vote?
P.S. if you're reading this, thanks for sticking around, it means a lot. 

-ladyginger97