Queen of Diamonds

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

"What are you wearing to this thing?" I asked Kara as I had my phone leaning on one shoulder with both my hands propped on my hips staring at my closet. I was still slightly annoyed I had agreed to go with her to this bonfire with all the alleged black diamond kids and Ruby as their gate keeper. Ruby didn't give me the greatest first impression when we met her at the richie party. She had attitude, which I didn't totally mind, but she was mad at the world and definitely struck me as the type that stole Xanax for fun. Not exactly my type if I had to put a description on it.

"I'm not sure," Kara hastily replied. "Ruby said it was casual so definitely no dresses but I'm not exactly sure what casual defines as for her."

"Right," I agreed. Casual was as vague as the answers I get from Andrew when I ask about his 'dealings'. "Okay, I'm just going to wing it then."

"Come over to my house when you're ready!" she cheerily responded.

"You got it. Bye," I said and hung up before she could say anything else.

I should probably get myself into better spirits considering how excited Kara is about tonight. But the thought of going to another party with a group of kids I don't know that are probably step cousins of the kids at the last pretentious party I went to just wasn't appealing to me.

Nevertheless, it was time for me to put on my big girl panties and be a selfless friend to the only friend in the world that I have that deserves it. With that mindset I settled on a faded denim skirt, black crop top, and white fashionable sneakers. Cute and casual. At least the Ava definition of it anyway. And I would be able to run away from anyone in the woods if I needed to. Not that we were necessarily going to be in the woods. Where do people even have bonfires? Whatever the case, my feet would undoubtedly thank me. I gave my hair one last comb and let it cascade naturally down my back blending in with my black shirt. Looking at my bare neck in the mirror I decided no diamonds tonight. I learned my lesson last time.

Galloping down the stairs I peeked in the kitchen to catch Gram and say goodbye.

"I'm going out with Kara, Gram," I called to her as her floral robe covered back was turned to me at the counter.

"Where are you girls off to tonight?" Gram said turning around. "I didn't realize there was that much to do around here but you have been busy ever since you arrived."

Before I could even respond I was horrified taking in the sight of Gram. Her silvery blonde hair was pulled back, her floor length robe tied neatly around her body, and her was face covered in what I could only assume was some sort of face mask that looked more like thick vanilla frosting than any facial I have ever done.

"Wh-what happened to you Gram?" I stammered staring at her mouth gaping. "You look like Mrs. Doubtfire when she took her mask off and had to dunk her face in a cake."

"Well, don't you look lovely too Ava," she sarcastically scolded me. "If you must know, this is a whipped mask with collagen to tighten and plump my skin. Not that you would know anything about that at your age," she scoffed. "Your face still resembles that of a perfectly smooth rump, which I have no doubt is what attracts the boys to it. But keep up the wise cracks and karma will not be so forgiving when it becomes your turn to age."

"Ew Gram, jeeze, lighten up. And please do not ever compare my face to an ass again," I wearily responded with a disgusted shiver.

"You just don't know what it's like Avala," she droned flailing around the kitchen using her robe hem as a drag along dance partner. "One day you're exquisite and the next day you're a wrinkle exhibit," she huffed sinking into the booth of the kitchen nook like a soap opera star just finishing her scene.