Fire Red Lipstick-Yenissa

5

        As I'm skateboarding home after school (because my aunt neglects and refuse to pick me up from school), I get a Snapchat notification.

        Gavin Cube updated his story!

        I slide to open the notification. It's a picture of Gavin holding up a peace sign. The caption reads: Party at my house this Saturday at 9 🤬 BYOB!! Address: 18393, Heffler Ave. (big brown house at the end of the road) 🥶 be there or be square!!!!

        Oh. Another party. I should definitely go because the last party I went to went so well! I mean, sure, I did get engaged, but I got harassed and assaulted by a jealous girl, involved in a love triangle, and dumped by Leo. I think I'll only go if Melissa and Jaxon go.

And as if they had both read my mind, I get two texts from each of them almost simultaneously.

From Jaxon: Picking you up at 8:45 for the party at Gavin's baby sweetums chocolate chip muffin

From Melissa: I'll be over in 30 minutes to get ready for Gavin's party tonight. You're going, aren't you?

        I reply to both of them (quite unsafely —it turns out texting and skateboarding in the middle of the road can lead to three cars almost running into you.) and then hurry home. God, what am I going to wear to this party?

***

Thank the Lord for Melissa the fashion expert. As I'm searching through the depths of my closet, desperately trying to find something other than baggy jeans and two sizes too big t-shirts, (Ew!), there's a tap on the window.

        "It's open!" I shout from under a pile of dresses.

        There's a screeech as the old window slides open, a plop as a bag hits the floor, and then Melissa's head pops in beside me.

        "Y/N."

        "Y-y-y-y-y-yeah?"

         "Did a tornado hit your room? What the hell are all these clothes doing on the floor?"

        My cheeks heat up. "I-I-I-I-I can't find anything to wear."

        "I can help with that!" Melissa pushes me out of the way, already sliding hangers around and digging through drawers. I stumble backwards onto the bed and she giggles.

        Melissa flips around with her hands full. "Go put this on!" and she shoves the all the stuff in my arms.

                                       ***

        "I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I don't know, M-M-M-M-M-Melissa. It feels like. . . . a lot?" I gaze down at my reflection in the mirror. A silver top with sequins embedded into the fabric, black, skin-tight pants, black heels, with a red bag and some earrings. Yeah, this is a bit much for me.

"Don't be silly, girl! You look amazing! It's okay to dress up every once in a while."

"D-d-d-do y-y-you really think it l-looks okay?"

"Of course! You look so hot! Jaxon's going to be all over you tonight."

That gets me thinking. Jaxon, Melissa and I are all going to be together. So. . . .Melissa is going to end up being a third wheel — I really don't want her to feel uncomfortable. What should I do?

jaxon. I text, I need you to do me a hugeeee favor

He responds a second later.

        [What is it my sugar darling love pudding pie sweetie cum cake teddy bear?]

         [so, i know you don't like leo and everything...but melissa's with me and i don't want her to feel like a third wheel. could you uh...well invite leo to come with us? melissa likes him]

        He starts typing, stops, and then starts again.

        [I mean I really don't want to, but I'll do anything for you lollipop cupcake pumpkin poo <3]

        I send him a kissy face emoji in return.