𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝

Chapter Twenty

B E L L A M Y

Saturday came sooner than expected, and as I stood in front of my floor-length mirror with my new outfit on, my anxiety started to kick in.

What if people thought I looked ridiculous? Were my boobs too big for this top? Would people call me a whore?

"I can hear you overthinking from here," a voice said behind me, and goosebumps spread over my arms. Was he here to make fun of me?

"Go away, Noah," I replied, keeping my eyes on my reflection, not daring to look in his direction.

He let out a long breath before he walked off, softly mumbling. "You look beautiful."

My heart almost jumped out of my chest, and it scared me how much that little comment stirred inside me. How much I wanted his approval, admiration.

Thinking about the kiss, the way he acted after, I was beyond confused.

Shaking the thoughts from my mind, I straightened out my new skirt, grabbing a scrunchie and tying my hair into a smooth, low bun.

Nodding at my reflection one last time, I made my way downstairs, where Isaac and Noah were waiting for me.

My breath hitched in my throat when my eyes fell on the brooding bad boy, dark shorts revealing strong, tattooed legs, and a black button up on top, the sleeves rolled up to over his elbows.

I hate him.

"Ready?" Isaac asked, giving me a smile. "You look lovely."

"Thank you," I replied, following him out of the house.

It was a short walk to the park, and we could hear the music and laughter even before we left our street. It got me a little more excited for tonight, and I was interested to see where some of my old classmates had ended up.

There was still some daylight left, but the few trees near the sand were covered in string lights, ready to be lit when it got dark.

Numerous BBQs were lined up near the grass, and the smell of smokey meat filled my nostrils as we came closer to the crowd.

On the sand, blankets topped with pillows laid scattered around, providing a place to sit for most people, and if I was not mistaken, a few extra picnic tables were added to the field.

"Bella!" I heard next to me, and I snapped my head in the direction of my best friend.

"Maria!" I hugged her quickly, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as we walked to the nearest BBQ, leaving Isaac and Noah forgotten behind.

Ok, not entirely forgotten, since I couldn't get Noah out of my head.

We grabbed some food and sat on one of the blankets, talking about everything and nothing while we ate.

The real party started a little later.

At about 9 PM, the BBQs were closed and put to the side, making room for a makeshift bar with every drink imaginable.

The lights in the trees were turned on, and the music got a little louder, playing a different beat.

It was weird to see my friends' parents dancing to some hip-hop song, but nobody really cared tonight.

"What can I get you?" Reed asked. I narrowed my eyes, staring into nothing as I thought. Alcohol or no alcohol?

"Do you think they make mojito's here?" I asked, looking over at the bar where someone was throwing around bottles as he was pouring drinks, making a little show out of it.