Trust That Kills

Life As We Know It

"Please rise and help me in congratulating 2014's graduating class of Guymon High School!" The mid-sized gymnasium erupts in unison as 207 caps are thrusted into the air.

"We made it Stacy! We finally made it," cries Alicia as she moves her way through our classmates with her arms extended for a hug. As we embraced each other, reality hit me. In just two short weeks, I would be moving 1500 miles away from the only life I've ever known. Leaving behind the only friend I've ever had was the worst part. After losing my dad in a freak accident just two short years ago, Alicia became my only sanity.

"Earth to Stacy," says Alicia, snapping me out of my daze. "Sorry girl! I'm just trying to soak it all in. I think I might actually miss this hell hole," I snickered while grabbing Alicia's hand.

We walked over to the bleachers searching for my mom. Poor Alicia knew her parents were probably too drunk or too busy fighting to even remember today was graduation. So, as always, it was just us three. With post-grad plans already set, we took off to the mall to buy the last few pieces of our outfits for tonight's big party.
Although I had no friends besides Alicia, I was still invited to the 'popular kids' party. After my dad's death, my mom received quite the settlement from his job for compensation, leaving everyone to believe we were now some sort of wealthy. That's the only reason I was invited, sad but true. And while we were far from wealthy, I would never tell them any different.

Debating whether to go on time or be 'fashionably' late was the conversation the whole time we were getting ready.

"We're luck enough to be invited, let's not push it," I finally decided. Alicia looked annoyed at the comment but knew I was right.

Dressed in a floral print, skin tight dress that stopped mid-thigh, a denim half vest, and nude pumps that added six inches to my height, I felt completely out of my element! Alicia had straightened my naturally curly dark brown hair which now reached the small of my back, and did my make-up, complete with bright red lipstick. This was a drastic change from the normal tom-boyish look I usually rocked.

Nervously, I followed Alicia up the steps to the beautifully designed French doors that separated us from the tremendous amount of noise inside. As she opened the door and sashayed inside wearing a leopard print bustier accompanied by white high rise pants and red stilettos, I could instantly see heads turn her way. After all, she was gorgeous. Beautiful olive skin, honey brown almond shape eyes, and the silkiest jet black hair that fell to her shoulder blades. I couldn't tell you what heritage she was, but if I had to guess, she was probably a descendent of a majestic Native American bloodline.

"Come on!!", she screamed, making me realize I was still standing outside. Hesitantly, I made my entrance to the party.

Whispers filled my ears and looks were hard to miss. Was I out of my league? Should I had just dressed how I always did? Why did I let Alicia convince me to wear this?! I must look like a fool!

"Wow! I gotta say, I didn't expect to see you here. And definitely not looking like that!"

Turning around toward the voice, I realized someone was speaking to me. There he was, in all his perfection, Mikey Goodwin - captain and quarterback of our varsity football team, president of student council, and the finest thing you could see in the whole panhandle of Oklahoma!

"You talking to me?", I asked.

"I sure am, Ms. Stacy. Who knew all that was under the baggy shorts and tank tops? Lookin' real good lady", said Mikey as he winked at me and ran his finger along my cheek.

I began to wonder if maybe things would've been different in school if I had just changed my wardrobe. Maybe I wouldn't have been so unpopular. Maybe I wouldn't have wanted to go to college so far away. At any rate, there's no looking back now. Two more weeks and I'll be long gone to Florida.

And at that moment, I decided I would spend my last night with my classmates being care free and social. It's never too late to fit in and have fun.

I grabbed Alicia and headed to the dance area of the party. We danced for what seemed like hours and laughed at the poor folks who had no rhythm.

As the party ended and we made our way back to my house, I regretted holding back until tonight. But you live and you learn.

At that moment, I vowed to make my college experience one I'll never forget.