Cage

Chapter 1: Haze

PART 1

Chapter 1: Haze

            I tugged down my tight, lacey, and overly exposing black dress feeling slightly self-conscious. This really wasn't what I usually chose to wear. However, in honor of my best friend Riley's eighteenth birthday celebration, I promised to coincide with whatever she picked out.

            So here I stood, shock and embarrassment evident on my small heart-shaped face, as I gazed into the mirror.

            "Oh my gosh...I'm so good! Cass you look freaking H.O.T!" Riley screeched excitedly as she clasped a pair of big, shiny hoops onto her ears. "I'm serious! Stop looking at yourself like you're appalled or something! You have no idea how amazing you look in that dress." Riley stated firmly, looking quite proud of her wardrobe decision.

            "Riley...look this really isn't me and I don't want to go flaunting things I don't have!" I rubbed the back of my head uncomfortably. Unlike my gifted best friend, I seriously lacked any sort-of 'voluptuous' chest. I frowned, feeling even worse about my appearance now. If this was all I was ever going to get - I'm definitely filing a formal complaint against my body.

            "Ha! Don't start with that! I'd kill for your figure - I swear you're blind sometimes Cass." Riley laughed effortlessly and hugged my arm tightly as she moved to stand beside me. "You should let me dress you more often."

            I scoffed and turned away from the mirror. "You're lucky I love you." I smiled, and hugged my best friend tightly. Since the ninth grade, the year I moved to the city, Riley and I have been completely inseparable. Although we could sometimes be considered polar opposites, with Riley being 5'8, redheaded, hazel eyed and pale, while I myself were 5'5 with dirty blonde hair, blue eyes, and sun-kissed skin - we got along incredibly. We balanced each other out and also, relied on our differing strengths. Where's I could be incredibly shy, Riley made me adventurous and when she got too wound up with her short-temper, I always seemed to be her calmative buffer.

            Riley nudged my shoulder gently and smiled at our shoulder-to-shoulder reflection. "You know you're the greatest friend a girl could've asked for right?" Riley beamed, patting my head affectionately.

            "Backatch'ya Ry. Just remember your legal now so don't go getting yourself landed in a cell." I smirked, watching Riley's eyes dance with excitement.

            "That's only if they could catch me. Tonight Cass, we're painting the town red!" Riley giggled and spun on her heals, swooping up two flasks. "Cheers to being legal and lethal!" Riley cheered wholly, shoving a flask into my hand. I rolled my eyes and prayed silently that she really didn't land herself in jail tonight. When Riley partied, she partied hard.

            Smiling at my energetic best friend, I clashed my flask against hers and took a full swing. I felt the familiar burn of alcohol tickle down my throat, warming my chilly veins. Sticking my tongue out childishly, I held the flask away from my mouth.

            "Ugh yuck!" I laughed and shook my head jokingly. Just like the soon-to-be night out, the flask definitely had nothing to tone it down.