We Really Need To Stop // ImAllexx

Really Okay?

There were a few Forever-21 looking stores. Pink and cream dresses and graphic tees hung from gold rails - yet nothing caught my attention. Hastily, Nadia turned the corner, pulling me along. After all, this was her job half the time (my sister was a part-time stylist).

Vinyls lined the wall and I felt like we had time traveled back to 2013. I couldn't remember the last time I saw A Day To Remember or Pierce The Veil products in a store... Was I dreaming? Please let this be a dream.

Nope.

A man with an almost-too-perfect haircut and strong hipster vibes to match his equally strong aftershave came over to us. Quickly, without thinking, I pulled a black longsleeve off the rail. As I held it against myself - checking in the mirror plastered with band stickers - I noticed it had a small rainbow strip embroidered on the left side, like a photographic film left out in the sun for too long.

"Callie, what the hell? You have like 5 longsleeves almost just like that, and that isn't really any different to what you're wearing right now... is it?" She gave me a discerning look and sighed as if she knew what was to come.

"I like it. So, yeah, I'm gonna wear it."

I turned away from her, "It's not like we have time anyway."

I kept my focus on the top I had randomly pulled out. I was always so stubborn. It was definitely to my detriment. But whatever. I wasn't going to deal with that issue now.

Hurriedly, I yanked it on, ignoring my sister. I then bent down in front of the counter asking the man to scan it with the tag still on. As expected in this kind of establishment - it was £35. And I was broke af this month. Hopefully after this damn party was over I could return it.

I shoved the receipt into my bag and zipped it closed. "Thanks," I said with an awkward smile, just before running as fast as I could out of there.

Nadia becoming exasperated, was now trying to catch up with me in her heels, chasing me down the corridor.

"Hey, Callie," my sister panted, a bit short of breath, "You really ought to calm down, or you're gonna end up doing something you regret." She flicked a gaze to the party entrance. Dim fairy lights and candles were glowing above the buzzing chatter and generic pop music.

Cautiously, I watched the two bouncers in black uniforms probably talk about us under their breath. My sister held me back from it all, by the brand new black top we just splashed out on... for this stupid media networking event that was starting to make me go into a panic attack. Alex might be here... Alex might be here...

"Okay," I sighed, closing my eyes and wishing this would all go away – the bouncers by the door, the smell of calamari, cream cheese, vodka and lemonade, the annoyingly too quiet music and the sound of... oh my god, no...

"Really okay?" Nadia's cool hands on my shoulders felt like they were the only thing holding me together in that moment, but then I cracked a little smile which I couldn't help... it was that laugh. Alex's laugh. I could see his adorable smile replaying over and over in my mind. Oh shit. I really was going to do something I'd regret.