Pleasing

<1

"You know... it's really pretty." I smile at Sky.

"B-but it's hugging my waist a bit too tight, a-and the fact that— No!" She shushes me, and I frown. Everyone shushes me. No matter who, they always tell me to "shut up" or "no talking!" Mostly interrupt me. It's not a new thing; it's been happening since I was a baby! I would babble a lot, and people around me would complain and make me have a paci.

Sky's nose scrunches up, and she shakes my shoulders. "Stop thinking again!" She sighs at me. "Sorry, r-really! Won't happen again, promise!" I nod with a smile.

I put some chapstick on while Sky is downstairs. Slipping on my white tee and tucking in my skirt, hiding my uncomfortable top. It's just... gross.

It was going to be really chilly tonight, so I slide on some nice knee-highs with some cute white ankle boots.

I always thought my body looked weird, but Mom always said it's just my head. My brother Greyson said it's called body dysmorphia. "All set!" I smile softly at the three.

Noah, Zenday, and Sky.

"What happened to the cute top?" She gasps, and I look down, confused. "I didn't like it... I'm sorry! I-I'll wear it next time! Promise! I liked it, sort of... but it fel—" "It's fine." She sighs, rubbing my shoulder.

I nod, looking at the two. "Zenday!" I smile at her, and she laughs softly, hugging me. "Hey, baby." She teases me. "H-hey! I'm not a baby... you know t-that." I cross my arms. She giggles, pulling away. "To me you are!" She giggles again.

I huff, grabbing my bag and opening the door even though I would be waiting for them anyway.

"Where's my hey?" Noah asks with a frown. I gasp. "O-oh yeah! I-I'm sorry, Noah! S-shoot..." I frown. "Hi!" I smile softly.

He wraps his arms around my waist and moves me side to side. "Did Sky make you wear something you didn't want to?" he asks, seeing them walk to the car. "N-nope." I quickly answer, even if it's a lie. "Well... yes, but listen! I-it's Sky... she wants what's b-best for me..." I cover Sky's back. I don't want her getting in trouble since it's only good intentions!

Noah has always been a dad figure to me. Sometimes he makes weird moves, but I don't think too much of it. Zenday would sometimes say he likes me, but that's just gross! They were all really possessive over me, and I'm not sure why. My brother always said my friends looked scary and like a bad influence on me. But I don't think so! They were super-duper nice to me and always made sure I was okay.

Physically and mentally...

We've all been friends for over 5 years. It's our friend anniversary!

"I'm okay! Promise!" I give a thumbs up at him. He chuckles, nodding, and walks with me to the car.

They always made me sit in the back... I'm not a kid. I suck my cheeks in and tug at my hair, playing with it as we slide into the parking lot. What if it's too packed?

We soon get out, and I sigh. "W-what if it's packed? M-maybe we should just g—" "Jenny, you'll be fine." Zenday smiles at me, but I just blink at her with worried eyebrows. "Y-yeah, right! Cool." I nod, looking away.

We soon walk into the lighted club, and it was blasting with music. It was a huge club... but Sky said it was perfect because "It's a huge anniversary for us, so we need to go big!"

"Can I... um... hold you—" "Yes." Zenday nods, hooking her arm around me.

She was a baddie... 5'6", tattoos, and the best respectful attitude ever. "I don't um... I—uh—don't drink." "Jennifer, don't worry. I got you. You always get ginger ale at restaurants!" She winks at me. "Yep." I look around.

We soon reach a table, and I just stand there with the stools too high. I'm 5'0", which isn't short! I want to be tall like my friends so I can look strong too! But I can't.

Mom told me I'm too old to continue growing, which made me cry a few years ago, but not anymore!

Noah helps me up even though I protested to just use the step under it. "You guys baby me so m-much!" I whine, not wanting to seem rude. "You're our baby!" Sky teases me, but I glare at her.

Me and Zenday were the only ones not drunk.

Music was blasting in my ear as I heard Sky and Noah laughing loudly and Zenday talking to some guy. He was nice-looking. I suck at talking with guys other than Noah. We both warmed up to each other.

One by one, they left the table.

"We're going to dance!" Sky squeals with a drink in her hand. "Is it okay if I go get a drink with Dan?" Zenday asks, and I nod quickly. "Yep! I'll be fine. Promise!" I bite my lip.

It wasn't fine.

My heart was beating quickly seeing a bunch of people around me. Seeing old men looking at me, and my head was pounding. I quickly drank my ginger ale, but it only resulted in me needing the bathroom. I sigh, squeezing my thighs together, hoping one of the three will come back.

I could text them, but their phones were in my purse. I put my purse down, putting it under Zenday's jacket so no one steals it. I look down at my phone, bringing it with me. I know I'll be in the restroom longer than normal.

I look at the two doors and slide off the stool.

I've been waiting for 10 minutes!

I bump through the crowd, making sure to apologize quickly to each person. I bump into a group of girls, bumping me into one of the restrooms. I didn't care which one since it was empty, and I quickly scurried to the stall.

Oh wow, anxiety attack while having a full bladder!

I keep my breathing intact as I wash my hands. I shake my legs and arms, trying to get these jitters out. I walk to the middle stall and sit down, seeing the rest were dirty.

Hey! No. I can get through this. It's okay being by myself. "It's fine." I hum to myself.

But it made tears run down my cheeks. It never worked, and I hated it! I look up, praying to get through this night quickly.

I lean my head against the stall, closing my eyes, hoping for more air.

Ping!

1:34 AM — Sky: Hey! Where are you? It's been 2 hours! The club is emptying. 2:12 AM — Zenday: We are in the car! Did you leave? The bartender said he saw you walk. 2:30 AM — Noah: Be safe wherever you are.

I blacked out...

I quickly get out, leaning against the sink, breathing heavily. Oh my lord. I'm here by myself. No music. No light. No keys. I'm here alone! I can't call the cops; they'll think I broke in!

I look up at myself, seeing some smudged lip gloss, so I wipe it off. I realize I was in the men's room. Great.

I stood looking at myself for 10 minutes before the door swiftly opened.

"Chier," I hear as I slowly look behind me.

He was really tall. Maybe 6'3". He was REALLY attractive. You could see lots of tattoos on his hands and neck. His outfit tugged at his muscles, and his chest was heaving. Tight pants.

A bang was heard outside.

His finger goes to his lips, telling me to be quiet. My eyes widen as I back up.