The Light of Roria

Chapter Four

"You look insanely hot!" Staci announced in confident satisfaction, staring at her handiwork. She'd started with picking out the perfect dress from her own design, then finished with my hair and makeup.

I glanced at myself in the mirror. My usually pulled-back auburn hair now lay in soft curls, framing my face. A dark rose-colored lipstick— that Staci had reassured me would not come off no matter the food I ate– had been placed on first. Followed by several coats of mascara and a color of eyeshadow that enhanced the green of my eyes. Having never considered myself as pretty, it was the first time I'd wondered if I'd been wrong all along. It wasn't enough makeup to create a vast change. Just enough to brighten already pleasant features, and the realization had me turning to Staci with a grateful smile.

"You think so?" I said, with a blushing smile.

Staci rolled her eyes. "You've always had the looks, Addisyn! You just never had the confidence to back them up! Trust me, you're going to knock Jake to the floor tonight!"

With that, the doorbell announced Jake's arrival, causing Watson to leap from my bed and bark his way to the front entrance.

"OK!" Staci shouted, clasping her hands together with glee. She pointed a stern finger at me with a smile. "Stay here. Watch the clock and don't come out till it's seven thirty-five." I lifted my eyes to face my digital clock on top of the nightstand, which read 7:30.

"Why exactly am I waiting?" I asked curiously.

Staci winked as she headed quickly toward the door. "Anticipation is killer," she said matter-of-factly before jogging down the steps.

"Hey, she'll be down in a minute. Make yourself at home; you can sit down if you like." Staci was being a very hospitable hostess, as I listened intently at the door.

"Great, thanks," he replied politely.

My heart quickened at the sound of his voice. It felt as if time was barely moving when I realized it was only now 7:32. With little patience, I stood at the door and listened as Jake finally continued their conversation.

"It's a really nice night. A little warmer than usual for September but not the scalding heat of August."

His small talk was pleasant. Most people my age, it seemed, were too busy on their phones for such gestures and it made me like him all the more.

"Yeah, I actually prefer that scalding heat," Staci began before adding, "I think I was meant for Phoenix."

I glanced back at the clock for the third time: 7:24. Surely this was close enough. I took a deep breath and released it, careful not to trip on my way down the stairs.

"There she is!" Staci said, excitedly.

Staci's eyes only glanced my way for a moment before she looked back at Jake, who immediately stood to face me. Her expression filled with delight as Jake's eyes widened a bit.

I wasn't certain, but it seemed almost as if her words from earlier might actually be correct. Especially when he'd finally said, "You look—great."

I could feel my cheeks warm, my eyes facing the ground for a moment. "Thank you."

Watson twirled between us and whimpered for attention. I smiled and instinctively reached down to pet him.

Staci coughed, and as my eyes moved to her, I realized she was worried I'd fuzz up her newly designed dress. Like my mother, Staci had never been a dog person; always groaning whenever Watson licked her hands or sighing when she had to use a lint brush on her work clothes. Quickly standing upright, I faced Jake.