Crazy About You

Chapter 4

I didn't do any homework the rest of the day. All I could think about was the party. I threw my dress in the back of my closet, hoping my mother wouldn't notice it with the rest of the things I'd rather not have her know about. My whole week was filled with ideas I wouldn't dare bring to fruition. Imagine little ol' me, dancing with Dante, laughing and having fun... Then again, he is in a relationship with Priscilla. Whether it's committed or not, is another question. Everyone has heard the rumors, after all...

By some miracle, I didn't get in trouble with teachers whose homework I forgot to do. "Is it because of that Dante guy?" my maths teacher asked, his face turning more grim at the thought.

"N-no sir!" I was eager to clear his name. "I-I just... forgot. I'll m-make sure to be c-caught up next time!" And before he could reply, I bolted out of his classroom. I didn't want to hear more baseless accusations.

When I got home, however, my true test awaited me. My parents were waiting, daring dress in hand. 

"What is this, Jane?" father asked, careful to not let his anger and disappointment bleed into his voice. Of course I noticed. I couldn't open my mouth before my mother butted in. 

"It's a dress, of course! Are you living under a rock? More importantly, when is the party? Where is it? Do we get to meet the lucky boy?" she fired her questions off rapidly and scooping me up in a big hug. "Oh, my baby's first big party, finally! We have to bring you there, we want to meet your friends!" she squealed. Mother is almost more excited about this than I am. Wait, was she talking about...

"N-no, mother! I-it's fine, my friend is driving me t-there", I manage to not stumble over my words too badly this time.

"Who is this mystery friend? You never invite any of them over!" mother kept whining.

"More importantly, my dear", father piped up again, "I hope you won't be wearing this... scrap of fabric to the party. I'm happy to buy you any other dress, but this one will have to go."

"Ah, b-but..." my voice trailed off.

"Oh, nonsense darling!" mother chirped. "My daughter won't look frumpy if I can help it. Go put it on, Jane, I want to see!"

I must've looked like a deer in headlights, but at last, my fear gave way to actual words. "N-no, mother, i-it's fine! You c-can see it w-when I go t-to the party!" I stuttered.

"Right, I'll go see if I have some accessories you can wear! Dear, go cook for us, alright?" 

"I'm on it", father sighed. Both he and I knew there's no going against my mother. Crisis averted... I sunk into the familiar motions of setting the table. Silence settled in, making itself comfortable. 

Quickly after dinner, I excused myself under the guise of doing more homework. I knew mother and father would grill me on thish party, and to be fair, I didn't know what I could expect. Knowing the hostess, it wouldn't surprise me if there is alcohol. One mention of that, and I'll be kept at home... Perhaps even grounded... A knock on the door caught me by surprise.

"Sweetie, I have a few accessories for your dress!" she waltzed in without waiting for my reply.  "Let me see the dress on you, so I can pick the best ones!"

"M-mother! Please, i-it'd only be a hassle r-right now. Let's d-do that l-later."

"Aww, alright..." she whined and drooped off again. My mother seems to be more excited about this than I am... No, no, I am excited! Maybe cautiously so, but still. 

I crept towards the bathroom, making sure to stay quiet. I didn't really want accessories, or for my parents to have time to criticize me. Before I could do anything, my phone buzzed. I snapped my head towards the stairs, then my phone.

b there in 5, get ready

My heart was pounding in my chest. Only 5 minutes to figure out how to sneak past my parents... I really don't want them making a ruckus. I hurried back to my room, texting back a quick reply. I had to rush in my dress. As I got done fumbling with all the different straps, I heard a honk outside. I thudded down the stairs, silently cursing myself for being so slow. 

"Bye mother, bye father! See you tomorrow!" I yelled towards the living room and quickly walked out, accidentally slamming the door.

"But wait, your accessories!" mother yelled out of the window. I pretended to not hear her. 

Dante whistled when I got in his car.

"Ready to get drunk, babe?" he asked, a mischievous glint flashing across his eyes.

"S-should I be ready f-for drinking?" I panicked a little. I can't come home reeking of alcohol...

"Ehh, you'll be fine!" he waved my worries away. "No one's gonna force you, doll. Just make sure you don't ruin the mood and you're set!"

I sighed. "Alright, let's do it!"