𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏: 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

Annalise's voice echoed with excitement as I stepped out of the dressing room. "Holy moly, you look stunning!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide as she took in my prom dress.

"Girl, what? Look at you—you're beautiful!" I replied, grinning at her enthusiasm. Her sapphire blue gown sparkled under the lights, complementing her radiant smile.

"Ugh, where's Sienna?" Annalise asked, her gaze darting around the room.

"Let me call her. If she takes too long, I might have to call Jean to pick us up," I said, reaching for my phone. I dialed Sienna's number, my fingers trembling slightly with excitement and nerves. No answer. I tried Jean next, but he didn't pick up either.

"Ugh, Jean's not even answering. He's probably mad at me because of last night," I muttered, frustration seeping into my voice. Jean had been my best guy friend since third grade, and when he finally confessed his feelings, I had to turn him down. It wasn't just because he was my best friend; Sienna, my best friend, had a crush on him too, and I didn't want to hurt her. Plus, I didn't find him attractive, even though he was the "hot popular guy" everyone swooned over.

I glanced at the clock. I needed to visit my sister before heading to the party. She had been bedridden in the hospital for a year after her heart attack, paralyzed and unable to walk or talk, though she could see and hear. It was important to me to show her my prom outfit and share a moment with her before celebrating.

After a few minutes of waiting and not hearing back from either Sienna or Jean, I decided to go to Jean's house on my own—it was only a five-minute walk. I dragged Annalise along, her reluctance evident.

"Slow down, Evie!" she puffed, struggling to keep up as we walked briskly.

"Come on, this is why I keep telling you to exercise more," I teased, glancing back at her with a smirk.

"It's only a two-minute walk, and we're almost there," I reassured her.

Finally, we arrived at Jean's house. The exterior was adorned with twinkling lights, reflecting the festive mood of the evening.

Jean's pov

As I was meticulously adjusting my tie, preparing for prom, my phone rang with an all-too-familiar tone. It was Evie. I watched the screen until it stopped, my emotions a mix of anger and sadness. The pain from last night's rejection still stung. Eight years of friendship and hope, only for her to turn me down. It was a bitter pill to swallow.

"TAP TAP TAP"

"Jean!" my mother's voice called from downstairs. "You have visitors."

"Visitors? I didn't invite anyone," I muttered, my frustration growing as I rushed downstairs.

Opening the door, I found Eve standing with Annalise, who looked utterly drained. The sight of them was almost too much to bear.

"Why are you here?" I asked my tone a mix of surprise and irritation.

"Why didn't you answer your phone?" Eve shot back, her frustration palpable.

"I was busy. Sorry about that," I replied, though I couldn't shake the hurt I felt.

"Can you at least give us a ride? I'm sorry about last night," Evie pleaded, her sincerity evident.

I hesitated, wanting to refuse, but her earnestness got to me. "Yeah, sure. It's alright," I said, stepping out.

Her face brightened, and she hugged me from behind. The gesture, meant to comfort, only served to amplify the awkwardness of the situation. Annalise groaned, "Eww, will you stop already?"