That Girl (Part 2)

Chapter 30

“I don’t understand? So he left because he’s your dad?” Allison asked once I had finished telling her everything. I nodded,

“Yea, at least that’s what's he said in the letter. But the letter was written when I was three, so maybe he just changed his mind about protecting me.” I scoffed.

“I doubt that. Maybe he just couldn’t face you. It’s not exactly the easiest thing to tell a 17 year old girl.” She said trying to reassure me.

“So what you’re saying is. You think he’s just a big wuss.” I joked and she laughed. We stopped when Lydia came bursting into the room.

“Clear your schedule. “ She said to both of us. Allison and I looked from the shopping bags Lydia was holding and each other. We smiled a little more. I made space on Allison’s bed that I was sitting on, for Lydia to put the bags down. Allison stood up from her desk chair and came over with Lydia.

“How many outfits are you planning on wearing tonight?” Allison asked looking at the dressed Lydia started to pull out of the bag. I laughed. I forgot Allison had never been to one of Lydia’s birthday parties.

“Welcoming dress.” She said holding up a smart looking dress to her body. “Evening dress and after hours casual.” She said taking more out of the bag.

“I noticed you didn’t send out any invites?” Allison said looking at me as well.

“Biggest party of the year Allison, Everyone knows.” Lydia said examining the dress’s on the bed.

“We were just thinking,” I interrupted looking at Allison. “This year things might be different.” I said with a shrug and Allison nodded backing me up.

“Why would things be different?” Lydia asked looking at me then Allison.

“Things have been off lately. Things and people.” I said looking at the dress’s with Lydia. “Like Jackson.” The minute the name left my mouth I regretted it. Lydia’s head shot up to look at me.

“Why do you care about Jackson?” I shook my head and she looked away.

“Do you know if he’s coming tonight?” Allison asked and my head shot to her. That was a good question.

“Everyone’s coming. So Haylie, If you wanted to invite Derek that would be cool.” It took me a while to register what she said.

“What? Why would I ask Derek?” I said looking in between the two, Allison looked just as surprised.

“I thought you two were together again?” She said looking innocent. I shook my head.

“Lydia where did you hear that?” I asked wondering if the picture Josh had has something to do with this rumour.

“I didn’t ‘hear’ it anywhere. I just assumed that since you two were in your car the other night after the rave, you were hooking up again.” I looked down and at a very pretty dress.

“Oh, well nope.” I said popping the P. “but I wouldn’t mind hooking up with this dress.” I said and picked up the short light brown dress that had a belt around the waist. She smiled.

“This one,” She picked up another that was like a playsuit, “Is for you. Material girl.” She said holding it up to Allison. The knock at the door made mine and Allison’s smiles drop. But Lydia stayed the same. “Mrs Argent. What do you think of this one?” She asked and held a blue dress up to herself. She smiled.

“Its lovely. Allison can I grab you for a moment to talk.” She looked at me and I’m not sure what I saw in her eyes, it looked like pain, “Just the two of us.” She rubbed her shoulder.