Target

XIX

I slid my costume onto the bed, holding my hands over my hips with a sense of pride.

It has been a week since I bought the dress and cape, and tonight marks the night of the dance. I can't help but feel surprised about how quickly this week went by, and my excitement is flying off the charts because of it.

I'm lucky enough to be home alone tonight, giving me the chance to get ready without being disturbed. I turned my speaker on, putting on some music to help get myself ready.

I did some research on multiple different hair tutorials to match with the costume over the course of the week. I'm happy to say that I found one that worked out for me. And, to add, I found out how to do my makeup after looking at plenty of reference photos online as well. Through an overall approach, I must say that I'm satisfied with all that I've done for a project like this, and I'm excited to see where this all takes me.

I slid my dress on for the last time, tying my cape around my neck into a bow. I sat in front of my mirror, preparing my makeup and hair products. And, after a quick peer in the mirror, I noticed that I looked as lively as ever. It was just a fluke to see myself like that, honestly.

Next, I started to do my hair and makeup.

I've never really played around with makeup and things like that, since I've never really had the time to... and I mean, really, these things were starting to grow on me after using them, though I feel weird to admit the fact.

I braided the last braid in my hair, pinning it into place. Following that, I slid my last swatch of lipstick over my lips, adding one more gush of fake blood to the edge where my lips perk upwards. I glanced at myself one last time, grinning back at my reflection proudly. I was sure to readjust my fangs in the process, making sure that they perked out perfectly when I spoke.

I sprayed a tiny bit of perfume onto my skin, sliding a pair of heels on. Before leaving, I slid my phone out of my jacket's pocket, taking a picture of myself to keep as a captured memory. According to the internet, most people call these kinds of photos "selfies", but I don't really understand the point of that word... maybe it's the self-part?

Oops... off topic.

Anyway, I stored my special knife with my phone (just in case), and there I went, going to my first dance ever, dressed up as girly as ever.

***

I stared at the gym's entrance. Loud music blared through the door's cracks, lights illuminating from out of the windows. Even worse, the stench of teenager body odor was quite apparent. Regardless of that, I tried to just brush it all off, since I wanted to enjoy this night as much as possible. I pushed the doors of the dance open and walked in, unintentionally drawing quite a bit of attention towards myself.

Ever since I beat Jessica in that fight the other day, people have been noticing me far more. At least three people waved at me, or called out my name, or just straight up patted me on the back. It's definitely a weird feeling to be noticed for once, but I just try ignore it: this kind of social status just weirds me out, anyway.

Since I haven't been at school since the incident first erupted, it feels morally wrong to be back again. Mom and Dad didn't necessarily mind me staying back from school either, since I just told them that it was target-related... and, besides, it's not like they're home right now to stop me.

I approached the table that was scattered with food and drinks when I saw Jessica sitting right next to it. It was quite the surprising sight to see, not only because I didn't expect to see her tonight, but also because her presence automatically heightens the chances of Julie being around.