2 kids

Let's get this party started.

Ashley.

Tonight I am going to dance and laugh the night away.

I'm going to have fun and I'm going to enjoy it. Regardless the heartbreak and Alex's presence, River's birthday party is all about River and a perfect occasion for me to once again, remember what it's like to live a little and have a good time.

Grabbing my things I quickly check myself in the mirror the last time. Like usual, I struggled finding the right clothes. Everything felt either too revealing or too old fashioned for a youthful birthday party. So I gave up and requested Heather's presence sooner than agreed.

When she emerged from the taxi, she instantly reminded me of the Heather I saw first. The impression I had of her and who I expected her to be. She reminded me of the Heather that always used to intentionally dress to stand out, dress to impress. Everything about her was perfectly styled – from the flawless makeup to the hair, paired with the most astonishing jewellery. For a split second I almost didn't recognise her.

I knew immediately I was in good hands.

As predicted, and as always, her outfit today is going to stand out. Wherever we're actually going to be and whoever's going to be there. Her long white shirt, the length of a mini dress, with printed black words and letter on it, and a deep neckline with a simple black belt around her thin waist is definitely going to attract attention. Her neck, enriched with simple, yet very elegant and beautiful gold necklaces only adds elegance to it all.

Heather took action immediately upon her coming. Within a second I realised it was too late to take my decision back.

She pushed me out of my own closet and made me sit on me bed, drowning in anticipation, while she roamed through my clothes. After some time she dramatically walked out, showing me the upper piece. A shirt with a deep neckline, long sleeves, one side white and the other black. For a second I wanted to ask her if that piece was originally mine clothing.

She finished the outfit with a belt, two long necklaces. Both gold and with flat circles. As the ultimately last piece she handed me high black leather boots in fairly thin heels.

I loved how it all looked combined together. Next on the plan was the hair and makeup. She curled the ends of my hair in soft beach waves. On my wish she kept my makeup simple and elegant. Her work was absolutely breathtaking.

"He'll love it, trust me," she whispered in my ear when she was done.

He'll love it.

I didn't have to think twice about her words. It was within miles clear who she meant. And she had intentionally picked exactly these pieces to attract his attention. Everything she did had already been carefully prepared in her mind. A sly foxy move.

Even so I found myself smiling at the reflection in the mirror. And secretly, I love her intentions.

********

It's not a party organised by Mae if there's not loud music. The songs she plays are different than typical party songs. They're special in a way. You just know Mae's behind it. Even the volume is very specific – loud, but in a comfortable way.

Without a word I link my arm through Heathers and quietly follow her and Nico inside. I wonder if they have been here before.

Walking through the door, the smell of strong whiskey immediately hits my nose. Not just whisky. It's a collaboration of more alcohol, but whisky stands out the most.

The interior is decorated in black and red colours. Most things are black and illuminated by red neon lights. My eyes are immediately drawn to the alcohol on the shelves that are lit up with not just red light, but also blue, purple, pink or white.