First Light

19 halloween

Sunday 31st of October 2021 - Halloween (the following week)

Faye:

There are so many people here, even though the party has just begun. I'm kind of shocked actually, walking through the door, because I only expected there to be a few.

I feel Gia's hand go to my arm, and I look up at her. "You'll be okay," She tells me, and I nod but I'm not so sure.

If there's quite a lot of people now, surely it'll only get worse by the minute?

She doesn't let go of my arm as we walk past people to the bar, with her boyfriend Mikel on the other side of her.

She asks me quietly if I want anything, and I hesitate for a second instead of immediately saying no.

Maybe a bit wouldn't hurt. Just for the nerves.

"I'll have a shot." I say.

"Okay. Remember to take it slow if you're going to drink, Faye." Gia answers gently.

I nod slightly. "I know."

She orders for me, as well as getting herself and Mikel drinks.

The vodka burns my throat as I down the shot, and I nearly gag because I'm no longer used to it. I'm slightly regretting it as the taste of it settles in my mouth.

I haven't drank any alcohol since that night.

Gia notices my reaction. "You okay?"

I nod even though I'm not entirely sure I am. "Yeah, fine. Just forgot the taste of it."

Her eyes don't move from mine as she studies me with a concerned expression. "You don't have to force yourself to drink, love."

I nod again, waving her off. "I know. I'm okay, though, don't worry."

"Okay."

I smooth down the pretend-creases in my dress to give my hands something to do as I look around at all the people here.

I'm starting to think this was a bad idea.

But that's when I see Marlo, and his dark eyes lock onto mine across the room and he smiles and everything else is just a blur.

Marlo:

Faye's walking over to me and I can do nothing but stare like a fucking idiot.

She's wearing a long green dress and cape, and a sort of crown made up of vines, leaves and tiny flowers sits on her head, the tear-shaped pendant attached to it resting on the center of her forehead. Two pointed prosthetic ears stick out from under her hair, which I think she's purposefully done to try and make the ears look as realistic as possible, and the shorter curls in the front bounce slightly as she walks.

As she draws closer, I can see two more shades of green on her eyelids, which are both nothing compared to how pretty her eyes are. They seem to stand out even more with all these different shades of green.

In this light, she looks like she comes from another world, her smile rendered so bright she almost seems to glow.

I am in awe.

Faye:

"You make a really pretty fairy." Marlo says once I reach him, hugging me.

"Elf," I correct him, turning to the side so he can see my back. "No wings."

"Ah, sorry. You make a really pretty elf, then."