Porcelain behind Glass

Chapter 20: Fresher's Party

Marisa tilted the rearview mirror to apply a bright pink lipstick that matched her magenta halter neck gown, whilst Rachel drove them to the university.

"That is meant for driving," reminded Monica as she clipped on her pearl studs.

"I know," replied Marisa. She deftly took out her compact and retouched her makeup.

Seeing a narrow opening, Rachel smoothly changed lanes much to the chagrin of the cab behind them. As the infuriated cab driver drew abreast, he leaned out and shouted expletives. Marisa lowered her window glass and blew him a kiss. The cab driver was shocked into silence.

Monica shook her head. "Rache drive safely, we are only an hour late. P' Day can easily manage without us. Mars was that little display necessary?"

"It worked just fine," Marisa grinned saucily. "You have to admit this gown looks way better than the white one I had previously chosen."

Monica rolled her eyes, "I know, you've said it a hundred times".

Frustrated, Rachel exhaled loudly. "I didn't expect it to take so long to set up the venue. It's just a garden, for God's sake. A few strings of fairy lights, a sound speaker system, a drinks table, and a party food table should have sufficed. But no, P' Day required decorative paper lanterns to be slung across the treetops, a floral backdrop for photographs, and a stage for a live band in addition to the dance floor already built. He raided the food and drinks budget, so now only fruit punch is being served."

"But you have to admit the garden looks ethereal. Imagine the great selfies we can take against that backdrop," said Marisa wistfully.

Monica awkwardly pulled together the high slit of her forest green gown. "If we had the foresight to bring our dresses with us, we wouldn't have needed to rush back and get changed".

"No way," disagreed Marisa. "I am not getting naked in a communal changing room with ten other girls. Besides I needed all my paraphernalia to look this good".

"We are here," announced Rachel pulling into an empty parking slot. "We have to hike the rest of the way; the parking lot is full today".

Marisa groaned, "Not in my only pair of Jimmy Choos."

Rachel got out of her car and popped the bonnet open. She took out her modest silver heels and exchanged them with the bathroom slippers she had been wearing. Tugging up the straps of her modest black gown, Rachel retouched her makeup and applied a red lipstick.

Monica watched her in admiration. "You look ravishing in that conservative black evening gown. It highlights your slim figure so well and your side-swept low bun gives you such a dignified air."

"Good thing she left off the pearl necklace, it was giving grandma vibes. Though she could have done without the bracelets on her hand," mused Marisa.

Rachel retrieved her clutch from the backseat and locked the car. "You know I have to wear the student council bracelets."

"Just the purple one would have sufficed. Why do you need to wear the yellow one?" questioned Marisa as she strutted along behind them.

Rachel held up her hand to admire the faded yellow bracelet that she refused to part with. "It's my lucky charm."

Marisa huffed behind her, "Stop at the entrance display. I want a few snaps before we go in."

The few snaps Marisa had spoken of turned into a few dozen before Rachel put her foot down. "That's enough. Let's go in."

Suddenly a figure ran up behind them, startling Monica so much that she let out an involuntary scream. Night stood behind them; dressed in a midnight blue dress shirt, he doubled over breathless.