Overkill // Joseph Quinn

51

December 31, 2020.
Part 1:

"Let's rock and roll, party people!"

We all gather, hooting and hollering around one another with glasses in the air. My soul feeling alive.

We planned to leave around 7 so we had time to walk around and see the attractions before the actual event. MSG was already packed, I'm sure. We played the parade and other festivities on television. It was weird watching it, like I usually do every year, but actually being here at the same time.

"I have a very special outfit planned for you." Maya grabs me by my arm and hugs it tightly with excitement. I laugh.

"You don't trust that I already had a good outfit planned out?" I tease as she pulls me away to her room.

"Of course I trust you, but this will be even better. No matter what you already had planned out."

She digs into her closet and pulls out two dresses, inverted in color but the exact same style. My jaw dropped and I nearly dropped my drink.

I may or may not have already had a couple glasses of wine, and a few shots of tequila. All I know is that I feel amazing. And I know I'm about to feel even better wearing what Maya is holding out in front of her.

"It would be an honor to match with you on New Year's eve, Maya Hawke." I grab the dress from her and run my hands along the sequins.

My dress is all black with white stars scattered across and tassels that hang below the hem. The sequins reminds me of one of those pillows that change color when you run your hands across it. I do so hoping that the dress would change colors.

It does.

"This is the best thing I've ever laid eyes on." I admit, getting lost in such a simple thing.

It's around 6:00 which means it's time to get ready. I would've probably started around 6:30, but considering the state I'm in it may take me a little longer. Maya and I both get ready in her bathroom.

"Not to ruin the mood, if I do, but are you and Joseph like... okay?" Maya asks.

I shrug, applying more eyeliner to my waterline than I ever have. The dress mixed with the alcohol running through my bloodstream has me feeling like a different person. I kind of love it.

"As far as I know. We've been doing good the past couple of weeks." I say, finally putting down the eyeliner.

"Well good, because this trip is supposed to be a lifelong memory. We're going to make it one." I can hear the smile in her voice. I look at her through the mirror, and she's indeed smiling wider than ever. It wasn't hard for me to do the same.

6:45 had come around and we were just finishing up. It's a good thing I started at 6. We kept getting distracted with music and little jokes that wouldn't have been so funny if we were sober. If I had this much fun in a bathroom with Maya, tonight was going to be a dream.

I take a final look at myself in the body mirror, swiping down the sequins that didn't match the rest of the dress. Maya came into view which made the look even better. We squeal together with excitement.

"Well look at you two." Joseph peaks his head into the room.

I turn around to fully present myself, receiving wide eyes from Joseph.

"You look incredible." He swallows nervously.

Maya trots toward the door next to Joseph, "I'll leave you two be." She winks before making her way down the stairs.