Forever and Always

6. Block Party

After Kaleb dropped me home, my fingers were stuck in a claw like position and I'm sure my hair was sticking up like I had been electrocuted. I staggered into my house. This is why I hate bikes or fast rides. It makes me dizzy and sick to my stomach. I groaned and went to search for my mom. My mom was a home designer and she was in the middle of a huge project at the new settlements that were opening up across town. I was surprised to find her in her study looking at paperwork. Normally, she would be gone for days because it would be easier to stay near the new houses rather than commuting back and forth every day. Don't get me wrong, she wasn't an absentee mom. She was great. She was always calling and checking in but she wasn't overbearing. There were times when I wished she didn't have a job that required her to travel so much but it couldn't be helped.

My dad on the other hand was an elementary school teacher and he was home most of the times. He was a bit more protective and strict than mom was but I didn't complain. There wasn't much to be protective over. I rarely had boys over and I hadn't gone out on a date since last year but that was only a couple of dates with my mom's friend's sons and it didn't really count because I was obliged to do it. 

I stopped at the doorway and knocked before plopping down on the chair in front of my mom's desk.

"Hi honey. What can I help you with?" 

"The block party? What's that about?"

"Oh it's nothing. It's just a fancy gathering that Linda wanted to host, just to welcome the new members of our community." 

"Kaleb's mom is hosting?" My mom nodded and looked at me. She suddenly jumped to her feet and dragged me to her closet.

"So...I went shopping the other day..." I groaned. That doesn't sound good. My mom was always buying these fancy dresses but I would never wear them because I just don't do dresses. 

"No. Mom. Seriously I'm not wearing a dress."

"Well you can't show up in jeans and a tshirt. It's a formal event. Everyone will be dressing up!" I sighed and followed her to her room, knowing it would be useless arguing with her. 

She took out 5 dresses. One was purple lace dress that looked more like a shirt than a dress. The second one was bright yellow. No. The third one was ok I guess. It was black with thick straps. The forth one was puke green with ruffles. The fifth one was decent looking. It was blue and long. I dragged my feet to the closet and started changing into each dress. 

The first two were direct no's. As soon as I stepped out, my mom sent me back in. The third one made her stop. At first, I was confused because there were four arm holes but once I got my arms in the correct holes, I noticed giant cutouts right above my chest and a deep cut in the back. I crossed my arms and stomped outside. 

"Oh honey, it's perfect!"

"Um. No. I think I like that blue one. It's long and it was sleeves and a back!"

"Actually, that's my dress. It's  in my size and it won't fit you. I guess you're stuck with this one." My mom grinned and ushered me into the bathroom to take a shower. "Hurry up honey. You've only got 3 hours to get ready."

3 hours? I could finish writing two english eassys in that time or maybe even start my hom...

"Maddie, stop thinking about homework and hurry up and shower!" My mom's voice drifted into the bathroom and I rolled my eyes before jumping into the shower. I used my favorite vanilla body wash and shampoo and stepped out 15 minutes later. My legs were shaved and moisturized and my skin was red from scrubbing. 

I jumped into the black dress and called my mom in to do my hair and makeup. 2 agonizing hours later, my hair was straight and my makeup was done. Thankfully, my mom had kept it light with just eyeliner and some nude lipgloss. I grabbed my beige and silver clutch and slipped my chapstick and phone inside. I put on long diamond earrings and slipped into my silver heels. My parents were standing in the kitchen, packing the last of the appetizers that my mom had cooked.