TIARA

Costume Party

JASON'S POV

Today marks the costume party, and after spending the entire day preparing at school, everything is in order. Now, all that remains is choosing my costume. The costume agency presented options: Aladdin, Joker, and Lucifer.

"You should go for the Aladdin costume; it looks amazing and even comes with the genie lamp," Janet suggested, impressed by what I considered the ast appealing.

"Do I seem like someone interested in fairy tales? Aladdin and the genie lamp? What's that? Show me the other options," I said to the lady from the  costume agency. She brought out the Joker and Lucifer costumes.

"Joker is cool, but we'll see plenty of that at the party. I want something different." I opted for the Lucifer costume. "Lucifer," I grinned like the devil himself.

"Don't tell me you're going with the Devil's costume," Janet exclaimed.

"Exactly what I'm going with. And instead of fixating on my outfit, can you go get your costume ready? I'll be leaving very soon," I said, grabbing my costume as I went to change in my room.

"You know what? I think the devil is the right fit for you. You are so annoying," Janet remarked as I pointed my trident fork at her, unfazed. I was content with my choice.

******

I arrived at the school later than planned due to my sister, dressed as the Little Mermaid. She used the service of a makeup artist, consuming all my time. If I was the devil; I would have turned her into a real fish.

The party had already begun with music and photos on the red carpet. I took some pictures, including one with my reluctant sister who hated my costume so much. Observing my friends, as predicted, dressed as Jokers-so cliché-we took numerous pictures. Some girls even begged to join us. As we were about to join the party, a vehicle stopped, and a girl emerged in an angel costume, looking celestial and absolutely stunning. Who is she?

"Who's that? God, that costume is out of this world," Folu exclaimed.

"She looks like an angel that literally just fell from heaven," Uche added.

"If angels look like that, I must make it to heaven.

Look at those curves," Daniel said.

"Guy, you are mad," Pascal said, noticing my fascination. "Wow devil dey admire angel. Come jor, let's go; I sneaked in some drinks." Pascal suggested.

"I'll join you; I need to find my sister," I lied, intrigued by the mysterious girl. Folu and the guys left.

Then, something surprising unfolded. My sister went to hug the girl and started dragging her to the red carpet. There's only one girl my sister likes to drag around. "Tiara."

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TIARA’S POV

My aunt went all out for this costume party, bringing in a makeup artist and a fancy mask – you'd think it was my wedding day. After the dramatic preparations and a photo session, it was getting late. My aunt reserved the Rolls Royce for me, and the driver ensured we made a grand entrance at school. I covered my face with the mask to create a mysterious aura, leaving everyone guessing.

Thankfully, Janet, dressed as a pretty mermaid, arrived and recognized me. "Hello, beautiful angel," she greeted in a dramatic manner, hugging me. "Janet, thank God you're here. Can we walk together? I feel like I'll fall with all the eyes on me," I said, glancing around.

"Of course, Ariel, the princess of Atlantica, will accompany you, beautiful celestial being, to the party," Janet replied, her theatrics in full swing.

"You are surely the queen of drama queens." We both laughed. "Come on, let’s take some pictures," she said, dragging me as usual.

"Your costume is beautiful, by the way. It suits you perfectly. And babe, did I mention how sexy you look too? The boys are going to be drooling," she complimented, making me roll my eyes. Truly, my dress clung to my body like a second skin.

As we approached the red carpet, numerous people in various costumes were trying to capture the perfect shot. Suddenly, a guy in a Lucifer costume appeared, trident in hand. The costume intrigued me as I enjoyed horror movies. Many girls seemed eager to take pictures with him.

He approached us. "Hi Tiara" From the voice I realised was Jason.

"Hello Jason" I answered reluctantly, still resolving to stay away from him.

"You look..." He looked me up and down, lost for words.

"I think the word you're looking for is beautiful". Janet interjected.

"Common Tiara, let's take some pictures".  she added. We took several pictures together, and then she took some of her brother and me on her phone, aside from the ones taken by the photographers.

Janet saw Folu and made some excuse to leave us, "I have to go, I'll catch you guys inside".  she winked at me before leaving. This girl is seriously leaving me with her brother again?

When Janet left, Jason and I were both quiet for a while. Sensing the awkwardness, I decided to go inside by myself.

"Tiara" he called. "I know you have been avoiding me because of what I said the other day. Yeah, I deserve it, but I'd like to apologise, I judge you wrongly, forgive me". He said looking into my eye and making me feel self conscious.

"Its fine Jason, let's forget about it and I miss hanging with your sister, she's a handful but I really like her"

He laughed, "Me too".

"Can I walk you in?" He asked looking at me hopefully.

I nodded, accepting and surprising myself. I don't hate Jason, after all he was nice to me on my first day in school and he clearly regrets what he said to me that day. I've decided to let it go and maybe be friends with him too.

He cleared his throat. "Can we go in now?" he asked, offering his arm and smiling at me, he looked so handsome even in the costume. I smiled and intertwined our arms as we walk in together.

Jaden

Tiara