I Wore White on My Debut

White Dress

// one-shot

I'm going to turn 18 tomorrow. It will be the best day of my life. In fact, Mom and Dad have been planning the celebration since last month. They want it to be a huge one; lots of guests; fun activities; and foods.

"What are you going to wear tomorrow, Ely?" My friend, Kat, asks on the phone. She's also going to my party tomorrow.

A smile plastered on my lips. "I am going to wear a white dress to capture that 'run-away debutant' concept!" I squealed on the phone as I spoke.

"Isn't that a bit ominous?" Kat sounded hesitant.

"Of course not! It's just beautiful. White is beautiful," I assured her.

After our call ended, I decided to check out the venue once again. It's an outdoor venue, particularly in a forest to capture a mystical view. I roam my eyes to the beautiful scenery and addictive scent of flowers which my mom organized since she owns a flower shop. Meanwhile, my dad is busy with the security to ensure my safety and the guests. He smiled at me. My parents have always been supportive of me.

There's also another person that would complete my big day tomorrow.

"Happy Birthday, my Ely." Jake, my boyfriend greeted me on the phone. I bit my lower lip, holding back a giggle since my parents are still downstairs.

"I can't wait to finally meet you," I whispered. "I love you."

I heard him chuckle. "I love you."

We've been together for 6 months already, but we haven't seen each other. We met online when I was searching for friends and ended up swiping his name. Jake never left my side, even though he's busy with his work while I'm busy with school. We can't be open about our relationship due to our age gap. But now that I'm going to turn 18, old enough, then I think - it's time for us to meet.

The night was still young when I went to my room. I'm going to sleep early because I will be waking up an hour before midnight because that would be the only time I can meet my boyfriend since I'll be busy for the party afterwards. I already set my alarm clock. I'm also listening to my favorite song called 'The End of the World' before falling into a deep slumber.

It wasn't long when I was awakened by the sound of my phone. The song is still playing on repeat. I turn it on to check the time and it's already 11:40 pm, just a few minutes before my birthday.

I turn on the lampshade only to see myself wearing a white satin dress. I shook my head. I probably forgot to take it off when I was trying it last night. Slowly, I walk to the door of my room to sneak out. Fortunately, as I open it a bit, I'm greeted by lights - no. It's candles. Lots of candles.

I found myself walking down the stairs, following the lights from the candles. The cold wind approached me as I got outside. Everything feels empty. As if I'm lurking in a dark alley. My footsteps are the only ones making sound, as well as the breeze beneath my skin.

My footsteps take me to the venue near our house. As I get closer, the faster my heart beats every second. Everyone is here already.

They're wearing black.

But I told them to wear white.

I swallowed the lump of eerie in my throat when I noticed how quiet they all are. My parents' back is facing me. It shot a sudden pain in my chest when I heard them sob.

"M-Mom? D-Dad?" My voice broke as I called them.

The sound of the clock freezes my body. It's 12:00 in the midnight. It's my birthday.

My parents fell on their knees as they hugged a picture frame. The picture frame that was sitting on a white casket. My lips began to tremble as tears came rushing down my cheeks, blurring my vision. I looked down once again at my dress covered in dirt and all crumpled with stains of blood.

This is not my birthday.

It's my funeral.

End