Sins of Aiden

8

CHAPTER 8

The fabric sways around my knees as I gaze from side to side. The flower patterns of the dress shift to the motion of the gentle fall breeze from my window.

I stare at myself in the mirror. I've never seen myself falling apart and being whole at the same time. The amount of minutes I've spent on myself to look remotely approachable is embarrassing but the way my dismay doesn't peak through my facade is providing me justice.

My straight golden strands frame my face and disguise simply enough for me to reach my golden hops. I've been told I look nervous and insecure every time I fiddle with my earrings. I tend to never notice it since I always do that unconsciously but tonight I'm going to have to fight myself from it. I don't want people to portray me like I'm unconfident.

I've put enough makeup on my face to find myself gaining that little extra confidence that I'm sure won't bloom out tonight. I merely wish it's going to. My lip isn't as swollen as yesterday but a heavy purple bruise occupies that place instead. Not even my thickest concealer can cover it. I'm just hoping it's dark enough for no one to notice.

I am full of lies.

I rip my eyes from the mirror and snatch my jacket from my bed. This outfit going to have to do. If it's ideal I wouldn't know because I'm no expert when it comes to party clothes. My best plan is that no one will pay enough energy to stare at what I'm wearing.

I've politely declined Madelyn from coming and helping me with my outfit just because fear striked me of her knowing about my encounter with Ember of the evidence on my lip. She didn't take it by heart but I can sense she's somewhat wary of my answer.

I got to have to pay attention to that.

The hallway is lit up with yellow soft dim from lamps resting on slim ornamental tables against the wall. When I reach downstairs, the clicking from a videogame lit from the TV meets my ears and I'm notified that Liam has gotten home. I haven't seen him since that disastrous family dinner last night but I'm not shocked by his disappearance.

The way Harrison grilled Liam and me like a chicken on a stake about our day and future—I'm surprised he came home so early. That—and the fact that Harrison went to the airport to go on another one of his business trips might have done the deed too.

It gets me off easier too. I'm simply ecstatic that I don't have to have a long and awkward talk about going to a party. He's not my father so he has no right telling me where and where not to go but that doesn't stop him from asking uncomfortable questions.

"Okay, Liam. I'm going now and I'll be coming home late tonight." I call our despite him wearing headphones.

A thumb flies up in the air without him taking away his attention from the screen. I swing my bag over my shoulder. "You have food right, for tonight?"

I pull my hair away from my face and when I glance to Liam at the couch he lifts a plate in the air. What's on it, I don't want to describe. Liam's toppings on his sandwiches is a life question I can't seem to solve but it makes me extremely nauseous looking at them.

I spin my heals in order to save my dinner in my stomach and rip the front door open. "Bye!" I call, slamming the door behind me without an answer back.