Starting Over Anderson || ✔

Nine: They know Best

Erin knocks on my door but doesn't bother to wait for my answer before barging in. 

I scowl at her, telling Aaron to hold on while I sort her out.

"Hi Aaron!" She grins and waves to the screen even though I'm blocking it with my torso. Aaron smiles and waves back. I mutter under my breath for him to stop encouraging her but I don't think he hears it.

"So, what's it this time?" I cross my arms, tapping my foot impatiently.

Erin mimics me and crosses her arms too. "It's Saturday."

"Yeah, I've noticed."

"Chris's fancy party, remember?" She shakes a hand in front of my face for effect. Oh shoot! I've completely forgotten about it. 

I glance at the clock, relieved to see that I still have about two hours. I say goodbye to Aaron, log out of my computer, and start looking through my huge walk-in closet half-empty with the relatively few pieces of clothing that I own. My room is previously guest room number 2, but apparently the Baxters feel the need to install a huge wardrobe for every room in the house. Remember what I said about them being loaded? Yeah, well, the Baxter residence is three stories high, my room is on the second floor, right next to Chard's. The game room is also on the same floor, so when it comes to weekends, I barely get to rest in peace. Well, you know what I mean.

I let out an estranged cry when I find that I do not own anything remotely close to being fancy. I turn around to Erin and see that she is leaning against the wall with a smug look on her face. I grin as I notice something in her hand. She's holding a sparkly turquoise dress.

"I know you won't have anything to wear," Erin starts, pulling the dress out of its plastic wrap. "Thank me for saving your ass."

I grab the dress and let the material flow through my fingers, admiring it. It's very beautiful, only a little on the short side. It's designed for Erin, and her height. I'm thankful I'm only a couple of inches taller than her.

Erin helps me get ready for the party. She's really a life-saver, because I can never do my own makeup and set my hair the way she does it all by myself. It was usually Isa who helped me with these, and after her passing, I don't find the need to dress up anymore because I don't go to parties like I used to. She gets me done with fifteen minutes to spare and I do a twirl in front of the full length mirror in the closet. Erin claps and nods at her creation, stating that I'd make every guy in a ten mile radius swoon. I laugh but don't doubt it. I look like a fairy princess, if I do say so myself.

We descend the stairs and find the rest of the family (including Chris) waiting in the living room. They're sitting on the couch, having a light conversation about college life. Chad is the first one to notice me, and Erin. He coughs loudly and nudges Chris, who, in turn, splutters mid-sentence. Soon enough, all eyes are on me. I duck my head slightly, proud of the attention yet a little bashful. It's a conflicting feeling. I love it when people stare because I know I'm pretty, but I squirm at how much they see about me. It's like two opposite magnets, both from different eras of my life. One is from when I did gigs with Sam and had quite a few fans. I love being noticed then, because oftentimes, I was shunned to the sidelines. It happened a lot, especially when I had a sister as outstanding as Isa. Despite that, I never despised her. The other is from my life after joining the Hood. I've learned to be careful then, to fade into the background. It's essential when we're on a job to not attract unnecessary attention. I'd squirm when people stare at me too hard or too long.

Sometimes, I wonder if I'm bipolar or something.

"You look absolutely stunning." Chris is the first to speak, shattering my thoughts. I smile as he takes me into his arm, a hand settling on the small of my back.