The evening air buzzed with anticipation, thick enough to choke a horse, and I was standing in front of my closet like a contestant on some twisted reality show. My clothes hung there like ghosts of prom past, each piece mocking me for even considering traditional attire. Prom loomed over me like a storm cloud, swirling with exhilaration and anxiety, and I was ready to either conquer it or set it ablaze.
I yanked out a crisp black button-up and tailored slacks. Screw the fluffy gowns that everyone else would be wearing; I wanted something that screamed me, not "wedding cake." This outfit was my armor, a badass shield against the waves of faux elegance that would drown the school gym. I wanted to look polished but still ready to kick ass if anyone dared to mess with me.
Once I had the outfit on, I ran my fingers through my hair, letting loose waves frame my face like a fierce halo. A swipe of eyeliner and some lip gloss finished the look—dark yet refined, like I just stepped out of a noir film. I took one last look in the mirror, and for a second, the reflection felt like it was staring back with a cocky smirk. But then doubt crept in.
Just as the doubt threatened to pull me under, my phone buzzed on my desk, jolting me from my spiraling thoughts. I glanced down to see a message from Marie: "Hey! Can't wait to see you! You're going to look amazing!" A wave of warmth washed over me at her words, and I shot back a quick reply: "You too! I'm on my way."
With one last check of my reflection—still badass—I grabbed my bag and stepped into the cool night air, determined to make this night unforgettable. The drive to the venue felt like I was in a freakin' movie, stars twinkling overhead like they knew something I didn't. My mind raced with thoughts of laughter, awkward moments, and potentially embarrassing dance moves. *What if I ended up face-planting on the dance floor?*
When I arrived at the school, the entrance was decked out in strings of fairy lights and balloons, and the sounds of laughter and music spilled out like a joyous tsunami. Students milled about, snapping selfies and exchanging wild rumors about who was dating whom. The gym had been transformed into a glittering wonderland that made my skin itch with excitement.
Stepping inside was like jumping into a neon dream. The gym was a riot of color, with tables decked out like something out of a fairy tale, and a dance floor begging to be set ablaze with our epic moves. I scanned the crowd, eyes darting like a hawk looking for its prey, searching for one person in particular—Marie.
And there she was, standing by the entrance like a beacon of beauty. Marie looked absolutely stunning in a red silk dress that clung to her curves like it was custom-made. The fabric shimmered as she moved, exuding elegance and confidence that could light up the entire gym. Her hair fell in soft waves, and the makeup highlighted her features like a masterpiece. Damn.
When our eyes met across the sea of students, time slowed to a crawl. She lit up like a goddamn Christmas tree and rushed over, her enthusiasm radiating warmth that cut through the voices around us. "Dylan!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around me in a tight hug.
I returned the embrace, feeling a rush of emotion that was equal parts admiration and warmth. "You look... fucking amazing," I managed to say, stepping back to take her in. The way that red dress flowed around her made her look like she could take on the title of the prettiest girl and win.
"Thanks! But seriously, look at you! You look beautiful!" Marie beamed, her eyes sparkling with admiration. Her sincerity was like a shot of adrenaline, easing the tension I'd felt all night.
As we stood there, catching up amid the frenzy, a sense of belonging washed over me. The energy crackled in the air, but it was my connection with Marie that grounded me. We were stepping into a new chapter together, and this night felt like the prologue to a wild adventure. I couldn't help but feel grateful for her support over the past few weeks.
"Ready to hit the dance floor?" Marie asked, her eyes dancing with playful energy, like she was about to challenge me to a duel.
"Only if you promise to show me your best moves! I need to see if you've got anything worth stealing," I teased, a smirk creeping onto my lips. The thought of dancing together excited me, but the idea of making a fool of myself lurked in the shadows of my mind.
"Challenge accepted!" Marie laughed, and together we made our way toward the dance floor, anticipation electrifying our steps. The beat of the music vibrated through the air, practically begging us to join in.
As the music blared, the crowd erupted, bodies swaying and twirling under the soft glow of the lights. I felt the rhythm pulse through me like a living thing, but for now, I was content to stand by Marie's side, soaking in the atmosphere and the joy radiating from her. Her energy was contagious, slowly siphoning off my worries.
We watched as classmates took to the floor, laughter blending with the music like some sickeningly sweet smoothie. The excitement in the air was palpable, making it feel like a fever dream where anything was possible. I couldn't help but smile, the swirl of colors and sounds engulfing us like a wild whirlwind.
"Can you believe we're finally here?" Marie shouted over the music, her voice rising above the chaos. "We survived tryouts, and now we get to celebrate like total badasses!"
I nodded, my heart brimming with gratitude. "I couldn't have done it without you cheering me on, or I would've gone full-on psycho and kicked a few asses." The truth was, Marie had always been my rock, lifting me up during moments when I felt like a total disaster.
"Always!" she replied, her sincerity wrapping around me like a well-worn blanket. We shared a moment of silence, just two friends soaking in the magic of the night.
As the first slow song began to play, the atmosphere shifted. Couples paired off on the dance floor, lost in their own little worlds, but I felt a stubborn urge to linger in this moment with Marie. I didn't want it to end. The music softened, and the lights dimmed, creating an intimate vibe that felt almost electric.
Deep down, a flicker of apprehension tried to creep in. Was I ready for the night to unfold? The thought of stepping into the spotlight made my stomach churn with excitement and anxiety. I pushed it aside for now. The evening was just getting started, and there were still so many ridiculous memories to be made.
"Let's grab some punch before we dance," Marie suggested, breaking the tension that clung to me like an unwanted cloak. "We'll need the energy to bust a move!"
With a shared laugh, we made our way to the refreshment table, the night promising to reveal itself in the moments yet to come. Anticipation bubbled in my chest like a soda bottle waiting to explode, and I couldn't help but wonder what the rest of the night had in store for us.
As we filled our cups with the fruity punch, I glanced over at Marie, who was busy chatting with a few friends. The vibrant energy of the night surrounded us, but all I could see was her. She radiated confidence, and I admired her for it.
YOU ARE READING
The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die (GirlXGirl)
Teen Fiction--- In the dead of night, Dylan stands on the edge of a bridge, her mind heavy with the pain she's carried for years. The world around her feels as distant and cold as the dark waters below-a mirror to the weight of her broken family and lingering s...
