The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die (GirlXGirl)

Chapter 37: A Night of Firsts

As I reached the table, I piled my plate high with an assortment of snacks—mini sandwiches, fruit skewers, and a few sugary treats for good measure. The scent of the food wafted through the air, a delicious mix that made my stomach rumble like a rabid animal. I glanced over at Marie, who was loading up her own plate, stealing glances at me with that playful smirk that made me wonder what kind of trouble she was plotting.

"What?" I asked, feigning innocence as I caught her gaze. I couldn't help but feel a slight blush creeping up my cheeks.

"Nothing! Just admiring your snack choices," Marie teased, popping a grape into her mouth with an exaggerated munch. It was like watching a cute little monster devour its prey, and I felt my heart lift at her lightheartedness.

I laughed, a genuine sound that resonated deep within me, and we found a quiet corner near the back of the gym, away from the thumping bass of the music that vibrated through the walls. It was a small round table nestled against the wall, offering a brief respite from the vibrant energy of the night. I could see the dance floor in the distance, illuminated by colorful lights that swirled and twinkled like someone had let loose a bunch of fireflies in a blender.

"Can you believe we're actually here?" Marie said, her eyes darting around the room, taking in the vibrant decorations. Twinkling fairy lights hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the crowd, and colorful streamers draped from every available surface, creating a festive atmosphere that felt suspiciously like a glitter bomb exploded everywhere.

I nodded, feeling a warmth in my chest that was both exhilarating and a bit overwhelming. "It's surreal. I thought I'd just feel like a fish out of water, but..."

"But?" she prompted, her eyes glinting with curiosity, eager to hear more.

"But it feels kind of perfect. Especially with you here," I admitted, my heart racing as I let the words slip out. The sincerity hung in the air between us, a thin thread that felt stronger than before, connecting us in a way I hadn't expected.

Marie smiled, a soft expression that lit up her features, and for a moment, I was lost in the warmth of her gaze. "I'm really glad you're here too. You're doing amazing tonight." Her praise washed over me like a wave, making me feel both proud and a bit bashful.

As we chatted, the evening wore on, and a comfortable rhythm settled between us. We shared stories, laughter, and even a few playful jabs at one another, losing track of time as the world around us faded away. I found myself opening up, sharing little pieces of myself that I had long kept hidden away. Each shared moment felt like a small victory, a step forward in a journey I had often doubted.

"You know, I used to be terrified of events like this," I confessed, a nervous chuckle escaping my lips. "I thought I'd be the one standing alone in the corner, shoving snacks into my face like some kind of emotional support raccoon."

Marie reached across the table, her hand gently resting over mine, grounding me in the moment. "Look at you now! You've danced, you've mingled, and you've conquered your fears. That's something to celebrate." Her words were like a lifeline, lifting me up when I had often felt unsure.

I felt a blush creep into my cheeks at her praise. "I guess I have come a long way," I said, allowing myself to bask in the moment. But beneath the surface, the lingering weight of my past still clung to me, a presence that refused to let go, reminding me of my earlier struggles.

As the night progressed, the music shifted to a softer tune, coaxing couples onto the dance floor once again. My heart quickened at the thought of dancing with Marie again, but a wave of hesitation washed over me. The idea of stepping into the spotlight felt daunting, even with her beside me.