𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡, 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘 𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐄

𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡, 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒

𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐎𝐍
DECEMBER 15TH, 1984

Scarlette twirled in front of her vanity, a wide grin spreading across her face as Christmas music blasted through her room, filling the air with an infectious holiday spirit. The cheerful melodies bounced off the walls, each note adding to her growing excitement. Today was the day she had been dreaming of—the snowball. For years, she had watched from the sidelines, vowing to make her entrance as an eighth grader, and now the moment had finally arrived.

She carefully removed the curlers from her hair, reveling in the bouncy waves that cascaded down her shoulders. The final roller still clung to her bangs, and she decided to leave it in place a little longer, relishing the suspense. Sitting at her vanity, Scarlette focused intently on her reflection, applying makeup with the precision of an artist. Each stroke of her brush heightened her anticipation; she could hardly wait to see Henry tonight. The thought sent a rush of butterflies fluttering in her stomach, a blend of nervousness and exhilaration.

With a final touch of shimmering lip gloss, she admired the transformation in the mirror. The dark red dress she wore flowed gracefully above her knees, its simple spaghetti straps highlighting her youthful elegance. She had chosen it carefully, wanting to look perfect without overdoing it. A glance at her shoes revealed white heels adorned with tiny red bows—cute, just like her.

Scarlette leaned in closer to the mirror, adjusting a loose strand of hair that had dared to escape the confines of her curls. She couldn't help but smile at her reflection, feeling a surge of confidence. Tonight wasn't just about the dance; it was about making memories, and she knew Henry would make it unforgettable.

With a deep breath to steady her racing heart, she finally released the last roller from her bangs, allowing them to frame her face perfectly. The sound of her heels clicking against the hardwood floor echoed her excitement as she made her way downstairs. Each step felt like a countdown to the magic that awaited her, and she could hardly contain her smile.

Scarlette paused at the bottom of the stairs, glancing around her home adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The atmosphere was electric, mirroring her own feelings. She thought about Henry, his laugh, his smile, and how amazing it would be to share this night with him. As she grabbed her coat and slung it over her shoulders, she felt ready to embrace the evening—ready to dance, laugh, and maybe even share a few sweet moments with the boy who made her heart flutter.

With one last look in the hallway mirror, she stepped outside, the crisp winter air hitting her face and filling her with a sense of adventure. Tonight was going to be special, and Scarlette was determined to make it one to remember.

𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐘 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐄

Henry groaned in frustration as he sank deeper into the plush cushions of the living room couch, the weight of anticipation pressing down on him. He had been ready for a solid hour, dressed to the nines in a sharp black suit that hugged his frame just right, paired with a sleek black undershirt. The monochromatic look was undeniably classy, but it was the feeling of excitement coursing through him that truly made him feel alive. His hair, tousled and in its natural curly state, framed his face perfectly, giving him an effortlessly cool appearance. The black socks, pulled up to his midcalf, and the polished dress shoes he had borrowed from his dad completed the ensemble, making him feel confident and ready for the evening ahead.