Blossoming Hate

Chapter 2: The Bonfire

"Iris, come on!" Harper whined from the other side of her bedroom, tossing clothes around like a tornado. "You are not wearing jeans to the biggest party of the year!"

I glanced down at the ripped jeans and faded band tee I had thrown on. "What's wrong with jeans? They're comfortable. I don't exactly plan on impressing anyone tonight."

Harper groaned dramatically, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Babe, it's not about impressing people. It's about making memories. And no one remembers the girl in jeans. Trust me."

I raised an eyebrow. "And I should take fashion advice from someone who wore a onesie to a school pep rally?"

"That onesie was iconic and you know it," she shot back, digging through her closet with determination. "Besides, this is different. It's a bonfire. There'll be drinks, dancing, and who knows, maybe even a little... action." She winked, pulling out a slinky green dress and holding it up for inspection.

I crossed my arms. "That's not really my style."

Harper waved me off, eyes bright as she shook the dress. "That's because you haven't tried it on yet. Trust me." She grinned wickedly. "This green will bring out your eyes. And if you're not going to dress up for the guys, at least do it for the Instagram photos."

I sighed, but Harper wasn't backing down. She was already pushing the dress into my hands and shoving me toward her bathroom. "Fine, fine, I'll try it on," I muttered, feeling like I'd just lost a battle I never meant to start.

Five minutes later, I emerged from the bathroom in the dress, and Harper's eyes lit up. "Oh my god, you look hot," she squealed, clapping her hands together. "Now, pair that with your white jacket, and you've got a killer look."

I turned to look in the mirror, and to my surprise, I didn't hate it. The green dress hugged me in all the right places, and the jacket added just enough edge to make me feel comfortable. "Okay, okay," I relented. "I admit, it's cute."

Harper grinned, grabbing her purse. "I told you! Now, let's go. Kyle's bonfire waits for no one, especially not two hot girls who need to make an entrance."

We hopped into Harper's car and made the fifteen-minute drive to Kyle Mason's place. The sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the neighborhood as we pulled up to the open field behind Kyle's house, where the bonfire was already roaring. The party was in full swing, music blasting, red Solo cups in hand, and a general vibe of recklessness that only a high school party could have.

As soon as we stepped out of the car, Kyle Mason appeared, like he had a sixth sense for new arrivals. He was wearing that same cocky grin he always had, blond hair a mess in the way that screamed 'I spent an hour making it look like I didn't try.' His green eyes swept over us, lingering just long enough to be inappropriate but not long enough for me to call him out on it. Typical Kyle.

"Ladies, you look amazing," he said, his voice smooth as he handed each of us a drink. "Glad you could make it. Enjoy yourselves tonight."

"Thanks, Kyle," Harper said, flashing her most dazzling smile as she took the cup from him. I could already see her slipping into party mode.

Kyle winked at me before turning to greet someone else, his attention as fleeting as ever. "Have fun," he called over his shoulder as he moved away, leaving us to the chaos.

I took a sip of my drink-something vaguely fruity and definitely spiked-while Harper's eyes darted around the crowd like a hawk. It didn't take long for her to spot her ex, Dwayne, grinding up on some random girl near the firepit. Her whole mood shifted, and I could practically see the steam coming out of her ears.