Lady Venom

Uhm...what party?

"My existence is a scandal"
- Oscar Wilde

Vienna

I sit cross-legged on Madeline's bed, watching as she digs through her closet, pulling out outfit after outfit.

Katherine lounges on the floor, scrolling through her phone, her laughter coming in bursts as she shows Madeline different memes.

It's light, easy—a normal Saturday night with friends. But then Madeline holds up a yellow dress, glancing between it and Katherine. "You think this is good for Harlam's party?"

I stop, my stomach clenching. Harlam's party?

"Oh, yeah, that'll be perfect," Katherine says, nodding. "You'll take his breath away. Remember how he reacted last time?"

They share a quick smile, an inside joke I'm not part of.

For a second, I wait, thinking: maybe they'll talk about the party to me. I realise they aren't planning on it.

I can feel my face grow hot. They're my friends; I get it. Maybe they don't think I'd want to go.

Maybe I don't even want to go. But it still stings, even if I tell myself it shouldn't.

Madeline glances my way, catching something in my expression. "Vee, do you want to come? It'll be fun, really. It's just... a party."

I scoff. "Why should I subject myself to that kind of torture?" I try to keep my tone casual.

If Harlam is hosting, that's enough to make me hesitate. That means all the football guys will be there, which means all the mean girls will be there following them.

Then that means surrounding myself with people who could give two shits about me.

"Yeah," Madeline shrugs. "But he's a great guy. It could be fun for you. We'll be there, and it'd be nice to hang out somewhere that isn't my room for once."

Katherine joins in, "Come on, V! It'll be fun, and if you don't like it, I'll leave with you. Promise."

They're giving me that look, the one where they won't let it go until I say yes. I hesitate, but then I reach for my phone, typing out a quick message to Orion.

Are you going to Harlan's party tonight?

The message sends, and I slip the phone back into my pocket, not really expecting a quick answer.

Katherine pipes in, her voice more serious. "You're our friend, Vienna. We want you there."

I look up at them, forcing a small smile. "Okay... I'll come."

Madeline claps, grabbing my hands. "Yes! We'll have the best time."

But as they return to planning their outfits, I can't shake the feeling in my stomach, a mix of excitement and something heavier. I hope this isn't a mistake.

As Madeline pulls out more clothes, I can't help but feel like an outsider in my own skin.

They giggle and tease each other, holding up various outfits while I sit there, trying to fit into the moment.

"Vee, come on! Let's get you an outfit," Madeline urges, pulling me back into the present. I force a smile and lean forward, looking at the chaotic pile at the foot of her bed.

"Uh, that green one looks nice?" I suggest, pointing at an emerald green dress that screams confidence. She lights up, pulling it out and holding it against my body.

Katherine smiles. "Green is definitely your color, Vee! Orion will be all over you!"

I can't help but feel a pang of envy. They both are so vibrant, so ready for the night.

I'm not like my friends. I'm not tall like them or skinny. I don't look like i belong on the cover of vogue.
I have acne scars on my cheek and more scars else where...

My phone buzzes in my pocket, pulling me from my thoughts. I pull it out to see a message from Orion.

Yeah, I'll be there.

A wave of relief washes over me. It's a small comfort, but it makes me feel slightly less alone about going.

I can't let my nerves keep me from enjoying the night. I send a quick reply: See you there.
He doesn't reply back or even ask if I'm going. Not that he cares.

Madeline plops down beside me, grinning. "Did he say he's going?"

"Yeah," I nod, forcing enthusiasm back into my voice. "He'll be there."

"See? You have to go now!" Katherine beams. "You'll have a great time. I love your relationship with him."

"Yeah, it's great," I echo, but is it even classed as a relationship? I doubt it.

"Are you still a virgin, Vienna?" Madeline asks suddenly as she continues to get ready.

I stare at my reflection in her mirror, trying to prepare myself for the night ahead. "Uh..."

"Madeline, leave her alone!" Katherine rolls her eyes.

"I'm just asking..." Madeline smirks. She always does this: makes sly remarks.

"Just because you lost your virginity at fifteen to your boyfriend doesn't mean the rest of us are desperate to follow," I snap. "Some of us aren't ready to play house with the first guy who gives us a compliment."

The room goes quiet. I can see the hurt in their eyes.

Madeline finally breaks the silence. "V, that was uncalled for. I was just asking you a question."

Katherine bites her lip, glancing at Madeline before she speaks. "You're our friend, and we love you. But you're pushing us away."

I sigh, the anger in me ebbing slightly. "I don't mean to push you away. I just..."

Katherine softens, her voice gentle. "Let's just forget about it."

I bite my lip. Why do I always say the wrong things?

Madeline smirks. "We'll all shine together! Now, let's finish getting ready. I want to leave in twenty minutes."