Bloody Mary // J. Hale

No way out

Jessica drove like a madwoman. Right after school on Friday, they set off for Port Angeles, just as they'd planned, and Jessica's reckless speed got them there by 4 p.m., giving them plenty of time to shop for dresses. Surprisingly, the drive was enjoyable. They blasted whiny rock music as Jessica chattered on about the boys they'd been hanging out with. Apparently, she had a dinner date lined up with Mike and was hoping to get past first base with him. Jenna was caught off guard; she hadn't realized Jessica was seeing Mike. She'd thought Mike had a thing for Bella.

Jenna had been to Port Angeles with her family before, though it had been a while. She remembered it as a charming little tourist spot, but Jessica and Angela knew it far better. Skipping the usual attractions, they headed straight for the big department store a few streets away from the picturesque bay. As they got out of the car and walked toward the entrance, Jenna lingered behind, tuning out the others as they chatted about boyfriends and peppered Bella with questions. She tilted her face to the sky, shielding her eyes as she took in the sun's warmth, savouring the rare, golden rays.

"Jenna, you coming?" Angela called, already by the entrance with the others. Jenna nodded and stepped inside, finding a spot by the window where the last light of the day streamed in, holding onto a few final moments of sunshine.

The dress selection was limited, but Angela and Jessica dove in eagerly, pulling options to try on. Bella, meanwhile, let out an exasperated sigh and slumped into the chair beside Jenna, rubbing her forehead in frustration.

"What's wrong?" Jenna asked, tilting her head.

Bella groaned, pressing her fingers to her temples. "Apparently, Tyler's been telling everyone he's taking me to prom."

Jenna raised an eyebrow. "Wait—did you even say yes?"

"No," Bella muttered, rolling her eyes. "He didn't even ask. He just... assumed."

Jenna slouched in her chair, mirroring Bella's posture. "What an asshole," she muttered.

"Yeah," Bella sighed, leaning her head back. "Do you think if I ran him over with my truck, he'd finally give up this 'making amends' thing and just call it even?"

Jenna smirked. "I don't think he's trying to make amends. I think he just wants an excuse to get close to you."

Bella rolled her eyes. "By claiming me like I'm his property?"

Jenna leaned in, eyes gleaming with mischief. "If you want, I could scare him off for you. People tend to avoid me."

Bella laughed, some of the tension lifting from her face. "Tempting. I'd pay to see his reaction."

Jenna returned her smile, happy to see Bella's spirits lifting. But after a moment, her expression softened, turning serious. "Thanks, though. For not treating me like some... monster."

Bella's smile grew, warm and reassuring. "I never thought you were. People are just... awful sometimes."

Jenna hummed softly as she leaned back in her chair, soaking in the warmth of the sun rays that filtered through the window. She never would've imagined herself sitting in a dress store, feeling like she had someone to call a friend. Just last week, it had felt like it was her against the world. She didn't mind the change, but a small, wary part of her lingered, unsure if the friendship would last. She'll mess it up again.

You're not like them.

Jenna swallowed, forcing the knot of anxiety down deep. She focused on the warmth of the sun, trying to push the doubt from her mind. For now, she was here, with them, and that was enough.

While Jenna relaxed and soaked up the sun, Bella pulled out a book, settling in as she casually glanced up every now and then to offer feedback when Jessica or Angela showed off their dresses. Bella acted as though the dress shopping didn't interest her, but Jenna noticed the careful attention she gave her role as an unofficial fashion critic. It surprised Jenna—Bella didn't seem like the type to have an eye for fashion. Her usual style was anything but flashy: long-sleeved shirts, cardigans, and, when she felt a bit festive, a blouse.