Elliot

16 - Chicago

Elliot and his two best friends lounged in his living room, a mix of late afternoon sunlight and warm lamplight filling the space. The room was a reflection of Elliot's personality—cozy yet vibrant, with soft throw pillows in an array of colors scattered on the couch . A faint smell of lavender lingered from the candle flickering on the coffee table, where bowls of chips and candy sat within arm's reach. 

Elliot was curled up in the corner of the couch, his legs tucked underneath him as he absentmindedly twirled a lock of his blond curls. Zoe had claimed the armrest, her green hair catching the light as she leaned back, while Jo sat cross-legged on the floor, picking at a bowl of popcorn. Music played softly from a speaker on the shelf, filling the pauses in their conversation with a calming rhythm.

"So, Aaron apologized, huh?" Zoe said, breaking the comfortable silence. She tilted her head, her sharp gaze locking onto Elliot.

Elliot nodded, though his lips pressed into a thin line. "Yeah, he did. But... I don't know. It felt more like he just wanted me to forget about everything. Like he doesn't actually see why what he did was wrong."

Jo frowned, tossing a kernel of popcorn back into the bowl. "That's the thing with people like Aaron. They apologize just enough to make you doubt yourself but not enough to actually change."

Elliot sighed, pulling a knit blanket tighter around his shoulders. "I don't want to cause a scene at the party, but I also don't want to keep pretending like everything's fine."

"Well," Zoe said, her tone playful as she stretched her legs out, "maybe you can cause a little scene—on your terms."

Elliot raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Your costume," Zoe said, her lips curving into a mischievous smile.

Jo perked up instantly, scooting closer on the floor. "Oh my god, yes! Let's talk costumes. What are you wearing?"

Elliot hesitated, his cheeks flushing a soft pink. "I, uh... I was thinking about wearing a dress."

Zoe's eyes widened in delight, and she let out a dramatic gasp.

"Yes! Do it!" Jo clapped her hands together, her excitement palpable.

"Wait, wait," Elliot interjected quickly, holding up his hands. "I'm nervous. I don't know how people will react. What if they think it's weird or laugh at me?"

Jo leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "First of all, you'd look amazing, so screw anyone who doesn't get that. Second, who cares what they think? If you want to wear a dress, wear a dress. It's your night too."

"Exactly," Zoe chimed in, her voice firm. "You'd totally rock it. And, hey, if anyone gives you a hard time, call us and we'll be there to shut them down."

Elliot's lips twitched into a smile, their encouragement soothing his nerves. "You really think I could pull it off?"

Zoe leaned forward, her expression filled with confidence. "Oh, honey, you'll do more than pull it off. You'll steal the damn show."

Elliot laughed, the sound bubbling up despite his earlier hesitation. The knot of anxiety in his chest eased a little as he looked between his friends. "Alright, fine. I'll do it. But only if you both promise to help me pick something out."

"Deal," Jo said, already whipping out her phone and scrolling through costume ideas with a focused gleam in her eye.

As they dove into a lively discussion about fabrics, accessories, and makeup, the atmosphere in the room grew lighter, their shared excitement washing away Elliot's doubts. The soft glow of the candlelight and the steady hum of the music seemed to wrap around them, making the moment feel safe and full of possibility. For the first time in days, Elliot let himself imagine a night where he could be completely, unapologetically himself.