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@𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚎𝚕𝚜𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚊𝚊 𝚊𝚜 𝚂𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚊 𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚎 𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣
Three days had passed since I settled into Aunt Alicia's house, and I had finally started adjusting to the change. Philly was different. The people, the noise, even the air felt different. It had been a mix of overwhelming and exciting, but I wasn't quite there yet. I was still holding onto bits of my old life, trying to figure out where I fit in this new version of myself.
Aunt Alicia was trying to be helpful in her own way, always offering her advice or asking me if I needed anything. Capri, my cousin, had been a bit quieter than usual, which was unusual for him, but I guess everyone was adjusting in their own way. He and his sister, Zamora, were closer than ever and practically inseparable. I found myself often drifting into the background as they spent their time together, catching up on life.
Still, despite all the changes, I was trying to stay grounded, to stay true to myself. But that night, they weren't giving me much of a choice.
"Solona, you have to come with us to this party tonight," Zamora insisted, practically begging me. "You can't just stay in your room forever. It's gonna be fun! You'll see people you remember, and the vibe will be chill."
I had hesitated. Parties weren't my thing. Loud music, random people, and all the attention—it felt too much for me. But my cousins were relentless. Capri chimed in, adding his persuasion.
"Come on, you'll be fine. We'll be right there with you. It'll be fun, you'll meet new people, maybe even catch up with some folks from when you used to visit."
At that point, I couldn't say no. They were both so excited, and I couldn't keep hiding from the world. Maybe I needed to push myself a little, try something new.
So, I agreed.
I stood in front of the mirror in Aunt Alicia's bathroom, staring at myself with a mix of nerves and determination. The bathroom was still steamy from the shower I'd just taken, and the foggy mirror made everything feel distant, surreal. I grabbed my facial cleanser, a gentle wash that had always left my skin feeling clean but not stripped, and massaged it into my face in small circles. As I rinsed it off, I felt the stress of the past few days fade away, if only for a moment.
I followed up with a toner, swiping it gently across my skin. It wasn't much, but it was enough to refresh me. Afterward, I applied my moisturizer—thick and hydrating. I spent a little extra time on it, letting the cream soak into my skin, knowing the party tonight would probably be loud and full of people. I wanted my skin to be at its best.
Next came my hair. I carefully took my lace front wig from its stand, examining it in the dim bathroom light. It was freshly washed and in great shape, but I still had to make sure it was perfect. I laid it out carefully on the counter, adjusting the lace edges to my hairline. I applied the adhesive gently, making sure it would stick well and last throughout the night.
