Darkness Falls College

Chapter Eleven

  Since there was no way I was getting out of karaoke night, I figured I might as well look nice. I'd avoid singing if Elise don't drag me on stage.
Pulling on my favorite striped shirt, I glance at myself in the mirror. Dark rings frame my eyes. I could lose a few pounds, I think, feeling my waist in front of the mirror. I pull on a pair of black pants that matches the deep blue and white shirt well. I add a gray sweater with the words 'Darkness Falls College' ironed across the chest in silver letters, pulling the hood over my hair, leaving only one strand in my face. I brush it back and tuck it behind my ear.
Makeup. Concealer.
I glob on large amounts of con leader and blend it into my skin. Elise had left some makeup on the sink, so I take the eyeliner and highlight my eyes after applying my own shade of purple eyeshadow, which sparkled in light. The mascara clumps on my eyelashes but I don't care.
I look at myself in the mirror.
I felt Pale, gross, fat, and I had forming zits spread across my forehead. Concealer couldn't hide the rising skin. Not even the amount I'd used.
"Come on!" Elise yells from the doorway. I rush over to her, looking down. I tuck my arms into my shirt, letting the sweater sleeves dangle to my sides. "Let's go. I'm driving." She demands, leading us out the door and to her pale silver car. The sun had set. The car said eight thirteen when I sat down in the passenger seat and pressed my cheek against the cold window.
"Come on, Peyton. Please cheer up." Elise chirps, obviously excited for the weekly event at the local bar, Spacer's. It was three blocks from campus, and owned by the old, fun geezer Hal Hankford. He'd had karaoke night For years, and She'd been forced multiple times to go.
The car ride was uneventful and silent. When they arrived at the pub, they got out of the car. Elise stopped her before they walked inside. "Promise me you'll have fun, kay?"
"Yep. Fun machine." She weakly fist pumped.
Elise rolled her eyes and went inside. She followed steadily, keeping her gaze on her converse and she wow through the sparse crowd.
The stage was empty. Elise ran up and switched on the karaoke machine. Hal Hankford greeted her and told her to go for it.
Elise began singing.
She payed no attention. Instead she ordered a vodka swished with gin and diet coke.
"Peyton, get up here!" The loudspeaker said. Elise, oh my god.
"I'm good." She said awkwardly, feeling eyes on her from the entire pub. "Please." Elise begged, making puppy eyes. "Nah." She replied, hints of aggravation in her tone. Elise begged again. "I really want you to-"
"I said NO!" She yelled in rage. Did anyone listen to her? No. Nobody did.
She stormed out, anger swelling up inside her.