Black and White ✘ Black Butler

Chapter 18

                Just five minutes before Bell was due to arrive, I change into my evening wear. I switch out my t-shirt and jeans with a grey long-sleeve shirt, black skinny jeans, and blue flats. Then, I grab my favorite blue trench coat off the coat rack and put it on. I quickly comb out my hair and apply mascara onto my lashes. I finish getting myself ready just as the doorbell rang, signaling that Bell was right outside.

I let out a sigh of relief. For the first time in my life, I was ready just in time. I grab my brown cross-bag, containing my wallet, cellphone, and other junk, from my bed, and I quickly rush through the hallways. There was no need to make my best friend wait for me, unless I want to hear her rambling about my constant lateness. I swear, Bell and Aunt Rose were almost like the same person.

As I reach the stairway, I sit against the top of the railing then slide down the long railway. Just as I reach the bottom, I hop down before my butt could land on the wood floor. I jog out the door, which Sebastian held open for me, and jump into Bell's silver Mercedes. Once I settle myself into the vehicle, Bell starts the engine and drives off towards the city.

"C.L., I'm so glad you wanted to go to the city with me," she says.

"It's not like I had much to do at home."

"Oh, shut up you liar!"

"I'm serious; I was practically turning into a full-on zombie until you called."

She giggles. "I'm so happy we get to have a girl's night, just the two of us!" She jumps in her seat but still keeps her eyes on the road. She may have been excited but not too excited that she would want to kill us. I still don't know how she got her license before me.

"So am I. I just want to get away from all the drama."

"I thought you said you had nothing else to do at home?"

"Drama does not count as an activity. It's so stressful; trust me, you do not want to be in my shoes."

"I bet. Your family company is huge. There are people probably out to get you."

"You have no idea," I mumble.

"Say, why don't we go to my favorite boutique? We can shop for your birthday outfit!"

"Sure." With that, I look out the window and stare at the flashing lights that surround the city of London.

My birthday was a couple of weeks away. My birthday landed on December 21, just a few days before Christmas. It was during a time where families join and celebrate being together. But, it's never been that way for me, so I've never taken a part in all the festivities. Since my parents and grandparents are dead, it's always been Aunt Rose, Sebastian, Mary, Brad, Finnick, Tom, and I, and though I will always considered them my family, it's just not the same. That holiday is just a constant reminder of what I don't have. Having to hear all of the stories about new family memories only depressed me more. But, I wouldn't want to put a damper on everyone else's Christmas, so I agree to participate in the Christmas dinner that my aunt likes to host.

But, this year is completely different. I'm going to be turning 18 on my birthday. And because of this, my aunt and friends want to throw an extravagant party. As they say, you only turn 18 once. So, just to please everyone, I just went along with their big plans.

After quick fifteen minutes of cruising through the city and nonstop conversation, Bell parks her car in front of her favorite boutique. We exit her vehicle, and just before I could take a single step, Bell grabs my hand and drags me into the store. Once inside, I was met with nothing but racks of shoes, dresses, and accessories, all were ranging from pastel pink to neon green. Since being more of a fan of dark colors, I was completely out of my zone. I suppose you can say I'm more edgy rather than a girly-girl like Bell. I still don't know how we ended up being best friends, but I suppose opposites attract.