Invisible

Chapter 41 When The Time Is Right

Tiffany pits the finishing touches on my outfit for the night. It's a simple flared denim skirt with a pink sweater to match and brown fuzzy boots that match the fur lined brown jacket, both are hand me downs from the back of Tiffany's closet, very last season, according to her.

I try to loosen the right ponytail and she bats my hand away as she finished applying lip gloss. I feel like a doll that's been made over by a little girl. She even managed to get the dirt out from under my nails but I don't really like it, my hands don't look like mine.

"I think we're done." She grins as she places huge hoop earrings in her own ears and peeks in the mirror.

I finger the curls she placed in my hair and I get a dirty look. She reaches out and pulls the single loose curl out from behind my ear and places it on my temple. "Wow, controlling much?"

"It took a long time to get you to look this good... I don't want anything to mess it up."

I would laugh, she meant it as a joke but I'm too jittery. I'm excited, I'm nervous, I'm terrified, I'm... Sam springs out of the master bedroom and strolls over to where we stand by the door in front of the mirror in the entry way.

"Shall we?" Sam extends an arm to Tiffany who takes it with a giant smile and look of adoration in her eyes as she hangs onto her husband. I shrug on the jacket and button it up, it's so warm and soft.

"Maybe I shouldn't go tonight... Maybe it would be better if you guys went. After all, 3 is a weird number." It's my last ditch attempt to get out of this.

"Nonsense," Tiffany waves me off, "it would be upsetting to Hunter if you didn't show up. And besides, you're the whole reason we are going in the first place."

I look to Sam for help but receive an encouraging smile. Great, he's in on this too.

My eyes stay glued to the streetlights beams that illuminate the passing scenery the whole way to the Blue Bird and I ignore the fuss Tiff is making over Kenny and Gema, and Hunter and I.

We must have arrived early and I am slightly confused when I see only a handful of cars in the parking lot. "Um... Guys?"

"Hunter wanted to see you before the show. Surprise!" Tiffany whips her head around and I roll my eyes, I'm tired of her playing matchmaker.

"Why am I-"

"Back door." Tiffany points and I turn to see Hunter popping his head out of the said door and waving. "See you in a bit."

Seeing that I'm not getting any more information out of her I sigh and climb out of the car. "I think it's official, Tiffany has lost it and she's bringing Sam down with her." I shout from across the parking lot and quiet my voice as I step closer. "So, why am I here early?" He lets me through the door and the stinging on my cheeks from the cold starts to thaw instantly as warm air hits it.

Hunter beckons for me to follow him into a hidden corner at the rear end of the lobby. Then he turns and gives me a warm and soft smile. "Because I wanted to see you and later I'll see you, but not really." He hugs me and I return it, feeling safe in the arms of my best friend.

I know I've been a little distant lately and I hate it. I just don't know how to act, about a dozen times Hunter has tried to kiss me and each time I fend him off or side step him completely. He hasn't said anything since that night at his house but I can tell it hurts him that I won't let him get that close.

His hands clasp my back and he buries his head into my shoulder. The fresh scent of his cologne fills my nose as I rest my head on his shoulder, breathing into his neck.