The Science of Starting Again//Book Five

Chapter 24~ Merry Christmas

Teddy's P.O.V

Last time I had gone to a Christmas party, my date had been John Watson. This time, though,  I was going with Greg. After nearly seven fantastic months of dating, it was past time we went out to a big party together, and the Scotland Yard Christmas parties were always big. My date to the do wasn't the only thing that was different. This year the party wasn't a costume dress-up one. It was just a classic wine and dine party where everyone dolled themselves up and looked as stunning as the stars. So far I had been looking forward to it, my past love for parties rearing its head the closer we got to the night. I even found myself looking forward to the dancing even though I knew full well I was horrible at it. I had gone shopping a week earlier, finding a pretty rose gold sequined dress that covered the worst of my scars. It clung nicely to my curves before flaring out around my waist, ending just above my knees. At first I had felt a little worried about wearing a dress that showed one of my major scars, not the burn on my thigh but the dog bite around my left ankle. However, Molly had assured me that the dress and my face would distract anyone from it, that why in the world would someone be looking at my feet in the first place? I had taken her advice and took the leap, buying the dress without a second thought. It was probably one of my best purchases, to be honest, and one I felt more like... me, I guess. The old me who was less broken and messy, more cheeky and confident. As though all those things that had occurred years ago never happened.  

Now the night was here and my spirits were high. My make-up was on and my curly hair was piled at the nape of my neck, a few diamond hairpins holding it in place. I slipped my feet into my heels before giving myself one last look in the mirror. 

You're looking great, Teddy girl, I told myself, smiling slightly. The person in the mirror smiled back at me. I turned, grabbing my things, before walking out of my flat and upstairs to where I could hear Sherlock and John. As I had a few minutes left before Greg turned up, I thought I might as well kill them with my boys. 

"Knock knock," I called, standing at the door with a grin. Sherlock was lying on the sofa, clad in his pajamas already. Dmitri was sitting on his lap, waking at my entrance. The grey cat jumped off my brother and padded over to where I was. Sherlock sat up to have a proper look at me, one eyebrow raised. I tilted my head to the side, holding up my hands.

"What?" I asked, staring at her brother.

"Oh, nothing."

"Sherlock-"

"You look adequate," he answered, making me scoff as I walked into the room. 

"Gee, I think that's the most heartwarming compliment I've ever gotten from you, Sherly," I joked, bending down and picking up my cat, holding him close to my chest.

"I don't know why you love going to those parties," Sherlock complained, making me roll my eyes. "They're boring and you don't even like the people from Scotland Yard. You think they're stupid."

"They are, but that's not why I'm going. I'm going because Greg asked me to and I am a good, supportive girlfriend who shall go with him. Also, the bar is free for an hour and I plan on getting wasted while looking super hot," I replied, earning a disapproving look from Sherlock. "Joking, brother mine. I'll stick to the fizzy drinks and just get super sugar wasted on them- while still looking super hot, of course." I beamed at him before twirling around in a circle to show off my dress. Sherlock chuckled, closing his eyes. It was at this time that John entered the room holding two cups of tea.

"Oh, hello Teddy!" He smiled before noticing what I was wearing. He slowed his pace down before stopping dead in his tracks, marveling at me. I couldn't help but wonder what this must feel like for him. I know that for me I was feeling a sense of deja vu, my mind wandering to what had happened last time we had gone to a Christmas party together. "Oh, you look- you look really, uh-"