Cursed

--> Ch. 7 <--

I stared consciously at the mirror in front of me, my eyes wide with either contentedness or skepticism; I couldn't officially decide. I had to admit, though; I did at least look stunning for a girl who didn't know anything about looking stunning in the first place. With a pinch of makeup, some jewelry here and there, my straightened hair, and my flattering dress to top it all, I looked like I was prepared for a prom of some sort. Who knew? I actually could be going to a prom. Thanks to Dia, I had no idea where Sam and I would be going. I brought my hand up to my mouth and began chewing on my nails. Narrowing my eyes at my reflection, I quickly shook my head and corrected myself, my hand shooting back down to my side. None of that, I scolded seriously to myself.

All day, I had been fidgeting in my seat, never once glancing away from the slowly-ticking clock. Well, that is until my teachers asked me where the fire was. What can I say? I was nervous.

Last night's nightmare seemed to move to the back of my mind, meant to be straightened out later on. For that, I was grateful for.

My Mom offered her help -practically insisted it- but I quickly brushed her off. She was disappointed at first, wanting nothing more than to help her only daughter, but thankfully got over it fast. She mentioned this morning that Sam would be here at 7 O'clock sharp to pick me up. I glanced down at the time on my phone and winced; it was already that time.

I rushed over to my closet doors and shoved my feet into the shoes Andy chose for me. I staggered a little when I saw the height difference in the mirror; they made me almost 5 inches taller. I composed myself, pretending that I hadn't noticed and hoping that this guy was pretty tall, and strolled out my door. Going down the stairs was difficult with my feet constantly rocking back and forth, but I managed to make it by leaning half of my weight on the railing.

When I stepped onto solid ground, I huffed a sigh of relief at the exact moment my Mom gasped. I looked up curiously.

She had tears swelling in her eyes already and her hands were covering her mouth. I smiled sheepishly as she rushed forward to hug me.

"You look gorgeous, honey!" She exclaimed through small sobs.

I laughed once. "Thanks, Mom."

She stayed like that, hugging me for awhile. If I didn't cut in, I knew she wouldn't've stopped. "Mom, you're going to ruin my dress."

She gasped again and backed away swiftly but reluctantly. She nodded her head once more and dabbed at her tear-stricken eyes with a tissue she must have prepared herself with.

It was then when I noticed Andy sitting on my couch in a tuxedo. I almost laughed, but I held it in for my Mom's sake. He was smiling like an idiot, acknowledging his work by clapping his hands and bouncing up and down. He then walked over to where my Mom and I stood, and offered me a hug. I glanced consciously at my Mom who was still staring at me in adoration. Just because she knew I could see ghosts, didn't mean that I'd want to hug the air right in front of her. Secretly, I don't think she ever quite got used to me over the years. I knew how uncomfortable it made her, seeing me talking to my invisible friends.

"Uh, Mom? Could you, um, get me some water before I go?" I asked, my voice fake pleading, as if water was a life or death thing at this second.

She nodded enthusiastically and smiled the biggest I'd ever seen her smile in my life. "Anything for my baby girl!" It took all the power she had not run over to the kitchen.

As soon as my Mom's brunette head disappeared, I quickly turned to Andy. "You didn't have to dress up! It's not like anyone will see you."

He scoffed at my remark. "You can see me, can't you? I need to look my best to be your charming body guard. And plus,” he added with a gleam in his ethereal eyes, “I do look good, don't I?” He smirked.