Hanging With The Bad Boys (Edited)

Chapter 53- New Years Party- Part 1

"What should I wear?" I'm so confused; the party is tomorrow, and I have nothing suitable.

Arlene says, "There's always last-minute shopping. Let's go!" She drags me out of my room.

Arlene shouts, "Mr. Montez, Anne and I are heading to the mall for a dress for tomorrow!"

My dad replies, "Do you girls need any money?!"

I shout back, "No, Dad, I have my credit card, and it's loaded!"

Arlene smiles, "So we can shop for prom too."

I add, "I'm ordering mine online; shopping at the mall will take hours."

At the mall, it's busy with New Year shoppers. Arlene pulls me into Forever 21, where a girl greets us, "Welcome! Happy holidays! How can I help you?"

Arlene says, "We need one of your most expensive and beautiful dresses; we're going to a millionaire New Year's Eve party tomorrow."

The girl nods and returns in five minutes with five dresses. I choose silver, blue, and pink to try on. The silver one is strapless and hugs my curves.

Arlene says, "Next one." I sigh.

The blue dress has thin straps, reaches below my knees, and is fluffy at the end. "Definitely not this one," I say.

The pink dress is strapless, long, and has a V-shaped neckline that shows a bit of my back.

Arlene jumps up and down, clapping, "That's definitely the one! Now for heels."

Seriously?

After an hour of shopping torture, we're finally out of the store. My pink glittery heels match my dress perfectly.

We walk into Starbucks and see Brandon, Blake, and Jack. Great.

Arlene whispers, "We can leave if you want." I shake my head.

It's time to move on from Brandon; he made his choice.

Jack sees me and shouts, "Hey Anna! Since you're single again, you should go on a date with me to the party tomorrow!"

I notice Brandon stiffen while Blake is busy texting.

"I don't know; I need to think about it," I reply.

Jack explains, "Blake is going with Stephanie, and Brandon isn't going, so I need a date."

Arlene whispers, "This is perfect! If Brandon's there, you can make him feel bad by flirting with his friend."

I nod.

I call out to Jack, "See you at the party!" and wink at him.

Brandon glares but says nothing. Serves him right.

Stacy says, "Let me do your makeup; the limo will be here any minute." We're in my room, my hair is curled, and my dress fits perfectly as Stacy applies light makeup.

Dad knocks and says, "The limo is here, and there's a guy waiting to escort you." That must be Jack.

We head downstairs, and I see Dad talking to a pale-faced Jack. Stacy whispers, "He looks familiar." I remember Stephanie dated him in freshman year.

Jack looks up and smiles, saying, "You look beautiful, Anna." I blush.

We get into the limo, heading to the hotel where my birthday party was held.

Dad asks Jack, "So, what do you like to do?"

Jack replies, "I enjoy long-distance running and all the science subjects. I'm considering medicine." Dad nods, approvingly.

I never thought Jack would be interested in something like medicine. Never judge a book by its cover.

We arrive, and cameras flash before my eyes.

A reporter says, "Here comes Alvin Montez with his date and his daughter with her date." I roll my eyes as Jack puts his arm around my waist.

Inside the hotel, I see Jordan choke on his champagne while watching me. Justin turns away from his conversation and frowns at Jack.

Arlene says, "You look beautiful, Anne. You too, Jack."

Arlene wears a long white silky dress with silver heels and has her hair in a high bun.

Jacob snaps at Jack, "Move."

I say, "He's my date, Jay. Calm down; it's just for tonight."

Jacob nods but points at Jack before talking to Kyle.

We enter the ballroom, filled with people my age. A group of girls rushes to talk to Justin, while the twins and Greg, who doesn't have a date, are nearby. I see Stephanie at the buffet, eating and chatting.

I ask, "You don't belong here, Stephanie. Who invited you?"

She explains, "Brandon invited Blake, who's my date," dramatically flipping her hair.

I shake my head and look for my friends, but things are getting worse. A girl is flirting with Justin, wearing way too much makeup.

Gabriella says, "I swear she's acting like that girl over there," pointing at Stephanie, who is now flirting with a guy who's not her date.

Just then, Brandon, his sister, and parents enter, with Nikki, who looks a bit heavier, at his side.

She smiles and talks, but Brenda spots me and shouts, "Anne!" She runs over and hugs me.

I chuckle, "Hi Brenda, how are you?"

"Bad. I don't like Brandon's friend; she's mean and just wants to kiss him," she says, disgust evident on her face.

Brandon is staring at me, but Justin stands beside me, glaring at him.

"I'll see you later, okay, Brenda?" She nods and runs back to her parents.

Justin says, "She's nothing compared to her brother."

I agree.

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