Fifteen

Chapter 14: Back to Black

"Watch where you're going!" Brooke shrieked as she bent down to pick up her phone. "Don't text and walk!" The slightly slurred speech didn't seem to match the brunette looking down at her. She was being held up partly by another girl who looked at her with an expression a little nicer than disgust.

"What did you say to me?" Brooke growled, but quickly noticed the girl's pupils and swaying demeanor. "Oh God," she sighed rolling her eyes and dusting off her phone. "Pull yourself together, sweetie. Your high is showing."

Brooke shoved pass them, but felt a tug on her arm. "Who the heck do you think you are, sweetie?" The girl in the orange dress questioned staring into her blue eyes all the while holding onto her friend. Why are you being such a bitch, Brooke? She sighed inwardly. It's not their fault that you were recognized almost immediately and bullied. Brooke felt silly for thinking that her makeover would be much of a disguise.

Granted, Ms. June had worked wonders with her. When she moved to Texas, she was already in desperate need of a haircut. Her once Anna Wintour-like bob had grown passed her shoulders and by now settled above her elbows. Ms. June transformed her naturally dark, brown hair into strawberry blond with long bangs. She was so thankful Brooke had "come to her senses and grown her hair out like a good Southern Belle." The thought made her smile and feel a pang of homesickness.

"I'm sorry." The apology seemed to surprise all three of them. "It's just been a really hard day and I didn't mean to take it out on you. Can we start over?" The drunken girl smiled widely. "Yay to friendship!" She giggled. "I'm Elsa...yes like the movie." She leaned in for a hug. Brooke could smell the vodka oozing through her pores. She's going to hate herself in the morning. She chuckled softly as she hugged her back.

"And this is my good friend Dayyyy-zzzeeee!" Elsa beamed sagging into Brooke. Daisy eyed her suspiciously, but seemed to accept her apology. "Do you want to hang with us?" She offered and Brooke couldn't rein in the large sigh. "Yes please." Daisy grinned. "That bad, huh?" Brooke shook her head. "You have no idea!"

Daisy and Brooke held onto either side of Elsa as they made their way towards the back end of the courtyard. There was a large bonfire in the center of the court, but each corner had a smaller version in the center of its own hedge maze. They were still far out, but she could make out a small group gathered around. "I knew I recognized you," Daisy said after formal introductions.

Brooke was so worried about what they would say or think, but she was learning rather quickly that Daisy and Elsa were not like the mean girls she had encountered earlier. When Brooke mentioned the run in, Daisy simply replied, "Fuck 'em!" The laugh that Brooke let out was genuine and much needed. She couldn't remember the last time she felt like a version of herself she liked.

"I learned pretty harshly that you shouldn't care about what others think about you." Daisy lectured as they continued to walk. Brooke noticed now that there were several good-looking guys and a gorgeous Hispanic girl chatting and laughing by the fire. "Okay, that's so much easier said than done. I mean my family's illegal dealings is literally plastered everywhere. The professors will probably mention it as examples of what not to do in Business 101."

Daisy felt for her, but knew she needed some TLC. "Look, I'm new to Texas. You're new to Texas. Elsa here is a native, but she's new to the freedom of living for herself. This is a do over for us all and I refuse to let you wallow in the shame and misery that your parents created for themselves." Daisy instructed and could tell that Brooke was honestly listening. They made their way closer to the smaller bonfire.

"You teach people how to treat you!" It was the first thing Elsa had said during the trek. She was happily intoxicated and it made Brooke smile. I don't know what I did to deserve this, but I'm thankful for this chance encounter. "Thanks." Brooke sighed. "I don't think I'll be introducing myself proudly just yet, but I will make an effort to tune out the negativity." Daisy smiled. "Good cause ain't nobody got time for that!" They laughed as they met up with the group. Brooke couldn't help but notice all of the guys. They're all equally gorgeous, but that can't be...him. She could feel her nerves getting to her and looked away towards Elsa.