It's Complicated

2. The Party

2. The Party

I got out of the shower feeling proud but extremely tired. We beat Lamont's soccer team 3-1 today and that had been our best win of the season. We were invincible!

The game took longer than planned, though, so I had only an hour to get dressed before Emma's Sweet 16 started. I couldn't believe Emma was a whole year younger than us. She always seemed to be one of the oldest girls in our class, maybe because of her popularity or  because of all the confidence she carried. Smart and pretty, she was one of the girls I couldn't help envy.

I scanned the fancy dresses in my closet and let out a little "yes!" when I found the perfect dress. It was a light pink and it had a hint of shimmer to it. It was plain but absolutely gorgeous. I quickly put on the dress and fixed up my hair. Thank God my hair was cooperating with me today. Now for the make-up....

Half an hour later, I was completely ready. I checked myself out in the mirror. Hmm, not bad. Except for that huge smudge of mascara near my left eye! How did I even do that? I didn't rub my eyes or anything. I groaned and gingerly got rid of the black smudge. Finally, my eyes were clean and I was completely presentable.

I made my way downstairs and popped into my parents' room to say goodbye. They smiled and told me to "have fun, honey! But not too much fun!" I snuck into my brother Alex's room, trying to scare him, but, as usual, he saw me.

"Woah. You look nice-"

I smiled.

"-for once."

I glared at him.

"Shut up, Alex. I'm leaving."

"Bye, sis! Have fun! But don't let any of the guys..." He made some interesting facial expressions at me, trying to get his message across. "If they do, lemme know. I'll make them regret they ever tried anything on you."

"Um, no offense, Alex, but first of all, you're fifteen, not seventeen like the rest of the guys in my class. They would beat you up in a second. Secondly, it's my job to worry after you, not the other way around. And, lastly, I'm
pretty sure I can handle myself around some guys." I felt like I had to disillusion my brother, and I couldn't stop from smirking at his offended expression.

"Mariela, I could so take you," my brother said, making me laugh due to the seriousness in his voice.

"Yeah, you wish," I said, my smirk becoming more profound.

Alex got up, probably to tackle me, but I took a couple of hasty steps backward and held up my hands in surrender. "Calm down there, buddy. I'm in a nice dress and it's not going to stay that way if you attack me."

I left his room and got into my car, groaning when the car didn't start. I gave it one last try and sighed in relief once it started. My car had been doing this a lot lately and I was kind of worrying something was wrong.

I sent up a quick prayer of thanks before cruising out, turning up the radio. I really loved to drive. There was nothing better than cruising down a highway with your windows down and your music up. Unfortunately, I couldn't leave the windows down due to my carefully arranged hair, but I could turn up the radio as always.

My phone rang and I picked it up, not bothering to check Caller ID. "Hello?"

"Hey, Mar! Where are you? We're getting late!"

I grinned evilly, deciding to play a little prank on my best friend. "Oh, crap, Riya!"

"What?"

"I forgot that I was supposed to pick you up! I'm already at the party! I'm so sorry!" I held back my laughter as Riya was silent on the other line.