Kaleidoscope

|| Chapter 5: The Closing Gala ||

Authors Note: The picture above is what Leonardo Sutton looks like. Look at all of his cute little freckles!

Florence

The closing gala is tomorrow, I can't believe the first semester of high school has already flown by. It honestly feels like just yesterday we were all sitting in the auditorium listening to Headmistress Tilden welcome us to Waldorf. 

I am surprisingly excited to see what the dance will be like, I am usually one to dread events like these. But, I think it may be the fact that for the first time in a while I'm actually comfortable in my body. Sure, it isn't anywhere near model-esque but I'm happy with what I see. 

And when I put on my body-con dress, for once I don't feel like running away. 

I feel liberated, in a way. Which sounds stupid, even to my own ears. But, I'm not exactly sure how to explain it, perhaps it is the fact that it makes me feel pretty which gives me a sense of security and confidence I've never had before. 

Anyways, everything is set for tomorrow. 

Aria somehow worked her charm and got Jason Palmer to ask her to the dance, and I'm thrilled for her. Emily is going with this guy named Anthony, I don't know much about him so I'm not exactly sure how I feel. 

Leo and Beckett decided against asking anyone and are going stag, but they have agreed to be my man-candy for pictures. Because, I did not get asked by anyone. 

But the good news is that I'm not at all that torn up about it.

I am just ready to have a good time with my friends. 

---

The day of the dance is finally here. 

I stare at my reflection in the limo's window, my usually unkempt dark, brown hair has been tamed back into a low ponytail with two curled tendrils framing my face. The hair stylist also lightened up my hair, a lot, meaning that I went blonde. I finally looked like a California girl. My thickly framed glasses were ditched for contacts and my makeup'd eyes were on display. And I felt good.

I quickly jump out of the car and walk ahead, wanting a moment of peace from the couples I've come with. 

I stand outside the doors, those big mahogany doors that hide the joy and merriment of the closing gala. I am able to hear a muted version of a Beyoncé song, most probably blaring throughout the room. 

"Flore, what're you waiting for? Let's go!" Emily simultaneously grabs my arm and opens the door. 

And it is beautiful, string lights are stretched across, going from wall to wall. Orchid flower arrangements are spread throughout the room, with little candles perched in them. 

Couples are scattered across the dance floor, some gazing into the other's eyes lovingly and other's just awkwardly trying to make minimal eye contact. 

And it's all just so magical. I try to absorb as much as I can, because I know I will never be able to have another experience like this. The first time you experience something is never like the rest. 

"Do me a favor and stop observing everything and start enjoying everything," Leo says, as he pulls me away from my thoughts and onto the dance floor, "let's dance!"

And we do, all of us, we swing our hips, we pump our fists, we even do the cupid shuffle. I learn more about Jason and Anthony and I begin to genuinely like them. A few slow songs come on, but luckily I have an amazing friend named Leo who gently sways me while making fun of the DJ.