ASHLEY

52

Sorry guys. I totally forgot to post this Wednesday. So sorry for the delay.

   The outfit is a black two-piece. The crop top is a thin lace material so a black bra will definitely be worn underneath. What catches my eye most about the outfit is the bottoms paired with it; black leather shorts that leave room for my large butt to hang out and a leather band attactched to long leather strips to go around my waist.

"Are you sure about this oufit? I don't really think it's your style."

"It's not too different. I like it," I admit with a smile. Kayla is right about it not being my style. I normally wouldn't have even thought about choosing something so revealing but I want to try something different and besides, it looks amazing on my body. How can I not get it?

Kayla shrugs, finally giving in. "Besides," I add, "it will make a great scene at my surprise birthday party."

"Okay I never said I was throwing you that party. This is just suppose to be just a fun girls day out. That would be stupid of me to take you shopping for your surprise birthday party? That's just stupid," she says then clears her throat awkwardly. Kayla is so bad at keeping secrets, especially from me.

The cashier that rings me up compliments me on my choice, even adding that it's perfect for a night out, to which I turn and give Kayla a not so subtle wink.

It means a lot to have my best friend at my side when I really need someone the most. Even though I was a terrible friend on my part. Not to mention I was a terrible girlfriend to Isaiah and a terrible sister to Angela.

A tap on my shoulder brings me back, "Bria, you good?"

"Yeah I'm good. Lets finish shopping."

After our nails are done up sparkly and dramatic we get our hair and makeup done. I'm really happy with the results. Its been ages since I let someone do the latter two for me and to be completely honest with myself it feels good to let someone take care of me, even if it's only something as simple as hair and makeup.

Once back to my house we call up the other girls to come over and we just sit around and talk like old times. Its crazy how everything is falling back into place with us as if our friendship wasn't on the verge of coming to a complete and utter end.

Erica keeps going on and on about some guy she met. I think we all can agree he must be a little aggressive and have a lot of patience if he's willing to deal with her. Erica can come off so mean when you first meet her, especially to guys she think are trying to play her.

Stephanie keeps calling her step sister a hopeless romantic and to be honest I'm not even sure she knows what that means because it isn't anything I would use to describe Erica, even if she really likes this guy. Lira agrees with me, ignoring Stephanie's rude comment about all Asians being smarter. We all know Stephanie doesn't mean it in a mean way. We all crack jokes on each other like that. Every now and then Lira says something about light skins with big boobs. We all laugh.

We really shouldn't be so mean to each other. "Guys we shouldn't be mean to each other," I voice.

The rest of the girls brush me off. Well can't say I don't try.

We change the topic and start talking about something a little lighter; like my birthday party. Kayla finally gives up on calling it a surprise. I mean, how else could she get me to dress up.

"How many people did you invite?" I ask in a shaky voice once we pull up to the large black building. Beight, colorful lights dance in a beautiful array as the door opens and clothes with fancy dressed people going in and out.

I turn back to face Kayla, her hair cascaded over her shoulders and the sparkly red dress molds against her small frame, highlighting every curve. She shrugs. "Just a few kids from school."

Just a few kids from school happen to not quite be as small as I expected. In not even sure half these kids go to our high school. Some of them look too old to be at a high school party.

"I thought you said it was just a few kids from school."

"Okay maybe I wasn't completely honest. Relax. Just be glad my parents let us borrow this building to do this. It took a lot of convincing but it was well worth it. Anything for you," Kayla says.

"Yeah, so you should be m your day," Stephanie adds.

Lira makes her way over to the music booth where she snatch the microphone from the D.J. and start yelling in it, "everyone, the birthday girl is in the house so why don't you all do yourselves a favor and wish her a big happy eighteenth birthday!"

"Happy birthday, Bria!" They all yell in unison.

"Thank you guys so much."

Lira runs back over to us breathing heavy. "Well that was fun. Come on, Kayla says she hooked the snack bar up with all of your favorite food so you know what that means," she smiles.

"It means we both get to pig out because you like what I like."

"Correct."

Lira drags me over to the dessert bar. Everything looks so delicious but what catches my attention most is the large velvet cupcakes with fondant decorations.

"Nice party." I know that voice all too well.

I take a deep breath before turning around to face him. "Isaiah, what are you doing here?"

"Kayla sent me an invitation months ago. I wasn't going to show up but...I hope this is alright. I thought I would come to wish you a happy birthday," Isaiah replies nervously.

"It's fine. I'm actually glad you're here."

"You are?"

"Yeah. We left off on such awful terms. I want you to know that I didn't mean to hurt you. I also wont sit here and try to point the finger at anyone but myself. I hope you can forgive me...one day."

"Yeah, maybe."

The two of us grow silent. Lira is too busy smashing desserts in her face to notice the awkardness. It feels so weird seeing Isaiah after all this time. It means a lot that he showed up to the party. Most ex-boyfriends wouldn't have even bothered.

"How are things with you and Kenneth?" Does he really want to know?

"There is no me and Kenneth." Another awkward silence. Wow you would find it hard to believe that we actually dated. "How's your family?"

"We're good. My sisters really missed you though."

"Maybe I can stop by some time?" Such a stupid question to ask. Now I just made things even more awkward between us.

Isaiah shrugs. I don't miss the quick flash of disbelief in his almond eyes. "That wouldn't be a good idea."

"You're right. I'm sorry I asked. It was a stupid question."

"No. Its fine," He says with a forced smile. This conversation is just as painful for him as it is for me. We were such a great couple. I can't believe I threw it all away for someone who doesn't even care about me and never have.

Kenneth was my best friend but now I realise some things just aren't meant to be. He's done with me and I'm done with him. Nothing could ever change my mind about that-

"Am I interrupting?" Comes a deep voice caked in amusement. My eyes grow wide and my hands clammy. How could he just scroll in here dressed in a deep bloody red and a pearly white smile like nothing ever happened? He shouldn't be here. I thought I got rid of him for good. I guess even that was too good to be true.