Lover Dearest

Chapter 8

CHAPTER EIGHT

I took my sweet time getting ready for tonight. The shower washed away all the remnants of the events from the night before, and I felt fresh and renewed. I dreaded the upcoming party with a new sense of premonition. Devin was going to be there, that much was for certain. The guys would probably poke and prod for answers from me as to why we broke up, but I wouldn't let them bait me.

As I was doing my hair in my bathroom with the door open, I heard someone call my name. Thankfully, the boys had all gone home while I was getting dressed in my room. I wouldn't want them to see my hair in it's strange shape at the time. I was curling it into tight waves, as right as a wave could be, that is.

"Alright Kristen, since I've known Jason for longer, he's going to drive you and he is gonna pick up Dallas on the way. I'm gonna give you a twenty and that should be enough for food and gas money for Jason." My mother was being uncharacteristically generous tonight. Must be the breakup and the tornado and all that. She probably thought I was losing it. Maybe I was.

"Thanks, mom. I'm leaving in about an hour so I'll just text Jason and be here at around seven." I quickly got the money and hugged my mom and resumed the hair situation.

Forty-five minutes later, I had on a black Jack Daniels tee shirt with the sides cut out, a pair of denim short shorts that fit every part of my hips and showed off my toned calves, and some black closed heel wedged boots. I added a smoky eye and dusted bronzing powder all over for a finishing look. I put on my favorite perfume and added some rings and a necklace. When I looked in the mirror, a new, edgier Kristen stared back at me.

I used to only wear tee shirts and jeans and boots anywhere I went. This break up snapped me back to reality. I could change my image in the blink of an eye. If this was what Devin wanted, he could see it but he most certainly could not have it. No one would expect this change in me, but I was ready for the surprise everyone saw. I was ready to make a name for myself other than, "Devin's girlfriend".

I rushed out my bathroom to the living room to look for a bracelet when I spotted Jason staring at me, shock written all over his features.

"What, is it too much? Will it make him regret it?" I didn't bother mentioning his name, he probably already knew Devin had broken up with me.

"No, it's perfect! I mean, um, it's a lot...different than what I'd expect you to wear." The perfect reaction I wanted.

"Alright, well, I'll be ready pretty soon, I just need that bracelet that you're probably sitting on." He quickly shot up and looked around and, sure enough, the silver one stranded bracelet that I always wore was in his seat. I gratefully took it from his outstretched hand and when his fingers touched mine for a half second, electricity shot through me like a bullet. I shuddered it out and returned to the bathroom to ponder the strange feeling.

We picked up Dallas at his house and I recurred the same reaction from him as I had from Jason. Stuttering and smiling, mixed with shock. Great. Just what I wanted. I also wanted alcohol, bad.

"Any of you guys got beer or something to take the edge off?" It was probably a long shot, but hey, with Dallas you never know.

"Not on me, but I can get some buddies of mine to supply the party." Dallas never failed to retain his reputation.

"The party will be fully stocked hopefully. And yes, there will be swimming." Although it was May, Arkansas weather never ceased to amaze anyone. It was ninety seven degrees at eight o'clock at night. I mentally thanked myself for wearing my push-up bikini top and bottoms under my outfit, though I wouldn't be swimming until the night was over. Thankfully I had remembered water proof mascara and a hairbrush and all the wonderful tools a girl needs while swimming.

"Dammit I forgot my trunks. Guess I'll just go naked." Dallas' form of humor didn't catch me off guard and I let out a short laugh.

"I'll be sure to join you." I said sarcastically.

"Damn, what happened to you blondie? You used to be a goody goody who didn't even cuss. I like it." Dallas' compliment actually did catch me off guard.

"Why thank you Dallas. That was probably the first compliment I think I've ever gotten from you in my life."

"Anyway, when y'all are done flirting, Kristen why did you and Devin break up?" Jason's reminder jostled me out of my amazing mood and back into the somber attitude I'd had since Devin had broken up with me.

"It's a long story. He doesn't love me anymore blah blah blah. Some dumb ass bullshit about his friends. I don't even know, don't care. I just wanna forget it." I loved my new attitude, it gave me a sense of freedom. I was free! I could hug or kiss any guy I wanted without them worrying if Devin was gonna go ballistic about it. I could make out with a random guy just for fun. Not that I was going to, but the knowledge that I could just empowered me that much more. Tonight was going to be my night. No crazy tornadoes or earthquakes, or bs. Just me and my friends getting drunk as hell and living life like a teenager is supposed to.