Time and Again

Chapter 1 - Part 2: Reckless

After much debate, Shelley vetoed my silver dress for one that was a snowy white. It hugged my waist and gracefully cascaded to the floor. Although the front had a more revealing v-shaped cutout than I would have liked, I knew it was the perfect dress for the night.

It'd been two days since I'd last talked about the party with Shelley, but both of us knew that I had thought of little else.

"You ready?" Shelley asked as she brushed a few stray curls away from my face. A cosmetician student at the local community college, Shel had performed a miracle with my unruly hair. She'd pulled half of my hair into a sort of updo at the back of my head and placed fragrant pieces of baby's breath into the pins holding everything together. I couldn't have asked for anything more beautiful.

I splayed my fingers over my dress, tightening my hands into fists. "I think so," I replied hesitantly.

My phone buzzed. Liam.

Hey, babe. Thought we could catch a movie tonight. Maybe a horror flick? I know u like those ;)

My stomach flip-flopped at the thought of having to lie to my boyfriend. Shelley was adamant that he wouldn't care about my attending Barrett's birthday bash, but I had this feeling that he wouldn't approve. We didn't keep secrets from each other, but I didn't want to let him down. I did not want him to worry.

Most of all, I didn't want him to give me a reason not to attend. I appreciated Liam's constant concern for my safety, but tonight was all about branching out and doing something different. I wanted to be someone new for the night - a girl who didn't have sub-par grades and live in a dinky zip code. I knew in my heart that he wouldn't approve and that he might take it as a blow to his personal ego.

Sorry, Liam. Girls' night with Shelley tonight! Xoxo, G

Shelley tossed me a sympathetic look that lasted about two seconds before she clapped her hands together in pure glee. "I have worked my magic and you are ready for the ball! Gah, I wish I was joining you."

I stood up, glancing once in the mirror across the room from me. Twirling around, my reflection smiled back at me. I almost didn't recognize myself in the flowy, long white dress. Sparkles were dusted across my cheekbones and my eyes were accented by a yellowish gold that brought out my hazel eyes.

I sighed, the nerves once again settling over me. "You have no idea how much I wish you were coming with me tonight, Shels. I have a feeling that tonight will be memorable."