Changed For The Better

Party

My nails were shiny blue colour that matched the horrendous dress that Carmen had me wearing. It was a deep, indigo blue and covered in glittery sparkly things that itched like hell. Around the top was a frilly, hanging down layer of the same fabric, and it was very fitted and came to slightly above my knee.

She had curled my hair and pinned part of it back with a silver clip, thing. I also had on a silver necklace and a few thin silver bangles that personally, I didn't think worked with the outfit at all. But hey, you can't argue with Carmen.

She had me wearing these blue shoes that had a small heel on them. They were a tiny bit too big but I can probably deal with it for just one party. She also gave me a handbag to bring with me. I don't know why, the only thing I could think I would be needing was my phone, and I'm sure Ryan would put that in his pocket if I got sick of carrying it.

She had done some really intense makeup on me as well. There was a smoky, dark blue eyeshadow with black eyeliner with a fancy little flick on the end. My lips were a pale pink colour, which made them barely noticeable. I'm not sure this is right.

The dress only had straps, no sleeves or anything so Carmen gave me this black sparkly cardigan to wear, that was equally as itchy as the dress, but there's no time to change now. We only have a few minutes before we have to leave if we don't want to be awkwardly late.

I looked myself up and down in the full length mirror in the spare room where Carmen and Tee were staying. I don't see myself. I almost look like a really weird Barbie doll. This isn't natural at all.

"Carmen, are you sure everyone else will be going this dressy?"

"Yes! Don't forget I've been there before. Stop worrying will you?"

"Are you sure I look alright?" I have to admit, I was feeling very insecure about the dress. "Are you sure I shouldn't put some tights on or something?"

"It looks fine Marie. But you'll only pull it off if you act like you're pulling it off so stop feeling scared or whatever, and work it!"

"Please" I started "Never say that again"

She rolled her eyes then looked down at her watch. "Right, well, my work here is done. Ryan ill be waiting for you so I'll see yo later. Let me know how it goes yeah?"

"Sure. Thanks Carmen"

With that I took the awkwardly sized handbag and headed out. I made a quick detour to my room where I grabbed a pair of converse and hid them in the bag, as well as picking up my phone and throwing that in there as well.

Then I carefully made my way downstairs. I know these heels aren't massive, but I'm clumsy and don't want to take any chances with it. I want to look cool in front of these people.

As soon as I saw Ryan, I knew it was a mistake asking Carmen for her help. Either one of us, Ryan and I, is going to stick out like a sore thumb. Here I am, all dressed up as though I'm going to a formal party, next to Ryan who is in some black jeans, a nice shirt (Like with a collar and stuff, a proper shirt at least) and a jacket.

"Wow. Marie I didn't know that..."

"Carmen did it."

"Oh I see. Are you going to be alright?"

"Yeah I'll be fine. According to Carmen, this is how everyone will be going so hopefully I won't stick out too much"

"Oh okay. But are you comfortable? Those shoes look difficult"

"Don't worry, I've brought some other shoes, just in case"

He smiled at me as Mai Lee came out of the office. "You guys ready? You both look great by the way"

Okay well that was weird. I can tell she doesn't approve. Honestly neither do I so it's okay. Ryan and I nodded and went to get in Mai Lee's car. Instead of arguing for the front seat, we both just sat next to each other in the back.

Suddenly I started to feel a bit nervous. It hadn't really sunk in that I would be in a crowded space with all the music and lights and stuff. Worse still, I only know maybe three people there. I'm sure Ryan will know more people than I do. What if we get separated?

Ryan intertwined his fingers with mine and rubbed circles into the back on my hand with his thumb. I looked up to see him smiling reassuringly. He must have noticed my nerved or something. But how can I be nervous when Ryan is with me? We'll be fine.

I took my gaze away from Ryan and looked outside the window. It was already starting to get dark, even though it wasn't exactly late. It will be much darker than this by the time we go home. This is probably a massive mistake but oh well.

We arrived at the house and could already hear the music coming from outside. There were some fairy lights outside the front door, which was wide open. What worried me was the fact that there was no car in the driveway. That means the parents aren't here. I kind of expected that, but what if something bad happens?

Mai Lee drove off and Ryan took my hand again and gave it a squeeze. You can tell there are a lot of people in there, you can hear voices from out here. It felt weird walking in when nobody knew we were there and we had never been there before. But what could we do? It isn't like anyone would hear if we rung the doorbell.

Once we were inside the hallway, I knew this was a bad idea. The hallway was packed and dark. The only light being that of a few fairy lights hung up around the place. Everyone was absorbed in their own conversations so we carried on making our way round the house.

The party was all downstairs, but people were sitting on the stairs talking in groups. There was the kitchen and living room, and a downstairs bathroom. In the kitchen there was a row of tables covered in snacks for everyone. There were drinks too, but no alcohol, thank goodness.