A Fiend as a Friend

Chapter 36

Sharon finished my make up with little smudge of blush on my cheeks and smiled at me. I pouted. "Lemme see myself in the mirror already."

She shook her head. "No. Something's still missing."

I closed my eyes in frustration. "What now?"

She put her middle finger under her cheek and raised an eyebrow. "Huh...I'm thinking, so, keep mum."

I shook my head. "Sorry. I can't wait any longer. Already, I have kept Thomas waiting."

Then suddenly, her eyes grew big. "Yes! Yes! Yes! I know now."

"What?"

"Contact lens?"

I jumped up from my seat. "What? No, Sharon. I'm not putting--"

"Stop! It looks good on you."

I shook my head. "In your dreams, y'hear?" I lifted the ends of my gown, slipped into my heels and headed out. Sharon called for me, but I didn't even look back. Contact lens were definitely not on my list. Only Sharon would do something like that.

I walked slowly towards the boy's quarters, looking around for Thomas. I sighed when I realized that I hadn't checked what Sharon did on my face. What if she drew lines on my cheeks or made me look like a witch? I considered going back to my room, but the call of my name stopped me.

"City?"

I smiled at him. "Thomas, I'm really sorry. I--"

"Damn!"

I frowned. "What?"

His eyes traveled down my length, causing me to shift uncomfortably. "Thomas?"

He looked at me and smiled. "Sorry. Staring is rude, right?"

I rolled my eyes. "Aren't we late?"

He nodded, looked at me again and then nodded. "I'll make sure other guys don't set their eyes on you."

I chuckled. "Yeah."

He held my arm and pulled me along with him. "Maybe I should call you beauty city?"

I shook my head. "Nah, Thomas. Sounds weird."

He laughed and put his arm around me. I felt weird at first, but then, he was Thomas! Innocent Thomas!

As soon as we got to the garage, I saw Mike coming towards us, a frown on his face. I smiled. Whoever made him frown was my best friend. He looked up and caught me staring. I blinked and cleared my throat. His eyes darted to my shoulder and remained there.

Okay, did a bird poop on my shoulder? Why was he staring at it so intently? Gosh, they were getting dark, even. I looked at the shoulder and frowned. There wasn't anything there! Only Thomas's hand.

Wait, was that the reason?

I tried to shrug his arm away, but he just seemed to hold on tighter. I sighed. Why was I even trying? He liked Gold, not me.

"Where are you off to?" Mike asked icily.

I think I felt the chunks of ice fall onto my skin....

Thomas laughed. "Mind your business."

Mike looked at me then back at Thomas. "Are you two dating?"

"Yes", Thomas said, laughing.

I can swear, okay? Mike's face turned purple. No, maybe pink..

"Look, elf, if you think this was what you were employed for, I think you need help. I told you we need to practice for the upcoming musical festival. Instead, you just go around with every guy you see. Is that sensible to you? If we lose, would you hold responsibility?"