The Magic in Low Valley

Chapter 6- Assassins

I hate it when books are blatantly obvious as to what's going to happen next, but now, seeing as I have been in a situation that would include automatically knowing what was going to happen, I've gotta say, it's not that easy to piece it together in real time.

Teddy and I spent the rest of the afternoon and well into the evening preparing for tonight. And I have to tell you, my best friend was definitely going to be the best looking one there.

Her rich brown hair was in loose curls that bounced effortlessly around her shoulders. She wore a white lace crop top that ended at her midrift and a baby pink skirt that billowed around her toned tan legs.

Her makeup was subtle, but still noticeable, eyes adorned with fake lashes and a shimmering shadow, along with baby pink lips from a crazy expensive lipstick I got her.

I, although not as perfect, did look much better than my day to day school look. Teddy was able to curl my short hair and put it in loose curls. My makeup was dark around the eyes, a cat eye swoop and deep shadows. The whole look made my grey eyes look something other than devoid of color. The deep eye makeup was followed by a nude lip and a black lace collar around my neck.

Needless to say, I felt nothing like myself.

Before leaving, Teddy pulled on high heels that brought her almost to my height. I stuck with black converse high tops, no way was I adding onto my already tall frame.

We were at the salon in about ten minutes. We were about twenty minutes late, so there was already elegant music playing from inside. Walking in, I smiled as I looked around at all of my mother's hardwork.

The store, when she bought it, was an absolute mess of dark walls, bad lighting, and shaggy carpet. It was now bright, the walls painted an off grey color, shining tile floors on the ground. The lighting came from recess lighting in the ceiling and a whole wall was torn down, opening up the back.

I had helped a couple days, but I hadn't been around in a while, and it was nice to see the finished product.

Teddy looked around, most likely looking for Mr. Handsome. I hadn't seen him yet, so I figured he was just as late as we were. I dragged Teddy over to my mom, who was talking to what I figured to be investors.

Turning toward us she smiled, "Why don't you two know how to clean up." she laughed, bringing Teddy into a hug and giving me a kiss on the cheek.

"Feel free to eat any food you need, girls, and make sure to mingle, I needed you two to liven up all this old." Teddy and I laughed at my mom's lame use of words as she assured us towards the crowd.

Instead of mingling, we made a beeline toward the snack table. Cameron showed up behind us. "Where have you guys been?" he hissed. "I just had to talk to an old woman for twenty minutes about how perms work!" he exclaimed, seeing our confused expressions.

It took all but two seconds for Teddy and I to bust out laughing. Cam just stood there, taking it all in.

Just as I was about to make a joke, Cameron's eyes fell upon the door. "Guys." he said. We turned and all of our mouths hung open in astonishment.

There he was, Mr. Handsome, followed by Mr. Smirks-a-lot. As their heads looked around, Derk's eyes narrowed in on us and the corners of his mouth lifted up and that stupid damn smirk.

He pointed to Landon and they waltzed on over.

Instantly tensions ran high.

"Well, well, well. Who would've thought we'd run into you guys here? What a small world, right bro?" Derk said, clapping his hand on Landon's shoulder.