Encore (Matt Niskanen)

- Alex's POV: -

I woke up to the sight of clouds and the airplane wings and to the voice of the pilot announcing that we were going to land in a few minutes. My best friend, Cady, was sitting beside me and she shot me smile, realizing that I just woke up. We were finally moving to Pittsburgh, away from North Carolina.

We were going to start a new life.

To say I was excited would be an extreme understatement. I couldn't wait to get settled in, to finally be responsible for myself and only myself. It was going to be glorious.

"So, Alex, you ready for this?" Cady asked above the noise of the plane.

I nodded. "Nervous, but so ready."

Cady squealed in delight as the plane began its decent. In minutes, we were off the plane, our carry-ons in hand. Most of our luggage had already been pre-delivered to our new apartment. Everything except a weeks worth of clothes and shower necessities, so we still needed to stop at the luggage claim before heading into the city.

I scanned through the different suitcases, looking for anything that had Alexandra McNamara or Cady Daft on the tag. It didn't take long before Cady and I reclaimed our four suitcases and were making our way to our rental car.

~~~~

It was a 20 minute drive from the airport to our new apartment. Not bad, considering how big the Pittsburgh area is.

"I think we should celebrate." Cady said matter-of-factly, placing her hands on her hips after we lugged all of the suitcases into our apartment.

"I agree. Shall we order a pizza and watch a movie?"

Cady laughed out loud. "Please tell me how I'm friends with you!" She came up to me and placed her hands on my shoulders, shaking me. "We're in Pittsburgh! And you want to sit at home, stuffing your face with pizza and watching movies when there are guys to be danced with and drinks to be had?!"

I blushed. Cady was more of a partier than I was, but she had a point. It could be fun...right? I needed to let loose once in a while. "Fine." I sighed.

Cady clapped her hands together. "I knew I raised you better, Alex!"

I rolled my eyes and laughed. "Yeah, yeah. You decide where we're going."

"Aye aye, Captain!" Cady saluted and off she went to her room, probably to google the best clubs in Pittsburgh.

I decided to take a nap until Cady informed me of the place we were going to... God knows I'll need the rest, escpecially with Cady around.

~~~~~~~

Five hours later, I was dressed in a black, skimpy lace dress that was far too tight for my liking, but Cady had forced me into.

"You look so fucking sexy," She had said as she handed me a pair of heels. "Alex, you have to wear that!"

Being already almost 5'8", I refused to wear the heels and settled for a pair of flip flops with cute little bows on them instead. I was not about to be taller than every guy in that club tonight. Me +  Heels =  well over 6'0".

I really hated my height.

My brown locks were curled in the loosest way possible and cascaded down to the middle of my back. Cady had done my makeup heavy, but I didn't mind - it actually looked fantastic.

"Are you ready, slow poke?!" Cady called from the front door.

I rolled my eyes and muttered to myself. "Ready as I'll ever be."