Emoni McLaris

Chapter One: Emoni McLaris, The Unconventional Rebel

Monday the 6th of March 3237:

"Omg no way! Really? That's so awesome man I can't believe it! Ok well congrats and all but I've gotta go get back to work and stuff, yeah, okay byeeee talk to ya later!" My 'sista gurl' Ruby hangs up her phone, closes her eyes as she takes in a long slow breath, and screams out in frustration.

"You right? Can we continue? I'm already nervous enough I don't need anything else right now." I'm in a hurry to get to Bell's Body Beauty, the only beauty place in Rivertown that does nipple piercings. It's my 18th birthday today, so I'm spoiling myself, considering my parents think sending me off on school camp is a great gift. 4 days with over 100 disgusting and stupid teenagers in close quarters, nuh-uh.

"Sooooo, that was Fin, Saph had the baby this morning! Yay!" she says with utter disgust. Sapphire Briac used to be the school slut, although I guess not anymore because she dropped out like 2 years ago. Ruby's boyfriend, Fin Astin, is Sapphire's ex who is now claiming that he is her baby's father. Fin is actually quite a nice guy and has promised to help raise it. Damn I pay more attention than I thought.

I wonder if he named the baby 'Diamond' or 'Emerald' Heh, 'Em' for short. Fin has a thing for gemstones.

"I don't get it, Rubes. You being with him means that...well if you guys last, you're like, a stepmother. Are you ready for that?" I ask her. Why would anyone want that?

"Em, we're going to last. Don't look at me like that, I know what this is and its true love."

She's so naïve when it comes to boys.

"And babies are cute! Even if its mother is a bitch..."

We walk past smudgy and unpolished glass storefronts and I catch our reflections; Ruby is all tall and thinner than me and appropriately proportioned with things where they should be, wearing a flowy top expertly matched with a tight skirt and cute little ballerina flats; and the mess that is me-purple hair, loose black singlet and denim coloured denim with dad's oversized boots.

We look so different, who would ever believe we're best friends? Although it wasn't exactly my choice for us to be friends. I think she chose me, to be honest. Ruby is everyone's favourite person, and for some reason I'm hers.

"We both look good, come on." She pulls my arm and brings me back to the present. "Let's go get you pierced!"

A few minutes later and we've reached BBB. Ruby skips around a few steps in front of me, her straight black hair bouncing, and stops suddenly to open the shop door.

The reality hits me as soon as I step foot inside. The smell of antiseptic reminds me of a hospital, which makes me feel nauseous, and there's lavender incense burning, and fragranced body treatment and all sorts of hair products adding to the unique and distinct smell of beauty. I feel light headed. I sit down on the sanitised couch and focus on my breathing. In for 5 very long seconds, out for 5 even longer seconds. Having anxiety sucks. And I'm anxious pretty much 24/7.

Ruby turns around to see me and immediately her face falls. "Oh no sista gurl don't you dare do this. You're gonna go through with it, you're gonna be fine, and you're gonna love the result. Come on get up." She drags me up and we walk over to the reception desk and a desk chick who has no special features.

"Hi, how can I help you two girls today?" Why do they always greet you with your number and gender? Ruby answers for me. She's so great. She always looks after me and has stuck around so far.

"My friend Emoni is here for her 1 o'clock appointment with Lovelle. McLaris, Emoni McLaris. Yep okay thanks, I'll get her to sign it. Yeah, she's fine, it happens a lot, I've got this." Uh I hate that. That feeling of incompetence, not being able to look after myself, having to rely on others all the time.