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(GIA'S POV)

"Today's the day, today's the day." I mumble to myself as I look at myself in the mirror.

The 8 thousand dollar dress is insane.

It's insanely beautiful and insanely overpriced.

I didn't pay for any sort of fancy fabric, but paid for the brand.

If someone calls me out for underdressing, I'm throwing the Louis Vuitton store at them.

I look at the rum bottle that seemed to be calling my name, and I shake my head.

No, no.

You're bad and kill my liver.

Okay, but a sip won't hurt.

It's not like I can drink at the event, I'm underage so I'll only be having water.

Yeah, I deserve a sip.

Just a sip.

/

I step away from the stage as applause erupts and my speech is officially finished.

"You did wonderfully. A spitting image of your dad's energy and soul." My dad's coworker tells me.

"Thank you." I tell him, not knowing really else what to say.

"You did great!" Ava congratulates me as she meets me at the bottom of the steps.

"Thanks. It was like I never even said anything from how fast time flew." I chuckle and wave hi to her parents that were standing feet away, but glancing.

They wave back and they begin to come over, but other people come up to them.

I turn back to Ava and sigh, "a lot of old people have been talking to me. I feel like an adult."

"Shh, they might hear you." She whispers with humor glinting in her words.

"So are you doing okay? You know with the rum?" She asks me, lowering her voice.

...

"Gianna! We're so proud of you and haven't seen you since!" Ava's parents grin at me, both extending their hands.

I shake both and smile, "it's good to finally see you both though! Couldn't expect a better scenario to finally see you both again."

"Aren't you a darling. You did a terrific job. Your dad must've taught you well," her dad smiles.

"Thank you both. I really appreciate it."

/

My dad texts me, it's two days after the event.

It's 2 PM.

I'm home with Ava, and we're playing Mario Kart.

I pause the game and read the message.

"Gia!!! I really am proud of you. You outdid yourself and raised more money than I did with the one I hosted earlier this year. I think you should handle more of these! It's three per year!!! Your mom and I are beyond proud. Thank you."

"So I did a good job!" I exclaim and set my phone down.

"Jeez, yeah you did!" Ava agrees and asks, "he didn't ask you to do that again though, right?"

I resume the round and answer, "he said I should handle more and that it's 3 per year."

"That's asking for you become some alcoholic. By the way, you have stopped right?" She asks, and I know I need to say the truth.