Bitches Shred In Pieces

17: Tonight Is The Night

Yesterday, Michelle couldn't focus on the dress she was going to take to prom. Her mind was with XOXO by every aisle she went in the mall. She feels an unusual anxiety—anxious to be with Joseph, yet terrified for prom night.

  But now that she's standing in the mirror from her bedroom before heading to prom, she notices that XOXO didn't stop her from buying a nice dress. The bowknot, dark-blue dress and the perfectly combed bun made her look even more beautiful. The only thing she didn't like about the dress were the long-sleeves and the high neckline that ends in her chin due to the hot weather. Also, the corset wrapping around her thin waist makes it hard to breath.

  A loud honk interrupts her view in the mirror. She skips to the window, peeking through the curtains to reveal Joseph's Toyota truck. Smiling, she sprays more perfume around her and begins to head downstairs. The house is quiet, as it's been ever since Mr. Perkins lost his job.

  "Oh, my daughter!" A voice erupts behind her, right as she's about to open the front door.

  She slowly turns around, facing her father.

  His button-up shirt is halfway open and his tie wraps around his neck like a scarf. Hair pointing to every direction. And, of course, a bottle of wine in his right hand.

  "I got to go," Michelle quickly says before he gets close to her.

  "Wait," he instructs, releasing a loud burp in the process. "Let me see you, my little girl."

  He almost tumbles down with the mat, kicking and cursing at it.

  "Dad, seriously," Michelle insists. She doesn't want him to go out because then Joseph will see what he has become. What will he think of her family?

  He rests his index finger in his mouth and hushes her. "Who are you going with?"

  From close, he smells like sweat and wine. He lays a hand on her shoulder, raising both eyebrows.

  "Joseph," she answers, trying to hurry up or Joseph will notice that she's taking too long.

  "I thought you broke up with him?"

  "Dad, no!" Michelle chirps. "I'm leaving."

  In a hurry, she locks the door before closing it behind her. A drunk man will struggle in opening it, but is capable of doing so.

  She jogs to Joseph's truck, picking her dress up.

  "Let me open the door for you—"

  "No, lets go," Michelle interrupts. She gets inside, smiling at Joseph.

  He begins to drive off just as Mr. Perkins manages to unlock the door, confused.

  Why couldn't she be like the other girls? Right now, their prom dates would be waiting at their steps with flowers and chocolates in their hands. Their parents snapping endless pictures of the two while grinning.

  "You look beautiful," Joseph whispers, snapping Michelle back to reality.

  "Thank you. So do you," she answers, feeling the heat rising to her cheeks. It is true, the black tuxedo with the maroon bow brings his eyes out in the peaceful afternoon.

  He gives her a short smile before focusing back on the road. A mustang passes by, honking and waving at Joseph.

  Then silence.

  "When did we become this awkward?" he asks, gripping the steering wheel.

  Michelle looks down at the brown, floor-mat where an old typewriter rests. "I don't know."

  He uses his right arm to grab Michelle's warm hand. "Let's be like the old times."

  Does that mean dating again? Instead of asking, she gives him a short grip to let him know she agrees.

💋

  The school's parking lot is full of many vehicles, but Joseph manages to find a spot quite far from the gym doors. The sun is slowly settling, getting the night started with the colorful rays shooting from the gym's small windows. Michelle feels an emptiness in her stomach knowing that she'll leave this school behind soon, and her friends too.

  "We'll rock this night!" Joseph yells, holding her hand as they near the doors.

  Michelle giggles, forcing her thoughts into believing he's right.

  Once in, the scent of fruit punch and alcohol hits her nose. Electronic music playing loudly that even the wooden floor vibrates. White tablecloths with bouquets of sunflowers surround Joseph and her.

  "Can you spot Tony or Lena?" Michelle shouts over the music in Joseph's ear.

  He stands up straighter, gazing at every table until pointing at one close to the exit door. Michelle and him head over there, still holding hands.

  Tony, who is sitting next to Andrew, waves at her.

  The circular table has Lena, Edward, Mia, Wyatt, Tony, and Andrew. Only two seats saved for her and Joseph.

  "You look so pretty!" Lena says to her as she sits in the chair to her left.

  "You too!" Michelle replies back, examining Lena's rose-gold gown, sparking in the lowlight.

  Michelle notices Lena's shaking leg, up and down it goes. She rests a comforting hand on her leg, making Lena face her.

  "Scared?" Michelle mouths at her.

  Lena takes a deep breath and nods.

  Who isn't? Tonight is the night were XOXO will take its biggest strike.

~

A\N: I have everything planned for what's coming next! You'll see. . .
Kisses! 💋