Contrast [ A One Direction AU ]

chapter nine: bella

chapter nine - bella

✥ Arabella ✥

Clary's shouts telling me to "hurry up, we are late" distract me slightly, making me twitch my makeup brush wrongly - and blending in the green and white eyeshadow. I groan, shouting back a response, and attempt to fix the mess of my left eye.

To be honest, I had wanted to pull off a more... "bad ass" appearance for most of the Halloween parties this year, but for some reason I had been attracted to the forest fairy look I saw numerous times on Pinterest, and decided to go for that just this time. I really loved the wings especially.

Clary's jaw drops as I emerge from my den, and I do admit myself that her tight leather leggings and revealing black top that makes up her devil appearance really did make her look stunning. Not to mention to dramatic eye makeup, horns and tail to top off the sexiness.

"You're literally a work of art, Bells," she mutters, "I feel so under-dressed and under attractive next to you."

"Oh shush will you?," I roll my eyes; typical Clary.

We make a start to Michelle's apartment, and my thoughts can't help but wander to Liam and last night's escapades at the dinner party even as Clary goes on talking. I also can't stop my thoughts from questioning if he will be at the party tonight.

You silly girl, that night was just that night. He used you to appear good in front of his family idiot.

My face falls slightly, my mind reminding me of the likely insignificance of last night to Liam.

"Bells, you are so going to pull the guys tonight," Clary winks playfully, "-unless you already have someone in mind."

"No." Clary looks slightly taken aback by my harsh tone, and I feel her eyes staring onto the side of my face.

I quickly change the subject, "But YOU, m'darling, will be. Devil horns and tail always get the guys."

She blushes and looks away, "No, I doubt so."

I chuckle and hit her arm suggestively. We continue the rest of the walk in silence, but I notice that a permanent blush has settled on her cheeks after the recent statement. It isn't typical of her to blush, yet alone agree to come to this party or even want to. No doubt, there is something up with her, and I have no clue what. Which is also queer, since we are like each other's other halves. She would usually tell me everything... right?

Typically, Clary would be glued to my side the entire time of a party, barely enjoying the fun, booze and music. In this case, she took off the second we step foot into Michelle's penthouse, after posing for a few photos for the Halloween paparazzi. I can't help but feel a twinge of hurt; it was like she simply forgot about me.

I shut my stupid thoughts out and grab a Cruiser, avoiding the crowds around the dance floor. I find a spot in the corner of the lounge next to a couple making out, and I take a large swig of the berry-flavored vodka. I scan the area - an array of witches, gremlins, book characters, super heroes and other fantasy characters dotted the apartment, and no familiar faces to go dance with.

No Liam spotted either.

Once again, my mind wanders back to Liam - my dark, mysterious, street-fighting rescuer. Help me Liam, I need rescuing from thoughts about you. It seems the more I drink to stop thinking about him, the more I do. How wonderful!

I hush my ever active, over imaginative and hopelessly romantic mind with an utterance of, "He barely knows me and I'm barely even that attractive anyway". I walk aimlessly around the place, smiling and small talking with friendly faces while searching for Clary - I really wasn't feeling this party. I look down at my glittery pixie-like pink heels and my moss green dress, and sigh.