GROWING PAINS

TWENTY-ONE

Today is the day of the gala and I am so excited, yet super nervous.

Brandon is currently in my spare room, changing into his suit. While I am doing my hair and make up.

I dash over into my room. My dress is breath taking. I'm smiling like an idiot, as Sarah told me that Brandon asked her to design a dress for a special lady in his life.

He helped Sarah design it. Sarah just took my measurements and then started making it.

I walk out and I smile at the sight of Brandon. He walks over to me smirking. "You look beautiful." I smile, "It's all thanks to you. You look so handsome." He kisses my cheek.

Sarah protests, "Hey! Watch it, buddy! Her look took time and effort."

She snaps a photo of us before escorting us to Brandon's car.

              MAKE-UP

                 HAIR

                DRESS

Once we arrived, we walked down a red carpet and into a huge building.

Brandon wraps his arm around my waist as we walk inside.

I suddenly feel intimidated by all the confident females and their handsome dates.

Brandon glances down at me, "You're so beautiful." That was all the reassurance I needed to regain my confidence.

Brandon introduces me to his colleges. I couldn't help but notice how he pulled me closer towards him everytime his male friends did the 'stare-down'.

"Brandy!" Said a female in a high-pitched voice. We turn around and I mentally cringe at the sight of the brunette approaching us.

Brandon smiles, "Good to see you, Kim." She smiles and nods. She breaks up our hands as she embraces Brandon.

Now don't get me wrong, jealousy is not my type of thing to do. Unless, she is messing with my boyfriend.

I smile, "Hi, I'm Savannah Brian. Brandon's girlfriend. Who are you?" She glances at me, "Oh hi, Savannah. I'm Brady's cousin, Kimberly. But I go by Kim."

I suddenly feel so embarrassed. What makes matters worse I can see Brandon smiling beside me.

Kim sighs, "He never mentioned a girlfriend before." I nod, "Yeah, but we haven't been together for that long."

She nods and smirks, "I uhm, will catch you two love birds, later." Brandon nods, "Catch you later, Kim."

She turns on her heel and struts off.

I glance at Brandon and he scratches the back of his neck. "That uhm, went well."

I sigh, "Hmm. Sure." He chuckles. I smile, "I'm going to go to the lady's room. Catch you in a bit love?"

He nods, "You know where it is right?" I blush, "Not exactly." He chuckles, "Upstairs and first door to your left."

I shot him a thumbs up, "Thank youuuu." He rolls his eyes while chuckling.

I make my way to the lady's room. After I've done my business I find myself in the hall.

Great, I'm lost.

I phone Brandon a bunch of times but it goes to voicemail.

I wonder around these isolated passages. I keep walking until I slam into someone.

I rub my forehead, "Ouch." I hear a male voice, "Oh my gosh! Are you alright, miss?"

I'm still rubbing my forehead. I sigh, "Yeah, I'm fine thank you. I'm lost actually, do you know how to get back downstairs to the main event?"

The male chuckles, "You've just been walking in circles love. This entire pathway forms a huge circle. So you just keep walking straight until you see a staircase leading downstairs."

I chuckle and shut my eyes, "Thanks, sorry for the inconvenience." He shakes his head, "Don't worry."

I finally glance up and I almost feel as if I'm dreaming.

"Thomas?" He furrows his eyebrows and his eyes widen. "Savannah? What are you doing here?"

I stare at him, "I came as my boyfriend's plus one." He looks uncomfortable, jealous almost.

"You've got a boyfriend?" I furrow my eyebrows, "Yeah, what did you expect? Did you expect me to cry forever over you?"

He chuckles, "Oh clearly, you've grown up." I fold my arms, "What's that supposed to mean?"

He inches closer, "You grew a pair."

He's so close. All the memories of him come flooding my mind. I really want to reach out and touch him, just to make sure that he's real.

Savannah, rememeber Brandon.

I scoff, "Clearly, I grew the pair you lost in High School." He smirked, "You say you've got a boyfriend."

I glare at him, "Obviously you're still single." He raises his eyebrows and smirks. "Depends sweetheart."

I fold my arms, "On what?" He leans in really close that we're practically millimetres apart.

He caresses my face with his fingers.

I'm paralyzed. I've been how many years for him to take me back. Now that the day is here, I don't want it. I want to be with Brandon.

I almost jump out of my skin when I hear two familair voices.

"Smooth Savannah." I see Kim applauding. I shove Thomas away from me.

Brandon has his arms folded and his jaw is clenched. Then unclenched. Repeatedly.