Maybe Not That Bad

Chapter 1

Rose POV

"You look amazing, Rose." Lissa said.

Lissa was my best friend and as close to me as a sister. That's why she and Ambrose, another good friend of mine, were helping me get dressed for the party. Mark, a sort of uncle for all of us, was throwing a party in the park. Kind of a neighbourhood party, everyone was invited, and I knew Dimitri and his friends would be there.

I've liked him for a long time, but he has always seen me as a kid. Well, tonight, that's going to change.

I was wearing my favourite pair of ripped jeans and a white tank top that I'd bought with the money my mother gave me. I had my black combat boots on, as well as the silver bracelet Lissa'd given me. With my long, dark and curly hair falling down my back, I thought I looked good.

"I think something is missing... Hum..." Ambrose tilted his head to the side and looked at me.

"She looks beautiful, Ambrose. Dimitri won't know what hit him!" Lissa smirked.

I felt myself flush at her comment.

"Got it!" Ambrose jumped off my bed and took off his black leather jacket. "Not only will you look beautiful, but also badass."

He handed me the jacket. I wasn't sure if I should take it. I didn't really like people giving me stuff because I couldn't afford it on my own.

"Don't give me shit, Hathaway. I'm only borrowing it 'cause I love this jacket and, as much as I love you, there's no way I'm getting rid of it." Ambrose said, like he could read my mind.

I laughed and took it.

"Wow, Ambrose is right..." My best friend said, looking at me.

"Aren't I always?" Ambrose joked.

"Thank you, Ambrose." I said, turning back and pulling him for a hug. "Get over here, Liss! It's a group hug!"

We got ready and left my house. I didn't see my mom, but then, she's rarely home sometimes. We reached the park, and I couldn't believe my eyes. It was completely different. There were tables full of snacks by the trees, and in the middle of the park, someone had tried to build a dancefloor with a wooden platform. There were speakers scattered around the park, and on a table near the entrance stood Mark with a giant radio. We waved as we walked past him. It seemed like everyone in the neighbourhood had shown up, and sure enough... in the furthest corner of the park, sitting on sofas and chairs, was Dimitri and the other guys.

"Oh, I see Mia and Mer. Let's go talk to them!" Lissa squealed.

This was Lissa. She's the kindest person I know, and she can't even see someone sad or hurt without trying to heal their pain somehow. A couple of days ago, Lissa found an ugly, smelly and stray cat, took it home and begged her parents to let her keep the creature.

See what I mean?

Of course, they let her. The Dragomirs loved their daughter and would do anything to make Liss happy. At least one of us had a loving family...

I felt a pang in my chest with that thought. Okay, let's not think about this, Rose. I told myself that, over and over, until the feeling went away.

"So, how is Roadkill doing?" I asked.

That's what I call the cat. We both hate each other's guts, so I think it's appropriate.

Lissa, however, does not.

"His name is Oscar, and you know it, Rose," She narrowed her eyes at me.

"Oh, I do! But that's a boring name. Roadkill sounds much cooler, and the ugly thing even looks the part." She waved her hand, dismissing my Rose logic.