Saving Grace

Chapter 19: Lets get this party started

Halsey picks me up from home at 6 pm sharp for the party. "Damn, girl, are you trying to start a riot there or something?" She gives me a slow perusal as I climb into the passenger seat, whistling low.

I self consciously look down at my attire. I'm wearing the dress Alex and I bought just this morning, a short silver and black number with spaghetti straps that fits at the bodice, which is black, then drops till just above my knees into a silver straight skirt. It originally ended way above the knees but Alex forced me into getting it by saying the colour made my eyes pop, and so I bought it but on one condition; if they could alter it to a bit longer length. The saleswoman agreed after being subjected to Alex's charm, and so here I am, wearing the much more modest version of the dress.

I paired the dress with black heels, a gift from my mom when I started college, and a small black wrist purse for my phone and gloss. I adjust the straps of my heels, remembering how Alex had tried forcing me into buying shoes to go with the dress we finally chose, but I had put my foot down because I had been exhausted and wanted to get my sugar fix. Besides, I had reasoned that I already had a perfect pair of heels back home to match the dress and didn't need new ones for it.

After he drove me back to my house earlier that day, I went to my room and got to work. If I was going to wear such a pretty dress, I might as well try to make an effort to look good in it. That included face masks, freshly shaved legs, an hour long shower, straightened hair and make up.

"What," I move a lock of hair off my face consciously, "Is it too much? Should I change? I knew it would be too much, but Alex made me-"

"Oh, shush." Halsey shuts me up midsentence. "I meant it in a good way. You look hot with a capital h. I bet the guys would be drooling all over. Especially Alex." She smirks and wags her eyebrows suggestively.

I playfully shove her arm, not bothering to reply to that. "The guys would be drooling, yes, but not over me." I grin, taking in her look.

Halsey's wearing an ice blue fitted dress that hugs her willowy figure perfectly, with a neckline more daring than mine. Loose folds at the neckline add a bit of modesty to the dress, making it a perfect bit of sensuous and not too much for a college party. Her hair's down like mine, and her make up is done immaculately.

I look at my own face in my phone's front camera, checking my make up for smudges. I have the smoky eyed look down pat, courtesy of Helen who always let me watch her getting ready for parties, but I have a bad habit of unconsciously rubbing my eyes and with this make up, that will be a disaster I'm determined to avoid. I can almost picture her standing in front of the mirror, a mascara wand dangerously close to her eye while she lectured me on the importance of knowing what is enough eye make up and what is too much.

The sudden memory sends a pang through my heart, making me wish she was still here so I could get her approval over my make up skills. If she was still here, she probably would've come along with me, a support system I could count upon always. She'd know I don't do parties much and how I'll be a nervous wreck, and she'd go with me to boost my confidence.

I miss her so much.

I blink and shake off the sadness trying to creep in.

You can't let it get to you right now. You deserve this, you deserve to be happy and free of such thoughts for just a couple of hours. You owe it to yourself. Just look good, fidget less, and rock the party.

Halsey starts the car and we're off to Dean's place, which is a few blocks over from mine. As soon as we enter his block, it's apparent it's the right one, as we can feel the music vibrations from many houses down. Also, the entire street is filled with cars, with more coming in.

"Wow. It seems like the entire college is here." I look out the car window, craning my neck to see people entering Dean's house.

"Yes, well, I hope we find a good parking space, and soon, because I want to par-tay."

We do a sweep of the whole street, then do it again, until Halsey grudgingly accepts that a parking spot near the house won't magically materialize and parks just off the street, where there are cars already. We make our way to the house, my arm looped around hers, our heels clacking on the road. We spot a group of girls we know from uni and wave at them. They wave back and make their way towards us.

"Hey, guys!" One of the girls, Cassidy, exclaims. "You both look gorgeous."

"So do you guys!" I reply back, grinning. It's true, all the girls look absolutely stunning, all of them wearing dresses like we are. We quickly exchange compliments on dresses, hair, and make up and then start back towards the party, our strut in heels almost synchronized as if we practiced it. Nothing like a group of beautiful women as company to boost up one's confidence.

We get a couple of hoots and whistles as we near the house, people milling about the entrance. We enter the house as one and pause just past the door taking in the scene.

The house is an open planned one, where a huge living room merges into the sitting room and kitchen, both also very large. All the furniture is pushed to the sides, the sofas lining the walls, while the space in between is made into a stage, with strobe lights overhead creating a club-like look to the whole place. The long kitchen counter is filled to the brim with snacks, which Halsey had come in the morning to get done, and she tells me the fridge is filled with beer, coke and wine. Loud music is blaring with speakers placed strategically all over the house, a DJ with his set up at the corner, and the whole stage is filled with men and women alike dancing to the beats. I spot a set of stairs at the back, leading to the upper floor which is half terrace and half second sitting room. I can see people there too, milling around with drinks in their hands.

As our group of girls survey the scene before us, many heads turn towards us, taking us in. The women shoot us curiously admiring looks, some of them recognizing us from uni. The men turn towards us one by one and forget what they were doing, appraising and appreciative looks on their faces as they scan us.

With most of the people's attention on us, Halsey takes a step forward, a smile spreading across her face.

"Come on, girls. Lets get this party started."