COMPLICATED.

CHAPTER 15

THE WHITE DRESS

<< Where's my lipstick?! What time is it? We're already late! >>
My mother is literally going crazy, she's running all over the house for at least an hour.
Late?! It's 10 in the morning and the ceremony is at noon!
<< Theresa, you have to calm down! We still have plenty of time, at least let our daughter finish her breakfast. >>
I understand that your only daughter is graduating today but there's no need to panic. Besides, I'm calm, I can't wait for this to be over so I can get out of that crappy school very fast.
No offense to the professors who were great. That's weird.
Until a few days ago I would have been the happiest girl in this world.
I wanted to celebrate the end of everything with my classmates, my boyfriend and especially with my best friend.
But now everything has changed.
My classmates are jerks.
My boyfriend is a dirty traitor.
And my best friend hasn't spoken to me in two days.
I'm really angry, I understand his reaction to "that kiss" but that's enough.
We've know each other forever, damn it!
We can't go on like this, we have to talk and today he can't run away.
My mother's screams get louder and she starts talking frenetically.
<< Paul! Oh my God I was forgetting about you, you have to dress up! Come with me, we will decide something together. >>
<< I can decide how to dress on my own! I don't want to! You're gonna make me wear a fancy suit and a tie! No way. >>
My little brother has always been a very sporty child in dressing, unlike me.
If he was wearing an Avengers T-shirt, shorts and sneakers, he would never complain, and that's unique and rare.
But we all know my mom, she would never allow it, at least not today.
In fact...
<< Do you want to stay in detention for two weeks instead of one?! I don't think so, come on now, you will become a real mister! >>
He pulls him by his hand to his room, not before Paul gives me and my father a worried and annoyed look.
I'm sorry but I can't help you.
<< Enjoy this day Emma, I know it hasn't been easy for you these days but don't think about it, everything will be fine >> my father says, leaning his hand on my shoulder.
I hope so.
<< I'll try, dad. I gotta go get ready before mom grounds me too! >>
At the very moment I'm about to leave the kitchen, Paul comes out with an elegant suit, a blue tie and hair modeled with gel.
I have to admit, he is very cute.
<< Not a single word! >> exclaims running away again in his room and leaving me and my father to laugh heartily.

Once I put on a pink lipstick, my mascara and eye-liner I also put on the famous white dress.
I look in the mirror.
Not bad Emma, but you're not like that anymore. You're different than before.
Let's make this last effort for today.
I curl my hair with a griddle and finally put on heels.
Oh my, they're tall, I can do it. I'm ready.
I walk down the stairs and my parents stare at me.
<< Wow you're...>>
<< beautiful! >>
My mother exclaims finishing my father's sentence. Finally she speaks to me!
Mom wears a beautiful long blue dress while my father is handsome in a suit and tie. I can see that he is uncomfortable, poor dad. Paul gives me a wink and it tears me a smile.
<< Thank you but let's go now! We'll be late for real! >> I put on my tunic and the matching hat then I take my purse and we leave the house.
Please, make sure everything goes well.