COMPLICATED.

CHAPTER 15

THE WHITE DRESS

​"Where is my lipstick?! What time is it? We’re already late!"
My mother is literally losing her mind. She’s been running through the house for at least an hour like a whirlwind.
Late? It’s ten in the morning and the ceremony is at noon. New York isn’t even that crowded today, but for her, every second is a matter of life and death.
​"Theresa, you need to calm down!" my father interjects with his usual angelic patience. "We still have plenty of time. At least let our daughter finish her breakfast."
I get that your only daughter is graduating today, Mom, but there’s no need for this level of panic. I, on the other hand, am immersed in a strange, heavy calm. I can’t wait for this farce to be over so I can leave that hellhole of a school behind. No offense to the teachers—they were great—it’s everything else that has rotted.
​It’s so strange. Just a few days ago, I would have been the happiest girl in the world. I would have wanted to celebrate the end of it all with my classmates, my boyfriend, and especially my best friend.
But instead, everything has changed. My classmates are idiots. My boyfriend is a dirty traitor. And my best friend hasn't spoken to me in two days.
I am furious. I understand his reaction to "that kiss," but enough is enough. We’ve known each other our whole lives, damn it! We can’t go on like this; we need to talk, and today he can’t run away.
​My mother’s shouting grows even louder, her voice reaching a frantic pitch.
"Paul! Oh my god, I was forgetting about you! You need to get ready! Come with me, we’ll pick something out together."
"I can decide how to dress myself! No, Mom, I don't want to! You’re going to force me into a stiff jacket and a tie! No way."
My little brother has always been a free spirit when it comes to clothes. If he could wear an Avengers t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers, he’d never complain. But we all know my mom—she’d never allow it, at least not today.
"Do you want to stay grounded for two weeks instead of one?! I didn't think so. Come on, you’re going to be a proper little gentleman!"
She pulls him by the hand toward her room, but not before Paul shoots me and my father a look of pure annoyance and dread. I’m sorry, kid, but I can't help you today.
​"Enjoy this day, Emma," my father says, resting his hand on my shoulder. "I know it hasn't been easy for you lately, but don't think about it. Everything will be fine."
I hope so, Dad.
"I’ll try. Now I’d better go get ready before Mom grounds me too!"
Just as I’m about to leave the kitchen, Paul emerges in a sharp suit, a blue tie, and his hair sculpted with gel. I have to admit, he looks great.
"Not a word!" he snaps before bolting back to his room, leaving my father and me roaring with laughter.
​Once I’ve applied a bit of pink lipstick, mascara, and eyeliner, I put on the famous white dress. I look at myself in the mirror.
You don’t look bad, Emma. But you’re not that girl anymore.
You’re different now. Let’s make this one last effort for today. I curl my hair with the iron and finally put on my heels. Oh god, they’re high. I can do this. I’m ready.
​I walk down the stairs to find my parents staring at me, mouths agape.
"Wow, you look..."
"Beautiful!" my mother exclaims, finishing my father’s sentence.
She’s finally talking to me! She’s wearing a stunning long blue dress, while my father looks dapper in his suit and tie. You can tell he’s uncomfortable, poor guy. Paul winks at me, and it pulls a genuine smile from me.
"Thanks, but let’s go now! Or we really will be late!"
I put on my gown and the matching cap, grab my purse, and we head out.
Please, I think to myself, let everything go well.