The next day, another early morning breeze blew in from Allison's double-door balcony. She opened her eyes and scanned the white ceiling above her, a soft smile forming on her lips.
"It's my eighteenth birthday," she mumbled, the words both exciting and reflective. "Over ten years of hurt, anger, and disappointment, and now my life has finally turned around. I know it has... thanks to Jesus, Olivia, my friends, and Mom."
Allison sighed, a small twinge of sadness creeping in. She wished she could say her father had helped her life turn around too. At least he was making more of an effort lately. Maybe if he hadn't tried to walk out on her mom, they wouldn't have the hope of a breakthrough now.
She hopped out of bed, took a quick shower, and got dressed. Today, she chose a gray off-the-shoulder top with a black see-through tank underneath, paired with faded shorts that had lace along the bottom, and cute tan sandals. She selected a dainty blush-colored watch, a small pair of simple hoop earrings, and slipped on her favorite crossbody bag—the one Eliza had given her on her tenth birthday. It still fit perfectly after all these years. After braiding a portion of her hair and draping it across her left shoulder, she threw the rest into a messy ponytail. A touch of makeup and a swipe of her favorite lip gloss completed the look.
Feeling content with her outfit, Allison made her way downstairs into the kitchen to fix herself a birthday smoothie.
"Hey, girl!" A voice startled her, nearly causing her to drop the smoothie. She turned quickly to find Eliza standing in the doorway, grinning. Eliza was dressed in a dark blue off-the-shoulder top with a black see-through tank underneath, dark jeans, and a simple braid pinned with a pink flower. Her chestnut eyes sparkled with mischief as her sunglasses rested lazily on her head.
"Ah! What are you doing here?" Allison asked, her heart still racing from the surprise.
"Your mom told me to come over," Eliza replied nonchalantly.
"Wait, she's not here? I thought everyone was still in bed."
"Nope, they're out!" Eliza continued, her tone suspiciously light.
"Where is she?" Allison pressed, but Eliza skillfully dodged the question.
"So, since you have nothing better to do today, want to hang out?"
Allison was taken aback. Eliza hadn't even mentioned her birthday yet, and on top of that, prom was tonight.
"Eliza, prom is tonight. Shouldn't you be getting your hair and nails done?" Allison asked, trying to mask her disappointment.
"Of course, silly! But my mom's working today, and I didn't want to go alone!" Eliza replied, her smile beaming.
Allison was still feeling hurt that no one had acknowledged her birthday, and she was about to make up an excuse, but one look at Eliza's puppy-dog eyes, and she caved.
"Okay, sure," Allison said with a sigh, unable to resist her best friend's charm.
The two girls finished off their smoothies and headed out the door. Spring had fully sprung, and the air was fresh and full of life.
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Their first stop was the mall. They browsed through countless stores, chatting about school, but Allison couldn't shake the lingering question of why Eliza and Kyle had been distant all week. No matter how many times she tried to ask, Eliza skillfully deflected. Eventually, Allison let it go, determined not to ruin their day.
After lunch, they headed to the salon for french manicures and hair styling.
"Eliza, I'm not going to prom, so why do I need to get my hair done?" Allison asked, raising a skeptical eyebrow.
YOU ARE READING
Until We Meet Again
RomanceShe was beautiful, wealthy, intelligent, responsible, and kind-a rare combination that's difficult to find. To the outside world, her life appeared perfect, almost flawless. But beneath the surface, it was a different story. Allison Hayze's senior y...
