Rose | Ashton Irwin

chapter twenty seven

Rose's POV

"Don't tell me you're thinking of backing out." Penny groans, peeking her head through the door frame to see me. She's standing at her bathroom counter filled with make up, scattered brushes, a hair drier, and a hot curling iron. She's got her hair half pinned up, a bobby pin hanging between her teeth.

"Of course I am." I laugh, joining her in front of the mirror.

"Well it's too late now because Cal is already on his way." She sticks out her tongue, pulling the rest of her hair up. "Ta-da!" She does a spin, a wide grin on her face.

"You definitely don't look like a bee." I tease, shaking my head.

She frowns, doing yet another spin as if it will change the way her costume looks, "Yes I do! Buzz buzz!" Her costume consists of black shorts and a tight black and yellow tank top, a cheap pair of wings strapped on her back from Party America. "I think I look adorable- and you do too." She winks before turning back toward the mirror, applying a new layer of sparkling gloss.

Agreeing to go wasn't enough for Penny, she insisted that Tuesday after school she helped me find an outfit. Instead of buying a prepackaged costume we went from store to store in search of something. She stuffed me into tight skirts and dresses saying that after slapping on a pair of ears I would easily be a cat.

I roll my eyes and move back into her room to slip on a pair of white strappy sandals. In the long mirror leaning against her blue wall I catch a glimpse of my reflection, stopping to look over my shoulder. I was almost ready to give up when she pulled out this dress, unlike any of the others that were much more her style. The lacy white fabric is loose and doesn't hug my body, reaching almost my thigh. The sleeves are long enough to keep me warm, reaching just past my elbows. Penny styled my hair into large curls that fall down my chest and back where large white fluffy wings are strapped on. I told her I looked nothing like an angel but she said that wasn't the point of a halloween party- I disagree.

"He's here!" She calls, rushing out of the bathroom with her purse and shoes tucked under her arms. Calum is already parked out front in his Jeep waiting. A red bandanna is wrapped around his head, holding back his messy black hair.

"Arg maties, board me ship or walk ye plank." He jokes in the worst accent I have ever heard as he holds up a curled finger, pretending it's a hook.

We climb in laughing as Penny teases him for his costume, "Haven't you worn that for the past three years?"

"If it ain't broke don't fix it." He grins, pulling out of her large driveway.

"I don't really think that applies." I add as nudges him, the two continuing to bicker.

"So how was the party Alec took you to?" Calum changes the subject, trying to drive and push Penny away at the same time as she tries to pull on his bandanna.

"Oh, it was... interesting. Let's just say that." I roll my eyes, leaning back. Interesting was an understatement, but I didn't want to think about that house. A chill runs down my spine as I picture it and the possibilities. I haven't asked Russell about it again and Alec hasn't texted me since. If I'm lucky he's finally given up.

"What does that mean?"

"It's not important. All that matters is I'm not going back." I say, trying to keep it vague.

Penny spins, leaning from the front seat with eager eyes, "Now you have to tell us. What happened?"

"Well it was..." I trail off as I try to avoid her gaze but she leans closer and I can't hold it in anymore, "Not the parties you even go to. I'm pretty sure every single person there was high."