One Plus One Equals One

Chapter 19 - Gwen's POV

I think Cohen has forgiven me for damaging his car, although he is still rather moody. I have not seen him much around school, and he has not dropped me off all week, suggesting he is not quite over the disaster that was last Saturday. Ellison's sister and her family is unfortunately leaving tonight, and apart from one day when I came home to find three frogs in my bedroom (courtesy of the mischievous Felix and Franco), it has been a really successful visit. I have grown quite close to Amara, who has given me her mobile number and said I can visit her anytime, and I even revealed my true identity of a Princess to her! There was a lot of squealing that day.

Tonight the family is going out for a meal together, and then a show, whilst I am heading off to Latisha Morgan's party. None of us will be returning until the hours of the early morning. They did invite me to join them, but I declined on the grounds that they deserved some time alone just as a family. Laurene said it was fine for Evolet and Torryn to come round so we can get ready together, and I am really excited yet nervous. I have been to numerous boring balls in my lifetime, but something tells me this high school party is going to be unlike anything I have ever experienced. Susanne faked being sick so she did not go to the family meal, and has revealed she is instead planning on coming to the party with us. I think Laurene knew about her plans as she whispered to her to be safe and have fun, which in my opinion makes her a very cool mom. If Laurene were not ok with it though, then I wouldn't be either.

Currently Evolet is straightening my hair whilst Susanne is applying my makeup. The two girls are very similar so they get on like a house on fire, talking about what they are going to do to me as if I am not even here! Kendra is meeting us at the party with her boyfriend Nate, and Torryn is outside having a cigarette at the moment.

"Are you seeing anyone?" Susanne asks Evolet, once she is done gushing about how cute Nate and Kendra are.

"Oh no, I am starting to think I will be forever alone at this point!" Evolet exclaims.

"Really? I don't think you will, you are so, so stunning." Susanne compliments sweetly.

"Thanks, but you know so are you! You are so skinny and naturally blonde... now that is an achievement in life."

"Well, if only the only boy I have ever liked agreed with that." Susanne sighs, looking sad.

"Are you talking about Leo?" I ask quietly, often noticing the secret looks they share between each other.

"...Yes. I've been in love with him for as long as I can remember..." She says hesitantly with a sad smile. "But he only views me as a child and his best friend's little sister, and it kills me every time he flirts with anything that has boobs. I have decided that it is in my best interest to just try and forget him."

"Aww Susanne, I am so sorry to hear that honey. But you know, I doubt he will be able to take his eyes off you in that dress. It might wake him up." Evolet suggests.

And she is most definitely right – looking like every teenage boys fantasy, Susanne is wearing a skin-tight leopard print dress that reaches to mid thigh, paired with sky-high black heels and a classic red lip. She looks about twenty instead of sixteen! She is sneaking in with us into the party, as she is not a senior. I am sure her father would not like what she is wearing! Not that my outfit is any better – I am borrowing one of Susanne's skirts which reaches to mid thigh and is champagne in colour, paired with a white off the shoulder crop top, hinting at a strip of my tummy. Obviously, I did not choose it. Susanne practically forced the clothes over my head!

My mother would have a heart attack if she saw me in such a provocative outfit! Nevertheless, she is not here, and what she does not know will not kill her. I am wearing nude lipstick and white baby heels (I have never mastered the art of walking in high ones), along with wing eyeliner that makes my eyes look twice as large! At first, I did not think I was brave enough to wear such a daring outfit, but Susanne and Evolet encouraged me to saying I look amazing, and that everyone will be wearing the same sort of thing. A month ago, I would not have let myself be pressurised into such a decision, but now I decide to let lose and fake confidence.