Lip Gloss And Leather Jackets || Completed

NINE || Currently Feeling Like A Victorian Queen

NINE || Currently Feeling Like A Victorian Queen

"You're wearing a suit! Oh my god."

Maxine tugs at her tie. "Shut up, Gracelynn."

We still have an hour before the end-of-year party, but we're both fully dressed and ready to go. She's wearing a black suit with blue trim and combat boots (for lack of other, more appropriate shoes for the occasion).

"You know, you don't look so bad yourself." She looks at me and grins, slight and barely there. I look myself up and down in the mirror. I'm wearing a cotton candy pink crop top and a knee-length white skirt with floral lace at the hem.

"Yeah, I think I look pretty damn good." I twirl around and wink at her. "You know, just like you." We smile at each other for a second, all worries gone to the wind, my heart so full of love it's overflowing. "I... I still can't believe you got us a limo, you know."

"Well, I'm rich for something. And you know, only the best for my lady." She extends her elbow. "Shall we?"

I don't think my heart could get any fuller. "We shall," I answer. We walk down the stairs together, arms looped together. I can't help but feel ashamed when I think of Eden, how I'm feeling this happy even without him.

I'm going to make it up to him, later tonight. If we ended up apart, it would be... terrifying. Even with Maxine there beside me because he's been my best friend for god knows how long. Just the thought of this sends my heart into a frenzy.

Please let him forgive me please let him forgive me please let him forgive me.

Maxine squeezes my hand, as if she's a mind reader. Maybe she is. "It's gonna be alright," she reassures, and I smile back although my chest is tight.

It's a weird feeling, being sad and happy at the same time; both worried and carefree. I'm a living oxymoron. Maybe everyone is. Maybe that's life - contradictory and confusing, but beautiful nonetheless.

We pull up to the host's house, and Maxine's driver leans over and nods his head. She smiles at me, one more time, before her face turns cold once again and she opens the door.

The realisation hits me in the chest like a lightning bolt. The video that Jaxon released. Pretty much everyone saw it. And everyone's here. Panic bursts in my chest and I grab Maxine's arm, but it's too late, and I prepare myself for the endless teasing and sneering.

Tears prick at my eyes. I don't want to be here. Please, god, no - anything but this. People are laughing and talking. About me. About how much of a failure I am -

"Hey, Angel's here!"

"Yo, Angel!"

I open my eyes. A few people wave and say hi, then turn around and go back to talking. What? Maxine laughs. We continue through the house, people smiling and greeting me.

Okay, so that's weird. Not complaining, though. "Cheer up," Maxine whispers in my ear, and I shiver at the proximity, "you look like a kicked puppy whose scared for its life."

I kick her shin, which does absolutely nothing, but it makes me feel a little better about life. Jaxon's standing in the corner, talking to his Stud, who looks a little annoyed as she eats her victory chocolate. I'll get to that later, I think to myself.

"Oh, what's up, Angel?" Gee, the party's host, walks up to me. She's wearing a striped black-and-white dress with leggings underneath. "If you're lookin' for Eden, he's somewhere upstairs." That means no one knows of our falling-out. Good. "Have fun, y'all." She nods and smiles at Maxine before sliding past us.