A Harsh Reality | ✓

Chapter 33

Amanda

"I'm going clubbing, whether you like it or not," Hailey stated, "It's our last night in Atlanta, and I plan on enjoying it." She was sitting on the floor in front of the long mirror as she did her makeup. Riley was showering, so Hailey had to improvise. "You should come!"

"Um, yeah, no thanks," I replied, "Last time I went to a party, my ex broke up with me over a stupid photo."

"Come on!" Hailey complained, "We are in Georgia, for God's sake! Nobody you know will be taking pictures of you with other guys, and be sending them to Noah!" She capped her mascara and turned her head to look at me. I was sitting on the bed, the TV remote in hand, as I looked at random channels.

"I know that," I stated, "But I'm not sure parties are my scene anymore." Riley then came inside the room changed into a black, short dress with a towel wrapped around her blue hair.

"Riley!" Hailey exclaimed, "Amanda is on full-on post-breakup mode, we have to do something."

"I heard," she replied, "Hailey, you do her makeup, and I'll help her change into more presentable clothes."

"What? No!" I gasped, "Don't you dare-" But it was too late, Hailey had attacked my face while Riley figured out an outfit for me with our friend's clothes. As soon as Hailey finished, Riley shoved the clothes into my hands and pushed me inside the bathroom. I tried to get out, but it was impossible.

"You better change, Almonds!" I heard Hailey shout, "You are going out and meeting a cute boy!"

"I already met a boy!" I shouted back and heard my friends laugh.

"Whatever, just change!"

I sighed heavily and examined the clothes Riley had given me. They consisted of a short, black tank top, a dark red skirt, and black fishnet socks. I slipped on the clothes before shoving my feet into the black ankle boots set on the floor.

When I looked into the mirror, I sighed again. What had Hailey done to my face? She had attempted to do a smokey eye on me, which made me look like a panda. I removed all of the makeup and did it all over again, using Riley's cosmetics. I applied dark red lipstick and a little bit of mascara before stepping out of the bathroom. Of course, I had to swear to Riley I had changed and gotten ready.

"Great!" Hailey clapped her hands when she saw me. "Let's go!" She was wearing a strapless, white tube top with a pair of jean shorts fitted around her waist with a matching white belt. Her feet were displaying white sneakers, and her legs were bare.

We went down to the lobby, and as I made my way towards the door, Riley pulled me back. She must have seen my confused look because she proceeded to explain.

"The hotel hosts a club-like party every Friday night for teen guests," she informed me, "We're going there tonight."

I let her drag me to a room down a wide corridor where lights flew out of it and blinded me. Another step and there I was, once again squashed against dancing and sweaty teenagers. The music was so loud I could barely hear my friends.

"Drinks?" Hailey asked. I was about to shake my head when I realized that maybe a drink could help me forget. Forget for a little while that my heart was hurting. I nodded as Riley did the same.

Hailey disappeared and returned a few moments later with two cups in her hands. She handed me one, and I took it eagerly. I drank all of its contents in one go, the alcohol burning my throat as I threw the cup away.

The next thing I knew, I was dancing wildly to the beat of the music. The alcohol had taken control over my body as I let my arms and legs flow around me. I lost my friends a long time ago, but I didn't care. I felt free. I didn't feel scared I didn't feel heartbroken I felt free. The feeling I had deep inside me was euphoria, pure happiness.