Ahead By A Century

Feels Like We Only Go Backwards

"Did you hear about Josie's party this weekend?" Ruby asks as she takes a sip of her iced coffee.

"No but it's obvious that she wouldn't invite me," I smile and Diana giggles.

"To be fair, Anne, I only found out from Charlie. I don't think she likes me either," Diana replies.

"Charlie huh?" I raise my eyebrow.

"Shut up, it's not a thing," she groans.

"Sure it isn't," Ruby whispers under her breath and I stifle a laugh.

"What about Jerry, huh?" Diana retorts.

"Jerry? He's the best, and I'm not afraid to admit it," Ruby smirks.

"I still can't get over that whole thing," Diana says.

"Honestly, me neither," I say.

"Everything just fell into place perfectly. Almost as if it was meant to be," Diana says thoughtfully.

"I think so too," I whisper.

"I'm really happy for you guys. I'm sorry it took so long," Ruby says, scratching her head.

"Don't apologize. It's done with, Rubes. Now, about that party..." I trail off.

"We're going right?" Diana says excitedly.

"Hell yeah we are."

•

In seventh period I arrive early, hoping Gilbert is there. Thankfully he is.

I set my books on my desk and walk over to him. "Hey, Gil."

"Anne. What's up?" He asks, head tilting slightly to the side.

"Do you want to crash Josie's party this weekend?" I say, wiggling my eyebrows.

"Now Mrs. Cuthbert, do you really think that's a smart idea?" He asks playfully, crossing his arms.

"I think it is. Do you?"

"Let's do it," he winks, and my heart flutters.

"Deal."

•

Saturday

I finish my makeup right when Gilbert texts that he's here.

I glance at my reflection in the mirror. My red hair is straightened and a purple headband rests behind my ears. The purple dress, green ascot and heels all pair together to create my favorite cartoon character: Daphne.

Smiling, I grab my phone and head downstairs.

"Where are you going, young lady?" Matthew asks from the kitchen, eyeing my outfit curiously.

"A costume party. Is that alright?"

"Sure. Have fun, but don't have too much fun," he says sternly, and I laugh.

"Okay, love you!"

I hop into Gilbert's car and my breath hitches at the sight of his costume. He's wearing black ripped jeans and a black long sleeve, his usual neat, curly hair ruffled up into a hot mess and dark circles line his eyes. A couple splashes of fake blood coat his face and when he smiles a pair of fake canines flash at me.

"I can't wait to see the look on Josie's face when she sees Daphne and a vampire waltz into her house," he chuckles and I stop my staring.

"I can't fucking wait," I smile.

He pulls into a neighborhood where the houses are all identical. Not shocking at all.

A few cars dot the street, but they're spread out so nothing is too suspicious. The shades are drawn as to not draw attention to the large brick house.