Battle within

Chapter Three

To new friendships

It was finally free period, I left looking for the dance studio.
knocking on the door, my nerves were all over the place. What if she didn't accept me into this class?

Dance was the only thing keeping me sane. I needed to dance.

" Come on in " echoed through the door, I walked through the door and I was instantly mesmerized. It was beautiful. The stage was big. Really big.

" How may I help you ? " I looked up at the beautiful women in front of me. She must have been in her late forties. Her appearance screamed " grace & elegance "

" I was hoping to join the class this year " I said
" Not a problem. You're just in time dear . Auditions are tomorrow, prepare something & hope for the best "
" You can have a seat & watch them for today "

I sat down as the music started playing & to say I was in awe was an understatement

Their routine was squeaky clean, the steps were bold & portrayed confidence. I mentally jotted down as much as I could, I could incorporate some of these moves into my dance for the auditions. I already knew that this would be my favorite class.

They finished off and everyone was getting ready to get to class
I stoop up & made my way to the door

I thanked her again & left. Excitement coursed through me. I finally got to dance again.

School was over & I was being dragged to the mall to find something to wear for tonight.

" Red is your colour. I can feel it. " Alison said.
Well you'd look gorgeous in anything. I'd kill for your curves "
Oh the irony.

It's been 2 hours. 2 hours and I didn't find a single dress that screams " me "
I was about give up when Alison stopped in her tracks and turned towards the one shop we hadn't been to.
" One last try? " I nodded because I had nothing to lose, we had already spent 2 hours here.
I looked through the racks when something caught my eye. A nude strapless thigh length dress. Alison followed my gaze and pushed to me towards the dressing room.

I zipped up the dress & turned towards the mirror. Wow, I felt beautiful, which was new for me, with everyone going on, I haven't done things like this for a while now. Shopping, parties, friends.
I stepped out of the dressing room and all I heard was a high pitched scream

" you look hot chica, Chase won't be able to keep his eyes off you "
I rolled my eyes. So Chase was going to be there ? Lovely.
I walked back into the dressing to change. This was the dress

I went to the till to pay for the dress but Alison beat me to it.

" C'mon, you can't be paying for things already. " I said
" I convinced you to come to the party, it's only fair. Plus, we're friends, this is what friends do

Did I really make a friend ? I smiled but I couldn't help but feel scared, knowing what happened the last time I got close to people, they got hurt & it was my fault. He used the people I cared about to get to me. I shook my head to rid myself of those dark thoughts

We left the mall & headed to this new burger place that opened up. I was starving.
It was a cosy antic kind of place. It felt homely. We headed towards one of the couches & looked trough the menu

" The steak here is Devine. You've gotta try it " Alison suggested

" Next time. I've been craving a burger ever since we got here "
I licked my lips just thinking about it
We placed our orders and waited. We got to know each other, I learned that she was an only child. Her mom & dad were divorced & she lives with her mom now. She didn't speak much about it, like it was something that bothered her. I didn't pry, after all, I wasn't completely honest either.

By the time we finished was already 6. Jake was picking us up at 8 & Alison was coming over to get ready at my house. As much as I didn't want to go, I was actually excited to go out & have some fun. Mom wouldn't be home until later anyway.

We made our way home & I went straight to shower. I was not used to the heat this time of year. Alison started getting ready. It takes her " twice as long to look that cute ". I barely wear make up. It's not that I don't want to, I just never felt like dressing up recently, or doing anything for that matter. Alison insisted on doing my make up for the night.

She went with all natural colours considering my dress was nude so it went together perfectly. My hair that was usually locked at the ends with curls was now pin straight and tied into a high ponytail. I liked it
I changed into my dress & to say I was shocked was an understatement. I looked different. Good different, I looked happier, confident.

Alison strutted out showing me her dress and it was gorgeous. She went with a spaghetti strap red dress that reached just above her knees with a little bit of cleavage. Leaving the rest to the imagination.
She pulled it off with her long tanned legs. She looked beautiful.

" We look hot. " Said Alison
Just then. We heard Jakes horn from outside
I slipped on my heels & made my way downstairs,
Jake was about to knock on the door as I opened. He stared at Alison in awe. He was so in love with her, only she couldn't see it. I cleared my throat and he snapped back into reality.

" You girls look beautiful " he said.
But he looked at Alison the entire time. Delusional girl
Nina honked from the car. Telling us to " hurry the hell up "
We made our way to the car & drove towards Mason's house. The music could be heard from a street away. The place was packed. We had to park down the street.

We walked towards his house & damn, it was huge. There was a beautiful fountain at the entrance, leading to a pathway with flowers.

We rang the bell and someone opened the door. Someone I hadn't met before. This must be Mason

" Glad you guys could make it. Come on in. "

To say his house was huge would be an understatement. His lounge was probably bigger than my entire house.

" Cool party huh " said Nina

" Yeah. It actually is " I answered
I looked around admiring the decor of the house. Teenagers everywhere, dancing. Some making out. Groping. Why am I not surprised ?

" let's get a drink " I turned to Jake as he spoke. I haven't drank in a while. It just brought back bad memories. Memories I didn't want to think about
But this is it. A new chapter of my life & it's time for me to move on & have fun.
" I'm down. I could use a drink " I said as I followed him to the kitchen where drinks were being served.
As I got to the kitchen, the stench of weed got to me. Gross.

" 3 drinks for the ladies & one extra special for me mate "

Seems like Jake & the guy serving us drinks knew each other.
I looked at my shot, debating if I'm ready for this. I heard their glasses bang on the table. Everyone had theirs and was looking at me expectantly.

" we're going to dance, come with ? Asked Alison
" I'll catch up with you guys in a while, go ahead " I answered
" Your call chica, don't do anything I wouldn't do ;) "
I rolled my eyes, classic Alison.

I got up and decided to explore the place a little, it's not everyday that I get to see the inside of a mansion.
I hadn't noticed where I was going and I bumped into someone, spilling my drink all over their shirt.
Shit, why am I so clumsy?

" I'm so sorry , I'm so clumsy, I -
I stopped mid sentence as he looked up.
" We've got to stop meeting like this pipsqueek. "
There he was. Looking as hot as ever.
Chase Mathews.