tried and true

three

eloquuence 2014

All parts of this story belong to me. Please do not repost this story or take credit for any parts of it.

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Grace's POV

I inhaled sharply as Abby began to recount the tales of her magical encounter with a devilishly handsome man. I sighed. Abby's many whirlwind romances had gotten her nowhere in lfie as far as I could see.

I began to grow annoyed and tapped my foot impatiently as she droned on and one about his chocolate colored eyes and impeccable attire. 

"He was such a gentlemen too I hope Toby -" she began before I cut her off. 

"Abby, dearest, forgive me but my guests are waiting." I said sweetly, ending my plea for escape with the sweetest, least conniving smile I could muster. 

"Of course! By all means go ahead!" she said and shooed me out of the room. "Grace Evan's parties are to die for!" she threw her head back in a melodious laugh. I just rolled my eyes. 

 As I exited the room, I smirked, knowing my dear best friend had not a clue as to what was going on. 

Do you seriously think I'd forgive you so easily?

How naive are you?

Where is the untrusting, uncannily aware Abby I know?

Revenge is truly the sweetest of them all. 

I skipped down the grand staircase and admired my reflection in the large mirror hanging directly across the room. Not too shabby, I thought. My simple short black lace dress had a beaded yoke, adding a subtle shimmer to the outfit. My hair, braided intricately, then wound into a loose bun, was adorned with pearl bobby pins. The black tights and shiny black patten leather Louboutins I wore tied it all together nicely I thought. I hadn't been wearing much color since the loss of my best friend. It was as if she were dead to me. Oh wait - she is.

I nearly cackled aloud before I realized I had guests waiting on me, guests who I assume, were growing more impatient by the minute. 

My return was noticed by the whole room, I'm sure. 

I snatched a glass of champagne off one of the silver trays as I reached the bottom of the stairs. As I wound my way around the room of slightly intoxicated spoiled teens, I began to think about Abby and her many adventures. 

Where had she been? 

Why did she leave without me? 

Did she even miss me at all?

Wait - what was that she started to ramble on about a guy? Toby right. That sounds so familiar. 

Where had I heard that name?!

Toby, Toby, Toby... 

My brain picking was rudely interrupted by a body's collision with my own, nearly knocking me over.

The room was suddenly in slow motion as my champagne glass was knocked out of my hand, spilling all over my dress and crashing onto the floor. 

As the glass shattered, I jumped back.

The domino effect began.

One by one, gasping teens looked up from their mischievous activities to look at the cause of the ear shattering sound.

I followed suite, only to be greeted by the sight of Abigail, a shocked and sheepish look apparent on her face as she realized the damage that had been done. 

"Just what do you think you're doing?" I sneered. 

"Grace, I'm so so sorry. It was an accident - I swear!" She exclaimed throwing her hands up. 

"It was one thing to come back into my life and try to steal the spotlight again after leaving me. But its another thing to try and ruin a party - my party especially." 

"I - I - I..." she began. 

"Save it. Get out Abby. Now." I pointed to the door and gave her an exasperated look. 

She bent down to pick up her small clutch and its contents, fully aware of my glare and the judgmental eyes of the room. She stood up, smoothed her skirt, and walked towards the elevator door. Abby turned and caught my eye, sincerity in her eyes. The elevator dinged, signifying its arrival, breaking our gaze. She strode onto the elevator, leaving the rubble of my party behind. 

That's it. I thought. 

She's going down.