Being Olivia West

Pre-dance

The next Monday

I walk into the school on Monday morning. Everyone who sees me comments about how I'm not wearing my cast anymore. I don't say anything, too tired to respond. On my way to class, I meet up with Anna and Krystal. We chat on the way to math, catching up. As we make our way down the hall, I see Jack leaning against the wall beside the classroom. I stop dead in my tracks.
"No, guys, I uh-" I mumble. Anna and Krystal loop their arms through mine.
"Hey, Olivia, come on. You can't hide from him for the rest of your life" Anna says softly. I nod.
"I know" my voice breaks. We keep walking, and as we pass Jack he looks at me. He doesn't break eye contact with me even as I walk into the classroom. I shake it off and sit down beside my friends. Jack takes the seat beside me. Oh god, please no. I turn to Anna and bite my lip. She gives me a sympathetic look. I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn and see Jack leaning over to me.
"Hey, Olivia" he says awkwardly, a forced smile plaguing his face. I just look at him, not sure what to say.
"Leave me alone" I say sharply and turn to the front just as the teacher walks in. Saved.

After school, Anna, Bethany, Krystal, and I meet up to get ready for the dance. They all come to my house since I have the biggest room. Our dresses are laid out on my bed and we're crowded into my ensuite bathroom, struggling to find space. The counter is filled with curling irons, makeup, hairspray, perfume, and other beauty essentials. One Direction is playing on the radio and we're all dancing and singing along. I think this is going to end up being more fun than the actual dance!

"There, perfect!" Anna exclaims, withdrawing the eyeshadow brush from my eye.
"Oh, Olivia! You look stunning!" Krystal gasps. I look in the full length mirror and I almost don't recognize myself; the maroon lace dress falls to just above my knees. My hair falls perfectly out of the messy but elegant bun on the top of my head. For my makeup, Anna puts a shimmery gold shadow blended with brown and copper tones on my eyelids, then black eyeliner, mascara, blush, and nude lipgloss. For my shoes, they pick out 5 inch nude pumps. I feel like a princess.
"Thanks girls" I smile. There's a knock on the door and my mom comes in.
"Oh girls," she gasps, "you all look so beautiful!". We all grin. After a few touchups and group pictures, we head out the door, pumped for the dance.

"Have fun girls!" My mom yells from the car as we step out onto the sidewalk. We smile and wave at her until she drives away. I can hear music coming from inside. People are coming in and out of the school, laughing and running by, the sound of heels clicking on pavement. Bethany smiles.
"You guys ready?" She asks. We all nod and make our way inside.

I almost don't recognize the transformed cafeteria: coloured sheets cover the walls, fairy lights and lanterns are strung around the room, and stars are projected on the ceiling. Flashing lights and a disco ball set the party mood. It's so packed you can hardly breathe!
"It looks amazing!" Anna exclaims, "the decorating committee really got it right this year!".
"I know right!" I have to yell over the music. Beth grabs our hands and pulls us into the middle of the floor.
"Come on girls, let's dance!". We all giggle and give in to her, ready to have a great time.

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Hey readers! I know I haven't updated in a really long time and I'm sorry😞 I've been super busy lately and it took me a while to write this. Anyway, please keep reading and voting😊 We're so close to 2,000 reads!!!! I'm really happy that you guys are loving this story as much as I am☺️ Love you all💕❤️😘 ~Liv👽 (the media is Olivia's makeup for the dance😋)