COMPLICATED.

CHAPTER 39

THE STRANGE DATE

The entire room is in total turmoil; I can only look around stunned, forced to surrender to the disaster that surrounds me. Designer clothes literally fly everywhere, and Aria's colorful curses echo in my ears as Adam, unbothered, continues to scatter everything haphazardly across our beds and the freshly polished floor. Simultaneously, from the other side of the world, I can hear my mother's bone-chilling shrieks from her Manhattan office, mixing with Marcus's relaxed voice as he enjoys the sun by an enormous pool in a five-star resort in Miami. I swear to myself that, sooner or later, Adam will pay for the brilliant idea of organizing yet another group video call with my relatives, especially on this occasion. During these days away from home, my parents have felt my absence deeply-perhaps also wanting to make up for the whole room-change mess-and so they've made a habit of Skyping me almost every night. Which would be perfectly fine, if not for the fact that I have friends who can't wait to meet and build relationships with one of the most prominent American families of the moment!
By the end of this week, they had already practically all become "best friends"; a turn of events I hadn't expected at all. My parents and Paul find them extremely likable and kind, while Marcus literally adores them-but then again, it takes very little to win him over, as he tolerates anyone who showers him with sincere compliments! I knew perfectly well that, sooner or later, they would want to meet, but who would have thought they'd get along so well?! But who am I to end this sudden friendship! The last thing I want is to push away the only true friends I've ever had. Actually, no! I shouldn't have done it; I would have spared myself all this fuss.
<< Honey, tell me again what he said to you. >> Marcus asks me anxiously, sipping a colorful cocktail through a straw served inside a gigantic coconut.
I roll my eyes toward the ceiling while Aria, defeated, slides a sporty dress to my feet that showed far too much bare skin for my liking.
<< For the millionth time, he said it's a "birthday date." >> I sigh deeply and exasperatedly, making the air quotes again with my fingers.
<< But what does that mean? That phrase is literally sending me into a panic! How can I choose the right look if I have so little information?! >> he retorts, nearly making the phone shake from the vibration of the alert.
You? In a panic? Imagine ME!
<< Sweetie, seriously. You know I love Nick to death and he's like a son to me, but sometimes he says these catchy phrases that confuse me. When are you two just going to get together already? I've been waiting for this moment since you were five. It's torture! >> Mom sighs in a low voice, trying not to be heard by her colleagues.
<< Mom, please... >>
<< I knew it, Elisa and I should have let you play spin the bottle that day of his birthday in the Hamptons. >> she continues to mutter to herself.
In this instant, I just want to run away, far from here. NOW!
<< Stop it! >> I growl, clearly hearing the giggles of those present in the background, especially Marcus's unmistakable one.
<< Don't worry, you'll definitely find something suitable. I have to go now, I have an imminent conference call and too many commitments waiting for me. You'll look stunning as always! I'll call you tomorrow to hear the audition results and for all the details of the evening. Have fun! >> she exclaims loudly so everyone can hear, hanging up a moment later.
<< And I'm being called for tomorrow's fashion show, stay on the line. I'll be right back! >> my cousin exclaims in turn, vanishing from the frame.
At this point, I wished with all my heart that Deborah was there too, but unfortunately, no one can reach her, except for her mother who knows her new number. As for the ugly fight with her brother, I know for sure they still aren't speaking and haven't made peace. We only know she's doing well and continuing her university classes; I really hope to hear from her soon.
<< Alright, now that your mother is finally out of the way, we can talk seriously. We need to stay calm; evidently, my clothes aren't right for this special occasion, and neither are yours. You certainly could have brought something "girl next door" but still sexy! This looks like the wardrobe of a nerd who spends all day studying in the library. Let's hope for Amy's things! What are all these pastel-colored sweaters? >> Aria says, turning them over in her fingers with an expression of pure disgust.
<< But I am a nerd who studies all day in the library. >> I confirm without a second thought.
<< No, don't even try it! We might be in a prestigious place, but we're still in college. Fantastic parties, insane drinking, and pure fun! We won't be the antisocial high school girls anymore, and I won't hear any excuses. If someone has to save you, I'll do it, even if it means emptying your whole closet. >> she announces firmly.
I decide to let it go and not argue; with her, it's always a losing battle when discussing these topics. Until now, I never had the slightest intention of changing the way I dress, but if this truly serves the creation of a "new ME," then I might seriously consider it. I can't wait to find something to wear quickly and finally get out of here to breathe fresh air that isn't so heavy and charged with tension. Thank goodness I've already fixed my hair, making it more defined and curly, and applied light makeup, otherwise, this ordeal would never end!
<< Where did Amanda go?! >> Adam asks, suddenly impatient, being careful not to step on everything lying on the floor.
<< I swear Adam, if you don't clean up this mess before Emma gets back tonight from this strange date, I'll take your beloved violin and smash it into a thousand pieces! Emma, by the way, it's very likely I'll be out all night. If they ask about me, please cover for me. >> Aria smirks mischievously as she checks herself one last time in the mirror and carefully reapplies dark red lipstick.
I nod promptly and agree to her request, setting aside my curiosity for a moment.
I was so distracted that I didn't even notice what she was doing in the meantime. Her wavy black hair falls softly over a sleeveless black top with a deep V-neckline; this is paired with a frayed denim skirt that leaves her stomach exposed, while thick heels match the top's color and highlight her silver accessories.
<< Damn Ary, where are you going dressed like that?! >> Adam exclaims, wide-eyed and letting out a whistle of pure approval.
<< Don't be so surprised, you know perfectly well this is my style. An "old acquaintance" invited me to a little party at his apartment; it'll be fun. >> she retorts in a whisper, winking at both of us.
As if on cue, just as she finished talking about this hypothetical guy, the photo of the nicknamed "Bastard" flashes on her phone screen and, as usual, she rejects the call on the first ring.
<< It's Seth, isn't it? >> Adam murmurs, attempting to lightly touch her shoulder.
She recoils abruptly, taking deep breaths and struggling to swallow.
<< Seth? Who's Seth? I don't know anyone by that name. >> she mutters, visibly annoyed.
The sound of heavy footsteps approaching the room distracts us from the awkward moment.
<< I'm here, I got here as fast as I could! I found an old dress of my cousin's that we swapped by chance; you wear the exact same size. Not to scare you, but you have to try it on right now: it's almost six o'clock. >> Amy pants, running toward us breathlessly. I take it in my hands and, with everyone's help, I finally manage to put it on and admire it in wonder.
The dress is black with small white daisies scattered carefully all over. it has ruffles on the shoulders that make it more classic, but the rest is tight-fitting and highlights my chest and the curve of my hips. Strangely, I think it's one of the few dresses I like on my body. Could it be the right one for today? Honestly, I don't know, but I don't have enough time to think otherwise. The important thing is to keep a low profile: no overly expensive or excessively precious clothes.
<< This one! Yes, it's the one, it's the perfect dress! It's simple but provocative at the same time. Magnifique! >> Marcus suddenly yells, nearly giving us a heart attack.
<< Oh God, he's right! There's very little time left. Come on, girls! Adam, I'll handle the final hair touches, Aria will choose the shoes, and Amanda... the mess in here! >> Adam orders with a brilliant grin.
<< Adam, I swear I'll really break your violin. >> Amy retorts, deeply irritated.
Aria and I laugh hysterically as my other friend quickly zips up the dress.
<< Fine, I'll clean the room later. Now hurry! >>
After getting the approval of my trusted stylist and finishing the final small changes to hair and makeup by the others, I'm finally ready to go out. I slip on the black heeled boots and check my reflection one last time.
<< You look stunning! Tomorrow you have to tell us absolutely everything! I still can't believe you're going on a date with Cold! >> Amy says with an amazed look.
But is it really a date? I don't know, I don't know anything anymore! We still have so many things to talk about and I believe that, as my best friend, he just wants to celebrate my birthday with me. I have to stop thinking so much; I make everything worse.
<< Oh, my sweet Cold! He's going to break hearts in this school! I can already imagine all the guys and girls following him everywhere! >> Adam comments with a cheerful laugh and his usual lovestruck voice. Watching his gaze and excitement, I feel like I'm reliving a clear déjà vu: Marcus and the endless stories of his first crushes, after discovering that instead of thinking about how to attract a beautiful girl, he was thinking about what brand of underwear the model he had to measure for the fashion shows was wearing. They are two peas in a pod and after this video call, I'm entirely sure of it-it's just a shame he's fixated on his Spanish artist who follows him like a puppy. And, above all, I noticed how they were studying each other while we were arguing about what looked best on me. A pity; they would have been a great couple! Though I must admit Adam is much more of a party animal compared to my cousin, who already dreams of marriage, a villa with a pool in LA, and plenty of children. He certainly would have made him settle down, even if the thought makes me laugh. I become serious again in less than a second. I think intensely about the words he just said, and the fact that Aria silences him with a cold stare makes me notice it even more. Amy, for her part, insults him under her breath as she usually does.
"He'll be a heartbreaker!"
I inhale involuntarily and sharply; I feel my blood boiling. Perhaps because I knew perfectly well that what he's rambling about with such conviction is the pure truth, but it's none of my business. Kya will deal with him; I have nothing to do with it; I'm just his best friend. I won't make him suffer and I won't make useless scenes; it's not my place. Yet the inner voice scrambling my thoughts denies it constantly, and I can't make it stop, nor would I want to. I'll never feel jealousy for anyone again, and even if I did, I wouldn't have the right. But if I just think it, it's not a crime; I'm not doing anything wrong. Right?
No, instead, I'm only hurting myself, but I'm far too used to it by now. I have to get over it, as I've done my whole life for everything. I was raised and taught to behave this way; it's a habit that will take a while to leave me completely.
<< Emma... >> Adam whispers softly.
<< Don't worry, I'm just his friend. I have nothing to do with this, it's only right. >> I reassure him.
And I lie shamelessly. The last thing I need right now is to let myself get discouraged or influenced; I just have to try to enjoy the day. Or at least I hope so with all my heart...
<< I'll make up for my stupidity by making this room an absolute splendor! >>
The sudden buzzing of my phone alerts me to an SMS from Nick: