COMPLICATED.

CHAPTER 39

THE STRANGE DATE

The whole room is in turmoil, I can only look around stunned and surrender to the disaster that surrounds me. Designer clothes from all over fly by the air and in my ears echoes the swearing of Aria for Adam who continues to scatter everything in our beds and on the floor just polished. On the other side of the world you can also hear my mother's chilling shrieks from her Manhattan office and those of Marcus while he is in a huge pool at a five-star resort in Miami. Sooner or later Adam will pay me for having the idea of organizing the umpteenth video call with my relatives, especially for this occasion. During these days away from home my parents missed me a lot, also because they wanted to make up for the change of room story and so they called me on Skype almost every night. Which is fine, except for the fact that you have friends who can't wait to get to know and connect with one of the most important American families of the moment!
By the end of this week they had practically all become "best friends", in fact not quite what I expected. My parents and Paul find them nice and kind while Marcus loves them but in the end to conquer him it's quite easy, he tolerates anyone who fills him with compliments!
I knew very well that, sooner or later they would want to know but who thought they would get along so well?! But who am I to end this friendship! The last thing I want is to alienate the only real friends I've ever had.
No! I shouldn't have done it, I would have spared myself all this.
<< Honey, please tell me what he said to you. >> Marcus asks me anxiously, sipping with a straw a cocktail served in a giant coconut.
I roll my eyes as Aria slides defeat at my feet a sporty dress that showed too much bare skin.
<< For the millionth time, he said that it's a "birthday date". >> I sigh exasperated, again making the sign of the quotation marks with my fingers.
<< What does that mean? It's freaking me out! How can I choose the right look if I have so little information?! >> > he retorts, almost making my phone tremble by the trill.
You? In panic? Imagine ME!
<< Honey, seriously. You know I love Nick, and he's like a son to me, but sometimes he says these dramatic sentences that confuse me. When are you going to just get together? I've been waiting for this moment since you were five years old. It's like a torture! >> mom sighs in a low voice so as not to be heard by her colleagues.
<< Mom, please just...>>
<< I knew it, Elisa and I should have let you play the Spin the bottle that day on his birthday in the Hamptons. >> she keeps babbling.
I want to run away from here. NOW!
<< Stop it! >> I growl while I hear the laughters of the others in the background, especially the ones of Marcus.
<< Don't worry, you'll definitely find something. I have to go, I have a conference call now, I have too many commitments. You'll look great as always! I'll call you tomorrow to find out the audition results and details of the evening. Have fun! >> she exclaims aloud to be heard by everyone and closing the link a moment later.
<< Instead to me they're calling for the show tomorrow, stay in line. I'll be back soon! >> my cousin exclaims in turn.
At this point I would have liked Deborah to be there but no one can contact her, apart from her mother who knows the new phone number. As for the fight with her brother, I know they're not talking to each other yet and they haven't made up. All we know is that she's doing well, and she's continuing her studies at the university, so I hope I can hear from her soon.
<< All right, now that your mom's gone, we can talk. We must remain calm, obviously my clothes are not good for this occasion, as well as yours. Of course you could have brought something like the girl next door but also sexy! It's looks like you're a nerd who studies all day in the library! What are all these pastel sweaters? >> Aria says, turn them disgusted between her fingers.
<< But I'm a nerd who studies all day in the library. >> I confirm without thinking too much.
<< No, don't try it! We may be in a prestigious place but we're still in college. Fantastic parties, crazy hangovers and pure fun! We're not gonna be the antisocial girls in high school anymore, and I don't want to hear it. If someone has to save you I will do it, even if you have to empty the entire closet. >> she announces decided.
I decide to let it go, with her it is always a lost game when we're discussing about these topics. Until now I had never had the intention to change the way I dress but if this is needed for the realization of a new ME I could also consider it.
I can't wait to find something to put on in a hurry and get out of here to breathe fresh air that isn't full of tension. Good thing I already fixed my hair making it curlier and I made up with a light makeup, otherwise this torment would never end!
<< Where is Amanda?! >> Adam asks impatiently, carefully avoiding trampling everything on the ground.
<< I swear Adam, if you don't clean this mess before Emma gets back from this weird date tonight, I'm gonna take your beloved violin and tear it to smithereens! Emma by the way, thre's chances that I'll be out all night. If they ask for me please cover me. >> Aria grins as she checks for the last time her reflection in the mirror and brushes the dark red lipstick on her lips.
I nod and agree, putting aside curiosity.
I was so distracted, I didn't realize what she was doing in the meantime.
Her wavy black hair falls down a black strapless top with deep V-neckline, This in turn is combined with a frayed jeans skirt that leaves the tummy uncovered while thick heels take up the color of the top and better accentuate the various silver accessories.
<< Damn Ary, where are you going dressed like that?! >> Adam exclaims, widing open his eyes and issuing a whistle of approval.
<< Don't look so surprised, you know that's my style. An "old fiend" invited me to his apartment for a little party, it'll be fun. >> she whispers back and winks to us.
Not even on purpose but as soon as she spoke of this hypothetical boy the photo of the nicknamed "Bastard" appears and disappears intermittently and, as by- the- book, she refuses at the first call.
<< It's Seth, isn't it? >> Adam whispers in an attempt to touch her shoulder.
She immediately withdraws, taking large breaths and swallowing the little saliva that remains.
<< Seth? Who is Seth? I don't know anyone by that name. >> he murmurs annoyed.
A noise of heavy footsteps approaching distracts us from the moment of embarrassment.
<< Here I am! I come as soon as I could, I found an old dress of my cousin that we accidentally exchanged, you wear the same size. Not to frighten you but you have to try it now, there are only a few minutes to six. >> Amy gasps running towards us. I take it in my hands and with the help of everyone I can wear it and finally admire it amazed.
The dress is black with small white daisies scattered everywhere, it has some sort of flounces on the shoulders that make it more classic but the rest is tight and highlights the breast and the curve of my bottom. Strangely, I think it's one of the few clothes I see right on my body. Can it be the right one for today? I honestly don't know, but I don't have time to think otherwise.
The important thing is to keep a low profile, no expensive or prized dress.
<< That's it! It's him, it's the perfect dress! It's simple but also provocative. Magnifique! >> Marcus suddenly screams, making us blow to the heart.
<< God, we're late. Come on girls, I'll take care of the finishing touches to her hair, Aria's in charge of the shoe selection and Amanda's in charge of the mess in here! >> Adam orders by showing a dazzling smile.
<< Adam, I swear I'll break your violin. >> Amy says angry.
Aria and I laugh out loud as my other friend swiftly puts on the dress.
<< All right, I'll clean the room later, now quick! >>
After the approval of my trusted stylist and the last little changes to makeup and hairstyle from others I'm ready to go out. I put on my heeled black boots and look at my reflection in the mirror one last time.
<< You're gorgeous, tomorrow you have to tell us everything! I still can't believe you're going on a date with Cold! >> Amy says amazed.
Is it really a date? I don't know, I don't know anything anymore! We still have a lot to talk about, and I think as a best friend, he just wants to celebrate my birthday together. I need to stop thinking, this only make it worse.
Oh, my sweet Cold! He's going to kill hearts in this school! I can already picture all the boys and girls who follow him everywhere! >> Adam comments with a cheerful laugh and with his usual lost love voice. Analyzing his look and his excitement I feel like I'm reliving a déjà vu: Marcus and the stories of his first crush after discovering that instead of thinking about how to attract a beautiful girl thought about what kind of designer underwear wore the model he had to measure for the shows. They are two drops of water and after the video call I'm absolutely certain, too bad that he's obsessed with his Spanish artist who follows him like a puppy. And most importantly, I noticed how they studied each other while fighting about what was best for me. Too bad, they would have been such a nice couple! Although I have to admit, Adam is more of a party guy than my cousin who's already dreaming about marriage, a pool house in Los Angeles and kids of his own. Surely it would have made him put his head in order, even if the thought makes me laugh I'm back serious in less than a second. I think about the words he just said and the fact that Aria silenced him with a cold look makes me notice it even more. Amy instead insults him softly, as she usually does with him.
"He's gonna kill hearts!"
I breathe in involuntarily and abruptly, my blood boils. Maybe because I knew that what he says with so much conviction is true, but it's none of my business.
Kya will take care of him, I had nothing to do with it, I'm just his best friend. I won't make him suffer and I won't make a scene, it's not my job. And yet the inner voice that messes with my thoughts denies it all the time and I can't shut her up, and I wouldn't even want to. I'll never feel jealousy for anyone again, and even if I did, I have no right. But if I just think it's not a crime, I'm not doing anything wrong. Right?
No, I only hurt myself but now I'm used to it. I have to pass on, as I do for a lifetime for anything. I was raised and educated to do this, it's a habit that will take a while to abandon me.
<< Emma...>> Adam whispers.
<< Don't worry, I'm just a friend. I have nothing to do with this, that's right. >> I assure him.
And I lie to my face. The last thing I need right now is to be discouraged or conditioned, I just have to enjoy the day. Or at least I hope so...
<< I will make up for my stupidity making the room a splendor! >>
The hum of the phone alerts meof the arrival of a text from Nick: