Yours, truly

Chapter 8.

Haley

"What do you think?" Rae asked for the fifth time. After trying on multiple dresses she bought the other day, still couldn't decide which one she wanted to wear.

"I liked your other one" I stated truthfully as I sat down in my desk chair and she agreed while making a face when she looked into my mirror.

"Next!" She exclaimed and ran back into my bathroom.

I prayed that Rae would be quicker getting changed because sitting here with Natalie was the most awkward thing I've ever had to go through. She sat there, staring at her phone.

I decided to at least attempt a conversation with her. "What are you wearing?" I tried to sound sweet but my voice wobbled nervously.

Nice one Haley.

She didn't look up as she held up a short red dress on a hanger that lay beside her.

Right, stupid.

I got so nervous around her and I had no idea why. I've felt closer to Rae than anyone in this town but I haven't spoken more than a few sentences to Natalie.

"Who are you texting?" I asked and she looked at me. Was I being nosey? Was that bad to say?

"My mom? She wants to know when I'll be home" she answered, giving me a confusing look.

I felt extremely rude. Rae was coming home with me and staying overnight. I did offer to Natalie but she said no.

"Oh," I coughed staring at the bathroom door.

Hurry up, Rae.

"Where's your Mom?" She asked staring at me.

"Uh, work" I quickly answered avoiding her gaze. She gave me another confusing look. Her thick eyebrow raised and her dark eyes wouldn't leave me. I think this is the most conversation we've ever had.

"She's a nurse, she left like an hour ago" I explained and she nodded going back to her phone.

I'm just thankful Mom only had one shift or else I wouldn't even be going to this party.

Every time Natalie looked at me I felt myself shrink slowly. My words get lost and I turn into the biggest weirdo on the planet. I feel judged and extremely intimidated.

Rae said when she moved Natalie was cold at first but she warmed up to her and they became good friends. I was still waiting for that to happen, very patiently.

"Don't you have a brother?" She questioned again.

"He's at his friends" I decided to do something with myself and do my hair. We weren't leaving for a while but I felt stiff just sitting there. I took out my straightener and plugged it in.
"And your Dad?" She asked casually.

My jaw immediately set and I felt my shoulders stiffen. An uncomfortableness that wouldn't go away until a couple of minutes or in a change of topic.

"He's not around" I made sure to say it casually and not wait for some silence.

I felt like begging on my knees for Rae to step out of that door.