The Suburbs

Chapter four

Quarter past ten in the morning, my clock on the bedside table reads as I stretch out my arms and legs.
I sit up and rub my eyes, I hadn't meant to sleep in for this long but I must have needed it.

"Shit." I gasp to myself. I'm supposed to be at the neighbours house for twelve o'clock, Elle invited me over for their little barbecue. I quickly pull the covers off me and head downstairs for a glass of water and ice, I need it to wake me up a little and then I can focus on getting ready. I really want to make an effort today, I'm not sure why. Apart of me thinks it's because I want to impress Elle, she looked so put together and elegant when she came to my door last night. In many ways she reminded of a red haired version of Kate Middleton. She could most certainly pass for someone in the Royal family.

"Morning Puss." I say with a smile as I see the sweet little grey cat standing at my patio door.

I open the patio doors and she comes strolling in without hesitation which makes me laugh.

"Looks like I have made my first friend here in the suburbs." I say affectionately before putting down a little milk for her.
"But on that note, I better get ready."

It's another beautiful day today. The skies are blue, not a cloud in sight and although it's still only morning it already feels pretty hot and humid. I head straight for my wardrobe and browse through the selection of dresses I have managed to put away already.

Perfect. I spot a red floral plunge dress. It's girly and pretty and I have always gotten compliments when I have worn it in the past. I pair it with some nude sandal wedges and hoop earrings.
I love the way the dress feels once I slip it over my head and pull it down my body. It clings in all the right places. It finishes just above the knee, a little sexy but still quite conservative. I really like it.

I think I'll go for natural make up today, I dive into my make up bag and pull out a tinted moisturiser and I apply that all over. It gives me a healthy glow without too much coverage. I grab my new mascara and give my lashes a little length and then finish it with subtle blush and soft nude lipstick.
I lightly scrunch some hair product through my blonde waves and give it a little beach look again.

I'm proud as I study my reflection. This is the first time since Alex that I have made a real effort with my appearance and I feel amazing. My confidence has slowly been creeping up over the past couple of weeks anyway but right now I feel like the best I have felt in a long time. It makes me really smile.

By the time I finish a few more last minute touches I find myself heading to the big house opposite. Suddenly getting up close to the house makes me feel a little intimidated. It looks so grand up close.
I pull my dress down a little and nervously fix my hair again after I press the doorbell.

"Mia!" Elle greets me so warmly as the door swings open and she gestures me straight in.
"You're just in time!"

Holy shit. The inside of her house looks better than most five star hotels I have stayed in. Everything is marble and carefully colour co-ordinated. Inside is very modern, which I didn't expect considering the outside looks more rustic.

"Thanks for inviting me over, Elle." I respond politely but I'm distracted by the spiral staircase in the background.

"House tour?" Elle offers with a laugh. I must be gawping too obviously.

"Sure." I nod.

"Great! First let me fix you a drink. I made a few jugs of a special cocktail I like, thought you might want to try it."