Metathesiophobia || Billie Eilish

Chapter 2

The last Friday of my High School career is 2 days away and with that, everyone is in a frenzy to make it a unforgettable experience. Designer stores are practically being bought empty by the parents of students in the St. Mary's and St. John's High Schools in preparation for the ball being held the Friday night to celebrate the graduates of this year.

I'm shameful to admit that my sister who is two years younger than me, has better taste in clothing than I'll ever have. And for that reason I had asked her to help me out with my dress for the ball to which she happily agreed. All that that is left to do now, is endure a day of shopping with her.

While my sister shunted employees around the designer store, I stood still as a statue on a little step stool while people rushed around me to take my measurements while simultaneously studying my skin tone to pick out the colors for the gown. Agitation was evident on my face and my posture, but Avery couldn't care less as she just continued with her actions.

Being the center of attention was never something I was fond of, but I would get no rest for the next few days since my whole family would most likely show up at my house to shower me with diamond jewelry, cars and planes in light of the tradition.

"Are we done yet?" I asked my sister for the fourth time now. She looked me up and down and then nodded before clapping her hands twice.

"Alright people, we're done for now. I expect the dress to be delivered Friday morning, ten on the dot and not a second later," she says with authority and the employees scamper away.

It had always amazed me how my sixteen year old sister can be so confident. I had always been quiet and reserved, only voicing my opinions if they're absolutely needed. Avery seemed to be just the exact opposite, always saying what was on her mind, not afraid to start a argument if someone wasn't complying to her wishes or didn't share the same opinion. This dynamic always seemed to work for us though, she was my best friend and I was hers, even with the stereotype of siblings never getting along when they're younger. I somehow kept her grounded (or the most down to earth I can manage to get her) and she showed me how to get out of my comfort zone, sneaking us into clubs and helping me ditch the algorithm I have seemed to adopt since the day I was born.

"Wasn't that fun?" she asks genuinely, but already knowing the answer since she knew the person the question was directed to.

"Super," I reply sarcastically before smiling to the driver holding the door of the limo.

"Thanks Maurice," I say while sliding into the vehicle and making myself more comfortable on the plush leather seats.

"I can't see why you're not excited for next week. I mean, you have all the money you want, you can go anywhere and do anything you want. Have you decided on what you're going to do?" She asks as the car starts moving while I look out the tinted window at all the people going about their day. Watching people in this city has always made me want to press a button to slow everything down so that they can just look around them and breathe. If something or someone wasn't fast, effective or working well enough, the city had a habit of leaving them in the dust, no matter how much money or influence they might have. That had made me love it even more. In a sense, it made us all equal.

"Yeah, but I can't tell you. Just know it doesn't involve splurging money to help me discover myself. I don't even know if it will help me at all to be honest, but I'm willing to find out," I say simply.

"That's good," she says, smiling softly before continuing talking about other trivial, everyday things. I also loved the fact that there was never a dull moment with Avery. Conversation was always easy enough to follow while still allowing me to get into my own head as I just nodded occasionally to let her know I'm listening.