Alone Together • JJ Maybank

Twenty Four.

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An odd feeling had been radiating from me all morning. I woke up early, feeling relaxed, well-rested and calm which was odd considering how bad I should probably be feeling right now. I made my way over to Kiara's after checking over at the Chateau but finding it completely empty. John B was still M.I.A. and we hadn't heard from JJ since yesterday. But, despite the bad feeling I got about both of those situations, it still didn't make a dent in the optimism I had now that I had decided I was going to finally confront Ward Cameron. And today was the day.

Kiara's mom was super excited when I showed up at their house this morning, actually squealing with joy over the fact that we had agreed to her giving us both make-overs for Midsummers this evening. Well, I agreed, and Kiara had no other option. Kiara was quick to roll her eyes at the woman's eagerness, but I actually found it quite sweet. A pang of sadness washing over my otherwise good mood that I wouldn't get moments like these with my mom ever again.

"So, once we get there we can ditch my parents and hang out with Pope. Hopefully it won't be as bad as last year." I sat beside Kiara on her bed with my hair in the rollers that her mom had somehow convinced me to let her do, while Kiara wiped off the nail varnish her mom made her apply only an hour earlier.

"And you said it's easy to get alcohol?" I asked, remembering her words earlier. I knew I'd need a bit of dutch courage later so I wouldn't bottle my plan. She nodded at my words with a hum.

"Oh yeah, they give everyone champagne like it's no big deal. I guess you're not a Kook if you've not got a borderline alcohol dependency to the expensive stuff." I glanced down at my phone that was charging beside me, finally able to get proper signal and battery for the first time since the hurricane. "Still not heard from JJ?"

I shook my head. "Nope. How long do you reckon they would hold him for? Surely he would be out by now?"

"I don't really know, but I wouldn't have thought this long either. I'm sure there's a perfectly good explanation for not hearing from him though." Kie shrugged, concentrating on her nails again. "What you gonna do when you see him again? You know, since the kiss?" Her eyes glanced up at me, a playful expression on her lips.

"I-I, er, don't know." I stuttered, feeling myself blush. "What if it was just in the moment, or something? What if he regrets it?" I voiced my concern, worried that I was getting my hopes up as Kiara's mom came back into the bedroom, interrupting us.

"Right girls, make-up time!"

After more groans from Kiara as her mom had to convince her to not complain about tonight, and after finishing with my hair and makeup, I stood to look in the mirror. My blonde hair cascaded in gentle waves over the silky maroon fabric of my dress, with three matching maroon flowers pinning a small section of my hair back. I couldn't help but notice the tan I have gotten over the past few weeks since being here during the summer, bringing the freckles out on my face that I had forgotten I even had. I tried to keep my makeup simple, making the most of my natural tan, but opting for some dark winged eyeliner and mascara just so I actually felt like I was making a bit of an effort for such a fancy party.

"Thanks for lending me this dress, it's beautiful." I said as I smoothed my hands over the soft fabric. The spaghetti straps rested gently on my shoulders as the silk clung loosely to my body all the way to the floor. I sat on the edge of the bed as I stepped into the strappy heels I brought with me but rarely wore.

"That's ok, sweetie. I had to pick a few different options up for Kiara any way. That color looks incredible on you."

I looked up from my bent over spot on the bed, hands stopping still on my unclasped shoes when the door opened, and Kiara walked in wearing her dress. "Um, wow."