Founding Family

Jessica's Pov

"Omg! You look amazing!" Brenda gasped, her voice bubbling in excitement.

I stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror. It didn't look like me anymore, how did an ugly duckling like me get to be this beautiful?

Brenda had done my makeover. She took off my docky glasses, replacing it with contact lenses that still made me see very clearly. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, I looked like a brand new baddie that had just fallen from the hot girls section of heaven.

Was this really me? I was wearing a skimpy short black skirt with a bra tank top just like Brenda, exposing more of my skin than I had ever shown my entire life. I had never wore any dress that ended above the knee, it felt so uncomfortable. I kept tugging at the hem of my skirt, trying to hide my laps. My chest was also too much of a display and I was convinced I was too skinny for this outfit.

"Can we change my outfit? It's too open. I feel totally naked," I pleaded, my voice small.

"Girl, please! If you are going with me, you need to look the best. I have enemies all watching," she laughed, dismissing my plea as she snatched up her handbag, and handed me mine.

Everything I was wearing asides my hair and undies, weren't mine. It felt like I was walking in Brenda's skin.

"Let's go, Jess! The cab is waiting downstairs and don't worry we don't have to pay a f*e," Brenda said, My boyfriend got it covered." She grabbed my hand practically dragged me down the stairs as I stumbled in the heels, my knees shaking.

Everytime the hallway mirror caught a glimpse of my reflection, I flinched. The girl in the mirror had long, curly black hair and smoky eye makeup that made her look dangerous. But inside? I was so terrified. I felt like a fraud.

We arrived at the party. It was a massive mansion on the edge of the campus woods. The driveway was packed with exotic cars and stylish teenagers just like me, maybe adults too. The music was so loud I could feel the bass vibrating in my chest.

"Stay close to me," Brenda whispered, though her eyes were scanning the room for her supposed enemies she mentioned. I held her hand tightly like a lifeline.

The smell finally hit me the moment we walked in. It was the smell of beer, expensive alcohol, and wood. They were smoking there.

"I need a drink," Brenda announced, her gaze immediately shifting to the bar.

Unlike other girls who were chattering in groups. I noticed a sense of loneliness hovered around Brenda. She wasn't talking or greeting anyone. For a moment I thought despite her flashy appearance, she was a loner just like me.

I stood there awkwardly, clutching my tiny handbag like a shield. I felt completely naked. Everytime a guy walked past me, I looked at the floor, praying my contact lenses wouldn't pop out.

A sharp, piercing whistle cut through the music behind me. I tilted my head back carefully to see who it was.

"Now who do we have here? A snack for the night?" A boy exactly my height, stood behind me. He reeked of alcohol with his messy hair brown. His looks were nothing special. He looked like a spoiled rich kid who had never been told no.

He stepped closer to me, his eyes traveling over my body, his tongue wagging at me in a way that made my skin crawl.

"I am talking to you, sweetheart," he sneered leaning in closer. But before he could say another word, he was hit by another boy who was passing by. He fell flat on the floor. I turned around to see who caused the violent collision because it happened too fast.

To my greatest surprise it was the same guy that almost killed me with his sport car. He was wearing a white plain T-shirt and jeans. Why in God's name are we crossing path again? I tried to walk away, but he grabbed my arm. Pulling me back violently. His eyes glaring at me like a predator looking at prey.

For a terrifying moment I thought his pupils flashed a vivid red, but I brushed it off as a trick of the light multi-coloured light bulbs. He suddenly let me go but I didn't dare move.

He looked at me from head to toe with a judgemental smirk. "Woah, I can recognize that ugly face covered with this mountain of makeup and I bet you came here to flock with people not in your class," he mocked. "If you don't have the confidence to wear that outfit, then don't."

I felt the sting of his words instantly. I knew he was definitely here on purpose to insult me. Before I could muster up courage to reply him Brenda walked in between us, she folded her hands tightly.

"Back off, Conner," she glared at him. The way they locked eyes at each other I could tell they knew each other, probably had a bitter history.

He took a menacing step closer to Brenda, but she didn't flinch. She kept her gaze fixed on him boldly. "I see you have a new minion, Brenda. You should know your place," he smiled mischievously and walked out on us. His friends followed behind him like they were a pack of bodyguards.

Brenda tapped my arm. I flinched instantly, my nerves completely shot.

"What? You are already shaking don't mind him. His family are the founding members of this school and he is the heir. So he feels he rules the entire world, I will deal with him soon." Brenda said dismissively.

The founding family? I clutched my bag hard again. It was just my first day in school and I had crossed path with a rich bully. I should had just run back home. All I needed to do was just avoid him and everyone else, I nodded silently.

"I..I want to use the restroom,Brenda," I whispered.

She immediately pointed toward a hallway to me, without even paying attention. She was already lost in the alcohol she was gulping down. Within seconds, she had quickly joined the crowd, dancing her way onto the dance floor.

This was my perfect chance to hide now until the party was over. I turned away from the flashing lights that were making my head spin and carefully counted my shaky heels toward the restroom.

I finally saw the female symbol on a door. The moment I held the door knob to open it a hand gripped my wrist tightly.

I froze in an instant, my heart leaping into my throat. I slowly turned my head to see who was beside me and it was Conner, the one that had just insulted me to my face. It was like he was lurking in every corner, stalking me.

"It's a coincidence we met again," he smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "I really detest fake people, especially the ones who flock with wannabes."