08: Truth or dare

Eliana’s POV

The annoying sound of my ringtone woke me up. Too lazy to sit up or even get out of bed, I used my hand to search for my phone, tapping softly till I found it.

“Hello—”

“Where are you? I’m on my way to your house.” Cassie’s voice beamed from the other end.

“What?” I asked, making sure I had heard her correctly.

“Don't be silly, Eliana. What do you mean “what”? Shopping on the day of the Party was your idea.”

Ohh that! I had put off going shopping for the party because I didn’t feel like it. The party is today and we haven't gotten our dresses for the party. “Yeah yeah I remember. I’m at home. You're already on your way?” My voice sounded hoarse as I spoke.

“Don't tell me you were still in bed, Eliana.”

“Of course not!” I lied.

“Then why do you sound like a strangled chicken?” She asked with a chuckle. “Anyways, be ready when I get there. We have to get you a dress for the party, I’ll be there in five minutes.”

I sprang to my feet immediately, “Sure! I’ll be waiting. Bye.” I ended the call and rushed into the bathroom. How the hell was I supposed to be ready in five minutes? It was 9:45, I had to be ready at 9:50.

I showered quickly — the fastest shower I’ve ever had in my entire life! I hurriedly moisturized skin, deciding no makeup was necessary, I put my hair up in a bun, letting a few curls fall to frame my face.

One last glance at the mirror had me changing my mind about applying no makeup. There were dark circles around my eyes. I quickly grabbed my concealer and applied a generous amount and a touch of foundation, blending them out with my makeup brush. This time, when I stared at the mirror, I smiled at my reflection— I always do. I’m beautiful, just heartbroken.

I put on a pair of boyfriend jeans and a crop top, a style that could never go wrong. I did it! Not really, it was 9:58, she wasn’t here yet so I can say I did it, right?

A call came in, Cassie’s name flashed as the caller’s ID, “Sorry I’m late, I had to pick up something for my mom.”

“No problem,” Thank goodness there was a delay. “I’ll meet you outside in a minute…You can come in if you want.”

“No, meet me outside. When we’re done, we could relax and chill but for now, get your ass out here!” Cassie said in her usual jovial spirit.

“Yes ma’am.”

I got out and got into her car. We were at the boutique in a few minutes. I had no design in mind so Cassie practically did the shopping for me. “What’s up with you, Eliana? You’re acting strange.” Was I being so obvious?

“It’s nothing. I’m just tired, I didn’t sleep much.”

“No, you can’t say “nothing.” Something’s definitely wrong. Is everything okay with the charming prince you mentioned?” I couldn’t help but laugh at her question. She didn’t know who this prince charming was. She’d probably smack my head if she found out it was my dad’s best friend. I had told her things are finally going the way I wanted with the man I like, that was all. How do I explain that everything has gone south?

“No…I don’t want to talk about it.”

“What did he do? Just give me his name, what he looks like so I could deliver some good beating.”

Cassie knows how to cheer me up even when I don’t want to be cheered. I laughed hard at her expression and words. “Thank you, Cassie. When I’m ready to talk about it, I’ll let you know.”

“Alright, whenever you’re ready. Why are you thanking me?”

“For cheering me up.” I replied with a smile.

“Does this mean you can now pick a dress yourself?” She asked, pouting her lips dramatically.

“I think so.” I barely completed the words when she pulled me up, dragging me towards the dress aisle.

“Now, make your choice.” I ordered me and went about her business — searching for a dress she’d like.

I obeyed, diligently picking out dresses, staring at them and returning them. Either I didn’t like them or I just wasn’t interested in getting a dress.

“Make your choice already, stop putting dirt on the dresses with those filthy hands of yours, pig.” The voice came from behind me. I didn’t have to turn around to know who it was. I had no energy for Vicenta’s silliness today. “Do well to look a little less trashy at the —” she stopped mid-sentence. Her eyes widened with surprise as she slowly retreated.

I turned to see what had made her act so silly. It was Cassie. Thank God she’d arrived just in time. Vicenta fears Cassie— as she should. Last time she tried shit with Cassie, it didn’t end well for her or her followers.

“Have something to say? Why don’t you say it now I’m here?” Cassie asked, moving closer to Vicenta.

“No, no, I was—I was just complimenting her, nothing more.” She lied.

“I don’t want to see you anywhere near my best friend. If I hear you whispering anything to her, you’ll have me to deal with.” Cassie sounded so…so Cassie. I don’t know how else to explain it. I wish I could be so brave, fearless, just like Cass. That way, no one will dare bully me.

“Thank you.” I muttered after the bullies had left.

__Hours later___

“Aren’t you done yet!” Cass shouted at me from the bathroom door. I don’t blame her…I’ve been in here for a while. Taking all day to have my bath — as usual.

“I’m almost done!”

“Hurry! The party’s about to begin and we’re still not ready.”

Not long after, I got out of the shower. Cassie got in to take a shower. It didn’t take long for her to come out of the bathroom. We helped each other get ready and we were off to the party. Well, not before receiving advice from my aunt. As if we’ll take it. We laughed about it on our way to the party venue.

The smell of alcohol and intoxicating smoke filled my nostrils as I stepped into the party hall. It was wild. I could see some couples smooching in the corners of the room. It felt like a club or what I imagine a club to be like. I’ve never been to a club.

“Woah!!! This is amazing! Just exactly how I wanted the party to be.” Cassie exclaimed. Grabbing arms, she said: “live, enjoy the trill. I know you’re not used to this but trust me, you’ll love it.”

I nodded my agreement. Deep down I knew I wasn’t going to enjoy one moment here. I sat alone, ignoring all the guys trying to get my attention as I sipped the brandy I had requested.

The music was good. I drummed my fingers on the counter, moving my head to the beat.

“Mind dancing with me?” Danny, ‘hottest guy in class’ asked.

“Sorry, I can’t dance. Thank you.” I lied.

“No problem, if you don’t mind, I could sit here with you.” Doesn’t he get it? I want to be left alone, not pestered. Now he's asking to sit with me. Not that I care but I know he won’t sit quietly.

“Sure, go ahead.” I said with a fake smile on my face.

From that moment on, sitting and drinking became an annoying experience. He wouldn’t keep mute. “I’m sure you’ve heard about my parties, I’m having one next Saturday, I’m inviting you. Please say yes.”

“No.” I replied almost immediately, barely waiting for him to complete his sentence.

“Why?”

“I hate parties.” I replied while staring dead in his eyes, allowing my lack of interest to show. I didn’t want him thinking I was shy or something.

After so many failed attempts at a conversation, he finally understood me and walked away. I smiled inwardly.

“What the hell is wrong with you? Why chase him away?” Cassie asked from behind me. When did she get here? Wasn’t she dancing?

“Because I can.”

A girl grabbed the mic and announced a game, truth or dare. “Don’t even think of sitting this one out.” Cassie told me as she dragged me to the center of the room. Everyone ready to play were in the center of the room. The game began. I kept opting for alcohol instead of taking the dare. Truths, I could tell. Until someone asked: “Who’s your crush?” I wasted no time in downing the glass of whiskey.

“It’s definitely Danny, she just doesn’t want to say it.” What? And Danny actually looked at me with his brow raised. They can’t possibly be serious.

The game went on. Someone dared Cassie to give Ethan, her boyfriend, a lap dance. It was exciting to watch. I imagined myself doing the same thing to Mr. Scott. Everyone clapped and cheered them. Not long, I was dared to kiss my crush by none other than Danny himself! He had a smirk plastered on his face. Did he really think I was going to kiss him?

I stood up on wobbly legs and headed out. “Where are you going?” Cassie asked.

“To go kiss my crush.” If there was anything this party had done for me, it was the confidence it had restored. Maybe it was the drink or maybe the fact that the coolest boy almost every girl in class wanted, wanted me— definitely not. It was probably the alcohol. I had every intention of going to kiss Mr. Scott. How? I don’t know.