Lexan’s party

POV: Audrey.

Background song: TV by Billie Eillish.

     

    The cruel hours of the night creeped in rapidly and soon I found myself staring at the reflection in the mirror. While the yellow dress was clasped to my body, the black sequin dress that Lexan sent to me lay on the bed seeking my attention. 

    My choice wasn't going to sit well with Lexan. Guilt washed over me as I pondered on what to do. Alexander won't even care if I wore one of his dresses but my mind was leaning to the sunshine dress.

     Giving myself one final look in the mirror, I grabbed my purse and stormed out. 

    “Ma'am, you look gorgeous.” Charles complimented nicely.

    “Thank you Charles.” My voice fell flat.

    “Are you okay ma'am?” He asked knotting his brows.

    “I don't know Charles. Do you think I should have worn the dress that Lexan sent?” I looked up at him like he had a solution.

    “Ma'am. I think you should go with what your mind accepts.” The reply was precise.

    I nodded at him and headed to the ride patiently waiting for me outside the mansion. Lexan really went out of his way despite our rift. He sure had a way to make me feel worse of myself. I thought for a while about taking one of Alexander's cars but I didn't want to make him feel worse, after dumping his dress on my bed. I reluctantly got into the car and it zoomed off as I mulled over the best way to approach Lexan tonight— in a yellow dress. 

    

     The ride to the party was too serene for the chaos that was about to ensue. We soon got to the party and I made my way into the venue. It was an English party hall illuminated by the massive chandeliers that hung from its ceiling, which blended with the gold curtains perfectly and its marble floors that were well hidden under the guise of the luxurious furniture settings. 

   The hall was filled with dignitaries, friends, acquaintances and even old classmates whom I didn't quite relate with. Lexan managed to pull a lot of people to his party. His intelligence really paid off as he ended up becoming the most successful psychologist in the city.

    Lexan found me the moment I walked into the hall,

    “You didn't wear it.” His voice was laced with disappointment.

    “Lexan, I already….” I stuttered clutching my purse tightly.

    “You could have just done me this one favour Audrey.” 

    Guilt knifed through me and the yellow dress felt like a crime I couldn't take off.

   I gazed at the marble floor, trying to blink back the hot tears that welled up at my eye.

    “Heyyy….” 

    “Come with me.” He said as he gently held my hand and led me to his private room. 

    Gently taking me to the cushion, he crouched down to my level.  

    “Drey, I'm sorry for my words. I shouldn't have said that, knowing that you had a reason for not wearing my dress. You know I hate to see you cry Drey.” His words only intensified my guilt and my tears too.

    “Drey….” He cooed giving me a soft hug and the dam fell.

    “I'm sorry Lexan.” I sniffed.

    “But it's just that things have been so overwhelming for me and I feel like it's all my fault for being too much, my inability to control my emotions, earning your disappointment and then I'm living with my own sister’s fiancé who is possibly her killer…..”

    “Breathe Drey,” Lexan cut in, a tear dropping from his green eye.

    “Inhale…” as I took a deep breath for a few seconds.

    “Exhale baby.” He said as I let out some air.

    “First off, I'm really sorry for not being there for you. I was so drowned in my anger that I didn't hear your voice calling out to me. I don't even deserve to be called your best friend Drey.” 

   “Lexan no. It's all my fault.” I squirmed.

   “It's not your fault these things happened to you. You would have stopped it, if you knew how. And your feelings are totally valid. I mean, you are really shouldering a lot and I only judged you instead of being there for you. That was so unfair to you.” 

    “So would you allow me to take my place as your best friend again? I promise I won't leave you behind okay?” He pleaded softly. 

     I felt like I suddenly found my comfort again. Lexan has this marshmallow side of him that I'm so attracted to. Even when I'm wrong, he still tries to understand me in every way. 

    “Thank you so much Lexan.” I muttered, nodding slowly.

    “I’m calling off the party. You are of more importance right now.”  

    “Lexan no,” I said, gripping his tuxedo shirt softly.

    “That would be selfish of me. It's your day and I want you to have the best time of your life okay?”

    “But your happiness matters to me more than anything else.”

    “And I really appreciate that. Even when I'm not deserving of it. But it's your day Lexan, ruining it will only make me feel worse of myself okay? So c'mon, go out there and have fun.”

    “Happy birthday Big boy.” I finished flashing a sad smile at him.

    “Thank you Drey. Just take your time and call me anytime you need me, okay?” He asked, staring into my hazel eyes.

    “Mmmm.” I nodded.

    He gave me a soft kiss on my forehead and stormed off.

    Jimmie, Lexan and I were like a triangle and losing Jimmie was not just taking a toll on me, it also took his spark and amidst it all, he just wanted to be there for me. I figured the least I could do for him was to not ruin his day. 

     Good thing I packed some make up.

   The party’s echo dulled behind the walls of the convenience room and I got lost in its serendipity, while touching up my face until voices drifted in. Familiar, sharp and poisoned.

      “Audrey sure has a way of locking in the most successful men in the city. First it was Alexander now Lexan. I'm jealous of her, I must say.”

     “I can't believe he still follows her around. I wonder how Jimmie would feel about that.” The second girl chipped in.

    “Jimmie? Girl, what do you mean?” the last girl questioned and I recognized them instantly.

    

    Mariah, Carey and Bethany.

    “You didn't know? Jimmie and Lexan had a thing going on.” Mariah spilled.

    My blood boiled from how much horror they were spreading and all I wanted to do was to go out there and shove a bucket of trash down their throats but, I had ruined Lexan's day enough.

    “Talk about a chaotic love triangle. Why did she string poor Alexander into it then?” Bethany asked curiously.

    “Desperate times call for desperate measures, Bethany. And who in their right minds, would give up a chance to join the Royales' family? I would definitely kill if that's what it took.” Carey finished.

    “She's such a slut.”

    “I just hate her guts for real…” Mariah continued as their voices faded slowly from the bathroom.