Tangled Love
CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 21

"Party at mine! Everyone's coming." Ivory grins excitedly, handing me and Trish a note with an addressscribbled messily across it.

Only an hour remains before school will officially be over for the weekend. I immediately open mymouth to let her know I can't make it. It's my automatic response to any social situation. Trish grabshold of my arm, pulling me back before I can speak.

"We'll be there, count us in!" Trish smiles. Ivory does a small cheer before moving onto the group ofpeople beside us.

"Trish! I don't go to parties, you know that." I tell her. Trish pouts sadly, giving me her best puppy dogeyes. It's so hard to resist her puppy dog eyes.

"Please Em! It's your birthday tomorrow so think of it as your birthday party! I know it's not your scenebut do this for your best friend. Please?" Trish whines, her voice dripping with persuasion. I roll myeyes at her but can't help my lips from tugging up into the smallest of smiles.

"I'll see what I can do," I respond, feeling the nerves and excitement beginning to build up inside me.I've imagined my first party for so long . . .

I pull out my phone and replace my mothers number before taking a deep breath and calling her. Trishnervously sits beside me, her leg bouncing up and down in anticipation. I cross my fingers on my lefthand and Trish does the same with both of hers, mirroring my actions. I need all the luck I can get.Mum finally answers after a few rings. I breathe in deeply, ready to throw my acting skills in herdirection.

"Hey Mum! So it's really close to exam week and I'm behind on homework. I was wondering if I couldspend the night at Trish's house. You remember my friend Trish from school, don't you?" I ask,blabbering way too fast.

"Emily slow down! Yes I remember Trish." Mum says on the other end. I bite down on my lip, waiting forher to decide whether I can stay with Trish tonight.

"Fine, can study at her house tonight but remember you need to be home early tomorrow morning foryour birthday."

My mouth flies open in shock. Mum actually agreed to let me stay out for the night. I did lie to her butshe doesn't need to know the real reason, right?

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I say quickly, ending the call before she can change her mind.Trish's eyes light up and she squeals loudly, holding out her arms. I squeal back in response and lungefor her, embracing her in a tight hug.

"I can't believe this! My best friend is going to part-ay with me tonight!" She pulls me back happily,placing her hands on either side of my face. I grin widely, feeling the excitement practically burstthrough me.

"Maybe Jake will be there?" Trish teases, wiggling her brows at me suggestively. I feel my cheeks heatup in embarrassment and lightly slap her arm.

"Stop teasing me," I smile, biting down on my lip nervously. Almost every night Jake and I talk aboutanything we can think of. The conversation always flows so easily with him and ends with my stomachsore from laughing. A good kind of pain.

The late night phone calls would sometimes drift over into the early hours of the morning. He'd quicklybecame someone I thought of regularly and seeing him in college every day was the cherry on top ofour friendship. He's funny, cheeky and not as scary or dangerous as everyone else made him out to be.

"I cannot wait to party with you. This is going to be the best night ever!"

I couldn't help but giggle in response, the feeling of excitement overcoming my anxiety and nerves. It'sparty time!

*****

"Trish!" I groan, staring in shock at the shortest dress in history.

"I cannot wear that! I'll look like I belong on a street corner!" I explain, handing her the dress back. Iwas sprawl out on her bed, watching as she rips apart every corner of her wardrobe.

"Jake will like it," she winks, causing me to shoot her a stone cold glare.

"I don't dress to please a guy."

She rolls her eyes playfully before disappearing back inside her wardrobe. Yes, it really is big enoughto get lost in.

"Aha!" she yells triumphantly, appearing with a dress in her hands. It's gold, short and covered withsequins. I gawk at the dress and throw Trish an amused look.

"How many prostitute costumes do you own?"

Trish gasps, her eyes widening before she takes a second look at the dress.

"Okay maybe you're right, only a little. This one is definitely a no." Trish grimaces before hanging thedress back up.

"I think I'll dress myself Trish," I smile, rolling off the bed and heading for her wardrobe. That's how Iend up two hours later wearing a long sleeved top with ripped jeans and black boots. My outfit coversthe scars and bruises running up and down my body and that's good enough for me. My hair is curledto perfection and I've applied more makeup than usual with some red lipstick and dark eyeliner.

I'm definitely channeling my inner Taylor Swift.

I spritz myself with some perfume before standing back and scrutinising myself in the mirror.

"Wow. We look hot," I grin, holding my hand in the air for Trish to high five. Trish beams back at me andslaps my hand hard.

"Yes we do." Trish smiles, adjusting her bright pink crop top. She wore it over black distressed jeansmatched with pink stiletto heels. Trish doesn't leave her house for a party without bringing her brightpink heels.

"Come on, we've got a party to get to!" Trish giggles excitedly, grabbing my hand and dragging me outof her room. A smile stretched across my face and I felt my level of excitement rise quickly. This isreally happening.

Tonight is the night I break my party virginity.

"Let's make my first party a memorable one." I grin, feeling completely carefree. It's time for me tofinally act like a teenager.