Laura
I was in May's room, sitting cross-legged on the fluffy pink carpet as she showed me the pictures she'd drawn during the day. "Look, Mommy!" she said excitedly, holding up a colorful crayon drawing of the three of us, Jake, her, and me, standing outside our house. My heart melted at the sight.
"It's beautiful, May," I said, ruffling her soft curls. "I'm going to hang this on the fridge, okay?"
She grinned. "Really?"
"Of course! This is fridge-worthy art," I teased, hugging her tightly.
Just then, my phone buzzed on the nightstand. I reached for it, squinting at the screen to see Arlene's name flashing. I answered, putting it on speaker.
"Laura! Are you sitting down?" Arlene's voice was practically bouncing with excitement.
I chuckled. "Why? What's going on?"
"Your bachelorette party, duh! It's happening tonight. We've planned everything, and all the girls are coming. It's going to be grand, Laura."
My jaw dropped. "Tonight? Arlene, I didn't even know you were planning anything!"
"Of course you didn't know! It's a surprise, silly. And you are not allowed to say no," she said firmly. "You're getting married tomorrow, so this is your last chance to let loose before you're officially Mrs. Hall."
I laughed nervously. "I don't know, Arlene. What about May? I can't just leave her."
"Already handled," she said confidently. "You can use that babysitting app I told you about this morning. I worked for them once, trust me, they have the best vetted sitters."
I hesitated but eventually sighed. "Fine, fine. But no wild stuff, okay?"
"No promises!" Arlene sang before hanging up.
By evening, I had downloaded the app and hired a babysitter who looked responsible enough in her profile. As I waited for her to arrive, I slipped into the dress I had originally picked, a knee-length, elegant black dress that felt classy and comfortable. I did my makeup and styled my hair in soft waves, nothing too dramatic.
When the doorbell rang, I grabbed my clutch and rushed downstairs. The babysitter, a cheerful college student with bright eyes and a friendly smile, greeted me.
"Hi, Ms. Laura! I'm Jen. I'll take good care of May tonight," she said, stepping inside.
"Thank you, Jen. May's room is upstairs, second door on the left. She's already had dinner, but there are snacks in the fridge if she needs anything."
"Got it! You two have fun tonight."
I smiled, gave May a quick kiss, and headed out.
When I arrived at Arlene's place, I was greeted by her and another friend, Melanie. Arlene looked me up and down, her face immediately twisting into a mock frown.
"Oh no, no, no," she said, shaking her head. "Laura, what is this?"
"What's what?" I asked, confused.
"This outfit! You look like you're going to a charity gala, not your bachelorette party!"
I laughed. "What's wrong with my outfit? I like it."
Melanie chimed in, "It's cute, Laura, but this is your last night as a single woman! You're supposed to look hot. Like, jaw-dropping, stop-the-music kind of hot."
Arlene grabbed my hand. "Come on, we're fixing this. Melanie, get the emergency kit!"
Before I could protest, I was dragged into Arlene's bedroom. Melanie appeared moments later with a small suitcase that seemed to contain an entire beauty salon.
"Ladies, really, this isn't necessary," I said, laughing nervously as Arlene pushed me into a chair.
"Hush," Arlene said, pulling my hair into a high ponytail. "You're about to thank us."
Melanie worked on my makeup while Arlene rummaged through her closet. "Ah-ha!" she exclaimed, pulling out a bright red bodycon dress that was much shorter and tighter than anything I'd ever worn.
I stared at it in horror. "Arlene, no. That's way too much!"
"Exactly," she said with a grin, tossing it onto the bed. "Now, change."
After much protesting (and losing), I finally emerged in the dress. Melanie had worked her magic with my makeup, giving me a smoky eye and bold red lips, while Arlene's handiwork turned my hair into a sleek, high ponytail.
"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Arlene said, clapping her hands. "Laura, you look hot."
"I feel half-naked," I muttered, trying to tug the dress down a little.
"Good," Melanie teased. "Now let's go!"
The private lounge Arlene had rented was already buzzing when we arrived. The girls cheered as soon as I walked in.
"There she is!" Sonia yelled, rushing over to hug me. "The bride-to-be!"
I couldn't stop blushing as they all showered me with compliments. Arlene handed me a glass of champagne, and the night began with laughter, games, and endless toasts.
One of the games involved answering questions about Jake. For every wrong answer, I had to take a shot.
"What's Jake's favorite ice cream flavor?" Sonia asked.
"Uh…vanilla?"
"Wrong! It's mint chocolate chip," she said, laughing as she handed me a shot.
"Who even likes mint chocolate chip?!" I groaned, downing the drink as everyone laughed.
The night was already wild, but just when I thought it couldn't get crazier, the lounge doors opened, and in walked two male strippers dressed as firefighters.
"Oh no," I said, shaking my head. "Absolutely not."
"Absolutely yes!" Arlene said, pulling me onto a chair.
The strippers started their routine, and despite my initial protests, I found myself laughing and even enjoying it a little. One of them leaned in and whispered, "Relax, bride. It's your night."
By the time the show ended, I was laughing so hard my cheeks hurt.
The night flew by, and as we sat around sipping our drinks, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with love for my friends.
"You guys are the best," I said, my voice a little emotional.
"And don't you forget it!" Arlene said, raising her glass.
"To Laura!" Melanie added.
"To Laura!" everyone echoed, clinking glasses.
As I sat there, surrounded by laughter and love, I couldn't help but think how lucky I was. Tomorrow, I'd be marrying the love of my life, and tonight, I was celebrating with the best friends a girl could ask for.
It was a night I'd never forget…