Continued...
I jumped up from my bed and grabbed Aria by the shoulders, giving them a firm but affectionate squeeze. "Of course, I'd stay for you, if you want me to, Ari. Our friendship means the world to me, and you know that."
She searched my face for any sign of dishonesty, but when she found none, she gave me one of her most sincere and beautiful smiles—the kind that made her eyes glisten with warmth.
Without hesitation, we wrapped each other in a tight hug, holding on just a little longer than usual, as if sealing an unspoken promise.
"You're my sister from another mister, remember?" I teased, nudging her shoulder playfully, attempting to lighten the mood.
Aria immediately perked up. "Yeah! And as your sister, I'm telling you, if you guys decide to go at it tonight, don't forget to use protection!"
I jerked back from our embrace so fast I almost gave myself whiplash. My mouth fell open at her mischievous grin and the way her brows wiggled suggestively.
"My God, Aria! You're impossible and filthy!" I exclaimed, scandalized.
"You did the same to me, bitch, now I call us even."
She cackled as if she had just told the joke of the century, and despite my dramatic horror, I couldn't hold back my own laughter either.
After we finally calmed down, she wiggled the white dress at me, her eyes twinkling with expectation. "Please wear this. For meeee," she drawled, batting her lashes dramatically.
I sighed, already knowing I was doomed. "Fine," I muttered, grabbing the dress from her hands.
Aria and I had already decided we'd get ready together at my place before heading to the party.
The plan was to be fashionably late, because, as Aria had so wisely declared, "only nerds show up to parties on time."
So, for the next hour, my room turned into absolute chaos. Hair products, makeup, shoes, and accessories were strewn across my bed and floor as we hustled to get ready.
Occasionally as I passed by a window in my room, my gaze fell upon the woods that looked much hospitable in the light of day, I found my self falling short of steps until Aria did something to grab my attention and taking me out of my reverie.
I do not know what has gotten into me and my obsession with staring out my window lately.
Aria was a welcomed distraction.
She was a whirlwind of excitement, bouncing between curling her lashes and rifling through my jewelry box, while I took my sweet time, mentally preparing myself for the social exhaustion I was about to endure.
By the time I finally stepped in front of the mirror a little past 8, fully dressed, I had to admit—Aria might have been onto something with this dress.
It was short, sure, but it was also stunning in its simplicity.
The silky fabric clung to my torso, accentuating every curve before flaring out at my waist into soft, flowing layers. The halter neckline plunged just enough to be daring but not desperate, leaving my shoulders completely bare, while the back dipped low, exposing smooth skin all the way to my mid-back.
"Are you sure it's not giving overkill?" My voice came out as unsure as I felt.
Aria appeared behind me in the reflection, already dolled up in her own outfit, and let out a low whistle. "Leo is so a goner tonight," she teased with a wink.
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the smirk tugging at my lips. Before I could retort, she suddenly shoved a bright red lipstick in my face.
"Time for some color!" she declared.
I recoiled. "Oh, no, no, no. I am not wearing red lips tonight. It's too much."
Aria gasped, as if I had just insulted her ancestors. "What, you want to wear black?! I am not letting you declare yourself a goth in front of the entire college!"
I shot her a deadpan look. "First of all, there's nothing wrong with being goth. And second, no, I was thinking of something more natural. Like a nude shade?"
Her dramatic frown deepened as she scrutinized me. "Ugh, fine. But at least let me over-line your lips a little."
After an exhausting five-minute debate, we settled on a soft nude-pink shade—with slight over-lining, because Aria was persistent.
"See? That wasn't so painful, was it?" she chirped smugly as I grumbled in defeat.
"Painful for me, yes."
In retaliation, I forced *her* into an equally short dress—because if I had to suffer, so did she.
I made her sit down so I could do her hair, carefully twisting it into a messy yet effortlessly elegant bun that made her cheekbones pop. Her thick, healthy locks were always a dream to work with, and I had to admire my handiwork once I was done.
"Damn, I should be charging you for this," I mused, running my fingers through the final strands.
She smirked. "Nah, you love me too much."
Before heading out, we took a few pictures together, giggling and posing like we were about to grace the cover of Vogue.
The excitement in the air was palpable, and for the first time all day, I actually felt the slightest buzz of anticipation.
The party awaited, and whether I liked it or not—tonight was going to be interesting.