The weekend sun cast a golden hue over the city as Ella, Ava, and Ryan sat in their usual spot at the café just outside school. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mixing with the faint sounds of traffic and laughter from nearby tables. Ryan stirred his iced coffee, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips as he leaned forward.
"So... my after-graduation party," he started, eyes flickering between the two girls. "You guys are helping me throw the best night ever, right?"
Ella hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. "I don't know, Ryan. I mean, I'm not exactly a party person."
Ava rolled her eyes dramatically. "Ella, come on! You can't just hide in your books forever. This is Ryan's big night. We have to celebrate properly."
Ryan feigned offense. "Exactly! Do you know how many hours I've sweated on that basketball court? You have to be there to cheer for me, then party with me. No excuses."
Ella bit her lip. Truth be told, she felt out of place at these kinds of gatherings. The thought of being surrounded by Ryan's elite friends, wearing something she probably couldn't afford, and pretending she belonged made her anxious.
Ava sensed her discomfort and nudged her playfully. "You're overthinking it, El. We'll make sure you look stunning, and I'm buying you a dress, no arguments."
Ella blinked. "What? No, Ava, you don't have to-"
"Shush." Ava grinned, sipping her smoothie. "I'm doing it because I want to. Plus, I refuse to let you show up in that Christmas dress from two years ago. Trust me."
Ryan chuckled. "She's right. And Drevin will be there."
Ella's heart skipped a beat. "Drevin?"
Ava smirked knowingly. "Yeah, we're inviting him."
Ella looked down, playing with the rim of her glass. The thought of seeing Drevin at the party-dancing, talking, sharing a moment-sent a strange mix of nervousness and anticipation through her.
---
Game Day: Cheering for Ryan
On the evening of Ryan's last basketball game, the gym was packed. The crowd roared as the players ran onto the court. Ella and Ava sat in the front row, waving handmade banners that read "Go Ryan!" in bold letters.
Ryan winked at them from the court. "You better scream my name when I score!"
Ava laughed. "Only if you actually score!"
The game was intense, filled with adrenaline-fueled moments. Ella found herself cheering louder than she expected, caught up in the energy of the crowd. When Ryan scored the winning shot, the entire gym erupted in cheers. He pointed towards them triumphantly.
After the game, he jogged up to them, sweat glistening on his forehead. "See? I told you I'd make it worth your while."
Ella smiled. "Okay, okay. That was impressive."
Ava grinned. "Now let's celebrate. Party tomorrow night-get ready!"
---
Party Preparations and Shopping
Ava dragged Ella to an upscale boutique the next day, determined to find her the perfect dress. Ella ran her fingers over the luxurious fabrics, feeling out of place.
Ava held up a stunning midnight-blue dress. "This. Try it on."
Ella hesitated. "It's too expensive-"
Ava pushed her towards the fitting room. "I said no arguments."
When Ella stepped out in the dress, Ava's jaw dropped. "Ella... you look breathtaking."
Ella glanced at herself in the mirror, hardly recognizing the girl staring back.
Ava smirked. "Drevin's gonna lose his mind."
Ella blushed.
They also picked out accessories and heels, with Ava making sure Ella looked every bit as elegant as the elite crowd she'd be surrounded by.
---
The Night Party: A Night to Remember
The evening breeze carried a slight chill as Ava's car pulled up in front of Ella's small home. The street was quiet, save for the distant laughter of neighborhood kids playing outside. Ava stepped out of her car, her heels clicking against the pavement as she approached the door.
Knocking twice, she waited only a few seconds before pushing it open slightly. "Ella?"
From the kitchen, Ella's younger sister, Mia, peeked out, her hands covered in flour. "She's in her room," Mia said, tilting her head toward the hallway.
Ava wasted no time, marching straight into Ella's room-only to find her still in her home clothes, sitting on the bed, staring at the floor.
Ava crossed her arms. "You're not ready?"
Ella let out a sigh. "I don't think I should go. I'll feel out of place, and-"
"Oh, no. We're not doing this." Ava cut her off, walking to the corner where the shopping bags from their recent trip sat untouched. She reached in and pulled out a gorgeous deep-blue satin dress, holding it up with a victorious smirk. "This is what you're wearing."
Ella bit her lip. "Ava... I don't know. It's too fancy."
Ava rolled her eyes dramatically. "That's the point, Ella! You deserve to look amazing tonight. I bought this for you, remember? You promised you'd wear it."
Ella hesitated, then slowly stood up. "Okay... but I don't even know how to do my hair or makeup."
Ava grabbed her wrist. "That's why we're going to my house. You, my dear, are getting the full makeover experience."
Before Ella could protest, Ava had already dragged her outside.
---
Ava's Home - The Makeover
Ava's house was just as elegant as ever. The moment they stepped inside, the scent of vanilla and fresh roses filled the air. The polished floors gleamed under the chandelier's golden light.
"We don't have much time," Ava said, pulling Ella upstairs to her room. "Sit."
Ella obeyed, settling in front of the vanity mirror.
Ava pulled out her makeup bag and got to work, expertly applying foundation, a soft smoky eye, and a natural pink lip color. She curled Ella's lashes, added blush, and then stepped back to admire her work.
Ella turned to the mirror and gasped. She barely recognized herself.
"Okay, dress time," Ava announced, handing Ella the blue satin dress. "Put it on, and then we'll do your hair."
Minutes later, Ella stood in front of the mirror in the dress. It hugged her figure perfectly, flowing down to her knees with an elegant shine.
Ava beamed. "Girl, you look like a freaking goddess."
Ella swallowed. "It's... beautiful."
A soft knock on the door interrupted them, and Ava's mother peeked in. She smiled warmly at Ella. "Oh, sweetheart, you look lovely."
Ella blushed. "Thank you, ma'am."
Ava grinned. "Mom, meet my best friend, Ella."
Ava's mother stepped forward and gently cupped Ella's cheek. "Ava talks about you all the time. You're always welcome here, dear."
Ella smiled shyly. "That means a lot."
Just then, Ava's father entered the room, nodding approvingly. "You both look stunning. Have fun, but be safe."
"We will," Ava assured them.
---
The Drive to the Party
As Ava drove, Ella sat quietly in the passenger seat, fidgeting with her fingers. The car was filled with the soft hum of music, but Ella's mind was racing.
Ava glanced at her. "Why do you look like you're about to bolt?"
Ella exhaled sharply. "I just... What if I don't fit in? What if everyone looks at me and knows I don't belong?"
Ava scoffed. "First of all, you belong anywhere you want to be. Second, it's a party, not an interview. No one's checking your background."
Ella swallowed. "I just don't want to embarrass myself."
Ava smirked. "Trust me, you won't. And if anyone tries to mess with you, I'll handle them."
Ella chuckled slightly. "You're so confident."
Ava winked. "And by the end of the night, so will you."
The car sped down the road, heading straight for an unforgettable night.
The Party: A Night of Unexpected Moments
The party was in full swing-laughter, the clinking of glasses, and bass-heavy music pulsing through the air. Ryan's house had been transformed into a dazzling celebration, with neon lights casting deep shades of blue and purple over the dancing crowd.
Ella hesitated at the entrance, clutching her purse. The rush of energy in the room made her nervous. She wasn't used to places like this.
Ava looped her arm through Ella's. "Relax, babe. You look like you belong here."
Ella swallowed. "I just-"
Ryan greeted them with open arms. "Finally! The stars of the night."
Ryan appeared, grinning. "You two finally made it! Come on, you can't stand by the door all night."
Ava pulled Ella deeper into the party, where people moved rhythmically to the beat. Elite students mingled in groups, some eyeing Ella with curiosity, others with indifference. She felt a few stares linger-some amused, some judgmental.
Ryan grabbed drinks and handed one to Ella. "Drink up, El. Loosen up."
Ella eyed the red cup suspiciously. "What's in this?"
Ryan laughed. "Relax, it's just soda. I know you don't drink."
She took a cautious sip.
Then she spotted Drevin.
He stood across the room, leaning against the wall, wearing a fitted black shirt that emphasized his toned frame. His eyes met hers, a slow, appreciative smile spreading across his lips.
Ava nudged her. "He hasn't stopped looking at you since we walked in."
Ella's pulse quickened.
The night unfolded in a blur of music and laughter. Ryan introduced Drevin to his elite friends, making sure he felt included. His girlfriend, however, was less than thrilled. She clung to Ryan possessively, glaring at Ella and Ava when they laughed with him.
As the music shifted to a slower, sultry beat, Drevin finally made his move. He walked up to her, confidence radiating from every step.
"Ella." He walked up, his voice warm. "You look... incredible,Dance with me."
She hesitated. "I-I don't really dance."
Drevin smirked. "Good. Then just follow my lead."
Before she could protest, his hand found hers, and he pulled her onto the dance floor.
Ella hesitated but placed her hand in his.
The air thickened as they moved-slow, deliberate steps, his hands resting lightly on her waist. The heat of his touch sent shivers down her spine. The world blurred around them. It was just the two of them.
"You look different tonight," he murmured. "In a good way."
Ella looked up at him, breathless. "Thanks... Ava kind of forced me into this dress."
Drevin's fingers traced small circles against her back. "She has good taste."
Ella's heart pounded. The music faded into the background, drowned out by the electricity crackling between them. Their faces were inches apart.
As they swayed, the world around them faded. His hand rested lightly on her waist, their gazes locked.
His gaze flickered to her lips. "Ella...he mumured."
Her lips parted
She felt her heart pound. He was close-so close.
Then, just as his lips almost brushed hers, a loud voice interrupted.
"Ella!" Ryan's girlfriend snapped. "This is a party, not a romance novel."
Ella stepped back, cheeks burning.
Drevin clenched his jaw but didn't say didn't say anything.
Then-
"I knew it."
The sharp voice shattered the moment.
Ryan's girlfriend, Camille, stood a few feet away, arms crossed, a scowl twisting her flawless features. She turned to Ryan, who had just walked up. "See? This is what I was talking about. Your friends are embarrassing."
Ryan groaned. "Not now, Camille."
Camille scoffed. "No, now, Ryan. First, you invite him-" she gestured at Drevin-"and now your charity-case friend is making a scene."
Ella froze.
Drevin tensed. "Excuse me?"
Camille smirked. "Oh, please. We all know who she is. Some scholarship girl who doesn't belong here, hanging onto Ava and Ryan because they pity her."
The words stung. Murmurs spread through the crowd. Ella felt eyes on her.
Ava stepped forward, voice sharp. "Camille, shut up before I make you."
Ryan sighed. "Babe, can we not do this tonight?"
Camille turned on him. "You defend them? Them?"
Drevin's grip on Ella's waist tightened protectively. "Say another word, and I swear-"
Camille scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Ugh. Whatever. This party is lame." She stormed off, dragging some of her friends with her.
Ella swallowed hard, the moment completely ruined.
Drevin looked at her. "You okay?"
She nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah. Just-need some air."
She slipped away before he could stop her.
---
After the Party: A Confession in the Night
Ella stepped out onto the balcony, the cool night air hitting her skin. She leaned against the railing, closing her eyes.
Footsteps approached. She didn't need to turn to know who it was.
Drevin.
He stood beside her in silence for a moment before speaking. "You shouldn't let people like that get to you."
Ella sighed. "Easier said than done."
Drevin exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Listen... I know what it's like to feel like you don't belong. But you do, Ella. You belong more than any of them."
She turned to him, meeting his gaze. "Why do you care so much?"
Drevin hesitated, then said softly, "Because you're not like them. And I-" He paused, looking away. "I just do."
The air between them grew thick again.
Ella's breath hitched as Drevin stepped closer, brushing a stray curl from her face. His fingers lingered.
Her heart pounded.
But before she could say anything-
"Ella!" Ava's voice rang out from inside.
She and Ryan appeared at the balcony door.
Ava smirked. "Are we interrupting something?"
Ella stepped back quickly, cheeks flushed. "N-no."
Ryan chuckled. "Sure."
Drevin simply smiled, shaking his head. "We should probably head inside."
As they all walked back in, Ella's mind swirled.
Tonight had changed something.
Something she wasn't sure she was ready for.
-
--
Ava Meets Ella's Parents
The next day, Ava visited Ella's house. The warm scent of freshly baked bread filled the air as Ella's mom greeted her with a kind smile.
"So, you're Ava," she said, offering her a loaf of bread.
Ava grinned. "Yep! And I've heard so much about your baking."
Ella's dad chuckled. "Any friend of Ella's is family here."
Ava left that evening with a bag full of bread and a heart full of warmth.
At home, her parents raised an eyebrow. "You got home late."
Ava smiled. "I was with Ella's family. And before you ask, yes, they're amazing."
Her mom sighed. "Ava... try not to be late next time "
"Okay, Mom," Ava interrupted gently. "Ella is the best friend I've ever had. I don't care about money. You'll need to meet her parents too
Her father nodded thoughtfully. "Then we'll meet them one day."
Ava beamed.
---
To Be Continued...