"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's party 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. I was 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 enough to get lost in.
"Aha!" she yells triumphantly, appearing with a dress in her hands. It's gold, short and covered with sequins. 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 the dress back up.
"I think I'll dress myself Trish," I smile, rolling off the bed and heading for her wardrobe. That's how I end up two hours later wearing a long sleeved top with ripped jeans and black boots. My outfit covers the scars and bruises running up and down my body and that's good enough for me. My hair is curled to 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 and slaps my hand hard.
"Yes we do." Trish smiles, adjusting her bright pink crop top. She wore it over black distressed jeans matched with pink stiletto heels. Trish doesn't leave her house for a party without bringing her bright pink heels.
"Come on, we've got a party to get to!" Trish giggles excitedly, grabbing my hand and dragging me out of her room. A smile stretched across my face and I felt my level of excitement rise quickly. This is really 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 to finally act like a teenager.
*****
As soon as the taxi parks up outside and I step out, I gaze up at Ivory's house in slight awe. The large building stood in front of me was decorated beautifully from the outside, the grass is trimmed and flowers looked after. Two expensive looking cars are parked across the driveway, their shine so bright despite the darkness of the night.
"Wow," I say under my breath, my stomach breaking out into nervous butterflies. Beside me, Trish let out a low whistle.
"Are you ready?" She asks me, holding out her palm. I glance down at it before nodding. She takes hold of my hand, intertwining our fingers together. Her warmth spreads through my palm, calming down the nerves bubbling inside of me.
When we enter, the hallway and living room is crowded with teenagers, laughing and chatting. The music blared all around the house, bouncing off the walls. I crane my neck, noticing a large group of tightly packed people dancing in the living room. Across from them, a bunch of guys are playing beer pong, clutching bottles of alcohol with silly carefree smiles on their faces.
"Emily! Trish! You made it!" Ivory grins, appearing in front of me. She hands me a drink in a plastic white cup and I take it from her, smiling back.
"Hey! Yeah I did, this looks great!" I said loudly, leaning into her ear so that she could hear me over the loud music. Any louder and we'll all be deaf within the next hour. . .
"It's one of my legendary parties, trust me. You won't forget this night!" She grins widely before wondering off into the crowds of people. I lift the cup to my nose and sniff it warily. The smell of alcohol knocks me back so I slowly put it down behind me on a table, grimacing slightly.
"Oh come on, it's not that bad." Trish chuckles from my side and I roll my eyes before picking the drink back up.
"I guess it is my birthday tomorrow, right?" I said, justifying my action. Trish nodded eagerly, signalling for me to take a drink. I lifted it up gingerly to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. Surprisingly it didn't taste as bad as I thought it would, fruity with a little zing to it.
"That isn't as bad as I thought it would be," I tell her and Trish giggles, taking a large drink from her own cup. She leans in closer towards me, her features turning serious.
"Lesson number one, don't leave your drink unattended. Lesson two, stay away from the hoe's and their bro's. Lesson three, don't wonder off with a weird guy you don't know, okay?" She says firmly. I nod at her, trying my best to remember all of her tips. Trish nods in satisfaction, her head bouncing up and down.
"Good, and most importantly. . . have fun!" She grins, pulling me into a tight bear hug. I return her embrace, breathing in deeply.
"Thanks Trish."
She pulls back and smiled at me, placing one hand on either shoulder.
"You've got this Bestie, say it with me."
"Yeah, I've got this." I repeat her words, sounding confident. The volume of the music grows louder and Trish cheers loudly along with several other people.
"I'm going to get another drink, I'll
