Page 27

Gwen

I wake up in the morning as sunlight filters through my sheer curtains. After the exhausting day I had, I slept hard. Today is my mother’s party, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited to wear the dress Levi and I picked out. Throwing the covers off me, I jump out of bed and take off running to Levi’s room. Bursting through the door, I leap onto his bed. He groans, trying to push me off as I bounce beside him.

“Wakey, wakey, little brother!” Levi grunts, yanking the covers over his head. “Gwen, it’s too early.” I rip the blanket off him and start tickling his sides until he’s rolling around, laughing. “Okay, okay, I’m up!” he gasps. Grinning, I hop off the bed. “Good. We have a lot to do today.” As I turn to leave, a pillow whizzes past me, smacking against the wall. Laughing, I shut the door behind me and head to the kitchen.

After throwing together a quick breakfast, I leave it in the microwave for Levi before heading back upstairs to shower. Just as I reach my room, my phone rings. Maddie’s name flashes on the screen.

“Hey!” I answer. “Hey, we’re still meeting at the salon, right?” Maddie asks. “Yep, getting ready now. I’ll meet you there in twenty.” “Got it. See you soon.” She hangs up.

Turning on the shower, I strip down and toss my clothes toward the hamper missing entirely. Stepping into the steaming water, I exhale deeply. I’m ready for this. After tonight, I’m leaving this town. Maybe not too far because I’d miss Maddie, but I’m getting my own place. It’s time to leave some people in the past. My chest tightens at the thought of never seeing Dominic again, but I know it has to happen. I’m in love with a man who doesn’t want me. There’s no point in staying, hoping one day he will.

Shutting off the water, I wrap a towel under my arms and step into my bedroom, stopping short when I see my mother sitting on my bed. “Mother?” I ask, frowning. She glances up at me. “I was just checking to see if you’ve decided whether you’re going to the party tonight.”

Why would she be worried enough to come ask me? “Yeah, I am. I got a dress and everything.” She doesn’t meet my eyes. “Good. I was hoping you’d go.” A pause. “I have something to take care of, but I’ll see you there.” She offers me a half-smile before standing and heading for the door. I watch her leave, gripping my towel tightly. Something about that conversation didn’t sit right with me. Maybe she didn’t really want me there and only asked out of obligation. But I already bought the dress, and Levi has a tux. I never told her I was bringing him. She’d probably disapprove, but he needs a night out, too.

Once she’s gone, I lift my mattress, checking to see if the untouched money and the .38 are still in place. Satisfied, I quickly throw on my clothes, grab my keys, and head out of the house. Firing up my car, I pull out of the driveway and head to the salon. Just as I park, Maddie pulls in beside me.

We step inside, greeted by the scent of bleach and shampoo. A woman approaches Maddie with a warm hug. “Lexi, this is Gwen,” Maddie introduces us. “We need to get done up for a party tonight.” Lexi smiles and extends her hand. I shake it firmly. “Nice to meet you,” she says. “So, what are we doing today, ladies?” she looks between mandie and I “We want the works sis. We need a full workup.” Maddie tells her giggling.

We walk over to the chairs as another beautician approaches, wrapping a tarp around my neck and moving my hair out of the way, doing the same for Maddie. This is all new to me another thing Maddie is introducing me to. My hair is virgin, untouched by color, naturally blonde.

The woman behind me runs her fingers through my long locks, considering what would suit me best. I pull out my phone, scrolling through different styles to complement my dress. We go over each option, discussing the details until we find the perfect one.

She gets to work, applying a toner to enhance my blonde hair, turning it a bright, icy shade. Rinsing, blow-drying, and preparing it for styling, she works her magic. My eyebrows are waxed into thinner lines, then my face is painted with makeup eyes lined, lips defined, powder smoothed over my skin, and a final spritz of setting spray to ensure it lasts. The finishing touch: a slick of deep red lipstick called “Berry Wine.”

My hair is styled half-up, half-down, pinned just enough to let the waves cascade down my back. “Are you ready?” the beautician asks. I nod, and she spins my chair to face the mirror. My breath catches. “Oh my God.” I stand, stepping closer, taking in my reflection.

Maddie is spun around as well. Her long brown hair is slicked back into a high ponytail, cascading over one shoulder. Her lips are tinted pink, lined with brown, her eyeshadow catching the light with a subtle shimmer. She looks stunning. She turns to me. “Oh my God.” I laugh. “Oh my God, look at you.”

We both burst into giggles. I hug the beautician, grateful for how she’s transformed me into a real-life Barbie doll. After paying for their services, we step outside, standing by Maddie’s car.

“Let’s take a selfie,” Maddie says, pulling out her phone. She holds it up, angling it perfectly, and we pose. “Follow me back to my place, and we’ll get ready,” I tell her. We drive back to my house, the hours at the salon making it midday by now. As we step inside, laughing and chatting, a pang of hesitation settles in my chest. I still haven’t told Maddie I’m leaving not far, but still leaving. I don’t know how she’ll take it or if she’ll even accept it.

In my closet, my dress waits, protected in a garment bag. I pull it out, unzipping it to show Maddie. The top is a sweetheart neckline, lined with delicate pearls, flowing down into black silk that drapes elegantly to the floor. A daring slit runs up the front of both thighs. To match, I have pearl earrings and black open-toed heels with pearl accents that clasp at the ankle.

“That is a masterpiece.” Maddie smirks. “My skills must be rubbing off on you.” I roll my eyes. “Go put it on. I need to see the full look.” Excitement buzzes through me as I hurry to the bathroom, slipping into the dress piece by piece. When I step out, Maddie’s eyes widen. “Gwen…” she breathes. “You look amazing. I don’t even have words.”

A warmth spreads through me as I turn to the full-length mirror. My reflection stares back, and for the first time, I see it I am that girl. The girl who survived, who endured, who isn’t ashamed of where she came from.

I turn to Maddie, who is perched on my bed, snapping a picture. “We need proof of how hot we were for when we’re old and wrinkled,” she jokes, laughing. A knock at the door interrupts us. Maddie jumps up to open it, revealing Levi standing there, dressed in a tux. Dapper. I walk over, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Look how handsome my date is, Maddie.” She grins. “Oh yeah, you’re definitely going to be the cutest boy there.”

His cheeks turn red. “Thanks,” he mutters. “Okay, let me get my dress on, and let’s hit this party up!” Maddie exclaims, darting into the bathroom. A moment later, the door swings open, and Maddie steps out in a solid white dress, short and sleek, stopping at mid-thigh. White heels complete the look. Elegant, but undeniably ready to party. She does a playful spin. Levi and I clap as she takes a dramatic bow.