BRUISED PETALS

WILL YOU COME FOR THE PARTY?

I quietly picked up the burger Steve added to my plate earlier and savored the taste tuning everyone out.

The boys kept talking but I couldn't make out what they were saying. Jordan did more listening and laughing that actually talking.

I'll thank him later for the food. I didn't have much money to spare today on food.

I was halfway through my meal before I felt a tap. I looked up to see it was Godfrey.

"Are you coming for that party?" Godfrey asked.

"Yes I'm". I replied immediately. I can't believe I totally forgot about it or Gideon. I haven't even picked out what I'll wear to the party.

"We're not going". Steve said firmly.

"Excuse you? Since when do you not go to parties?" Matthew asked.

"Since Tessy picked an interest in this party".

I exchanged looks with Steve. "Steve I spoke to you about this!"

"Well pardon me, but I'm not letting you go to a party to see some hormonal teenager". Steve argued.

"Bro, you're a hormonal teenager". Godfrey chuckled.

"Speak for yourself". Steve countered and Godfrey looked annoyed.

"I'm going Steve. It's final". I spat out.

"Who is this teenager?" Jorden spoke out after being silent for a long while.

"Gideon". Steve answered clearing annoyed we were talking about him.

"Oh the boy She has had a crush on?" Matthew chipped in

Wait, how does everyone know I've had a crush on him? Did Steve go around telling people?

"Chill Testimony. Your face is doing that thing it does when you're thinking a lot. It was obvious because you always smiled when he came into view. You couldn't stop starring and he is the only person asides us you've attempted to talk to". He continued.

I didn't know it was that obvious. I need to be more discreet and unreadable.

"He isn't good for you". Jordan spoke up locking eyes with me.

"Thankyou man!" Steve agreed happy someone else was on his side. Jordan nodded acknowledging him.

"Well, you don't get to decide if he is nice for me or not. I get to find out myself. I'm going and that's final". I added.

"Jordan is kind of right Tessy. I mean he is a huge play boy and he doesn't like girls like you. Don't you see the kind of girls he hangs out with or sleeps with? They don't wear baggy jeans and a huge hoodie to school everyday. Neither do they have everywhere covered up including their face". Matthew added. It stung hearing something like that. Is that how everyone really saw me. But, Gideon seemed genuine, he is always nice to me. I felt my eyes water up but I tried to hold it in stuffing the rest of my food into my mouth.

"Why would you say that man?" Steve asked angrily. Matthew looked at him and shrugged. I should have just sat at my corner today and ate my food.

"I don't think that Tessy". Steve added.

"It's fine". I added unbothered. "I should atleast let him know I won't be coming".

"Hey, you know how Matthew gets. Plus if you want to go to a party. Go for yourself not for some boy. I'm not against you going". Jordan replied. This is the most he has said while talking to me directly. It was oddly comforting. His words were soothing. I looked up at him and he smiled genuinely at me and my stomach fluttered. I looked down at my food and when I looked back up he was no longer starring.

"Yeah, if you still wanna come I can just convince my mum or something. But trust me, I'll rather you stay home studying". Steve added.

"I'll rather you come to the party". Godfrey chirped in. "I'll love to see what you'll show up in". He added winking at me.

"Okay ew". I said. "Also, I'll be coming. I've never been to a party before anyways". I concluded.

Steve wasn't happy with my choice and he didn't exactly hide it. His atmosphere was off throughout the rest of the day. Let's just say he knows me too well because I'm not going to this party for myself. If I was thinking about me, I wouldn't even be at the party. I'll rather binge watch a series. I'm going because of Gideon and I'll not let Matthew's words get to me either. He invited me for a reason, either he saw me as a friend or something more and I'm ready to work around both regardless.

This is the first time I'm actually liking a boy. I won't hide or runaway because of my insecurities. If there is one thing I'm sure of I'm not undeserving. Steve is just being protective, I'm more of a sister to him than his bestfriend anyways.

The drive to the house was silent. Steve tried to persuade me once more but I turned him down. The party starts by 10pm, we both agreed to go by 11pm. I had roughly six hours to get ready. Immediately we got to his house, I headed up to my shared room with Elisa, Steve's elder sister. She wasn't home so I pulled off my sneakers and quickly sent a quick text.

—Lisa, I'll be going to the party. It starts by 10 but we'll be going by 11. I want to take a not so short nap. Please, dont forget you'll have to help me get ready. I'm really counting on you.—****Tessy.

I was about to get comfy on the bed when I heard my phone vibrate. I picked it up and opened the message. It was from Elisa.

—Anything for you. You don't have to ask. I will be done with my shift soon. You'll look so hot! I have been waiting for this moment. See you soon. Xoxo —****Lisa

I smiled at her message and stretched on the bed pulling the duvet over me completely. I thought about today and for some minutes my mind wandered off to Jordan.

*****************************************

"Tessy," someone whispered, nudging my shoulder gently. "Come on, sleepyhead. Time to get ready for the party."

I groaned and turned over, burying my face into the pillow. "Five more minutes."

"Nope," she said, tugging the covers off me in one quick motion. "You've had your beauty rest. Now let's turn you into a showstopper."

I sat up slowly, blinking at her. Elisa stood there grinning, holding a cup of warm tea in one hand and a silk robe in the other.

She handed me the tea. "Drink this. Then we'll do your hair, a bit of makeup,nothing too much I promise, and the dress I have in mind? Tess, they're not ready for you."

I sighed but couldn't help the small smile tugging at my lips. The nerves were creeping in fast, but so was the excitement. Elisa was already laying out everything on the bed, talking through hairstyles like she was prepping a model for the runway.

"I'll just freshen up quickly". I said pulling my socks off gently. She hummed dismissing me while she looked through everything.

"I always wished I had a sister. But then I do, because I have you. You've no idea how exited I'm", She squealed and I chuckled before grabbing my towel and heading to our shared bathroom.

I brushed my teeth, washed my hair with Elisa's shampoo and had my bath. I dried my hair with the hairdryer and I was about to step out when I remembered my scars. I walked to the mirror starring and then dropped my towel a bit to take a look at them. Maybe, Matthew is right. Who would really want a girl like me. I sigh trying to build up my courage.

I finally stepped out from the bathroom after Elisa called out to me for the third time. She was getting impatient and couldn't wait to have her hands on me.

She noticed the change in my mood and looked worried.

"Hey, you ready for tonight?" she asked, looking up with a smile that made me feel less nervous.

I nodded, though my heart was pounding like a drum. "I guess. I just... don't want people to see the scars."

Elisa's eyes softened. "I get it. But I've got you. Let me find something that covers them and still makes you feel amazing. Cheer up my darling and don't tell me you're having cold feet".

She pulled out a beautiful, deep burgundy dress from her closet. It was elegant and mysterious, with long sleeves and a high neckline perfect for hiding all my scars but still turning heads. "Try this," she said.

I slipped into the dress, feeling the silky fabric hug me in all the right places.

Then Elisa took my hands gently and led me to the small vanity. "Let me help you with your hair." She giggled excitedly.

She worked carefully, pulling my hair back into loose waves, tucking strands behind my ears. The soft curls framed my face just right, adding a softness I hadn't expected.

Next, she reached for a small makeup kit. "Just a little something to highlight your best features."

With gentle strokes, she applied a touch of mascara to my lashes, a hint of blush on my cheeks, a red lipstick and finally gloss on my lips, the same lips that would be the only part of me fully visible tonight, thanks to the black lace mask she handed me.

"Perfect," Elisa said, stepping back. "You'll blow them away really good". She added proudly, admiring her work.

I looked at myself in the mirror and for the first time, I believed her.

I looked really good that I almost doubted it was me. I smiled, jumped up and she joined in. I don't know what I would do without her and Steve. They were like the family I didn't have. I jumped up once more saying thankyou over and over again. She smiled at me and helped me put on my mask.

"You'll have to gist me, okay? All the juicy details". She said as I grabbed one of the bags she brought out for me. I struggled to put on the red heels so she walked up to me and strapped it firmly.

"I definitely will, Lisa. Thankyou so much, I look like a princess".

"Don't mention! Don't hold back Tess, have lots of fun". She added loudly as I bowed playfully and left the room.

I took a deep breath, smoothing the folds of my dress as I headed toward the stairs. Each step felt heavier, my heart pounding louder with every movement. The soft click of my heels echoed in the quiet hallway.

At the bottom, Steve was waiting. His eyes locked onto me, and for a moment, I wondered what he was thought about my outfit. I caught the flicker of something intense in his gaze, I guess it's surprise, maybe even a little awe. It was like he was seeing me in a way he never had before.

I tried to hold his gaze, but it was becoming uncomfortable and I looked away, clutching the edge of my dress. The silence stretched between us, filled with unspoken words.

"Wow," he finally breathed, breaking the spell. "You look... incredible."

The weight in my chest lightened just a bit, now certain I looked good. I wonder if I'll have an effect on Gideon.

He stretched his arm for me and I dodged it. "Stop making me feel like your date or something". I said jokingly. "Please, I can walk myself". I looked at him and he nodded quietly and looked away. He walked ahead of me and stopped only when he got to his car.

Steve finally looked at me and gave me a small, nervous smile. "Ready?" he asked, holding the car door open for me.

I nodded, getting nervous and self conscious. I was really doing this, going to a party for the very first time. Sliding into the seat, the leather felt cool against my skin. Steve climbed in beside me, started the engine, and we pulled away from the house. The streets blurred past as anticipation buzzed between us. I caught Steve stealing glances at intervals, he must be wandering how his bestfriend suddenly transformed.

The car stereo played soft music, but all I could focus on was the growing tension. I wondered how everyone would react. What will they say?