My Brother's Best Friend

later that first day

Hailey wanted to go to the mall to get something to wear for the party. She said after trying on everything in her closet that she left all her good outfits at home. We hopped in her jeep and left for the mall. She found a dress she really liked. It was summery and blue with the mid section cut out. She then insisted on finding me an outfit.

I was looking at my phone where she said “Here what about this?” She was holding a white tank tank crop top with high waisted frayed jean shorts. It was pretty much my style. My skin was tanned from being on the beach so I knew the white wouldn’t wash me out. “Looks good to me” I said.

“I have things I can add to this outfit for sure at our dorm” Hailey added.

When we got back to the dorm My phone went off meaning I had a message. Riley: “Hey pretty lady, can’t wait to see you tonight.”

“Who texted you?” asked Hailey.

“Riley,” I said back.

“I think he really likes you, is the feeling mutual?”

“I haven’t really thought about it. I am also not ready to jump into anything, this is the first time I have been on my own. I kinda just want to see what this first semester brings.”

“That makes sense. You should hop in the shower, I am going to do your makeup and hair tonight. I need to have a good night, Ryan is already having anxiety about the distance. I feel like it will only get worse but I am not letting him wreck my first college party.”

I hopped in the shower. The steam felt so good, my muscles were already starting to build that soreness after a good workout. I took the time to shave and scrubbed my hair. The anticipation of going out and I did want to look my best. I was stuck between wanting to look good and wanting to do the bare minimum to not draw too much attention to myself. Hailey was gorgeous so being around her I knew we wouldn’t be alone for long.

I got out of the shower, dried off, put my hair up in a towel and wrapped myself in my robe. I could feel nerves building in my stomach. Hailey was in our room.

“Ok now dry your hair while I shower so I can get to work on you when i'm done. I feel like it is too early to open any drinks but I made us some coffee. I feel like caffeine will be needed after how busy we have been today.”

I liked that she didn't think we should open the alcohol Bridget and Stacy had gotten for all of us. They had stocked one fridge they brought with Seilzers, wine and mixers for the vodka. The only amount of alcohol I have ever had was a beer my dad gave me one summer night. I didn’t care for the taste. I was nervous to drink after seeing my older siblings coming home from parties during their high school senior year. I skipped the party scene because after losing Matthew, I skipped out on a lot of things.

I put lotion on and dried my hair. I changed into a pair of oversized boxers and a tshirt. I sat on my chair and turned the tv on. I replied to Rileys text, “Thanks, I’ll let you know when we get there so you can come find us.”

Hailey got out of the shower and dried her hair and put make up on. “Ok sit here so I can get you ready.”

I weirdly trusted Hailey, it felt like we had known each other for years. I knew she would do something to fit my style. She started on my makeup first. She added foundation and then started on my eyes. I could see the pallets she was going for, all in the nude section thank god.

“Ok stay as still as you can. I am going to add a little eyeliner,” she said. She finished the make up by using a highlighter kit. It did feel relaxing. Next she loosely curled my long hair.

“You have the best hair, it's so thick and healthy” she said. “Ok I am done.”

I looked in the mirror and she did a good job. I had make-up on but it was light and I had never had my hair curled like that. Long waves, no need for a baseball cap tonight. Hailey was finishing her hair and Stacy and Bridget came in. “Ok guys we need to pregame!”

Hailey and I went for the selzer and Bridget and Stacy mixed drinks for themselves. It was getting to the time to get dressed so I put the shorts on and was in a sports bra. I went for the crop top. “Wait before you put that on I have something that will go with the outfit” Hailey said. She pulled out jewelry. This piece was body jewelry, The top went around my neck and trailed down on each side and draped right above my hips. I took my sports bra off and put the crop top on. I added a black and white oversized flannel to the outfit.

It was still too early to leave so we hung out in our dorm and had a few seltzers. I could feel the nervousness leaving me, I liked the warmth feeling flooding my cheeks, but I also knew I needed to slow down. I, not only didn’t want to be drunk and out of control, but my brothers would kill me. We talked and had fun and soon it was ready to leave.