Page 37 of Wicked Dreams

Slipping on my new, white dress, I stood in front of my full-length mirror. My flaming-red hair was smooth as it hung down my back in soft, loose curls, framing my face perfectly. The makeup I wore was light—only a slight pink to my cheeks, a touch of shimmering eyeshadow on my eyes, and a lightly line of black liner to make them pop. My lashes were long and perfect, and my lips were a soft pink. The dress fit like a glove, as if it was made specifically for me. It hugged my breasts and waist until it flowed freely around me. I slid my feet into a pair of white flats and took a deep breath. “You can do this. You’re eighteen now. Things will be different at this party,” I told myself.

I gave the mirror one, last look, and pushed myself forward, heading for the door.

Olivia

“Oh my God! You look amazing!” Anita gushed as she and Wes walked into the dance hall together. We wrapped our arms around one another, hugging fiercely. When we pulled away, tears shimmered in my eyes.

“Don’t cry.” She chuckled, wiping at her eyes. “Or you’re going to make me cry, and then we’ll both have to go redo our makeup!”

I let out a small laugh and hastily wiped at my eyes.

“You do look really pretty,” Wes commented, giving me a quick hug.

“Thanks, Wes,” I answered, my cheeks heating at his compliment.

An hour later, the place was surprisingly packed. Everyone was laughing, eating, and dancing to the DJ my mom hired. She’d gone all out on this party. I didn’t even want to know how much she’d spent to make it happen. The entire ceiling above the dance floor was covered in pink and white balloons. Their silver ribbons hung down above everyone’s heads. Nearly every surface was decorated with matching streamers, and small, white candles burned on every tabletop. By the door, there was a long table, covered by a mountain of gifts.

“Time for your cake!” Mom’s voice rang out happily as she took me by the hand and led me to the front of the hall. I had a sudden vision that I was in a bad horror movie, and this would be the part where the pig’s blood would drop onto my head. I caught Brent’s gleaming eyes in the front of the crowd and swallowed hard as he licked his lips and tossed me a wink.

Looking out at the sea of people, I hopelessly scanned it, looking for Van’s handsome face.Nothing. Sighing, I knew it was a useless dream. I’d been crazy to even consider it a possibility.

Sitting down, I looked at the wavering flames on the birthday candles as the crowd sang “Happy birthday” to me. Wes had really worked his magic. So much so that he’d packed the dance hall with people who pretended to give a damn about me. I knew they were only there because it was a party with free food, and the possibility that they might see me take a nosedive.

“Blow out your candles and make a wish!” Mom's voice filled my ears. My gaze went out to the crowd again, my body trembling. He’d said to wish for him when I blew out the candles.

“This is so stupid,” I muttered barely above a whisper as I drew in a deep breath, locking my eyes on the white cake with its pink icing, wishing me a “happy 18th birthday”.

I wish Donovan was here with me right now.

The wish came easily, my heart aching because I knew I was an idiot to believe in birthday wishes. I released my deep breath, and the candles went out, leaving nothing but smoke curling around me.

There was a collective gasp from the party-goers as the lights in the hall flickered and went out.

“What the devil—” Mom’s voice called out. The crowd murmured as they tried to figure out what was happening. A moment later, the lights flickered and came back on.

Of course, we’d have electrical issues atmyparty. I looked at Brent quickly, wondering if he’d had a hand in it. It seemed like a mediocre trick, especially since he liked to be physical in his torture of me. He stared back at me with a raised eyebrow that somehow confirmed he had nothing to do with it.

I tore my eyes away from him as the crowd began to murmur. Looking beyond everyone, my attention was drawn to the doorway. My breath hitched in my chest as Donovan came into view, his dark hair a beautiful disaster, his midnight eyes focused on me as his lips turned up into a sexy grin. The crowd parted for him as he walked to me. His simple black t-shirt and jeans clung to him just like they had in my dreams.

Rising to my feet, my lips parted, my breath came out in sharp gasps.

“Happy birthday, beautiful.” He smiled down at me once he reached me.

“H-how?” I stammered in a choked voice, taking a step away from him.Had I fallen and hit my head when the lights went out? Was I dreaming?

“I made you a promise,” he answered, a crestfallen look on his handsome face as I took another step back.

“Livvy, please. Don’t run,” his words came out in a rushed, pleading whisper. “Not from me.Please.”

His dark eyes wavered, begging me to stay. My head swirled. This was insane!Was this even possible?

Obviously, it was! He’s standing in front of me!

What if it’s only a dream?

Then it’s OK. It’s OK to go to him.

Taking a tentative step toward him, I reached out and brushed my fingers against his face. His eyes closed, a soft sigh leaving his lips. His hand came up and took my hand and pressed it to his mouth, kissing it tenderly.

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