Page 7 of Jolt's Vengeance

As I slip into the dress, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror.

The girl staring back at me is both familiar and strange—still Aggie, but softer somehow.

Less guarded.

I touch the ends of my bleached blonde hair, remembering the day I decided to change it from its natural red.

A small act of rebellion, a way to distance myself from painful memories.

Then again, it’s not so much different. My roots still have the deep red shining through.

But here, in this room, with these girls, I don't feel the need to rebel or distance myself from anything.

For the first time in a long while, I feel like I can just... be.

"You look amazing," Sienna says, coming up behind me. "Those emerald eyes of yours are going to break some hearts tonight."

I laugh, but there's a lump in my throat I can't quite swallow. "Thanks, lass. For everything."

She meets my eyes in the mirror, her expression softening. "That's what sisters are for, right?"

And in this moment, I realize that's exactly what we are.

Not by blood, not by club affiliation, but by choice.

Sisters.

I guess it’s not much different than the club life, just different circumstances.

As we head out for the mixer, arm in arm with one of my sorority sisters, I feel like I really do belong.

It's different from what I've known before, but no less powerful.

This, I think, is what college is all about.

New experiences, new friendships, finding the new versions of ourselves.

I’m excited for this night to unfold, sure it’s going to be filled with laughter, dancing, and the kind of carefree joy I've rarely allowed myself to feel.

I know I've made the right choice. Las Vegas, Delta Zeta, this new life—it's exactly where I'm meant to be.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I fish it out, my heart skipping a beat when I see "Mum" flashing on the screen.

For a moment, I consider letting it go to voicemail since I’m heading out with Sienna, but I know better than to do that.

If I ignore it, I’ll worry her to death.

I'm still getting used to this newfound independence, and sometimes talking to Mum feels like a step backward.

But guilt wins out, and I swipe to answer. "Hey, Mum," I say, trying to keep my voice light.

"Aggie, my love!" Her voice, warm and familiar, washes over me. "How are ye, darling?"

I pause at a crosswalk, waiting for the light to change. "I'm good, Mum. Just headin’ out with a sorority sister to a mixer."

"Aye, I'm sure you’ll be makin’ lots of friends," she says, and I can hear the pride in her voice. "And how are ye settling in?"

I start across the street with Sienna, weaving between other students.

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