Page 21 of Afterglow
I drive home within minutes, parking my car in the underground lot. Sofia bombards me as I walk in the door, not giving me anytime to place my bag down.
“Be honest,” she starts. “What do you think of this?”
Athena comes out of her room in one of Sofia’s designs. I have seen it plastered against her wall with multiple post it notes, each questioning the fabric’s colour and type.
The purple dress has a halter neck and it crosses over the chest, highlighting Athena’s cleavage. The rest of the dress is straight, landing above the knees, while her hips and curves are accentuated.
“It is beautiful, Sof,”
Honestly, there are so many words I want to use to describe it, but nothing comes. Athena and I are always modelling Sofia’s designs, every time they get better. I still don’t know how it is possible.
“Are you wearing it to the party?” I ask.
Austin will melt into the ground after seeing her in this dress. I wouldn’t be surprised if he whisks her away from the party to do some very inappropriate activities. That’s how it usually goes anyway.
“If Sofia wants me to,”
“Yes,”
I giggle at her immediate response.
“Help me with my outfit?”
Sofia doesn’t hesitate, dragging me into my room to work her magic. She pulls clothes from the shopping bags which we bought earlier today. Most items end upscattered across the bedroom floor as Sofia decides what outfit I should wear.
A smile pulls at my lips, I’ve never seen someone so passionate. It shines through every design Sofia creates. This girl is undoubtedly the future of fashion. I know she is excited for the next couple months as she has an internship in New York for a week.
My green eyes brighten against the pastel pink top, the neckline sitting just above my breasts. It was an immediate buy when I tried it on as it does wonders for my chest while the black miniskirt Sofia has chosen for me hugs the soft curves of my hips and thighs.
I used to be so self-conscious of them, but it turns out if you wear clothes that match your body type, your confidence grows. Sofia fixes my curls, adding extra volume and hairspray to help it stick. But I tie my hair into a ponytail, not wanting it to be a nuisance.
This is more my style.
The three of us gather on the bottom floor of our building as we wait for two other girls. They are driving which is convenient for us since Sofia, Athena and I all plan to drink.
“Okay, remember the rules?” Athena asks.
All of us nod. During freshman year, a couple of girls were drugged, luckily, nothing bad happened, but ever since, we have had three rules.
One: Never take a drink from anyone. Not even each other.
Two: Always tell one person if you’re leaving with someone. And turn on location sharing.
Three: Use the emergency hand signal if in immediate danger.
Thankfully, the three of us have never been in any danger but it is better to be safe than sorry. The drive is short and filled with party music to pump the five of us up. The noise coming from the Hockey House is extreme. Regret climbs up my spine as we enter the party but I force it down.
Fun. You came here to have fun. I repeat this to myself multiple times, hoping it will stop my brain from overthinking. I need alcohol. Drinking helps me relax as I can forget every responsibility for the night. Is it a healthy coping mechanism? No, but if it stops my insomnia for the night; then, it’s worth it.
Athena waves at Austin across the room, who immediately melts when he looks at her, while Sofia goes to flirt with anybody she can find. I head straight for the kitchen, as I know that is where all the alcohol is stored.
“Jaz!”
A shirtless Sam Morris is standing before me with a flirty grin. I huff out a laugh, shaking my head.
“Is wearing a shirt optional now?”
His eyes follow the outline of my figure. The short skirt highlights my curves and long legs.
