Page 154 of Withered

“I’ll be there.” Kristy hangs up the phone, and I am thankful to have her in my life.

Everything was going smoothly until he texted me today. The school was fine, and the guys won their game. Sure, we have our banter all the time, but why did he have to leave me just hours before the event? What could he possibly be up to?

An annual fundraiser is an important event. And he just walked away from me.

Kristy walks into my room, dumps her bag, and takes me in her arms.

“It’s okay,” Kristy says, rocking me sideways. “Tyler told me.”

I break away, sniffling. “What do I do? I don’t have a date.”

“Don’t worry. Tyler went out to find him. He’ll meet us directly at the venue.” Kristy comforts me.

“What if he can’t find him?” I ask her, wiping my cheeks with the back of my hand.

“He will bring him.” Kristy gives me a tight smile.

I groan and plop down on my bed. “I don’t want to go. Tell Mom I’ve got an upset stomach; just make some excuse.”

Kristy stands on my bed, her legs on either side of my body. She grabs my hand and pulls me up into a sitting position. “Get your lazy butt off the bed. Start getting ready.”

She shoves me into the bathroom and says, “Take a shower.”

After a quick shower, I change into my pants and remove my bra. Because the dress is off-the-shoulder, I won’t need it. I put on my bathrobe and enter my room, where Kristy is all set with cosmetics and hair styling gear. Her hair is already straightened, and she says, “Come sit down.”

I leave myself in Kristy’s hands. She performs her usual magic—not too much or too little, just the right amount. I straighten my hair, part it in two from the center, and pin a little at the back of my head while she finishes her makeup.

Kristy changes first in her red one-shoulder sequin chiffon dress.

“Woah, Kristy. You look amazing.”

“Thanks, Rose.” She bows and laughs. “Go change quickly.”

I put on my off-shoulder powder pink dress, which looks dull compared to Kristy’s. Hers is all sparkle, while mine is plain.

Kristy’s jaw drops as I walk into my room. “Is it too dull?”

She shrieks, her gaze fixed on my dress. “Rose. You look like a doll.”

Before I could reply, she tipped her head to the corner of my room. “Where did you get those from?”

I look in the direction of the heels. “Jake brought them for me,” I say.

Mom shouts my name from downstairs, cutting her off. I stand near my door and say, “Yeah?”

“We’re leaving. Make sure you arrive on time,” she shouts back.

“Yes, Mom,” I say as I listen to the front door open and close.

Instead of earrings, I opt for ear cuffs and finish the look with crystal-laced pumps.

My mind is constantly thinking of different ways to avoid this event. Maybe I’ll go there, show my face to everyone, and then leave. Everyone will be too busy to even notice that I’ve left.

I get into Kristy’s car, and we drive to the venue. This time, they are hosting it at a beachfront hotel.

The hotel is illuminated with dazzling white lights. We pull over and wait for a few moments. Kristy calls Tyler on the way here, and he agrees to meet us.

Tyler appears as a brilliant light flashes in the dark parking lot. He’s wearing a velvet blue suit, a white shirt underneath, and a bow.

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