As another sudden gust of wind howled past, I looked up at the night sky. The city lights illuminated the stars, making the night seem even more magical. As I looked up, I could feel Noah’s gaze on me, so I turned and looked at him. A small smile was playing at his lips, and he was staring at me with such intensity that it made me wonder what he was thinking. But instead of asking him, I just smiled and looked back up to the stars, the night playing over in my mind.
*Fifteen Minutes Later*
Jen, we’re back, I shouted as Jackie and I stepped in to the apartment.
Well it’s about time, I heard Jen shout as her bedroom door opened and she stepped in to the living room. What the hell happened to you ?
Um, it’s a long story, I muttered, shaking my head at her.
It’s really not a long story, Jackie laughed beside me. Basically, Noah jumped in to a fountain and pulled Lily with him. Goes to show you that my brother is a real tool sometimes.
Jen laughed and walked over so we were all standing by the front door. Your brother can be a bit of a tool. So you must be Jackie ? I’m Jen, Lily’s room mate and personal stylist. It’s great to finally meet you.
Yeah you too ! So personal stylist eh ? Lily’s told me you’re gonna help us out with our outfits for tonight, she smiled hopefully, seeing as I didn’t actually pack any evening wear.
Oh Jen’s great, I nodded, she’ll make us look decent.
DECENT !? Jen practically shouted, I’m gonna make you look frickin’ awesome thank you every much. Now let’s go !
Me and Jackie looked at eachother and laughed as Jen dragged us to her bedroom. Just as we reached the door, I pulled my arm free and pointed to my room. I’m just gonna change in to my sweats while we look for the outfits, I smiled. I’ll be there in two minutes.
Sure, Jackie nodded, as she follwed Jen in to her room.
Walking in to mine and shutting the door, I quickly changed in to my dry clothes and sat on the bed, only just realising something. Earlier, when Noah had been tickling me outside the Italian, he had tickled me right over my scar and I didn’t even flinch. I didn’t even think about it. Holding my hand over my mouth, I felt my eyes water as I remembered how much I had laughed. That was the first time that my fear hadn’t held me back, and Noah was the one who had helped me, who made me forget. As I laughed softly, and the tears of happiness began to fall, a small knock came from the hall.
I looked up and Jackie opened the door and poked her head through. Wiping my eyes quickly, I smiled at her but it was too late, she’d seen me crying. With a look of concern on her face, she came in to my room and shut the door, sitting down next to me.
Lily, what’s wrong ? She asked softly, putting her arm around my shoulder. Are you ok ?
I wiped my eyes again and laughed, turning towards her. I’m sorry, I’m not crying because I’m sad, I’m crying because well, because I’m happy. I’m really happy, and it’s completely new to me.
Noah’s told me that you’ve come through a lot. No specifics, don’t worry, she smiled when I looked up at her with wide eyes, Just that you’re the strongest person he’s ever met, and that he’s proud of you.
I nodded and bit my lip as I felt the tears welling up again on hearing her kind words. You know, your brother saved me, I whispered, wiping my eyes. And it’s funny because when I first met him, he was an ass.
Jackie burst out laughing and took hold of my hand. Trust me, he’s still an ass, she smiled, But around you, he’s a different man so I wanted to say thank you Lily.
Don’t thank me, I said honestly, looking at her. He was that man all along, he just needed to realize it for himself.
I stood up from the bed and brushed my hair behind my back, trying to distract myself from the overwhelming feelings that were coursing through me. And to my surprise, Jackie got up and wrapped her arms around me, hugging me briefly before pulling back and smiling.
Well Jen’s probably wondering where we got to, Jackie laughed, running her hands through her hair. What’s say we go and get ready ?
Yeah, I’d like that, I smiled, turning and opening the door.
As me and Jackie walked in, Jen turned to us and grinned. She pointed to the bed where there were three outfits laid out. Jackie, this one’s yours, she smiled happily, pointing to the middle outfit.
Holy cow ! Jackie whispered as she walked over to take a look.
Shuffling forward and peeking over her shoulder, I couldn’t help but think Rich would thank his lucky stars once he saw her in that outfit. It was a short white dress that would probably reach mid-thigh on Jackie. It had a low neck line, and Jen had paired it with some red stiletthos.
Rich won’t be able to take his eyes off you, I muttered, my eyes scanning the other two outfits.
My thoughts exactly, Jen smiled. And Lily, this one is yours.
Jen picked up the outfit and held it out to me, a gleeful look in her eyes. Noah won’t know what’s hit him.
There’s no way I can wear this Jen, I gulped, my eyes raking over the dress.
Yes you can, and you will, Jackie nodded, looking at the dress appreciatively.
Can I at least wear my Converses with it ? I begged, looking down at the tatty sneakers I was currently wearing.
Oh no, Jen laughed, shaking her head at me and reaching in to her wardrobe. You’ll be waering these.
My eyes widened as she pulled out a four inch pair of black heels with an ankle strap. They looked seriously high, but as my eyes darted between them and the dress, I thought, ‘Hey, why not ?’ After all, if I owed Noah a dance, I might as well do it in something that would make him sweat. Smiling, I took the dress and nodded.
Let’s get ready girls, we’ve got a club to get to.
………………………………………………