I looked at Nicole, looked at the glistening red cloth and hanging red sequins. As she walked towards me with her high heels and that familiar 'click clack', every bit of her sparkled under the spotlight, as she adjusted the dress that hugged her curves perfectly.

"Is this okay?" She asked, concerned.

I was almost dazed by the dazzling dress that I forgot to reply.

"Oh, it looks great, it looks wonderful." I gushed.

---

I reached home with a wide array of bags—brown paper ones, small pink ones, pastel yellow- you name it.

My fingers were rubbed raw from the friction of the bag handles, but I felt more than satisfied.

The bags lay clustered messily on the bed and I hastily took out the necklace I bought, looking at myself in the mirror.

I am ready for the party.

---

In the afternoon, the school was just abuzz with excitement. It was obvious no one was listening attentively during lessons.

Well, clearly because Benjamin Parker is the organiser of this party. Everyone was on and about ways and means to dress up to impress him.

I shook my head, trying to get rid of the conversations buzzing past me and instead focusing my eyes on the whiteboard.

There were still three more minutes to the end of school.

Two.

One.

Within half a minute, everyone had already dashed out of the classroom. Mrs Greg, the teacher, looked around with a slight frown. Our eyes met, and I gave her a sympathetic smile.

"Is there anything big going on today?" Mrs Greg asked.

I laughed, "Nothing, just a school party."

Mrs Greg nodded, before looking down to pack up her stuff.

There was a comfortable silence as I packed up my stuff as well.

With my books on one hand, I stood up, before landing face to chest to someone standing directly behind me.

I let out a shriek in surprise.

"Are you sure it's just some 'school party'? I mean like, it's me who's organising it, so it's definitely more than just any 'school party'," the masculine voice laughed.

My features formed into a sheepish smile.

"Oh, sorry about that Benjamin, I didn't mean it that way!" I managed, looking at him for a short second before looking away.

"When did you come in? I didn't see or hear you..."

"It's okay," he laughed, "see you at the party later, yeah? Oh and well, I just dropped by in to say hi."

With that, he gave a small pat on the back and left. Left as quietly as he arrived.

I stood rooted, blinking twice.

Did he just do that?

---

"Woah, be careful with that face of yours! I spent 15 minutes doing your makeup, it sure wasn't easy," Nicole ended, before turning to walk towards the toilet as she began combing her hair.

"Sorry that I made you take so long... Is there anything I can do to help?" I replied, sitting on Nicole's bed in her bedroom, feeling slightly guilty.

"Oh I could clean up the room. It looks so messy after all the preparations for the party," I added thoughtfully.

From the toilet, I could hear Nicole's unmistakeable laughter.

"It's okay, my friend, I don't need any help, I am almost done with this. The mess can be cleared later. Besides, you look splendid, and that is all that matters."

I gave a small smile. Sometimes, I feel really lucky to have a friend like Nicole.

"Thanks, Nicole.." I said softly, before looking at the bedside mirror in front of me.

I observed the slight tinge of pink on my cheeks and the pink eyeshadow that Nicole has expertly done. Along with the purple-pink lip gloss. I gave a small smile.

It was impressive that Nicole has magically transformed a potato into something that looked somewhat presentable.

There were a few knocks and Nicole's mum came in, just when Nicole came out from the toilet, all set.

"My daughter. And Michelle. You girls look beautiful. Enjoy yourselves at the party!" She said, as we took our bags, making a leave.

"Thanks mum," Nicole said, "And do not worry. About the mess in my room, I will clear it later. Also, I will return before midnight. I promise!"

I gave Nicole's mum a polite smile before we entered Nicole's car.

I looked at Nicole. She did a cat-like makeup style, making her look dangerously sexy.

In a good and confident way.

I subconsciously took a deep breath, as I realised that my anxiety was already starting to creep in. This anxiety wasn't felt in Nicole's house, why must it even come?

"Do you know the way?" I asked worriedly. My fingers were already fidgeting with the handles of my bag.

Nicole, on the driver's wheel, rolled her eyes and gave a 'duh-what-do-you-expect' look.

I sighed and just nodded meekly, before looking down at my pastel pink dress as Nicole settled down.

I observed the rim of my dress. I liked how my dress just touched my knees, so it is just right for me.

The material of my chosen dress was of a fluffy material that resembled cotton, and along with the colour, this dress fondly reminded me of cotton candy. It was topped with a pink ribbon draped over my waist, and mostly importantly, with sleeves that touched the sides of my shoulder.

Never in my life have I wanted to be a life-sized cotton candy. Guess it's now.

"So.. Our journey to Michelle's first party begins!" Nicole suddenly proclaimed in an over-the-radio voice, as the car roared to life and we started moving.

Nicole's words didn't seem to help me. I feel like going to the toilet.

Can someone please give me medicine to cure the butterflies in my stomach?

---
sorry I made it short, well had to leave some for the next chapter haha
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