Chapter Thirty Four: You look...nice-ish?

I rummage through my closet trying to find something nice to wear to Lisa and Carlos' Christmas Eve party tonight. Usually I'd settle for 'decent', but ever since I've developed feelings for their son I have to make a good impression, and 'decent' won't cut it.

"I heard there was a fashion crisis going on in the Thompson household." My best friend says, entering the room.

"I have literally nothing to wear tonight. I've been looking for over an hour and I can't find anything and I'm gonna be late and they're gonna hate me and-" Gigi cuts off my excessive rambling by placing her hand over my mouth.

"Dee, you've already met his parents and they love you!" I nod, calming down a little. "Don't worry, I've got just the perfect thing."

She removes her hand from my mouth and pulls out a bag from behind her. "Go put this on." She urges.

I take the bag and quickly change into the dark crimson off the shoulder dress. It lands just above my knee, giving it a modest and appropriate length. It's perfect.

Gigi claps her hands together. "It looks amazing!"

"Thank you thank you thank you!" I pull her in for a hug.

"Now let's get your hair and makeup done." She leads me over to the dressing table and starts by applying some makeup. I insist for her to keep it natural, since I'm used to wearing a minimal amount.

She finishes by neatly curling my hair and spraying it so it stays in place. By the end of it, I'm nearly choking to death with all the hairspray she used.

"Anddd done!" She twirls my chair around so I'm facing the mirror. I take in my reflection and smile. For the first time in so long, I feel confident and maybe even pretty.

I finish off the look by adorning my ears with my mothers diamond earrings. I haven't worn them in years, but it somehow feels right to wear them tonight.

I turn to Gigi. "Final thoughts?"

She straightens my dress. "I think if Knight doesn't see what he's missing tonight, he'd be the stupidest guy to exist."

"I love you so much." I smile.

"I know you do. Now come on, you're going to be late." She takes my hand, dragging my downstairs and out the front door. I somehow manage to grab my purse in the process.

I sit in Gigi's car and check the time, which reads 6:50pm, I still have ten minutes to make it. Landon insisted on picking me up, but I refused not wanting to bother him. I'm surprised he actually listened to me for once.

Twenty minutes pass easily, and suddenly I'm in front of Landon's house. Unfortunately, the butterflies find their way back to my stomach.

Gigi notices my hesitance. "You'll be fine girl. Now have fun and make sure you knock Landon's socks off!"

"I'll try." I exit the car and give her a small wave. Once she's left, I make my way up the steps and ring the doorbell. Spending Christmas Eve at a party with all of Landon's family? Maybe this was a bad idea...

Before I can make an escape, the door opens to reveal a smiling Lisa. "Heidi darling!" She pulls me inside, kissing both of my cheeks.

"Merry Christmas Eve." I smile; whilst handing her the bouquet of flowers I bought for her.

"Oh aren't you just the sweetest. You shouldn't have." She gives me a genuine smile.

"You look so beautiful." She compliments, making me blush.

"I agree with mommy." Lewis smiles up at me.

"Lewis!" I bend down and give him a tight squeeze. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too." He plants a small kiss on my cheek. "Have you been with Lan? He's so rude, he keeps you all to himself!"

I laugh. "I'm sorry. How about I take you bowling next week?"

"Promise?" He holds up his little pinky.

I link our pinkies. "Promise." He jumps in excitement, making his way over to Lisa to tell her the news.

"I heard the basketball scouts are here next Friday. You sure you're ready?"

I hear the familiar sound of Dylan's voice and look up to see him descending the stairs with Landon. Both of them looking straight out of a magazine in their designer suits.

However my eyes only seem to focus in on Landon, wearing all black. His suit is missing a tie, and I remember back to prom when he refused to wear one. Landon Knight does not wear ties, yet this makes him even hotter.

"Hey guys." I call over, making them turn their attentions towards me. Dylan gives me a friendly wave, whilst Landon stops dead in his tracks.

Dylan walks down the stairs before pulling me in for a hug. "Dee! I'm so glad you came. You look great."

I hug him back. "You don't look too bad yourself."

We both turn to Landon who still stands in the same position as before, his eyes fixated on only me. However it's a different look, unlike his usual sarcastic or caring looks, it's somewhat a lustful look.

Dylan snaps his fingers. "Earth to Lan?"

"Huh? Oh." He clearly seems flustered, and I can't help but think I had this affect on him. "You look... nice-ish?" It comes out as more of a question than a compliment.

My smile deflates. 'Nice?' 'Ish?' That's not the word I was looking for. "Uh thanks, I guess."

"Uh no problem." He gives me a weak smile.

"Well I'm starving. Help me raid the fridge, Dee?" Dylan asks. I nod rapidly and follow him to the kitchen, wanting to get out of this awkward situation with Landon.

"Hmm. I Wanna Be Sedated." Dylan says, his mouth full of food. He wants to be sedated?

He clearly recognises the look of confusion on my face. "The song, dummy."

"How was I meant to know! I thought you were revealing some weird addiction to me." I defend.

"Do I look like someone who'd take drugs?"

"Yes."

"I'm offended." He dramatically gasps, making me laugh.

Landon strolls in, taking an apple from the fruit basket on the counter. "Flirting again, are we?"

"Jealous, are we?" It comes out more snarky than I intended. I probably seem like a bitch, but I can't help but be pissed at him.

He raises a brow at me. "What crawled up your ass?"

"Nothing."

"Tell me."

"I said it's nothing!" I wave my hands. "Stop being annoying Landon."

"You're the one being a bitch for no reason!" He shouts.

I scoff. "Boo hoo."

Lisa walks in, a worried look on her face. "Is everything okay in here?"

"Everything's fucking fine." Landon storms out, slamming the kitchen door whilst he's at it.

"I'll be right back." Dylan quickly paces after Landon.

Of course I couldn't keep my big mouth shut. Of course I had to overreact. It seems as though Landon and I can't get through a day without arguing over something. I give Lisa a weak smile, knowing I've most likely ruined the party. 

The worst thing is, the nights only just begun.

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Oh Heidi.

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~ H <3