Chapter 31: You know I hate dresses

In life, there's always that one glance or imagery that brings back certain feelings-- like anger, hurt, sorrow, etcetera-- that you harboured in your heart and somehow managed to leave at bay, just to allow yourself to move on from the past that has been holding you back like a chained dog.

For me, this is one of those moments in life. I try holding back the tears, hurt.

Crying is for the weak.

Eyes have a way of deceiving a person. One moment you use them to see beautiful pictures, sceneries, or even to record beautiful memories. But sometimes they see what would only hurt you. What would leave you scarred for life.

I see them.

The same people I once called family. The same people I thought I could trust and always depend on. The very same people who helped me when I fell, who fought for me whenever I was defenseless and hopeless.

They were standing a few meters away from me, laughing without a single worry in the world. Not caring about the world around them, or the people who see them.

They seem happy.

But I'm not. Because those very same guys left me, abandoned me, just as my brother left.

James has his arms slung over a girl's shoulder, and Mason is devouring a burger-- always been a foodie. Nick is rather on a serious phone conversation and seems livid with the other person on the line. He was always the serious one.

I pull out of my reverie and instantly speed walk to the exit, but someone had to call my name.

"Hailey?"

I turn to see six pairs of eyes glued to me, but I only focus three.

"Hi," I sigh, and give a fake smile.

"Long time no see. How have you been?" Mason asks, stepping closer and closer to where I'm standing.

"Like you guys care," I spit, bitterness oozing out of every word.

"We're sorry, we never meant to hurt you, we never meant to le--"

"Save it," I cut him off. "Never speak to me again." I turn around and continue walking until I'm finally out of the building, fresh air finally entering my nostrils, but I feel something wet on my cheeks-- I am crying.

Wiping any sign of tears away, I begin moving my legs that feel heavy and I walk home.

........

"Mom, I'm home!" I yell as I enter my home.

"Oh hi, honey!" She pulls me into her embrace and I immediately respond by wrapping my arms around her.

"As if you knew how much I needed this hug," I say to her.

"You need every hug from me," she chuckles and I also can't help but laugh at her words.

She pulls away from the embrace and asks, "Are you okay?"

I nod.

"Okay," she says. "I need a favour." She grins.

"I know that grin," I shake my head. "That's the grin you use every time you want something outrageous, knowing that I won't like it."

"You know me too well," her grins becomes even wider, if that's possible. "I need you to put on a dress and make yourself look decent for tonight. We're having dinner with a certain family."

"A dress? Mom," I whine. "You know I hate dresses."

"Well suck it up, because you have no choice. Be ready in thirty minutes." She says before leaving to the kitchen.

I sigh and make my way upstairs to my room. I throw myself onto the bed stretch out my limbs like a starfish.

"Hurry up Hailey!" My mother shouts from downstairs as though she knows I'm slumping on my bed.

I stand and walk to the bathroom and take a quick five minute shower.

After showering, I walk to my closet to find something 'decent' to wear. After scouring my closet for what seemed like forever, I find something to wear, and put it on.

It's a black dress that reaches my mid thigh. It tightens my waist and flows from my hip. Its sweetheart neckline shows a slight cleavage, but decent enough. I finish my look with my black and white Vans shoes and a grey cardigan. I apply some lip gloss and a bit of mascara.

Satisfied with how I look, I grab my phone and head downstairs.

"My little girl finally looks like an actual girl," my father teases, wiping away a fake tear.

"I've always looked like a girl," I chuckle.

"Not in my eyes," he says.

"You look beautiful sweetie," my mother says. I swear I could see tears threatening to escape her eyes, but blinked quickly to hide them.

"Thanks mom," I smile.

"Okay, let's go." My father says and ushers us out.

We arrive at the supposed house or mansion. The house is huge. It's a mansion of a mansion.

Not kidding.

My dad parks the car and we all hop out.

The mansion must contain three floors, judging by its height. Pillars support the structure, and vines crawl on the grey walls, adding to the fine detailing of the house. A small flight of stairs leads us to the door and a beautiful woman I seem to recognise answers the door after my mother had knocked.

"Melody, Frank, welcome!" Mrs Wilder greets. Yep, Tristan's mom, Lizzy, is the person who opened the door. We are at the Wilders' mansion.

Great. Note the sarcasm.

"And Hailey, long time since I've seen you," she welcomes me with a warm embrace.

"You've met my daughter?" My mom asks.

"Yes," she replies. "Through my son, Tristan." She winks at me, and I'm relieved that she didn't tell my parents about our true encounter.

"Anyway, come in." She allows us to step inside their mansion of a house.