Page 11 of Once Bitten

Chapter Six

15 years ago

“They’re here, sweetie.” My Dad called upstairs to me.

“You ready?” My Mom asked as she tucked the last bobby pin under an errant curl and stood back to admire her own handiwork. “You look like an angel. You’ll be the most beautiful one there.”

I smiled at her reflection in the mirror and swallowed hard. I didn’t know what to expect of tonight, but I wanted to remember every detail forever.

Finn was standing in the doorway as I came down the stairs. He turned towards me just as I saw him, making me almost skip a step and fall head first down the last few steps. Mom was wrong. He was going to be the most beautiful person there tonight. His blonde hair, highlighted by the sun and chlorine, was gelled back; he was dressed in a navy blue tux that matched my dress. Pulling his trademark sunglasses off as I walked up to him, he smiled and leant over giving me a kiss on the cheek. I blinked at him; too nervous to speak, too nervous to even smile.

“Hey babe,” he said smoothly, not an ounce of the nervousness I felt in his voice, “ready for the night of your life?”

I nodded mutely as he reached for my hand and I turned to wave goodbye to my parents, posing for a second as my Mom stole a quick photo.

His hand slid down to the small of my back as he led me out to the limo parked on the curb and he leaned over, his lips tickling my ear as he whispered, “you look just stunning tonight, Kara.” I shivered as his voice vibrated through every cell in my body.

“You look pretty amazing yourself, Finn.” I whispered.

“KARA!” Heather screamed from inside the limo. “Oh my god, you look like princess! Get in here! We have champagne!”

Fin rolled his eyes at his twin sister’s excitement and opened the door helping me and my dress into the limo.

“Wow, Heather, you’re an angel.” She really was. Halo and all. She grinned and turned her head showing her hair pulled into a long plait and then pinned into a circle sitting on top of her head, like a golden crown. Her long, slim body poured into a white mini strapless leather dress that hugged every single inch and curve, and white shoes on her feet. She looked like an angel, but an angel in disguise to tempt men over to the dark side. Only her smile was pure.

I waved to Eric her boyfriend, who waved back, champagne glass in one hand and half empty champagne bottle in the other.

“Let’s go shall we ladies?” Finn’s voice suddenly spoke up next to me. “Cheers”

We clinked our glasses, ready for whatever the night had to bring.

***

“Oh, I love this song! Come on!” Heather grabbed my hand to pull me onto the dance floor.

“Are- are you coming?” I asked Finn. He looked at me just long enough to shake his head before turning back to Eric and their conversation.

“Ignore them, come on! Before the song ends.”

I hobbled after her, my feet already killing me from the high heels she’d made me wear.

Heather threw herself into the music, bobbing her head and jumping up and down. I’d never danced in front of so many people and just kind of swayed along to the beat.

“Are you having a good time?” She asked, breathless.

“Sure.” I smiled. Truth was, I didn’t know what I was doing there. I’d realized that I hardly knew anyone while Heather knew everyone. And I didn’t want to be a burden to her; it felt like she had to keep checking up on me every few minutes to make sure I was having fun.

“Is Finn treating you ok? If not, you tell me, alright?” She squeezed my arm to reassure me.

“He’s fine.” I lied. It seemed as though after picking me up, he had barely remembered that I was there.

When the limo arrived at school, he just got out and walked straight into the gym, leaving me to go in with Heather and Eric. Then all through dinner, he just sat with his back turned to me talking to Eric.

I ran the evening through my head and couldn’t remember when he’d given me more than a one word answer. I was so confused. Why did he even ask me here?

He could’ve gone with any number of girls who’d have killed to be his date. There were girls here with their boyfriends who would’ve dumped them to come with him. So why would he ask ME, and then just ignore me completely.

“Hey,” Heather nudged me, “song’s over. Wanna grab a drink?”