***
Holly's POV
***
I'm going to hell. I'm actually going to hell. Why on earth did I think lying to JJ and Ella would be an amazing thing to do?
"You're stressing again"
"Huh?
I hold the phone closer to my ear and listen as Speed's gentle chuckle trickles through the line. I guess I have gone quiet on the phone since he asked me about what I said to JJ when I asked him if I could go to the Sidemen nine year anniversary party. I guess it's not unusual for your daughter to want to go, but when it comes to Sidemen parties in the past, I always used to stay home and miss out due to my anxiety and feelings of antisocialness.
"You went quiet. I know what that means, Holly"
Speed's american accent saying my name ignites the butterflies in my stomach and I have to bite my lip to stop myself from smiling at myself in the mirror. I'm sitting at my makeup desk, chewing my thumbnail as I think about the lie I told Ella and JJ. See, the party wasn't the only thing I said was happening. I told them that I was going to meet Arielle and Niki, who both agreed to be my cover story for the night, after the party and spend the night at one of their houses. JJ and Ella said yes, and said that it would be good for me to spend time with friends and get out of the house.
"It's going to be fine," Speed says. "Don't worry about it"
"Yeah," is the only thing I can reply with.
The actual plan is to go to the Sidemen party, stay long enough that it's socially acceptable, and then tell JJ I'm leaving to go to Niki's, when in reality, Speed and I are going to his hotel for the night to hang out and MAYBE have some "fun". My hand closes around the condom in my bag's front pocket, and I feel funny. The thought of sex is weird, and I know there's probably no chance of it happening tonight or anywhere in the near future, but it's always good to be prepared just in case, right?
"It's going to be okay," Speed says, interrupting my thoughts. "I promise. Now, I have to go get ready for the party, but I'll see you there, okay?"
"Okay"
Speed hangs up and I sigh, placing my phone facedown on the table. What am I actually doing?
***
It's six-thirty pm when I've finished curling my hair and adding the final touches to my makeup look. I've gone neutral, going for false lashes, soft glittery eyeshadow, and a nude lip, paired with hoop earrings, lashings of mascara and Chanel perfume. For my outfit, I've gone for a simple black halter top, a pair of black leather pants, and my converse. I quickly grab my hoodie, knowing that JJ will lecture me if I go downstairs without wearing one.
I'm touching up my eyeliner when Ella walks into my room. She looks stunning in a short black romper, thigh high boots, and her hair in a high ponytail with curled ends.
"I can't decide," she sighs, holding up to pairs of earrings "Silver or gold?"
I look down at her belt and see the gold buckle resting above her hip.
"Gold," I reply. "Matches your belt"
"Genius," Ella says, shaking her head. "Thanks"
I turn back to the mirror and continue perfecting the wings on my eyes, trying not to make them too thick. Ella clips her earrings in as she takes in my outfit.
"You look cute," Ella comments. "Casual but cute. I like the vibe"
"Thanks," I smile. "You look great too"
Ella gives me a twirl and I smile. She's such a lovely human it's hard not to.
"So, what do you and the girls have planned for tonight?" Ella asks, fixing one of my stuffed animals on the bed before sitting. "First sleepover in ages, isn't it? You girls going to watch films, bake, and pillow fight? Or watch TikTok and argue about hot men?"
