Cassandra The African Girl (COMPLETE) (EDITED)

Chapter 27

I entered Lin's room to find clothes strewn all over the floor, and Lin frantically searching through them. Her wardrobe overflowed with garments, a stark contrast to my minimal collection that barely filled two suitcases. I couldn't help but smile at her frantic state, though I quickly composed myself when she looked my way.

"Just swallow your pride and ask me if you need help finding something. I've seen it," I said, trying to suppress a grin.

"Have you seen my spring love light pink ruffled short-sleeved romper?" Lin asked in a panic.

I spotted the garment amidst the chaos and pointed it out. Lin's relief was palpable as she retrieved it, revealing its stunning design. She then rummaged in her wardrobe, producing a pair of hot pink block heels that looked brand new and expensive. Someone was aiming to impress tonight.

Meanwhile, I located the dress I intended to wear—a simple yet elegant black short dress with sleeves and an off-shoulder neckline. Pairing it with white sneakers, I decided to embrace a more casual vibe. Lin, on the other hand, opted for a bath, seemingly in a rush despite the ample time before our departure at five.

Upon finishing my bath, I realized the lack of towels and emerged from the bathroom, much to Lin's surprise. Ignoring her reaction, I focused on getting ready, slipping into my chosen outfit and letting my hair remain in its natural afro state. Lin, however, stuck to her straight hair, a style that suited her well.

Seven minutes later, Will arrived, honking the horn instead of exiting the car. As we approached, he finally stepped out, complimenting my appearance with a kiss on the cheek. Despite the artificial nature of our relationship, the praise was a welcomed gesture.

"Ahem," Lin coughed playfully, prompting Will to acknowledge her appearance as well.

With a brief interruption from Dad, we set off for the party, leaving behind the familiarity of home for the bustling atmosphere of the event. During the car ride, curiosity got the better of me, and I questioned Will about his conversation with Dad.

"No drugs, no alcohol, curfew is eleven, and he asked if we had enough condoms for tonight," Will joked, his cheeky grin betraying the seriousness of Dad's warnings.

"What did you tell him?" I inquired, a mixture of amusement and exasperation evident in my tone.

"That I think I have enough," Will replied, further emphasizing his playful demeanor.

As we arrived at the party, my initial apprehension gave way to a sense of excitement. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as we mingled with other guests, exchanging pleasantries and settling into the vibrant ambiance.

Seated among Will's friends, I found myself engaged in conversation, their easy camaraderie putting me at ease. Despite their initial teasing, the conversation soon turned lighthearted, and I found myself enjoying their company.

However, a sudden tension arose as Dylan mentioned Will's apparent infatuation with me, leaving me flustered and unsure how to respond. Will's intervention swiftly redirected the conversation, but the revelation lingered in my mind, prompting a desire for privacy.

Seeking a moment alone with Will, I suggested getting drinks, using the opportunity to broach the topic of our fake relationship. His dismissive attitude caught me off guard, leaving me frustrated and uncertain about our arrangement.

As we continued our conversation, Will's nonchalant demeanor grated on my nerves, but I couldn't deny the thrill of his attention. Despite my misgivings, I found myself drawn to him, a fact that both thrilled and terrified me.

The arrival of Lin provided a welcome distraction, her presence a comforting presence amid the chaos of the party. We exchanged apologies and reconciled, setting aside our differences in favor of friendship.

As we shared our grievances and insecurities, a newfound understanding blossomed between us, strengthening our bond in unexpected ways. Despite the revelry around us, our conversation remained intimate, a testament to the depth of our connection.

Meanwhile, Lin and I witnessed Conrad entering a room with another girl, prompting Lin to take swift action. With a mischievous gleam in her eye, she quickly whipped out her phone and sent a message to Chloe, a sly smirk playing on her lips.

"Let's have some fun, shall we?" Lin suggested, her tone tinged with excitement.

I nodded in agreement, curious to see how Lin's plan would unfold. Together, we observed as Chloe promptly entered the room, her expression a mix of confusion and determination.

"Let's go," I suggested, eager to witness the drama unfold firsthand. And it was fun, there were screams, crying and a lot of fake apologies

With the night progressing, Lin's mischievous streak emerged, leading us down a path of reckless abandon. The taste of whiskey burned my throat, but I pushed aside my reservations in favor of the challenge. In the haze of alcohol, I found myself succumbing to the euphoria of the moment, reveling in the thrill of the unknown.

As the night wore on, the lines between reality and fantasy blurred, leaving me intoxicated by the promise of adventure. With Lin by my side, I embraced the chaos of the night, surrendering to the allure of the unknown.