Raya is different from the typical 17-year-old with lots of friends and a social life. She's been dealing with schizophrenia since she was young, feeling like an outsider, especially in high school where she only has two friends and a close host fam...
Our eyes locked, and before she could say anything, I walked away. Talking to her would be awkward. I wasn't angry anymore, it just didn't feel like the right time to talk. I can't explain why; it was just a gut feeling.
Finally reaching an aisle with dresses more to my taste, I spotted a long black dress and immediately went for it.
It was perfect.
A light fabric, black lace with a corset-like design.
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I absolutely loved it and decided to try it on immediately.
Stepping out and glancing at my reflection, my eyes lit up. I had never looked so elegant. My braids were up in a ponytail, leaving my cleavage completely bare and perfect for jewelry.
The dress reached all the way to my feet, hugging my curvy yet slender figure perfectly.
I felt confident and sexy, so it only motivated me more into taking it.
"You look beautiful."
I turned my head and found a shy Dominica looking at me. A smile played on my lips, and I reciprocated, genuinely surprised by my gesture. "Thank you," I replied softly.
In just two seconds, we found ourselves wrapped in each other's arms.
Her embrace nearly squeezed all the air out of me, leaving me chuckling as I gently pushed her away to avoid passing out. "I've missed you so much, and I'm truly sorry, Ray."
"Hey, let's forget about it, alright? I love you, and I forgive you."
"I love you," she said, holding me again with a warmth that mended the fractures between us.
******
The end of the afternoon went by in a flash.
I spent it assisting Dommy in choosing a cute dress for Prom, while she gave me advice on which makeup products to buy. I had missed my best friend so much, and I was not ready to let her slip away again anytime soon. Laughing and spending time together, I couldn't help but realize how much Levi had hurt her. She vaguely addressed it, but I knew she was hiding a lot of emotions from me.
I promised myself that I would at least see if there was anything I could do to help them get back together.
I finally opened the front door and immediately walked up the stairs, towards my room. I did not want my parents to lecture me on how I should spend my money or whatever.
I grabbed a hanger out of my walk-in closet and hung my dress at my door. I slid my hand against the smooth fabric and couldn't help but smile at the thought of me wearing it and dancing the night away with Dominica who was now officially my date for Prom.
My mind wandered to Zyran.
Loving him felt so good, yet scary.
I was afraid that I would fall too hard for him, and that I would end up getting hurt. When I loved, I loved hard, and loving Zyran was so easy, so I knew I was already down bad.
When I told Dommy about Zyran, she expressed her excitement to meet him, but I wasn't sure how I felt about that.
I trusted them both, but Dommy had a home wrecker history, and I couldn't completely dismiss the possibility of her developing an interest in my man.
I wanted Zyran all to myself and it was going to stay like that.
******
~ 2 days later ~
"Okay, but what if I told you that my friend, yeah, really wanted to meet you?" I asked Zyran as he lounged on my bed, shirtless.
"How do you feel about it?" He asked, a playful glint in his eyes.
"It's not about me; it's about you," I emphasized. Zyran smirked and propped himself up on his elbows. "I'd love to meet her."
"Why?"
He chuckled at my puzzled expression and placed a kiss on my exposed thigh before answering, "Because I want to meet my girl's friend." His green eyes locked onto mine.
As he kissed my thigh, I ran my fingers through his hair, savoring the moment. "No, but seriously, why?"
He laughed, stood up, and loomed over me, his hands finding my hips. "Baby, I don't think you even want me to meet her," he teased, a smirk playing on his lips.
The raspy tone of his voice saying 'baby' ignited something inside me. "Why wouldn't I want that?"
He arched a thick eyebrow, grinning slightly. "Because you're kind of possessive over me, and it's fucking hot," he confessed while kissing my neck.
"I'm not possessive."
I lied. I was very possessive.
He chuckled against my neck, murmuring, "Mhmm, sure. Let's see about that, shall we?" Pulling away, he started getting dressed, leaving me confused and frustrated because I couldn't feast my eyes on his hot body anymore.
"Where are you going?" I asked, frowning and utterly confused.
"To meet Dominica," he replied, sticking out his hand.
Not wanting to admit he was right, I played the tired card. "I'm really tired," I whined, pulling him back into bed.
"Tired, huh?" He smirked, and I nodded before taking off his shirt and laying on his bare chest.
We spent the evening wrapped up in each other's warmth, enjoying the comfort of the moment.
There really was no place I'd rather be.
******
"Ray! You gotta help me!" Lev exclaimed, embracing me from behind and depositing his weight on me. "Lev, get off. You're heavy as fuck."
He gasped dramatically, moving to the couch and sporting a pout. I chuckled at his theatrics, offering a side hug as an apology. "You're a man-child, Lev, it's crazy." I commented, shaking my head in mock disapproval.
"Whatever. You gotta help me." Lev persisted, whining, and rolling on my back. "Stop it! What do you want?"
As he realized my undivided attention, his demeanor shifted, leaning forward and intertwining his fingers he said, "Dominica. I want Dominica," his tone laced with a determination.
"How do you plan on getting her back?" I inquired, offering a supportive rub on his back.
Lev laid out his strategy, "I'm gonna be crowned as the Prom King. Instead of dancing with the Prom Queen, I'll ask Dominica to dance with me," he explained with a hopeful gleam in his eyes.
I shared my concerns with Levi, expressing doubts about Dommy's aversion to public attention and the need for more than just a dance for her forgiveness. He nodded in agreement, seeking guidance.
"Then what should I do?" he asked, a hint of desperation in his voice.
"I'm not saying it's a bad idea; I'm just saying if you want this to work, don't rely on the dance alone. Ensure she has no choice but to accept," I advised.
"Also, you better fully commit this time. I'll help only if you promise not to hurt her again." I extended my pinky, and we linked fingers, sealing the pact.
I held onto hope for Levi, trusting that his commitment could win Dommy back.
After all, love always wins.
What do you think of Levi's plan? Do you think it's gonna work?
