The Next Chapter: Twisted Series Next Generation

Chapter 55: Dahlia Harper

 The reflection in the mirror is an unfamiliar one that I can not fathom the notion of being the image that shows me.

Never have I looked at my closet and expected it to make myself shine in a room, I prefer to be amongst the crowd and not draw attention to myself. Enough of that is done by my height, being the disco ball was never of my interest.

However this outfit, the one I bought at the mall earlier, makes me appear different. The best manner I can perceive it as.

My legs are on clear display and the dress bunches around my narrow hips to make it seem like there are some curves there. The contrast of colours is vibrant enough to catch the attention of  spaceships.

"Frankly." Sofia says from behind me as she lays sprawled out on the couch, still in the clothes she was in this morning with the exception of a few wrinkles. "You look so insanely beautiful."

A warmth flies to my cheeks which alleviates some of my tension, swivelling my head over my shoulder to catch a glimpse of her. My heart clenches as I see the weariness on her expression.

She remains oblivious to my concern and sits up straighter, her legs kicked over the armrest. "But I don't think I've ever seen you dress like this."

"That's what I said too." My youngest brother chimes in from the kitchen island, his imposing figure narrowing in on me like he attempts to wire through what is perceiving through my mind.

Trying to intrude on my thoughts, my father taught him too well. Reading people comes as a second nature to Maverick to everyones dismay. 

"Am I not allowed to try new things?" The stubbornness in my voice does little against the firmness of their gaze. "It's pretty, I like it."

"We're not saying you look bad Lia." Sofia speaks much softer this time, "It's just." She trails off, as if she is struggling to find the words. Which of course is off considering the fact that Sofia never seems to find issue when remarking the unfortunate truth. Yet, everyone here thinks they need to spare my feelings because for some reason I may crack under criticism.

Yes, I admit it, I am sensitive. However, them walking on eggshells around me trying to get a point across in a discreet manner feels like coddling. Which is beyond humiliating for me.

"It isn't you." Maverick replies while straightening up, finishing Sofias words for her. His arms crossed over his chest as he appears like he just got dressed and the day has not gone against him.

"Maybe I'm changing what's me, so enough with the suspicious glares and interrogation."

The both of them exchange eye contact longer than I am comfortable with. The dress continuously rides up on my thighs which has me pulling it down every two seconds. I have no idea how I am supposed to wear this thing out.

"How's your head?" My brother chimes in as his gaze returns to mine.

My heart plummets to a state of ease with the abrupt change of conversation, my lips part to answer his question but he interrupts me before I have the chance to even speak.

"What's the best condition we're going to get from someone who snuck out of the hospital before she could properly get any results."

My shoulders drop while a shiver wracks through my spine with how much skin is revealed by the dress. "I'll have you know I actually went to the hospital." I speak in a firm tone as my long legs carry me towards the couch.

Exhaustion wears down on my body as I collapse down next to Sofia who currently cranes her neck to look at me.

"They said I was fine, that I can come back and get my stitches removed next week, so aha! Your patronising was for naught."