The Cliche Effect

Chapter 5: Getting Drunk & Mystery Guys

I was pacing up and down my bedroom on Friday evening waiting for Emma and Ava to arrive. I was going out of my mind because I woke up this morning to look out my window only to find Aiden flirting with a pair of college girls from across the street. In that exact moment, when the jealously bubbled inside me and I felt like I was going to explode, I had decided once and for all that I was tired of being invisible. I was tired of being the best friend. I was tired of being the sister's best friend. I was tired of being Nerdy Riley. I was so tired... physically too, I need to take a nap in a bit.

       "Riley! I should have started getting ready for the party an hour ago so I hope whatever you need is important!" Emma shouted as she barged into my room.

"I want a makeover," I quickly announced.

Emma paused for a spilt second before cheering and began rambling about outfits, makeup and different hairstyles. But Ava had other things on her mind... she's so annoying sometimes.

       "Riley, that's nice and all but you still haven't found a solution to Caleb's favor," Ava said.

        I groaned and threw myself on my bed while Emma began rummaging through my closet seeking an outfit for the party.

       Caleb Harrison, one of the richest and most powerful men in the city, had asked little ole me for a favor. A favor I had promised him I'd complete but it was way more difficult than I had expected. The Harrison's were holding a charity gala at their hotel downtown. Caleb had told Noah, my big brother and his best friend, that he had a wonderful girl for him to meet but she had cancelled her gala appearance. So now he needed a girl for Noah to meet or else Noah would be flying out from Harvard for no reason.

       "Noah knows most of the girls I know," I said. "What about you? Any cousins Noah's never met?"

       "No, sorry," Ava sighed. "I don't know why Caleb even asked you. You and Noah know all the same people. What did he expect you to do, just ask a random girl on the street?"

       Wait, that doesn't sound half bad. Just ask her nicely, explain the situation. I mean, what girl would turn down meeting a smart, good looking guy at a expensive charity gala at the Harrison? I must of had my thinking face on because Ava's eyes went wide in... was that worry?

       "I mean, it could – "

       "No!"

       "Found it!" Emma yelled excitedly. Ava and I turned around to see Emma holding up an outfit. "It was hiding way in the back of your closet but I found it! Now, let's start doing your hair and makeup!"

       And just like that, I forgot all about Caleb's favor. I needed to focus on becoming a better me for Aiden.

By the time Emma had finished, I had traded in my oversized t-shirts and worn out flannels for a short, tight red dress. My long honey brown hair was finally free of the usual ponytail and for the first time, I was wearing makeup. For once when I looked in the mirror, I didn't completely hate myself. I actually felt hot but when I climbed downstairs, waiting for that movie moment when Aiden suddenly realizes my beauty and his undying love for me, I was disappointed. Aiden didn't seem to notice anything different.

Since my parents basically didn't exist, me and the girls had gotten ready at my house and Aiden was gonna show up later so all four of us could go to the party together. He had been waiting impatiently in the living room till we came strutting down the staircase.