Crystal Eyes

~(19)~

~*E l l e r y*~

      I slid my hands down the silky fabric of my flaring deep red dress. It dropped at the neckline just enough to conceal everything and splayed out beneath my waist, stopping just below my knees. Something simple yet comfortable and casual.

       I decided not to cover my legs since it would make my black heels look awkward. If you studied close enough, you could locate the small scars running along my lower collar bone and ankle, from shards of glass and hospital procedures five years ago. 

      I was thankful that most everything healed up since I was young but a few scars still lingered behind to remind me of my distressing time in the hospital and the crash that had cracked and crushed my bones. The only thing that hadn't fully healed was my head, the reason I wasn't able to hear. I was lucky I didn't end up with something worst honestly. Since the brain controls the body. 

      I caught Allie's words echo in my head as I peered over my small makeup bag, contemplating brushing some light makeup. Els, makeup makes everything brighter and prettier. Although I don't think that any amounts of makeup could make me ugly. I'd laughed for hours after that as a child. I still did seldom. It was just one of those things, although the voice in my head wasn't Allie's. I had no idea who's it was. 

      I ended up brushing some blush on my cheeks, mascara on my eyes, concealer under my eyes and dabbed over a few of my pimples and finally a swipe of glittery nude eyeshadow for Allie. I had my hair clipped back, half up and half down and that was a wrestle as it was. I could no longer fight the fluttery feeling building torturously quick in my lower belly. 

      Charlie circled around me wildly, yearning to play. I tossed a few toys and watched as he pounced on them and rolled around erratically. The little pup was getting so big, I couldn't believe I'd had him for so many months already, it felt like yesterday I was cuddling to him and thanking Ryan. Well, the cuddling never changed, he was too spoiled to sleep in his own bed now. He must sleep curled up beside me or he'll bark all night, as Ryan had said. 

      Where are you going...? Ryan inquired. He kicked Charlie's toy across the room and watched as he zoomed after it. I told you...just a movie and dinner with James. You agreed yesterday. He flashed me a perplexed look. I don't remember that...aren't you a little young? 

      I'm eighteen, newsflash. You agreed, you just don't want to accept that you did now. I'll be back before dark, I promise. James can drive, and he drives safe because he knows about the crash so you have nothing to worry about. My innocent look and bouncing feet must've persuaded him, even though he still didn't look too excited. 

      Okay....okay. Go on your date but please text me and you better be back before dark, seriously this time. No kissing, one foot on the ground and no sharing seats or food. 

      My mouth dropped open. The tragic thing was he looked dead serious with no intent of sarcasm or joking. That was until he shattered into a smile and pulled me in for a tight hug. I'm only joking, well for some of them. You look nice, have a good time and if something goes wrong I'll be down there before you can even rethink it. He kissed my temple as headlights flashed through the window and I saw James' car halt to a stop. 

      I expected Ryan to follow me out and grill James on how to respect me but he didn't, although he watched closely through the window with a hawk-like gaze. His eyes peering through the blinds skeptically. 

      Hi...wow you look really pretty. I embraced him warmly, the familiarity of his scent calming my previously shuddering heart. He wore a nice button up with dark denim jeans and dress shoes, a simple black jacket slung over his arm. Thank you, you look nice too.