Blake

I took my lip between my teeth, flicking another dress across the rack of my closet. Dress-after-dress. I can't seem to find anything suitable for my homecoming party tonight. Mom booked the reception room at La Grand Hotel half an hour from here.

Most of my family will be there with some of my parents friends. Along with whoever Blair and I wanted to invite. I don't even want to put much thought on who Blair is going to invite.

Just the thought of him brews annoyance in me.

A light knock came to my door and I walk out of my closet to greet Mom walking in a bit skeptical. With a garment bag draped over her arm. I knitted my brows.

"What's that?"

She held the bag upright by the hook of the hanger that poked through the bag and unzipped it. My eyes widened when I recognized it.

The flowery lace fabric hugged my hips perfectly. Turning around, a large portion of my back is exposed. It was a perfect mix of elegance with a touch of sexy.

I opened my mouth to speak but my words were caught in my throat. Mom smiled at my reaction.

"I called Stella and Peyton," She explained. "I hope it's the right size," She said hopefully, laying it on my bed.

I can't believe she did this. Making contact with my friends to whom she never quite got along with. I never thought I'd ever get to see that dress again. It was so long ago.

I rushed over to her and hugged her from behind. "Thank you," I whispered. Mom unwrapped my arms from her waist and faced me.

"It's the least I could do," She smiled gingerly. "Now start getting ready," She added, speed walking out of my room. I smiled, looking back at my dress and squealed.

I walked out of my room with excitement putting more pep in my step, to go tell Blair and see what she's wearing. However, the door is cracked open and I see that her room was vacant. Must be downstairs, I thought to myself.

When I go turn around, the ping to her phone prevents me from proceeding any further. I gently pushed her door open and walked toward her dresser where her phone sat. It was a text message from Drew.

"Of course," I chirped with bitterness.

drew - the answer is no

I swiped my thumb over the screen to unlock it. Only to be let down by the passcode screen.

Dagnit.

I press the first four numbers that came to mind. Didn't work. I tried her birth year. Didn't work. I tried my birth year. Didn't work. I sighed in frustration. Then I punch in the last four digits of her phone number.

Unlocked.

"Yes," I whispered happily. Soon as I unlocked her screen, it took me right to her conversation. I scrolled up a few messages.

drew - how is she?

Me?

blair - she's good. still unreal that she's alive.

drew - . . . it is.

blair - we're throwing a party for her tonight and we could invite who we want. you should come. it's formal, so you have to wear a tux ;)

drew - yeah, how bout not

blair - why?

drew - i dont wanna go

blair - pls. for me?

drew - very cute. very very cute. . . . . but no

blair - just come!

drew - the answer is no

Good. He better not show up. I certainly don't want him there. This is my night and he's not going to ruin it.

*

The vociferous chatter filled the room. Platters with flutes of wine were being passed around for all of the guests. Tables with thick elegant cream table cloths were dotted around the room with a few people still sitting down, engaged in conversation and their meals. Traces of soft jazz music can be heard through the unceasing noise.

My parents were conversing with a long time friend. Dad's hand on the small of Mom's back, both of them sporting ear to ear smiles. It's now that I take the time to admire what an attractive couple they are.

I stood with my Aunt Clara, listening in to her conversation with my cousin Damien. I plastered a tight, cheek aching smile on my face every time she gave me a compliment or whenever she thinks something is funny.

But really, I just want to go home. I've exchanged words with just about everyone and I've never smiled so much in my life. It's a little frustrating hearing everyone talk to me in feigned sweet voices as if I'm made of glass.

Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate my parents putting their sincere effort into this, but now, it's too . . . suffocating.

My two cousins from California came too. Nina and Natalia. I spotted the both of them in a conversation with Blair a few minutes ago. Although, I can't seem to find Blair now.

"Kitten!" My grandmother squeals, walking up to me with open arms.

"Hi grandma," I smiled, wrapping my arms around her in tight hug.

She pulled away. "Ah my beautiful grand baby. I missed you so much," She gushed, taking in my appearance.

I did feel beautiful. My hair was in an elegant intricate up-do with a headdress to give the style a little personality. Blair did a light make up look on me, with a bit of pale pink shaded into my eye lids.

"I missed you too."

My grandmother looked beautiful too, with her platinum sagacious silver hair that fell past her shoulders. And her long deep blue gown that kissed the floor.

"Have you seen Blair? I just saw her a minute ago with Nina and Natalia," I asked, sweeping my eyes across the room.

Not too far into my search, I found her. Standing along with Drew and Natalia. The both of them mid-laugh.

No. No. No. No.

As Natalia and Blair are erupting with laughs, Drew catches my eye. He raked his eyes over me, bringing his glass up to his lips to conceal the smirk that only widened.

"I don't know his name, but he's certainly a keeper for her," She winked before walking off. I stood with furrowed brows and my mouth ajar.

I can't take this anymore. This ends now.

Right when I was about to storm up to their little new found clique, Stella and Peyton rushed in front of my path. Stopping me.

"Did you see Drew and Will come in? " Peyton points her thumb back in Drew's direction.

"I didn't see Will," I frowned. I don't know why he would even come. Let alone Drew.

"Because they look so ho-" Stella slapped Peyton's arm, preventing her from continuing.

"I'm just callin' it like it is," Peyton held up her hands in a surrender.

I shook my head and sighed. "I need some air," I excused myself. As I weaved through the crowd, I collided into somebody's chest.

"Sor. . ." I trailed off.

Putting our bags on the mini scale, I catch the cashier guy looking at me with a crooked smile. He was really good looking with his effortlessly ruffled blonde hair and ocean blue eyes.

"You're-"

"Hayden," He smiled incandescently. "Candy store."

"Yeah, that was such a long time ago. How'd you-"

"I can never forget a pretty face," He charmed. My cheeks flushed hotly.

"Oh. Thank you," I giggled awkwardly. "It's nice to see you, but I really just need to get some fresh air."

"Sure," He nodded with a disappointing countenance. "I'll be here."

I smiled and continued to make my way to the back exit, leading to the courtyard. Soon as the soothing air hit my face, I felt like I could finally breathe.

I couldn't take seeing Blair with him. Not only that, but everything was getting too overwhelming. Meeting Mom's colleagues - that didn't even know I existed until I went missing - was weird.

Listening to obnoxious Nina boast about her rocketing model career gave me a headache. Seeing Natalia in her red gown with a revealing slit, showcasing her perfect tanned legs made me want to slap her. I just need time to myself right now.

I sat on the bench that over looked the fountain that sprouted white water in the air and crashed back down into the pool beneath it. It definitely calmed my nerves and defused my tension.

Not even ten minutes into my solitude, I felt a presence. I turned around and saw Drew, ambling closer. His hands crammed into the pockets of his all black suit.

I stood up. "What do you want Andrew?"

He stood beside me, looking at the fountain. "Just need some air."

"Well can you get your air somewhere else?"

"I didn't know you owned this spot Taylor," He provoked.

"I do," I said matter-of-a-factly. "Now leave," I crossed my arms.

"Why are you being so-"

"What? Why am I being so what? Rude?" I cut in, turning my body to face him ready to snap.

"Blake I apologized!" He shouted. "I don't know what else you want me to do, but I'm sick of you giving me nothing but bull."

"Whatever," I spat. "Just stay away from my sister."

"And why would I do that?"

"Because I don't want you with her."

"Why?" He took a few steps closer, minimizing the space between us. "Jealous?" His voice dropped into a seductive tone.

"Ha," I laughed bitterly. "You're an a-hole."

"I am not," He countered with a frown.

"You pretended to like me!" I screamed. "And you-"

"I wasn't pretending alright!" He shouted back.
My stomach twisted into knots and I took a few steps back.

"Yes Blake. I like you," He said a bit harshly. "Since freakin' freshman year. But lemme tell you this," He twisted his silver band off his finger. "I never chased after you and I'm not gonna start. And I never will," He pelted it to the ground and stalked back inside.

I was completely baffled. Speechless. Couldn't even form words. I kneeled down to pick up his ring, furrowing my brows when I notice writing engraved on the inside.

Blake • 9-9-15

I brought my hand over my mouth. He got this ring. . . . for me. That's the date I was pronounced dead.

It's now that I realize how harsh I've been toward him. I let the past cloud my impression of him and used that as an excuse to treat him poorly. He's liked me this whole time.

While I thought he failed to know that I even existed. Then what's going on with him and Blair? Are they just friends then? Or did he lose feelings for me already?

When I walk back into the reception room, I scan the room in search for him. His ring clutched in my hand.

"Blair," I called when I spotted her.

"Have you seen Drew?" I asked her.

"He just left. Said he had to leave."

_____________________________

A/N > one more chapter left! any predictions of what's gonna happen next?

For the last chapter, I've decided to do something different . . .

I'm gonna do a new POV. Any guesses who it might be? I mean, it's kinda obvious lol.

Very excited for that 😉

And for those of you who wanna know why Blake was mad at Drew for saving her. . . She was mad bc she wanted to save herself. She didn't want his help. Plus everything w him and Blair ticked her off as well lol.

Votes/Comments are much appreciated! xx

-kya h. ∞