I'm glad you liked the last chapter. Enjoy this installment- I probably won't be able to update until later in the week 'cause of my concert.
Flashback
"Rachel!" Julie Rafter called to her daughter. "Come on!"
Rachel Rafter stepped out of the bathroom, adjusting the straps of her dress. It was a deep red, clinging in just the right places and flowing in the others. Her lips were red, and her eyelashes were black. Her blonde hair was piled on top of her head, soft tendrils falling onto her face. Silver hoops were in her ears, and she self consciously touched the necklace around her neck. Her shoes were black high heels, the straps just below her ankles.
"Woo woo!" Nick 'Carbo' Karandonis sang.
"No, Carbo", she said, giggling. "No".
"You look nice", Nathan Rafter said, looking at his older sister. She blushed- a compliment from Nathan was as rare as chicken's teeth.
Ben Rafter high fived his sister. "Lookin' good, Rach!"
"Thanks, Benny-boy". Rachel ruffled her brother's hair, and went into the kitchen.
"Oh, wow", Louise Taylor, the grandmother of the three Rafter kids, said. "Rachel Louise, you look absolutely stunning!"
"Jake'll love it", Julie said with a smile.
"You look gorgeous, princess". Dave Rafter wrapped his arms around his only daughter. "Where did my little girl go?"
"She's still here". Rachel giggled.
Dave sighed heavily, and kissed Rachel's cheek. He missed the little girl who could sit on his lap, and tell stories of preschool. But his little girl had grown up, almost ready to start university. That night, in fact, was her year twelve formal.
"Knock knock!" Grace Barton called, poking her head in the front door. Jake Barton and Rachel had been best friends since babydom, sticking together through everything. They were no way romantically involved- they just needed people to go to the formal with.
"Hi Jake!" Rachel called to her friend.
Jake was wearing a tux, his messy brown hair brushed neatly. "Ooh, looking good!"
"Hey!" Dave barked.
"She does, love", Julie said.
"I know". Dave stared at Jake- he may have grown up with his daughter, but he didn't like boys complimenting her. If he had his way, she wouldn't be leaving for university.
"Dad, I'll be fine".
"Woo woo!" Alex Barton, the younger brother of Jake, whistled. "You look hot!"
"Alex", Jake said warningly.
"Thank you", Rachel said politely.
"You look way better than he does!" Alex chortled and poked his brother. Jake smacked his hand away.
"We need photos!" Nathan said, grabbing the camera. Nathan was determined to capture every embarrassing moment in his sister's life- and to her embarrassment, was succeeding.
Jake and Rachel posed for the camera, happy to have the photos. When they were older, they'd have a good laugh over it.
"Come on, let's go!" Dave announced, grabbing the car keys.
Dave was planning to be the driver for the evening, with Julie, Grace, Alex, Ben, Nathan and Carbo (Ben's best friend and the neighbour) were going to follow in the Bartons' car.
Jake helped his best friend out to the car, silently cursing her for looking so hot.