Fiery red lipstick smudged across her lips- accentuating her blushing cheeks, and the red earrings she wore.

i'm not asking for perfection

i only ask that you try

'cause you keep looking for answers outside yourself

when you've had them the whole time

it's time to see yourself as holy

time to see yourself complete

it's time to set aside the anger

and the spirit of defeat

Grace turned around; examining herself from every angle in her mirror- she wore a black, long sleeved top, comfortable yet stylish denim jeans- and light red slip on sandals.

come into the light

yeah, be the one you're born to be

into the light

wake up from your lonely sleep

the shadows can conceal what the heart longs to heal

come into the light

She hadn't meant to, but she looked much older and mature- with the red lipstick, smudged, smoky eyes- she could pass for much older than 17.

i think it's great that you're searching

seek and ye shall find

knock and the door shall be opened

to the windows of your mind

try not to be too impatient

go easy on yourself

'cause you got me in your corner

if you need a little help

Finally, she gathered her ratty brown hair, and twirled it between her fingers- clipping it with a small brass butterfly hairclip- strands of hair fell down her face, but she didn't mind.

come into the light

yeah, be the one you're born to be

into the light

wake up from your lonely sleep

the shadows can conceal what the heart wants to heal

come into the light

come into the light

She turned once more; examining every part of herself in the mirror- she resisted the urge to change tops, again, even though she thought the black one was a little too tight on her.

The song she'd been listening to ended, and just as she flicked off the radio, there came a knock at her door.

"Come in" she called lightly.

The door opened a crack, as Jessie poked her head in, she looked Grace up and down, and then stepped inside, closing the door behind her.

"Hey Jess" Grace's tone was still comforting, and slightly patronizing, as she spoke to Jessie as though she were 6 years old.

"Hey" Jessie examined Grace once more, and looked at her stepsister curiously.

"You look great" she breathed, a little amazed.

Grace brushed the astonished tone of her voice aside, "is that so hard to believe?" she asked, sarcastically.

Jessie gave out a small, exhaled laugh; "sorry" she said, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, "but you do look amazing" she added, half smiling.

Grace nodded her head slowly, as the adjusted the clip in her hair- "thanks" she said, in a small, distant voice.

Jessie stood awkwardly in the middle of the dimly lit room, not sure of what to say; though a conversation was staring her right in the face.

"Oh" Jessie almost gasped, suddenly realizing why Grace wore red lipstick, a tight black top and her hair in a messy twirl bun.

"You have a date tonight, with Ayden Clymont?" Jessie's smile grew a little wider, as a topic poured out of her mouth- and filled the silence of Grace's room.

GRACE when will he stop being Ayden CLYMONT? When will I just call him……..Ayden, when referring to him………?

Grace nodded slowly, allowing her hands to stop adjusting the already prefect clip- "Do I really look ok?" she asked, suddenly feeling butterflies in her stomach.

Jessie looked her up and down once more, "amazing" she breathed, nodding her head slowly.

"Not too- dressy?" Grace asked, suddenly wishing she had a different top on.

Jessie smiled, "amazing!" she repeated, a little more firmly.

Grace blushed slightly, "ok", she said, refusing to give into her vanity for another second. She turned on her heel, and grabbed the small black bag from her desk.

"Grace-"

Grace turned around, seeing Jessie's smile completely faded, and replaced with a deep look of concern.

JESSIE how do you ask someone you don't completely trust……..to keep the biggest secret you have?

Jessie tucked a piece of non-existent hair behind her ear, and Grace could instantly read her troubled mine.

"It's our secret," Grace said, in a hushed whisper.

JESSIE and what do you do when the person you don't trust………knows you so well?

Jessie's smile returned, though fainter than before, "that means so much to me Grace" she whispered back in reply.

Grace nodded, and the two girls found themselves in a peaceful silence with one another- "You're date should be here soon" Jessie finally broke in.


AUTHORS NOTE:
Song Grace was listening to was Alice Peacock's 'into the light'.

Thanks for all the encouraging reviews- deepest apologies if I do not add a new chapter every day- school tends to get in the way, as does my laziness!

Sorry, but please- - - check back soon for new chapter(s)!