39

Amy

"Amy, stay still," Sonia scolded. She tried for the fifth time to apply pencil eyeliner around the bottom of my eyes.

Instinctively, I moved back again. "You're going to poke me in the eye!" I exclaimed.

Sonia rolled her eyes. "I am not. Chill out and trust me. I'm almost finished."

I sighed. I tried not to flinch away at the sting of the sharp liner as it brushed against the bottom of my eyeball.

We were in my room, preparing for Senior Prom. I was sitting in my desk chair with Sonia hovering over me, a variety of makeup tools hooked between her fingers like Wolverine's claws.

Earlier, Sonia straightened and curled my hair into soft waves. She pulled them up into a classic yet curly updo with a few tendrils framing my round face.

"See, was that so hard?" Sonia asked after she'd finished.

"Yes."

Sonia rolled her eyes. She fiddled with her large makeup bag, retrieving a scarlet red lipstick.

I raised an eyebrow at the bold color.

"Trust me," Sonia said, leaning forward to press the wax stick against my lips. She smiled when she finished, examining the finished product. "You look gorgeous."

"Can I look now?"

"No; we promised you wouldn't look until after you were dressed."

I groaned. Nauseous butterflies flew around my stomach at the thought of staring at my reflection after Sonia had finished my "ultimate prom makeover". I didn't doubt my friend did a great job with my hair and makeup, but Sonia couldn't fix the mess my scars made over my skin. Although I was making strides with wearing short sleeves more often and even stepped out to Junior Prom in a sleeveless gown, the sight of my scars never failed to summon the dark thoughts looming at the surface of my consciousness. I just had to endure the silent battle of shooing them away.

Sonia lifted my dress off of my bed and helped me slip into it. The gown was an A-line gown with a low cut halter top. The top of the gown was covered in black sparkling fabric that hugged my breasts and hips. At my hips, the skirt flared out, flowing around my legs as the black gradually turned into a sparkling red, creating a dramatic ombre effect.

I held tightly onto Cat's hand as she helped me step into a pair of her sparkling black stilettos. "Can I look now?"

"You need perfume first," Sonia quickly replied.

I closed my eyes as my friend spritzed a new bottle of Ariana Grande's latest perfume around my body. The soft vanilla fumes wafted through my nose.

"Okay, now you can look." She grabbed my hand and tugged me towards the door-length mirror she let me borrow.

At first glance, my scars were the first thing to catch my eye. They wrapped around

my arms and chest like dark vines, contrasting drastically against the glittering sparkles on the dress. Tears brimmed her eyes as the clouds in her mind pushed forward, whispering all of the cruel words my mother used to tell me.

Ugly.

Worthless.

Hideous.

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and pushed the mean words away. I replaced them with affirmations like beautiful, worthy, and loved.

When I opened my eyes to give my reflection another chance, I ignored my scars. I focused on the neutral bronze eyeshadow that emphasized my green eyes, the sharp winged eyeliner drawing attention to their wide shape, the dramatic effect of the fake eyelashes Sonia glued onto my eyelids, and my plump lips frosted in red. I admired my curls, pinned articulately around my temples with a few stray curls framing my round cheeks, coming together in a bouquet of curls in the back of my head. I nearly smiled at the elegance of the dress, projecting an air of royalty upon my body.

Sonia appeared behind me, her slender arms wrapping around my waist. "Sonic's heart is going to fall out of his ass when he sees you," she said.

I giggled. I set my hands on top of hers and squeezed her fingers. "Thank you for helping me with all of this," I told her. "I wouldn't have had the courage to leave this room if it weren't for you."

"Don't thank me." She pecked a kiss at my cheek. "That's what best friends are for."

A soft knock on my room door stole our attention away from our reflections.

"Are you girls almost done?" Daddy asked from the other side. "We're all ready whenever you are."

"Are you ready to knock 'em dead?" Sonia asked me.

I nodded. "Yeah. I think I'm ready."

"We're coming down now," Sonia yelled to Daddy.

We waited until his footsteps retreated back down the stairs to open my room door.

Sonia held on to my hand, helping me balance on the high heels as we stepped into the hallway.

The voices of our families hummed downstairs. The sound caused the anxious butterflies to return to my stomach. I squeezed Cat's hand as my steps slowed.

"Hey," Sonia said, noticing the frown blooming across my lips. "You look amazing. Don't convince yourself otherwise."

Taking another deep breath to soothe the party happening in my tummy, I nodded my head.

Sonia released my hand and headed down the steps ahead of me. She waited at the bottom of the steps, waving her hand for me to come down.

I held on to the railing of the stairwell for dear life as I slowly descended the stairs. If I wasn't careful, I was going to lose my balance and tumble right down the steps. That was definitely not the type of entrance I was trying to make tonight.

Ms. Aleena and my fathers came into my view first standing across from the stairwell, armed with cameras. Smiles spread across their faces at the sight of me.

"Aren't you beautiful," Ms. Aleena mused.

"You look like a real princess," Daddy added.

"Muy bonita," Papa commented.

I offered a smile as they began to snap photos of me on the stairs. My gaze slowly shifted to my boyfriend as I walked down the rest of the steps.

Sonic was standing beside our parents, clad in a blood red tuxedo jacket with a black button down and red tie beneath it. His curls were the shortest they've been in years, no longer curling over his ears or flopping over his forehead. All of his facial hair had been shaven clean off of his face, leaving his defined jawline and sharp cheekbones completely exposed. His lips pulled into an appreciative grin as his eyes raked over my attire. He held out his hand as I reached the bottom of the steps, assisting me down the last few steps. He pulled me close against him, pressing his lips down to my ear. "Eres hermosa," he whispered huskily in my ear.

Fire-wielding butterflies fluttered around my stomach from the sound of his deep voice and the tickle of his hot breath against the sensitive skin of my earlobe. "Thanks. You look very handsome."

He pecked a kiss at my ear. "Gracias."

"Look at us, niños," Ms. Aleena commanded. "We need pictures!"

Sonic and I turned our heads towards our parents, offering camera-worthy smiles. We maintained our smiles throughout our parents' various commands, requesting all different types of poses. We started in the living room with simple photos of us standing by side. Then, we moved outside to catch some of the sunlight. We took some photos on the porch and in front of Sonic's car. They snapped a handful of photos of us exchanging the corsage and boutonniere - mainly because it took me forever to figure out how to pin the small rose to Sonic's tuxedo jacket. I accidentally pricked him a few times with the sharp pin.

"Stab me one more time and you'll have to throw hands with me," he teased.

I pricked him on purpose just to see his smile widen.

After a good half hour of photos, our parents finally let us head off to the prom venue. During the ride, I cradled one of Sonic's hands in mine and watched the city streets pass us by. The soft beats of a playlist Sonic selected wafted through the air. Beside me, Sonic quietly hummed along to some of the songs. A smile bloomed on my lips as I watched him jam along to one of his favorite Drake songs. It reminded me of simpler times when we'd sit in the back of his brother's car, singing along to the radio on our way to the mall or the roller rink. Back when he smiled more often and he didn't fight as much. Back when I didn't worry about the fire burning in his eyes. Back when the thought of his presence made my tummy prick with ticklish thorns. Watching him now, I wondered if such simplicity was coming in the months ahead of us.

Small crowds of the senior class, dressed in their finest dresses and suits, shuffled around the entrance of the brightly lit banquet hall. My eyes lingered on the gorgeous girls strutting down the pathway with their chins held high, their confidence eluding from them like golden auras. Most of them donned sparkling dresses that emphasized their glowing complexions and hugged their voluptuous curves. Their manes of hair, a beautiful array of bouncing curls, stylish updos, and long straight tresses, sat like crowns on their heads, solidifying their power.

My hands absentmindedly rose to my arms, tracing my exposed scars. I should've brought a shawl or a jacket to cover myself with. Junior prom was easier to confront because I knew most of my classmates. A good few of them were old flames or acquaintances I'd worked closely with during classes. But I only knew a select few of the senior class - specifically Sonic and the few friends he associated with. A good chunk of the beautiful girls waltzing into the dance with their arms linked with handsome boys were also old flings of Sonic's. I couldn't help but compare their natural beauty to mine and wonder how I was supposed to live up to such a high standard.

The sound of the passenger door opening broke my wide gaze at the girls wafting through the crowd. I glanced to the side to see Sonic standing in the open door with his hand extended to me.

"Don't be nervous," he assured me. "You're the most beautiful angel to grace the face of this Earth. You don't have to be ashamed of your halo."

Smiling, I accepted his hand and allowed him to help me out of the car.

With my hand linked around his arm, we joined the milling crowd of students and entered the gilded dining hall. The theme for their class' prom was The Roaring 20's. Silver and gold streamers hung from the walls, accompanied with large chandeliers to create a dim lighting. The dance floor was checkered in black and white squares with the DJ on a stage adjacent to it. Popular hip hop and pop music boomed from the speakers. Round black tables surrounded the dancefloor with cushioned chairs. A photo booth sat in the back of the room along with a few backdrops of flappers and stairwells for people to take pictures. The professional picture area was hidden away down the hall in a different room.

I tugged Sonic towards the professional photo set-up, not quite ready to head into the main area yet. The line was short anyway. I figured we might as well get it over with before he forgot to have them taken and Ms. Aleena ripped his head off.

Sonic didn't protest as we moved away from the large crowds of people in the main ballroom.

The photos only took fifteen minutes between waiting in the short line and having the photographer fuss over our pose. Too quickly for my liking, we were heading back to the crowded ballroom.

Sonic held me tight with his arm wrapped around my waist. He pecked a kiss at my temple as we passed the doorway threshold.

I welcomed his embrace as we caught the eye of some of his classmates. The boys stared at me in what I couldn't decipher as awe, surprise, or disgust. Their looks never lasted more than a moment thanks to Sonic being by side. The boys' eyes would glance at him and immediately find somewhere else to occupy their gaze. The girls, on the other hand, didn't hide their incredulous stares and ill-intended whispers. I guessed it was a miracle that the music was so loud that I couldn't hear exactly what they were saying. Not that I needed to when their scrunched noses and twisted frowns told all.

"Ah, you look absolutely gorgeous," Blaze's voice erupted through my ears before the dark clouds of my brain could take over. Her arms wrapped around me in a tight embrace before I could turn in her direction.

Feigning a smile, I returned the tight hug. "Thanks."

As she pulled away, I was able to examine her eloquent attire. A satin royal blue gown hugged her full curves with spaghetti straps laying against her shoulders and a slit in her skirt giving a glimpse of her toned thighs. Her black hair was braided in small micros that were pulled up into a tight bun on top of her head, leaving the bronze and browns of her makeup to emphasize the natural glow of her brown skin.

"Wow, that dress looks amazing on you! The blue really compliments your skin," I said. "And the slit is screaming sexy and sophisticated."

She popped her leg out for dramatic emphasis. "Sexy and sophisticated? I was just looking for a reason to show off these gains from track this semester."

"And I am not complaining," Silver said, attaching himself to her side. He was wearing a sleek black suit with a white dress shirt and royal blue bowtie. He turned his eyes to me and let out a whistle. "And look at you Ms. Princess of the Palace. Go ahead and give your humble subjects a spin."

Giggling, I complied, twirling around in my dress. My skirt flared out around my ankles, swirling in a mix of red and black sparkles. At Blaze's yell of support, I even striked a pose, putting my hand on my hip and pursing my lips.

"Whew, don't hurt 'em now," Silver joked.

"Alright, chill out before you get fucked up," Sonic warned his friend with a grin on his face.

"Fucked up by who? Blaze? Because if I remember correctly, you aren't cleared to swing on anybody for at least another two weeks."

"Do I look like I listen?"

"You're right - let me stop playing before you pop one of your stitches trying to beat my ass."

Blaze and I giggled at the boys' banter.

The four of us sat together along with a few of Sonic and Silver 's other friends and their dates. We all ate dinner peacefully before the DJ began playing dance tunes and yelling for the crowd to get on the dancefloor.

Blaze didn't waste time in grabbing my arm and dragging me onto the dance floor. She held my hand as she began to dance, singing the words of a Nicki Minaj song. Her positive energy was contagious, encouraging me to swing my hips alongside her and sing along to the popular song.

I jumped as I felt hands encircle my swaying hips. Glancing over my shoulder, I was relieved to see it was only Sonic.

He grinned down at me as he pulled me closer to him and moved his body in flush against mine.

I returned his smile with my own, embracing the sweet bliss that came with the upbeat music and dancing the night was offering.

The four of us didn't leave the dancefloor for a good chunk of the night, only taking a few short breaks to discard our heels and grab drinks.

During each of the slow ballads, Sonic held me close against him, gently rocking me back and forth in his arms. I lay my head on his chest and inhaled the alluring scent of his cologne. The butterflies in my stomach happily fluttered around my stomach, dancing and swirling around in pure joy. Fearlessly, they broke free from the bars of my stomach, exploring other areas of my body. They caressed the bones along my spine and rubbed their wings against the veins of my heart. I melted under the warm sensations, relishing the pure happiness whirring through my brain. I never wanted the sensation to end. As the dance ended and we began the drive back home, I thought maybe it didn't have to.

"Can I stay over tonight?" I asked Sonic as he pulled up in front of our townhouses.

Sonic smirked. "Are you really asking me that question?" He leaned over the dashboard to peck a kiss at my lips. "You're always welcome to stay over."

I followed Sonic into his home and up the stairs to his room. I sat on his bed and texted my fathers to let them know I was spending the night with Sonic.

My boyfriend shuffled through his drawers while I did so, looking for a clean tee shirt and shorts for me to wear. He threw the clothes down beside me on the bed. "I have to use the bathroom," he said. He shrugged off his blazer. "You can get changed. I'll be back in a minute."

"Okay," I replied, shooting him a soft smile.

He pecked a kiss at my forehead before leaving the room, shutting the door quietly behind him.

I stared at the closed door for a moment, silently debating if I wanted to follow the decisions my high of emotions were offering. My eyes went to the pile of clothes sitting beside me and then to Sonic's dresser mirror, catching a glimpse of the sparkling dress that still sheltered my body. If I was going to do this, then I wanted to do it right. Not wearing his clothes and having the option to chicken out. Tonight, I'd felt better than I had in years, and I wanted to finish riding the high on a good note. While it might be an impulsive decision, I knew I wouldn't regret it. I'd always known this moment was meant for us. I just didn't know when. Sitting here, in this beautiful dress after such a special, fun event, I couldn't think of a more perfect opportunity.

Sighing, I unclasped the straps of my stilettos. I set the shoes down next to Sonic's neatly organized corner of sneakers. I drifted to his dresser and picked out the pins in my hair. My pink curls fell in a mess of waterfalls over my shoulders and back, tickling my exposed skin. I plucked out my earrings and set them next to the pile of bobby pins.

The door creaked as it opened again. Sonic was yawning, his free arm stretched up over

his head. His black shirt was untucked from his pants, and his tie was loose around his neck. The first few buttons of his shirt were open, exposing his neck and a hint of his chest. His eyes caught me standing in front of the mirror, still fully dressed, and he froze. "Shit, I forgot to knock. My bad, mamas. Do you need a few more minutes?"

I shook my head, my stomach twisting into small knots. "It's fine. You're fine." I took a few steps towards him. "I was actually thinking maybe…maybe you could help me get out of this dess."

Sonic raised an eyebrow. "Do you need help with the zipper?"

I shook my head. Hesitantly, I pressed herself against him. My fingers went to the buttons on his shirt, subtly shaking from my nerves as I unbuttoned a few. "I…I want…to…" Ugh, I did not know how to be intentionally seductive. I'd never liked myself enough to try to lure anyone's eye - much less Sonic's. Despite all the romcoms I'd watched, I didn't know what to do or say that would spark those lustful flames in his eyes. From the clear crease of confusion between his brows, I knew whatever I was doing now definitely was not the right method.

I lowered my gaze to the pulsing vein in his neck as I finished unbuttoning his shirt. My fingers tightened around the helm of his shirt as blood heated my cheeks. "I want you," I whispered. "All of you."

"Amy," Sonic sighed. "If you're not ready, we don't-"

"I am," I assured him, raising my eyes to meet his. "I trust you. I love you. And I'm ready to share myself with you. I mean, if you want me too."

His hand crept up to the back of my neck, his thumb reaching around to caress the line of my jaw. "Mamas, I've been yearning for you since our first kiss in that dingy basement." He leaned his forehead against mine. "Will you let me show you the depth of my desire for you?"

She nodded. "Yes."

As soon as the word left my lips, Sonic's mouth crashed onto mine, immediately starting a heated salsa dance of kisses.

A shiver slithered down my spine as his hand unclasped the clip of my halter top and trailed down my bare back to the zipper inches above my waist. Slowly, his fingers tugged the zipped down, freeing the fabric's tight hold on my torso. His tongue slipped into my mouth as the fabric fell from my body. My bare skin collided with his shirt.

Eager to feel his skin on mine, I pushed his dress shirt off of his broad shoulders and wrapped my arms around his neck. I pressed my body against his, anxious to absorb the heat radiating off his skin. My hands shyly explored the bare muscles of his back and shoulders, intricately tracing each and every crease across his skin.

His lips dragged across my cheek and trailed down my jaw to my neck. There, his teeth gently nipped and tugged at the skin of my jugular. His hands drifted to my thighs, wrapping his palms around the back of my muscles and lifting me up.

My legs instinctively wrapped around his waist, balancing perfectly on his hips due our abundance of wrestling matches.

His lips captured mine again as he carried me to the bed. He lay me down on his soft mattress, slowly adding his weight on top of my smaller body.

My brain slowly fluttered into a bliss I thought only existed in my romance novels. Sonic's lips and hands explored every inch of my bare skin, kissing and caressing every single scar he could find. His hands, both gentle and firm, held my body still under his dominative, lust-driven spell. Underneath him, I succumbed to every silent command, hypnotized by his husky groans echoing through my ears and his hot breath caressing the sensitive skin beneath my ear. With my hands tangled in his hair or digging into his back, he blessed my body with heavenly sensations over and over until I could no longer move.

I lay under him, breathing unevenly and clutching onto him for dear life when our movements finally ceased.

He settled his forehead on top of mine, his eyes burning intensely with those tiny white flames. His mouth recaptured mine in a slow, weary, sensual kiss. "Te amo, angel," he whispered.

Smiling, I used the rest of my energy to murmur, "I love you too."