Hey, guys. First and foremost, I'm sorry that there isn't much action in this chapter. It provides more a background and sets things up for the next few chapters. I'm working on a lot of scenes and I'm really stressed. College is stressful and I don't give a damn what anyone else says. I don't know when I'll update next but I'll try and put it out soon. Also, if anyone likes Supernatural and wants to read a short story of humor, check out my friends story: Exodus on Campus by Yukimura Hina. She worked really hard on it and she would love feedback! It's already finished and everything! Give it a try, please. Oh! And I don't know how to do line breaks. Forgive me!
-5-
The sudden knock from my front door snapped me out of ice cream induced stupor. More dumbfounded than anticipated, I awkwardly put down the small pint of chocolate and rise from my couch. All this tension was no doubt coming from the fact that since I'm still new to Gotham and therefore don't know anyone well enough to invite them over. Or even let them know of my address.
"Open the door, bitch!" In the second it took me to recognize the voice, I had raced to the door and nearly ripped it off its hinges. I enveloped my visitor in a tight hug and held back a squeal of enthusiasm.
"It's nice to see you too," Maegen said as I pulled away from her, grinning like a fool and body bubbling with inexplicable joy.
"Come in, come in!" I chanted, stepping back to allow her room.
She came in, lugging behind her a large black suitcase and took to surveying my apartment that she helped finance. Her eyes bounded from corner to corner and her eyes rested dead ahead for a moment before finding my gaze.
"It's not even ten o'clock on a Thursday night and you're sitting on your couch in old pajamas eating ice cream; that's pathetic."
"Bite me," was my immediate response before shutting the door behind her. "What are you doing here anyway? I thought you weren't going to be in town til next week."
"Chase, I own the plane. Remember?" I rolled my eyes playfully with slightly pursued lips.
"I'll take your bags to the room and you can get comfy."
"Can't I get comfy in your room?" Maegen whispered seductively into my ear. Unable to help myself, I immediately began laughing and she joined me. It was just like old times, just like how it had always been and I laughed freely.
"It's nice to know you haven't changed," I say, dragging her suitcase down the steps and into my room. "Eat what you want!"
I dumped her bag onto my bed and quickly returned to the living room, eager to catch up with my best friend. It had only been a few weeks since our last encounter but it was long enough that I had some stories to tell and subjects to rant about.
Reentering the living room, I spot Maegen in the kitchen, digging unceremoniously through my recently stocked fridge. Her black coat had been removed, as well as her colorful scarf and boots. She looked as comfortable as ever and I grinned as I approached her, resting my upper body on the island.
"Liquor's in the cabinet."
"You know I like my vodka chilled!"
"Well it's not like I knew you were coming!"
She merely pouted exaggeratedly in my direction and began to dig through the cabinets, much like I had done last night. Lucky for her, she's taller and has greater arms length. She quickly found the bottle desired and placed it neatly into the ice bucket it in the freezer.
"Now," she spun on her to look at me, "what are you doing here, and alone of all things?"
My eyebrows furrowed in confusion, which was evident in my voice as I asked, "What do you mean?"
"Chase," she sighed, "you are young and hot and you don't have work tomorrow. Why are you home?"
"I've had a long day at work and…" I straightened and tried to think of a sensible reason, "and I don't want to go out."
"Is it because you have nothing to wear? Because it that's the issue, I'm fixing that tomorrow." She smirked, knowing that if she was wrong she was at least getting her way in some way.
I glared and said, "It's not about clothes. I've just been lazy and I've only been here for a couple of weeks. Maybe I just haven't had the time."
"You had time when you went to college and when you were interning."
"Well, maybe I've given up for now."
Maegen sighed yet again, looking away from for a moment before saying, "So long as this doesn't last forever. You better be back in the game by New Years."
I followed Maegen to the living room and we took to lounging about and talking and laughing. We didn't talk of anything in particular for fifteen minutes, when she remembered the drink and returned to the coffee table with that and two shot glasses.
"I refuse to get drunk," I state as she begins to pour.
"Gurl, what chu talkin' 'bout? These are fo meh."
We shopped for hours, Maegen buying a multitude of accessories and shoes with the occasional top or pair of jeans. I refused to buy anything too ostentatious but Maegen forced me to try on as many outfits as she did. Some were actually really nice, until I look at the price tag.
With arms full of bags and boxes, we entered a gown store. It was beautiful and clean and Maegen was more even more enthusiastic than the last two dress shops we visited. She took to examining a rack of dresses, grinning like a madwoman.
I stumbled as my breath caught in my throat.
"Are you okay?" Maegen asked, suddenly appearing at my side. With the smile replaced by a look of worry, I felt myself relax and gave a small nod and smiled. "Good! Now go try this on!"
My gaze moved to the sleek dress she held in her hand and I quirked an eyebrow, a smile tugging at my lips.
"Ah, no."
"Why not? It's sexy."
"Because I'm not going to buy it. And I've taken my clothes off enough for you today, thank you very much." I resituated the bags in my arms and when I looked up, she was pouting. "I don't wanna try it on!"
"Please," she begged, gripping at the end of my sleeve with puppy dog eyes.
"Maegen…" I whined.
"Cha-ase…" she wined back.
"Fine!" With flared nostrils, I quickly put her bags on the floor and take the dress from her, ignoring the obnoxious grin on her face. "Bitch."
"You need a dress anyway," Maegen said, talking to me as I removed my clothes.
"And why's that?" I asked, voice laced with confusion as I attempted to find the opening. I soon found that it was a simple pull over. Quirking an eyebrow, I pulled it on.
"For my party."
I paused, arms and head halfway through. I tugged it down before saying, "What party?"
She was silent for a moment and as I waited for her answer, I pulled the loop of cloth that was connected to a center broach over my head to have it settle comfortably around my neck. It forced me stand a bit straighter.
"The one tonight."
"WHAT!"
Not caring in the least about any possible indecency, I yanked the dividing curtain open and glared angrily at my friend – who was determined to look anywhere but at me.
"What, party?" I enunciated, seething.
"It's not really my party," Maegen replied after a moment, examining her nails and squirming in the leather chair she sat on. She at least had the sense to look ashamed. "It's Lucas'. It's a celebration party for a new deal with Wayne Enterprises. It's probably going to be boring and you always come along."
"And you couldn't tell me before now, why?" The anger in my voice was mostly gone and taking her chance, Maegen looked up at me. Her blue eyes widened slightly at my form but she quickly began talking.
"Last night you mentioned the whole giving up thing and I didn't want you to feel pressured."
"And you don't think I feel pressured now?"
"You look really nice in that dress."
"Don't try and weasel your way out of this conversation with compliments!"
"But you do!"
"Maegen!" I stomped my shoeless foot.
"Look!"
She quickly raced to my side and grabbed me by my exposed shoulders, leading me to a raised platform surrounded my perfectly angled mirrors. She thrust me up the stairs and I turned to glare, but then I caught sight of my reflection and took to staring at that instead.
Unlike the past outfits I was subjected to wear, this one was just better. It wasn't too tight; it didn't cling too much or exaggerate my curves or make it impossible to breathe. It wasn't too gaudy or extravagant and it just looked good. The black material was soft and cupped my top while it hung loosely at the bottom, which ended about two to three inches above my knee, and it didn't have the maternity clothes effect. The loop around my neck gave it a sophisticated V neck look without being as prudish as similar dresses. It was appropriate and modest, and despite my earlier oath, I wanted it.
"That looks positively lovely on you!" a male voice said, with the slightest of a high pitched twinge. Looking past my reflection, I see a middle aged man with a slightly receding hairline who was beaming a brilliant smile. "Should I ring it up for you?"
"Yes, you should!" Maegen yelled before I could even open my mouth.
Catching her gaze in the mirror, I glare and she grins like a Cheshire cat.
"Oh, bite me."
Less than an hour later, I was back at my apartment without a Maegen. She had to return to her wonderful penthouse apartment to get ready and to greet her hubby. Which is code for they're going to have great sex and be sickeningly happy together – yay, them.
I showered first, remembering to shave at the last minute and then dealt with my hair. As I never do anything with my hair, it was rather uncooperative. I thought maybe a braid or some up do and then I gave up and decided to just let it flow. Make-up was delicate, mainly just a focus on my eyes. And then the dress and the decisions of the accessories.
As the dress was black I decided to go with simple gold bracelets, two on each hand. The shoes I decided on were black flats that I wear when I have to. Purses and handbags have never really been my thing but I decided to go with a small, black handbag, something just big enough to hold my wallet, phone, and keys.
It was nearing seven o'clock when there was a knock on my door. I raced to the door, eager to see my friend again, though wondering why she didn't just call me down. She has a driver. Yeah, a driver.
Opening the door wide, I see my friend looking as gorgeous as ever. She stood even taller in three inch red hot heels, nearly six feet tall. Her slim form was adorned by an electric blue dress that was cut off at different angles, the left side ending thirty degrees lower than on the right side. It showed the full extension of her legs, which are flawless. It was a halter top and held perfectly to her body, revealing the clean tan of her arms and shoulders. Her pale blonde hair was twisted into a neat bun and her makeup was clean and neat, it was the critical gaze on her face that made me wary and uncomfortable.
"Chase," she moaned softly, almost as though she were disappointed by something. "Honey…"
"What?" I asked, stepping back so that she could come into my house. By her tone, she was going to come in anyways.
"You look great—" She didn't sound like I looked great, "—but this is a no-go."
My jaw dropped. "And why not?" I didn't sound very angry but that's only because I'm not very angry. This usually happens. I get ready and she comes back and primps me up to her liking. I just thought this one time I would be able to get dressed and it would be fine. She did pick out the dress!
"You just – you look so heavy." At my jaw dropping down further and my glare intensifying, she began to cover her tracks. "Not like that! We just need to—" she gestured with her hands, "fix this."
At my lack of motion, she walked into the apartment and began circling me, surveying me. This part usually happens to.
"Your makeup is excellent. The dress is, of course, fabulous. The shoes are hideous and we have to do something about your hair."
"Is my jewelry acceptable?" I mocked, though in only half seriousness.
She made a face, eyebrows scrunching together. "No."
I pouted at the remark, though she turned away too soon to see. She marched in long strides to my room and no doubt straight to my closet. Shutting my door, I wondered what she would pick. Of course, the idea makes me uncomfortable and I shut the door and opt for sitting on the couch, patient as ever.
To save us some time, I began to remove my jewelry and shoes. As for my hair – well, I have no idea what she has in mind. Maegen can work miracles.
She returned a few minutes later, holding a box, a smaller box and a brush. I quirked an eyebrow but said nothing as she sat down near me and thrust the shoe box into my hands. I frowned as I recognized the label and lifted the lid.
The shoes were black and strappy with a two and a quarter inch heel. Maegen bought them for me months ago and I've only worn them twice since. They're wonderful shoes but heels have never really been my thing, for fear of injury.
"They'll make your legs look longer," Maegen assured me before I took the initiative and removed them from the box. "Let me see your wrist." I extended my left arm and watched as she wrapped a golden watch around my slender wrist. It took me a moment to recognize it as I never wear.
"D&G, seriously?" I question with a smirk tugging at my lips. "Is it that big of a party? I'm already wearing Chanel."
"It works! No worries. You need a watch anyways."
"And why's that?"
"So you won't be checking your phone every five minutes." She smiled at me before rising and walking to stand behind me. I sat up so that she would have more access to my locks and then the tugging began.
In my childhood, my mother used to love to doll me and my siblings up. She did just about every day of my life until I reached third grade and my dad got sent to prison. Life was a bit rougher after that but the tugging stopped and I just did what I could.
Maegen was gentle as she pulled my hair into a high ponytail. It made my neck arch uncomfortable from the odd placement of weight and I tried to relax. A knot was already forming in my stomach from the prospect of another party.
"You're going to look so pretty!" She squealed happily, her heels clicking against the floor as she bounced with glee. I smiled to myself, happy for some confirmation when I suddenly felt Maegen lean down to place her mouth close to my ear and she whispered, "We have to show off this long neck of yours, don't we?"
She was so close, I could feel her smile, but I mainly focused on the feeling that exploded in my chest and the image that went to the forefront of mind. I don't know how to explain it, not really. But it was like I was back at work and he was there, smiling in his own ecstasy and laughing that laugh. This was days ago, why am I thinking about this now of all times? Yes, the neck statement was the trigger but this is Maegen! She's my best friend! Yet, this feeling is real. This fear is real.
"Hmmm…" she hummed. Snapping my head up, I suddenly noticed she was in front of me and I gave a shaky smile, not wanting to upset her or let her suspect. She leaned forward, obviously not noticing my emotion turmoil, and began to fix my bangs. I covered my flinch with backing away from her manicured nails. She straightened again and I noticed she was chewing on the inside of her cheek. "Earrings, you need earrings. I'll be right back!"
She grabbed the bracelets from the table, along with the box from the heels and my flats and quickly sped back into my room.
I took the moments she was gone to release the breath I had been holding and push back the unreasonable tears that threaten to spill.
"Come on!" I whispered frantically to myself, waving my hands to dry my eyes. "My makeup is the only thing she complimented!"
"I thought loops would look hooker-ish—" I drop my hands and tack on a smile, turning to face her best way I could, "—but studs wouldn't be very flattering, so I got you these dangly ones!" She lifted up a pair of golden earrings that I received years ago from my mother with a huge grin on her face. She was just so freaking enthusiastic about tonight.
Taking them from her with a smile, I proceeded to quickly put them on and rise from my place on the couch. It took a few steps until I was a bit more comfortable in the new height and then I turn to her.
"Do I look suitable now?" My tone was only slightly mocking but it was all in good fun. Gosh, I'm going to need that tonight.
She tapped her chin thoughtfully before proudly proclaiming, "Yes." I roll my eyes and we quickly leave my apartment. I made sure to lock the door, feeling incredibly uneasy.