CHAPTER 19

Final exams came and went during the next few days. Avery went into the rooms brimming with confidence. Talking to Ahkmenrah had helped her remarkably. He was right, by teaching someone else she had effectively taught herself. She would have to tell him that it worked the next time she was at the museum. Now that the exams were over, she had one more thing to focus on…

"The winter semi-formal dance! We're going, it's our last winter dance and you haven't been to any. I'm not taking no for an answer! This'll be good for you!" Beth practically jumped on Avery the second she entered their room. She had always loved going to these functions and plus this year she had some arm candy that she wanted to show off. Avery was nose deep in a textbook when Beth barged in, exams were in a week's time. Sure they had talked about going or not a few times over the semester, but there was never a definite answer. Avery thankfully had the museum to scapegoat and get out of the conversation. But this time she was cornered.

"Beth you know they're not my thing. I'm an introvert, the thought of being in a large crowd of people mingling and dancing…you may as well just dig me a grave now."

"Oh stop being so dramatic, it's not that bad. I know you don't like crowds but it'll be you and me, Josh and a few friends at our table. Look, you don't even have to dance, you can stay at the table. It's a really nice venue too, lots of alcoves to hide out in." Beth was being a saleswoman. She figured by mentioning that Avery had a few spaces to 'hide out' that it would seal the deal.

"Beth, c'mon. I'm gonna be exhausted from having to take all my exams and finish my papers. I don't think I'll have any brain power left to spare." Even by saying that Avery felt weary. The late nights of studying were beginning to take their toll.

"Well then we'll just get you some energy drinks! You've had coffee before right? C'mon Avery, please! Pretty please!" Beth had gotten to the last stage of her bargaining- whining until she got her way. Sure it was childish but if it produced results, then who was she to complain?

"Ugh fine, just stop already. Yes I'll go. But you better have my favorite Starbucks drink at the ready. And when we go to your house for winter break, I want your bed. You can have that uncomfortable air mattress."

"Yes! But you drive a hard bargain. Do you know how comfy my bed is? Of course you do, that's why you took it. We might just have to share, I hate that old air mattress! Hah, okay but we're doing this!" Beth had all but tackled Avery in a hug, attempting to lift her off the ground and spin around. They both laughed at themselves.

Though she made Beth happy with her ultimatum, Avery didn't really want to go to the dance. She hated disappointing her best friend though. She would go and try to socialize like any normal student, regardless of her awkwardness and social anxiety.

Within the next few days, between studying and taking breaks at the museum, Avery had managed to go dress shopping for the occasion. Beth was right there with her, ushering her to the dressing room to try on this or that. Avery hated that she was being the sole focus, she hated being a 'dress up' doll. She wanted to wear something that she already owned and felt comfortable with but Beth was adamant that they needed to make a lasting impression as seniors.

Avery's typical style tended to be a bit more modest compared to most girls her age. Beth had thankfully been mindful about that. She on the other hand wanted to experiment with her style. Of course the school and venue had some dress code rules to follow. She had already found her dress though and it just fit within the guidelines. It was a gorgeous burgundy, velvet ruched, V neck dress that ended at her knees. It hugged and accentuated her curves. She was sure that Josh would especially like it.

"Okay, how about this one?" Avery said emerging from the dressing room wearing the 27th dress. Hoping and praying that it got her roommates stamp of approval this time. She actually liked this dress.

"Oh. My. God. Yes! This is totally the one!" Beth was in awe at how beautiful her roommate looked in this dress.

It was an elegant, royal blue color. It was off the shoulder, boat neck dress with ¾ sleeves that ended a little above her calves. It had a delicate lace pattern on top. Avery planned to pair it with some black ankle boots from her own closet. As she looked at herself in the mirror in the dressing room, she couldn't help but do a twirl and watch the skirt rise as she did so. She fell in love with this dress and she was happy with how it looked on her. She would be lying if she wasn't also happy to not have to try on any more dresses. The pair paid for their dresses and left the store. On their way to the dorm, Beth had begun a conversation about what their hair and makeup would look like that day. Avery wasn't one for wearing makeup or getting her hair done. She usually preferred to go bare face with the occasional lipgloss or tint. But in an effort to make Beth happy, she went along with agreeing to whatever she had planned.

It was now the eve of the dance and the girls were getting ready. The whole dorm was buzzing with excitement. Even through their closed door, conversations and energies drifted in. They had just under an hour left before a limo came to pick up their group of friends. The venue was about a 35 minute drive from the dorms. Apparently it was a rather swanky place.

Just as Beth was finishing up Avery's hair and makeup, there came a knock at their door. It opened to reveal Josh in a dark gray blazer, white button up shirt, and a pair of nice slacks. He had a small bouquet of flowers for Beth, which she absolutely loved. She commented on how good he looked.

"Thanks babe, you look gorgeous as always, especially in that dress." He was devouring her with his eyes. Then he glanced over at Avery. He took in her dress and hair and makeup.

"Wow, Avery. You clean up nice." It was a pleasant compliment…from anyone else but him. She watched him eye her like she was another piece of meat. But not wanting to cause a scene, she gritted her teeth and replied.

"You too, Josh."

And they were soon off in the limo. Avery was packed into a seat with several other girls and their dates. She felt left out as she was the only one without someone she could turn to. Sure she had Beth but she was rather preoccupied with her boyfriend. So to pass the time, Avery took out her phone and texted Larry.

Hey, it's Avery. I'm in a limo with my friends on our way to the dance. As you can tell, I'm bored. How's the museum?

Hey, try to have some fun will ya! Everyone's good. They hope you have a good time at the dance.

Suddenly she had the urge to mention Ahkmenrah and see how he was. She even typed up a quick message about him but ended up deleting and retyping it several times because she felt self conscious. She didn't want to sound like she was playing favorites with the exhibits, but she was genuinely curious as to how the Pharaoh was. She closed her messaging app and opened up a random game on her phone to pass the time. Little did she know that she had forgotten to bring her charger with her.