Description
A party was definitely not a priority I would have considered on a late afternoon in December but the unexpected invitation to a good friend’s Christmas party was one I could not turn down, especially since it was Christmas and the last time I had a good night out was my birthday (even at that, it wasn't a crazy one, 11 o’clock and I was already home.).
I was never one to go all out with make-up and have a flawless hairstyle, mainly because when I was growing up the part of my brain that developed my girly skills and instincts was always busy thinking: which tree would be better to climb or how hard I could kick a football. So yes, you could say I lack the ability to apply make-up or style my own hair but that’s when my best friend comes in handy. A quick text and she was at my house within minutes. She worked her magic and I had to say I looked good. I put a pair of tight black skinny jeans, a baggy, maroon, off the shoulder t-shirt and with a pair of reasonably high pair of heels and I was set to go.
Lucky for me my invitation allowed for a plus one so without hesitation the same best friend that dolled me up, put on her finest outfit and the two of us left. My (hair colour) hair bounced off my shoulders as we pranced down the lane, readying ourselves for the night ahead.
Not once did it occur to me that he would be there, it never even crossed my mind but words could not describe how glad I was. There was no doubt that I should have not been happy or excited that he was there, considering how we are now just ‘platonic friends’, nothing more, nothing less but if it was a crime well then arrest me because I was delighted. We left things on a good note, too good to be true. The break-up happened over four months ago and we had seen each other numerous within those months but strictly on ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ bases, with the exception of that one evening when we fell victims to a case of light hearted flirting (to the disappointment of any of my friends but what else could they expect? Our break up was on mutual terms, not because we didn’t feel the same but because it was just not the right time for us.).
My exterior remained calm and collected while my mind screamed and heart raced when I heard your voice coming from inside the house. (Best friend’s name) reached for the doorbell while she gave me a reassuring look. Only she knew what was going on in the jumbled up mind of mine. I let out a nervous sigh and watched my breath condense in the air, slowly drifting away.
“Don’t worry, you’re looking better than ever and you can show him what he’s going to miss.” She chirped before the door swung open, the warmth from the house greeted us with open arms drawing us both inside before even being asked in.
‘Show him what he’s going to miss?’ No that is definitely not what I want to do, maybe she doesn’t fully understand my motives but then again I struggle to understand them myself. I have no intentions on showing him ‘what he’s going to miss’, (well okay, maybe a small part of me does but that’s only natural.) I mainly want to break any remaining tension between us, not much remains but there is still a small inkling of our damaged past floating around us. Since we have always shared a mutual group of friends (both before, during and after our relationship) there is the odd joke or reference made about our ‘past romance’.
“Guys they’re here!!” Antonio, our gorgeously tanned Spanish friend cheered shutting the door behind us. We got a couple cheers and hoorays from people before they resumed their previous activities.
I smiled and took in my surroundings. Everyone looked relaxed and seemed to be enjoying themselves. Groups scattered throughout the house, some were dancing (badly I might add), others conjugated by the drinks while others gathered around a table singing and joking, their smiles and laughter illuminated the place. The whole atmosphere was amazing, so relaxing and laid back, it wasn’t an intense rave kind of party but one where friends could just chill back and chat and take in the Christmas atmosphere. I also must add that Francis, my French friend who was the night’s host, did a wonderful job of decorating the house with Christmas decorations. A large Christmas tree stood proudly in the centre of the room, elaborately decorated with lights, baubles, golden chains and an elegant angel took her stance on the top of the tree. The fireplace was also draped with fairy lights, come to think of it there was no storage of fairy lights, they were found in every corner of the house, giving off a calm and tranquil atmosphere.
Transfixed with the beauty for my surroundings, I failed to notice the person heading in my direction.
“About time you got here, you’re late for everything!” The voice spoke followed by a hearty laugh with a hint of mockery. I looked up and our eyes meet. My heart stopped and I failed to speak. I was caught off guard, although I did hear his voice prior entry into the house but I did not expect to see him immediately after entering the house l. Then again my guard is always down around him.
“Are you going to speak or not?” He spoke again in agitation.
‘Talk _______!! Say anything!’ My mind screamed abuse but my mouth failed to comprehend the words.
“Hello, I mean hey, hi? Err good? Oh no wait you didn’t ask me how I am…..Aghhh!”
Tonight was going to be harder than I thought…..