Chapter 20: Highschool party pt1

Billie POV

She is nothing to me, Nate had said. I slowly walked toward the cafeteria, only to find an anxious Ann waiting for me, her worried eyes searching my face.

“What the hell happened, Billie? I saw John and Blake head in after you and Nate, and I was worried, but I just couldn't do anything,” she exclaimed.

If it had been a minute earlier, she would have seen the tear stains on my face, but I had wiped them away on my way there.

“It’s okay,” I said to Ann. But I knew that if I didn’t tell her what happened in the soccer changing room, things would only get worse. So, I shared everything with her as we walked back to class. I had refused to eat; not because I was angry, but simply because I didn’t feel like it. Ann looked at me with a shocked expression.

“What the hell did Nate do?” she gritted her teeth. I knew she would be angry, and I figured it was best to tell her now so I could find a way to deal with it. I had known this from the start. I realized Nate would be like the other guys. After the encounter with Alice, I was aware that Nate was also a playboy, but a small part of me held onto the hope that it was all a lie and that Nate was different—even I believed it. Ann believed it too, but now that hope was shattered.

The classroom door opened, and Blake entered, followed by John, who scanned the room until his eyes landed on me. He didn’t look intimidating, but there was a look of pity in his eyes that I had never seen before.

What the hell is wrong with him? I wondered. Blake walked over to me and whispered in my ear, “Another breakup, dear sister? Sorry.”

Ann fumed beside me, but I held her hand. “No,” I said firmly. “It’s my talk.”

Ann looked at me with surprise in her eyes. “Billie?” Even Blake seemed taken aback.

I turned to Blake and said, “Hey sister, looks like you're happy, right? First, it was my boyfriend, and now Nate. But don’t worry; I don’t consider him someone special either. You know, I never viewed him as a friend since I knew this was how it would turn out, so don’t get too excited. You might trip.”

Blake stared at me, stunned. It didn’t seem likely that I would talk back to her, but here I was. Ann shot me a glare, though she was smiling.

“What do you say, Billie? I am—”

“I think that’s enough, Blake. We’re trying to study, so if you please,” Ann interjected, giving her a hard stare. Blake swallowed her words. Outnumbered, she had to back down this time.

“I will get you for this, Billie,” she threatened before heading to her seat.

“Oh my God, Billie. I can’t believe it!” Ann exclaimed as soon as Blake left. “You talked back to her!”

I felt a surge of confidence.

“Ann,” I called to get her attention.

“Yeah?”

“I’ve been thinking for a while now. I think I’m going to attend the high school Christmas party,” I said, surprising Ann. But her expression changed quickly.

“Billie, I think you’re taking this too far, but…”

“I know,” I replied. “But I think this is what I want, and I hope you’ll help me with it.”

She paused for a moment, considering whether I was making the right choice. Finally, she said, “I’m surprised at this new side of you, Billie. But I guess I can help you.”

“Thank you, Ann,” I said as I hugged her. Both of us were surprised. I wanted to give it a try. I was determined not to be the push-around Billie anymore. I didn’t want to be the Billie who was always bullied or the one who almost got killed by her twin. I had to change. I had to be myself. I knew it was soon, and going to the school party felt daunting, but I was ready to give it a chance.

It had been a week since the role change for Billie. Blake was trying to give me a hard time, but every time she did, I always had something to say back.

The Christmas party was tonight, and Ann had promised to help me get ready. I was still seated by the makeup mirror. It was my first time trying to look good, as I had never really sat down to do my makeup before.

A knock came at my door, and I knew it was Ann. She opened the door even before I could tell her to come in, poking her head inside.

“Come on in! What are you trying to lay at?” I chuckled as I stood up and walked to the door. She swung the door wide open, and that was when I noticed someone behind her. He looked a bit like her, but taller and sharper-featured. He had short brown hair and small eyes that made him look good.

“Hey, Billie, this is my cousin Kane. Kane, this is Billie,” Ann said awkwardly as if she were introducing a soon-to-be couple.

I shook hands with Kane, but to my surprise, he lifted my hand to his mouth and gave it a small, gentle kiss like a gentleman. Then he squeezed it.

Ann slapped him on the shoulder. “Hey, stop it!”

He smiled sheepishly at her. “Sorry.”

“What is the meaning of this, Ann? You didn't tell me you were bringing your cousin,” I asked as soon as we were alone by the mirror. Kane was sitting at the far end of the room, completely absorbed in his phone and paying no attention to us.

“I thought you might need a dance partner, you know, so you don't have to be alone on the dance floor. Plus, you can surprise Blake and the others. You have got to be good!” Ann said. Now I understood. She wanted me to have a dance partner to show off to Blake and the others. It was true that at the Christmas party, you needed a dance partner; otherwise, it would be awkward. I realized I wouldn't have been able to get one if Ann hadn't brought me one.

“But is he okay with it? I mean, with my size?” I asked as Ann began fixing my hair.

She laughed. “Oh, Billie. You know Kane doesn't care about your size or you. It was a request from me, and since he owes me, he can't reject it. Besides, he doesn't have a problem with you. He’s just optimistic and not the judging type, so rest assured.”

I nodded. Of course, I figured he was just like Ann. I mean, everyone in Ann’s family doesn't seem to have a problem with me or my size; her aunt likes me. I guessed she must have told him about me.

“Well, aren’t you going to get dressed?” I asked, shooting her a look.

“Of course I am going to!” she said, pulling a dress from her small bag.

The first dress was blue with several designs on it that made it shine. Then, my mouth watered as she brought out another set—a silver gown, different from the blue one. It was also shining and a beauty to behold.

“This is for you,” she said, tossing me the blue one. I stared at it as I took it. “And don't bother to thank me. I wanted to buy this for you. By the way, you have to let them water their mouths.”

I wanted to hug her, to tell her how much this meant to me and how I cherished her for standing by me. But I guess my tears betrayed me, so I hid my face to prevent her from seeing.

“Kane, please can you give us a minute to change, or do you also want to escort us naked?” Ann said, shooting her cousin a look. Kane wanted to protest but stopped. He seemed embarrassed, but he stood up and walked out.

“Hey, Ann, you are unbelievable,” I said.

We dressed in a few minutes and, as we descended the stairs, Kane was waiting for us. He walked up to me and extended his hand like a true gentleman. I took it.

Ann grumbled from the last stair, folding her arms. “And what about me? Am I going to walk down on my own?”

“But I’m not your date,” Kane said.

“But you’re my cousin and my best friend’s date, so you should act like the true gentleman you are,” she argued. Kane knew he couldn't win against her, so he nodded and walked over to help her down.

We took a taxi that drove slowly, and I felt like I was preparing for battle. Ann seemed relaxed, though I didn’t know her dance partner. She assured me everything was fine and that she had one.

The car stopped in front of the school, which was decorated with lights and flowers.

“Come on, we have to go in,” Ann said.

I nodded. Kane came to us and took my hand in his.

“Don’t worry, Billie, we’re going to shine,” he assured me. He looked supportive and optimistic, just like Ann. I smiled.

I pushed open the doors to the school gym, where the Christmas party was in full swing. The music was loud, the lights were flashing, and the smells of hot chocolate and cookies filled the air.

Students dressed in simple yet stylish clothes were hanging around with their dates, hand in hand and laughing. I adjusted my dress. It seemed like no one had noticed us yet, but then someone walked up to us.

“Hey, Kelvin,” Ann said, linking her arm with his. She looked at me. “Billie…”

“Hi,” I said. Kelvin's eyes widened as he saw me.

“Billie?”

Ann nudged him. “Careful.”

I smiled, and Kelvin apologized. Ann led us to the dance floor as soon as the music started. Kane walked me to the dance floor, holding me like a princess. But as the lights flashed on and off, and students had time to see who was beside them, they gasped when their eyes landed on me.

“What??” They whispered. “Is that Billie?”

Blake, John, and Nate looked surprised as well. I tossed my hair.

This is just the beginning.