Chapter 94

Celeste

I couldn’t believe that I was finally going on my first official date. And that Jack had completely okayed it. After that utterly awkward conversation, I had texted Alyx and told him everything. Well, not everything. Just the important part.

We had immediately set up our date for Friday night. Just in case Jack went back to his usual self and changed his mind. I didn’t completely trust my older brother. Especially since he’d been lying to me for so long. I figured going on the date as soon as possible would be the safest option.

I had no idea what we were doing though. Alyx wanted it to be a secret, a proper first date. He was even coming to pick me up in his car, even though both of us preferred walking. I did manage to get him to tell me what I should wear though.

Fancy, but not too fancy. In other words, not my usual attire. I looked at my sparse closet. Most of the things I owned were oversized and not the sort of thing most girls my age would wear out and about.

I bit my lower lip in contemplation. There had to be something in here. I didn’t just own hoodies and baggy tees, did I?

I went through my closet twice, desperately scooting the hangers down the rod. And then I spotted something I had completely forgotten about, tucked away in a gift box. It was the clingy blue sweater dress that Fiona had gotten me for Christmas a year ago. The dress I had never been able to wear.

I pulled it out, the material soft under my fingers. I brushed my fingers lovingly down the sleeve. I would definitely consider this to be fancy, but not too fancy. Hopefully it would fit. I hadn’t been able to bring myself to even try it on. Only one way to find out.

I slipped it over my head, the fabric caressing my body enticingly. It felt a bit snug, but not so snug that it restrained me from moving or breathing. I ran my hands down my sides, marveling at the feel of my curves.

Even without looking in a mirror, I already felt a bit sexy. Which of course made me question everything. Maybe I shouldn’t wear this one just yet. I could always wear what I had dubbed as the ‘funeral dress.’ It was just plain black and shaped like a rectangle.

I squared my shoulders. No. I wasn’t going to do that to myself. If Rose could pull off that stunning red ball gown, then Celeste could wear a more modest sweater dress. I let out a huff, annoyed with myself and started to put my outfit together.

I paired it with some fleece stockings and black, heeled ankle booties that laced up. I decided against any jewelry, not wanting to take any attention away from the dress. I curled my hair in loose waves and applied just a little bit of mascara.

I took a deep breath and approached my full-length mirror, my eyes down. This was it. It was time to see the whole picture. And I prayed to whatever god would listen that I liked what I saw. Otherwise I thought I would cry.

I slowly lifted my head, trying to take everything in like I would with Fiona. I always supported her, no matter what she wore. Of course, she looked good in everything. But if I could be a supportive friend to her, I should be able to be a supportive friend to myself.

The dress hugged my curves, but not in a way that made the dress look too tight. There were no lumps or bumps. The neckline plunged a little lower than I would normally wear, but it still wasn’t too revealing.

As I looked at myself, I wondered why I had ever been scared of this dress. Or other clothes for that reason. Just because Jack told me nobody would ever want me when I looked like this? But someone did want me. And now that I knew Jack was a liar, it wouldn’t surprise me if had lied about that too.

With a new found confidence, I smiled at myself in the mirror for the first time in a long time. I giggled as I gave myself a playful wink. I felt more free than I ever had before. And just on time, the doorbell rang.

I ran out of my room, racing to the front door before Jack could get there. I didn’t want him to do the whole “I have a shotgun. Don’t hurt my sister” thing that I suspected would happen if he saw Alyx here.

When I opened the door, I was met with a gobsmacked Alyx. He stood there, staring at me, his mouth hanging open. I grinned up at him, even doing a little spin so he could see the whole thing.

“What do you think?” I asked when I was facing him again. He smiled warmly down at me.

“You look beautiful. But you always look beautiful,” Alyx replied smoothly and I blushed. I didn’t believe him for a second, but I would take the compliment.

“Are you ready?” Alyx asked just as I heard Jack’s door opening. I shoved past him, slamming the door shut and rushing down the steps. Alyx chuckled behind me and muttered something under his breath.

We got into his car just as Jack was opening the door. He was staring daggers at me. I gave him a little wave as Alyx floored it and we sped away, heading towards downtown. I was definitely going to be in trouble when I got home, but it was worth it.

The twinkling lights danced in a soft haze as Alyx and I strolled down the streets, our laughter mingling with the distant sounds of music and conversation. It was a perfect evening, the kind that seemed to stretch out infinitely, promising endless possibilities.

Alyx was being the epitome of a gentleman. He held the door for me, pulled out my chair at the restaurant, and kept the conversation flowing effortlessly. We talked about everything, from our favorite childhood memories to the far-off dreams we held for the future. There was a comforting ease in our dialogue, a familiar rhythm that only friendship could bring.

The restaurant itself was a gem, an intimate place with warm lighting and the aroma of delectable cuisine. Alyx had a knack for picking just the right spot, a testament to how well he knew me. As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of pink and gold across the sky, I couldn't help but feel a warmth that contradicted the chilly air.

Between bites of the exquisite meal, we shared stories and jokes, each moment bringing us closer together. Alyx's laughter was infectious, a melody that resonated deep within me. It was a night filled with a kind of magic that only comes from genuine connection.

As the night wore on, we found ourselves wandering towards a small park illuminated by twinkling fairy lights. It felt like stepping into a storybook, the world around us fading into a dreamlike backdrop.

We settled on a bench beneath a canopy of trees, the gentle rustle of leaves providing a soothing soundtrack to our conversation.

Time seemed to slip away, and as the night grew darker, I realized that this date was something truly special. Alyx's presence was both grounding and electrifying, a contradiction that felt strangely perfect. There was a silent understanding between us, an unspoken agreement that this was a moment to savor.

With a hesitant smile, Alyx suddenly leaned in, his lips brushing against my cheek in a soft, lingering caress. I turned toward him, offering him my lips instead. Jack hadn’t said anything about not kissing.

Alyx smirked at me as if he knew what I was thinking and brushed his lips against mine, still giving me time to back away if I wanted to. I didn’t want to. I was so tired of being the good girl. I deserved at least this much.

I pressed my lips firmly to his, letting my tongue briefly swipe across his lower lips. He groaned and slid his hand to the back of my head, deepening the kiss. I let my hands rest against his chest, feeling his strong heartbeat beneath my palm.

As much as I was loving the kiss, I remembered that we were in public. I tried to pull away, getting self-conscious of the PDA. But Alyx wouldn’t let me. His hand tightened in my hair, yanking my head to the side as he dropped his lips to my neck.

Goosebumps erupted as he found a sensitive spot, but that wasn’t enough to stop the rising panic.

“Alyx, please. That’s enough. I don’t want to -” He cut me off, claiming my lips in a punishing kiss. Where had the sweet gentleman gone? I didn’t recognize this person.

I started to struggle in earnest as his free hand began to travel up my leg and underneath my dress. Tears fell down my cheeks. I didn’t want this. I didn’t want this. I didn’t want this. But I wasn’t strong enough to push him off me.

I frantically looked around, but we were all alone. There wasn’t anybody in the park at this time of night. There was no one to save me this time. Or so I thought.

“Get off her!”