Played By Strings Of Fate

3rd String -Dinner, My Ex-Bestfriend, and Some Shouting

"But mum," I protested.

"Oh hush! It's only Anne and her family. We have known them for years." she sat down beside me, putting her arm around my shoulder, "Timmy's going to be there. You know how much his eyes sparkle when he sees you in a dress."

I smile at the 6-year old's face. He was always quite happy every time I dress up.

Right. I'll dress up for Timmy and not for that liar Clark.

"Fine." I spoke, taking the dress from Leslie. Her smile went from ear to ear. She was about to add something when I interrupted, "But I'm not wearing makeup." she held her index finger up, "And no, I'm not curling my hair." I finished, giving her a smug smile.

She shook her head, "You're as stubborn as me when I was your age."

"You sound proud."

Once I was prepared, I made my way out of my room, down the stairs, and into the kitchen, noting the delicious smell of butter and Baked Sea Bream.

"Don't slouch," Richard reprimanded, "You're a lady."

I scoffed, "Hardly."

"Attitude. What made you so stingy?" he joked, sounding curious as an eyebrow of his rose.

This is what I love about Richard. The way we spoke to each other was better than girls talking about their secrets and gossiping.

"Jade, can you at least try to look like a person?" Alissa snarled, rolling her eyes while entering the kitchen.

My mouth flew open, "What is she doing here?" I snarled, not hiding my annoyed tone and grimace.

Both Leslie and Richard know that we don't get along. Instead of lecturing us, they find our relationship quite amusing.

"Clark is back." she says giddily.

Oh no. Don't tell me my sister's going after my ex-best friend?

"Yeah, so?" I hid the insecurity I felt.

Clark was one thing, and Alissa was another. I'm not sure how I could handle the both of them if they ever got together. Not that I wished that though. That's the last thing I wanted to happen.

"Still bitter about being rejected?" she taunted, earning an eye roll from me.

"Oh please. Like I care about his decisions." I said, shrugging.

I know I said I didn't care but I knew deep in my heart it was a lie.

The Stephens arrived about fifteen minutes later. I sat in the kitchen begrudgingly as Leslie, Richard, and Alissa went to greet our guests.

The only thing I cared about right now was getting through dinner without stabbing a fork into Clark's leg. I grew up a bit morbid but it was all because of Richard. He had me watching those gory films with him whilst Alissa watched sappy chick flicks with Leslie.

"Jade!" I heard Timmy shout from the living room, probably wondering where I was.

I smiled at his excitement and finally went out so I could greet him.

"Hey there squirt!" I beamed at him as he ran and hugged my legs.

He looked up at me with pouty lips, "I'm not a squirt anymore! My muscles are as big as Captain America's!"

We had this addiction towards everything related to Marvel. Especially The Avengers. We love that movie. He took a liking to Captain America while I was hooked up on Loki.

"Good evening Jade. You look lovely this evening." Anne complimented.

I smiled at her, "Thank you. You too." I turned to Rick, her husband, and he smiled at me, "Hey Rick!" I greeted.