Through the Dark // S.S. [Book One]

Chapter 21

Lydia and I head to Allison's with three Macy's bags, Lydia holding two, and me holding one. We'd been out shopping for a few hours, and they were the most exhausting three hours of my life.

"Clear your schedules." Lydia demands. "This could take awhile."

As we place the bags on Allison's bed, she asks, "How many outfits do you plan on wearing tonight?"

Lydia shrugs. "It's my birthday party. I'm thinking host dress," She holds up a gray striped dress. "Evening dress, then, mm, after hours casual."

I bounce my foot on the floor, unable to keep still as Allison says, "I noticed that you didn't send out any invites."

Lydia gives Allison a look. "It's the biggest party of the year, Allison. Everyone knows."

Allison thinks for a moment. "I was wondering if maybe this year, you know, might be different."

"Why would anything be different?"

"Just cause things have been off lately. Things and people. Like Jackson."

Lydia's voice is laced with ice as she asks, "What do you care about Jackson?"

"Do you know if he's planning on coming?" I ask hesitantly.

Lydia shoots me a look. "Everyone's coming." She then holds up a beige dress to her body. "This one's American rag. Mm, I love it. For me, not you. Meg, this one is for you." She hands me a navy blue dress. "This one's material girl. It's for you." She hands Allison a floral print dress. She turns to see Allison's mom. "Ms. Argent. What do you think of this one?"

Mrs. Argent nods weakly. "Oh, it's lovely. Allison, uh, can I grab you for a moment to talk? Just the two of us."

Allison doesn't meet her mom's eyes. "Um, can we do it later?"

"Actually, uh, to be honest, sooner would be--would be better."

Something is seriously wrong. Is it just me or does it sound like she wants to say goodbye?

"Party's at 10:00." Lydia informs.

Mrs. Argent licks her lips. "Um, will you be around before then?"

Allison sighs. "I think so."

"You think so."

"I don't know."

Allison's mom leaves and I find myself angry at her behavior. I get she might have a strained relationship with her mom as of late, but that's no way to treat someone who raised you.

"Allison, you should--"

"It's fine. She probably wants to tell me something about being with Scott."

"You don't know that."

"I don't not know it."

Lydia turns the subject back to dresses. "Oh, I guess that black one would fit. Alright, here you go." She hands the dress to Allison and cocks her head a moment. "No, it's too much."

Allison smiles. "I think I like it."

"You like it?"

Allison nods. "Yeah, no, I do. Happy birthday."

"Yeah, happy birthday, Lyds."

Lydia gives the two of us a small smile. "Oh, thank you. I actually appreciate that."

We get to Lydia's house and as I'm making sure everything's set, I hear a familiar voice say, "Or maybe nobody's coming because Lydia's turned into the town whackjob."