Chapter 1
As I lean over the counter top while looking into the mirror, dabbing my middle finger against my lip, trying to touch up my make up, I take a moment to admire my physique. Noticing how the red on my lipstick highlights the red on my dress. The warm lights in the bathroom make my seeming simple dress appear more expensive than it already was. The fabric hugging my curves and contours endearingly.
My dark coffee colored hair falls over my shoulder as I sigh when I hear a rattling at the door, catching my attention. The noise is briefly drowned out by the upbeat music quietly playing in the muffled background. "Eloise," said my mother "You've been in there for 20 minutes, come and greet your new guests"
I turned my head to look at the door for a brief moment before stating, "Alright mom I'm coming out now" I said as I quickly looked back into the mirror and ran my fingers through my curled hair before I reached out for the door to turn the cold door knob with a subtle click. The door opened to reveal colorful beams of light dancing and bending around and on numerous people that were either in sparkly skin tight dresses or black and white Armani tuxedos. The walls were covered in streamers and expensive paintings that weren't even pretty or attractive. In reality the price of them was more important than the actual image displayed.
I followed my mom to the entrance of our house where the minister's wife, the minister himself, and their 17 year old son were standing.
"It's a pleasure to meet you" the minister said as he took my hand and shook it.
I nodded, giving a small curtsy, letting him kiss the top of my hand. And with a smile I said, "The pleasure is all mine" knowing that this is what my parents expected.
The minister gestured to his son and said, "I'm sure you've met Jason."
I looked over at him and nodded before stating, "Yes he's in my PE class, we talk every once in a while but, nothing too special"
The minister's wife lightly tapped Jason's arm and said, "Well go on, say Hi!"
In a low, gruff voice Jason looked at me and said, "Hello Eloise"
I smiled and said, "Hey"
After I invited them in I looked at my mom and she met my gaze, giving me a subtle nod. I nodded back and hurried inside and went to the small, temporarily built, stage and climbed on top of it, careful not to trip. I went to the DJ and he took his headset off, leaning in close so he could hear what I had to say.
"May I have a microphone? I have an announcement to make." I had to kinda shout so he could hear me seeing as we were by the speakers. He nodded and turned the music down, Handing me a microphone. I then turned my attention to the awaiting audience with their attention all turned to me.
"Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends,
Wow, I can hardly believe I’m standing here today, celebrating my Sweet 16 with all of you." I said, looking around the room, making eye contact with a few people I recognized. "Thank you so much for coming to share this special day with me. Your presence means the world to me.
I also want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the wonderful gifts. I truly appreciate each and every one of them. However, what matters most to me today is not the gifts, but the love and support I feel from all of you. Each of you holds a special place in my heart, and having you here to celebrate this milestone makes it unforgettable. Thank you for being part of my life and for making this day so magical. Here’s to many more memories together! Enjoy the party!" I had been practicing this speech for a week straight, I had to get it perfect and I did!
I handed the microphone back to the DJ and walked off stage where my mother met me.
"You did such a great job honey!" She said to me, giving me a light and quick hug.
"Thank you, Can I hang out with my friends now?" I asked, hopeful.
She gave me a short nod and added, "Just don't do anything bad and don't talk to people you don't know"
I nodded and headed in the direction of the crowd of people, searching everyone's faces for my 2 best friends. I looked towards the dining area where I see them sitting with their boyfriends, Stephen and Zachariah. I walked up to my two best friends, Madelyn and Avery.
We all hung out the entire night, we laughed, we talked, we danced, we ate food and cake, I got a bunch of presents, and someone even spiked the punch bowl.
That night when the party finally was over, my head felt like a roller coaster. I wobbled up the steps to my bedroom and I took off my heels once I got in my room. Then I slipped out of my dress, letting it pool on the floor before I found some comfy pajamas. I walked over to my vanity and turned the lights on, I took the pins that were holding parts of my hair up and ran my fingers through it, I didn't even wanna take my make-up off fully so I just ran a warm rag over my face.
Finally I crawled into bed, covering my body with my blankets, and in five minutes I was asleep.
