"Oh my god, girl! You look hot!"

Aurora grinned bashfully, swirling left and right. The mini black dress she'd bought fit her like second skin, it was a sharp contrast to her pale skin but it looked perfect nonetheless. It was sleeveless with flowers embroidered at the hem of the gown, silver rhinestones decorated the rest of the bodice creating a sparkling glow.


She'd paired it with midnight blue floral heels that was strapped at the back of her legs and for her jewelry she'd chosen; a diamond teardrop earrings, a black choker necklace and silver bracelets. The entire look was finished with a smoky makeup that made her look like a vixen and her hair was styled into a sleek high ponytail.

"I can't believe you matched with me though," Natasha grumbled, swishing the skirts of her ballroom gown.

Aurora huffed a small laugh, linking their arms together, "I guess that means we both have excellent taste."


Although she pouted in a cute manner, Natasha shrugged, "That's why we're besties."

She smiled, bumping their shoulders. Mason emerged out of her house, tugging the lapels of his leather jackets,


"Alright, ladies. I've taken permission from the father, let's move."

Aurora nodded as she and Natasha trailed behind Mason to the neat Bentley that was parked in front. Natasha took the passenger seat while she slipped into the back, slamming the door close.

Natasha's house was grand, in a castle like manner. Her parents was sort of Spanish royalty so that made sense, the inside of her home had always reminded Aurora of a mediaeval castle with a little bit of flair.

But tonight, it was touched up, giving a party-ish vibe. There was alread a throng of people by the time they arrived and when it was nine, the house was brimming both with people from her academy and people she'd never seen in her life.

Aurora allowed herself to be free, dancing and drinking wildy. Tonight she wouldn't worry about the impending doom that Evan was bound to bring or her messed up feelings for Ryan. Tonight, she would let herself breathe.

"Here, here, take this," She collected the shot bottle from Mason and downed it in a gulp. The sharp tang instantly hit her tongue and she scrunched her nose is distate.

Aurora coughed, slapping her chest lightly, "That tastes horrible, what is it?"

"Vodka, darling," Mason winked, offering her another shot, "You can thank me later."

Despite herself, she gingerly accepted the bottle and downed in again, "For what?"

He rolled his eyes and threw an arm around her shoulders, "For officially deflowering you, you're no longer a vodka virgin and by the end of tonight, you would've tasted all the alcohol around."

Aurora grinned sheepishly and he steered her in the direction of the dance floor, whooping loudly. Natasha was already there and the three of them formed a circle, swaying and jumping around in accordance to the loud beat playing through the speakers.

"This is the bes night of my life!" Aurora screamed in the air, her blood was pumping vigorously and her entire body was filled with a warm buzz.

Natasha giggled, throwing her head back, "You should come out more often, chicá. They're better nights than this."

Although, the prospect of finding out what those better night entailed sounded pleasing, Aurora knew that this was her last night of freedom. The moment her mother regained strength, she would once again be confined within the walls of her room.

"Hold on," She stopped moving, burping loudly, "I need to go pee."

"Do you need me to follow you?"

Aurora waved, signalling that there was no need to. Asides from the pressing issue, she wanted a place where she could sit and relax. Her eyes were already spinning from how much she'd drunk.

Natasha bobbed her head in understanding, "You know where my room is, right?"

"Yeah."

"Alright, don't get lost!" Natasha whopped and she giggled, pushing her way through the crowd.

Aurora marched up the grandiose stairs and when she got to the top, she noticed that this area was more dull that downstairs. They were people hanging around and she spotted a bunch smoking, another guy was snorting something into his nostrils. She grimaced and rushed in search of the room. When she found the door, she hastily slipped into the room and shut the door behind her.

Her back was against the wooden frame and she took in several breaths. The buzz was still there in her system and she giggled to herself,

This was strange but it felt good.

Aurora rushed to the bathroom and did her business, as she washed her hands, she splashed some water onto her face. Her eyes met her reflection on the mirror and she cocked her head.

Her makeup still looked flawless but the previously sleek bun already had some strands flying out, her cheeks were flushed red and there was a strange twinkle in her eyes that she'd never seen before.

It must be the alcohol, she reasoned.

After wiping her hands, she walked out the bedroom and made to sit on the bed when she noticed the shadow standing close to the door.

Her heart jumped to her throat and she swiveled in that direction, "Who-" She began to say but the rest of her statement died on her lips when the shadow stepped forward into the light.

Evan had a furious look on his face, one that totally scared her and she took a shaky step backward.

"E-Evan, w-w-what are you doing here?"

He didn't respond, he just growled and stalked forward. Aurora's eyes darted for an escape but she was stuck, before she could blink however, his fingers had already wrapped themselves around her throat, pushing her backwards until her back slammed against the wall.

She choked, slapping her palms against his arm, "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Aurora sputtered helplessly but he only tightened his hold in response.

"Didn't I tell you to fucking stay out of my room? Why did you touch my laptop? Why did you fucking delete those images!?" He screamed into her face.

Her eyes widened, she knew he was going to be mad if he found out what she didn't expect was this.

But rather than feeling remorse, only disgust and sheer hatred spurred inside her, "Shouldn't you be ashamed, you fucking stalker?" She spat although the words sounded garbled, "You should be glad I didn't burn the entire thing!"

"You-"

"What's going on here?"

He craned his head backwards to see who the intruder was and her eyes flickered towards the door. Louisa Roberts stood their, her eyes wide with petrification,

"Jesus, Aurora! What do you think you're doing?" She screamed at Evan and his jaw tightened.

He grunted and whipped his head to face her again, "This isn't over, dear sister," He released his hold on her neck and she crashed to the ground, her knees bearing the brunt of the fall.

Aurora hacked and coughed wildly, tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. She heard footsteps rushing towards her and then the smell of strawberry filtered into her nostrils,

"Should I call someone? The police maybe?" She heard Louisa ask as the girl patted her back.

Aurora bristled and pushed her away, "Don't touch me," She hissed.

Louisa looked confused, blinking rapidly, "I-I was just trying to hel-"

"And I don't need it, I would've handled the situation just fine."

Louisa had a look that said she didn't believe it but it only made her boil. She shakily rose to her feet and took in a sharp breath, dusting the sides of her gown.

"I'm warning you, Roberts, stay away from me," She gave the girl a meaningful look before proceeding to walk out.

"Why do you hate me so much?" Louisa screamed, causing her to freeze in her tracks, "I've been nothing but nice to you but you're hellbent on making it seem like I'm the bad guy. Why?"

She honestly didn't want to deal with this right now. Aurora ran a palm through the top of her hair and she slowly spun around to face the blonde,

"You really want to know why?"

Louisa nodded.

Aurora gritted her teeth together, "Matt Traynor, I'm sure you're well acquainted with him," She audibly exhaled and Aurora folded her fingers, "I've been in love with him ever since we were children, I was supposed to be the one to capture his heart and attention. Imagine my shock when I found the two of you fucking in one of the dormitory stalls," She pointed a finger at the girl, "Everybody knows the relationship between our families and I'm sure you do as well but you pretended to be nice to me while sleeping with the guy you're well aware I'm in love with."

"I-"

"Tell me you didn't know that I love him!!" She tried not to scream but not when the anger was bubbling up, "Tell me you didn't know and then I'll admit that I'm the one who was wrong."

Louisa said nothing, her head fell towards the ground in shame.

Aurora scoffed, allowing the single trail of tear roll down her cheek, "So, don't patronize me. I know I'm not a good person, Roberts, but at least I don't pretend to be one."

"I won't tell you again," She breathed out shakily, letting her fingers relax, "Stay the hell away from me."

Aurora walked out, slamming the door behind her and rushing down the stairs. So much for having the best night of her life.