AZA
Friday. 7.30pm. My trailer.
"So is red really fine? It really goes well with my hair?"
"I told you, don't worry. You look good."
"You're right. Only I actually look better than just good, but thanks."
"Shut up," Cass says. "Now close your eyes."
She opens her eyeliner. I close my eyes.
"So what exactly are you two planning to do tonight?"
"You mean are we planning to have sex tonight?"
"I actually literally just mean what are you two planning to do tonight. I'm not a pervert."
"Well," I say, "I don't really know about our plans. We kind of don't have any."
"Sounds like so much fun."
"I know." I pause. "Nix said we'll be alone. Her mum's away, so it'll just be the two of us."
"Huh."
"Do you think..."
"...that she wants to have sex? It's okay, you can say it."
"Shut up. So, what do you think?"
"Well," Cass says, "do you want to?"
"Only if she wants to."
"So yes. Open your eyes."
"How do I look? Still good?"
"Sort of," Cass says. "I told you, you don't have to worry. You could literally go with no makeup, Phoenix would love you anyway. You got a message from her, by the way."
I check my phone. i can't wait to see my GIRLFRIEND. see you soon, superhero. fly over safely - and stop using your phone, you're at work!! xxx. I smile.
"Why does she think you're still at work?" Cass says.
"Why do you read my messages?" I say. "Told you, I got off early. Now I have more time to get ready and I can surprise her."
"Your girlfriend."
"My girlfriend."
"Finally. I thought you'd never call her that, even once you'll be together for years."
"Shut up."
"I like her," Cass says.
"Me too," I say.
_____
PHOENIX
Friday. My room.
Me: so red or black??
Ky: idk!! told you
Ky: ask cass
Me: she isn't answering
Ky: probably helping aza pick lol
Ky: btw, i'm a guy
Me: but your aza's best friend
Ky: unfortunately
Me: help meeee
Ky: ooookay
Me: so, red or black?
Ky: well red suits everyone right?
Me: so does black, moron
Ky: just trying to help
Me: you're not
Ky: what even is it?
Ky: a dress?
Ky: a shirt?
Me: well
Ky: omg
Ky: sexy underwear??
Me: shut up
Ky: so it is?!
Me: shut up
Ky: pretty sure aze would like you in anything
Ky: or nothing haha
Me: ugh
Me: you're useless
Me: bye
Ky: you're welcome
Ky: it's true tho
Me: of course it is
Me: i'm hot af
Ky: go for naked
Ky: problem solved
Me: ughh
Me: think i'll take black
Me: thanks for nothing
Ky: you're welcome
Ky: and have fun...;)
Me: ew
Me: thanks
I get off my window seat, decide that changing my outfit for about the tenth time is enough, and put my clothes back in my closet. In the end, I settle on a red summer dress, and underneath it some black lacy underwear, just in case.
I check the time. 7.42pm. Aza said she'd come over at eight. So I open up my laptop and surf the Internet.
"What are you doing?"
"What?" I stop the video. "Nothing. Just... research."
"For school? Don't overwork yourself, Phoenix."
"Me? You're the one who's flying around the world for work."
"Which could be seen as fun."
"If it wasn't with my mum."
"I'm sure it will be fun."
"Well, you're an optimist, Mary," I say. I take in her outfit. "Are you leaving?"
"I am. Just wanted to say goodbye."
