October 29

Toronto, Ontario

"I just can't wear this thing, it's too itchy." I look over at Mads, her whining, pouty voice making me smile.

"So don't." I move to stand behind her. "I can cut bangs for you, we can straighten your hair, what do you think?

Her horrified eyes meet mine. "I am not letting you near my hair with scissors, Elle. I've seen your work in art class. I'll wear the damn wig."

I laugh at the old, tired joke at the expense of my artistic ability while grabbing a spare set of her tights from the bag at the end of my bed. "Use this over your own hair, and to protect against the scratching. It will help, just cut the foot off, and use it like a swim cap."

I watch as she follows my instructions and I help her braid her gorgeous, thick, black hair tightly against her scalp in four tight French braids to make everything smoother.

When she tugs the wig on, she sighs with relief. "Thanks, Elle." Then she frowns at me, "What are you and Grey into, that you know so much about wigs?"

I burst into laughter, holding my sides in surprise, drawing the attention of the others. "Normally Hudson is my Halloween partner, and he goes all out. Wigs are usually the least of my problems."

I look over at Jules, smiling in a curious kind of sympathy as she slides on fishnet stockings, a black pencil skirt, and slips her feet into a pair of sensible, but sexy block heels. She makes a beautiful, exotic looking Bonnie, that's for sure. She ties a silk scarf rounder neck, adjusting it prettily over her cardigan set, then pops on a beret. I can't help but notice she completely ignores the bags of fake blood Hudson left in my room for her. His idea had been to go as the bullet-riddled Bonnie and Clyde.

She wanders over to us, to stand in front of the mirror, and I grab my Polaroid camera. "We make a fine Sandy, Cleopatra, and Bonnie, don't we?" Mads' voice is playful. "I like to think they would have been friends, just like us. If they were alive at the same time, I mean. I bet they wouldn't have to face all the drama we do."

Jules' eyes shift to meet mine in the mirror before she quickly looks to Mads, instead. They share a brief, secretive look that leaves me feeling a bit left out and I feel a small pang of guilt over all the rumours Jules has to hear about Hudson and I at school. She smiles into the mirror, though, and I smile back gratefully, more than relieved she doesn't bring any of that up tonight.

"Would you rather fight a war? Live life on the run as a wanted woman or try to convert the local bad boy by completely changing everything about yourself? Drama is everywhere you look. You just need to take your pick of what you want to deal with. No one gets away with a drama free life."

I give Mads a small high five over that nugget of wisdom, agreeing wholeheartedly, before turning my attention back to our reflections. "Where's Vi?" I look around for her absently, wondering if she's already gone down.

I adjust the clip in my hair, which my hairdresser had done to perfection. My long, blonde hair was curled tightly, wildly, and clipped over to one side. Sure, it was longer than the original Sandy's but it looked incredible.

Mads adjusts her wig, and Jules boosts her breasts up inside her pushup bra, settling her camel coloured cardigan over her curves with a wink in the mirror.

"I'm here! Don't take the shot without me!"

Vi flings herself against me, and I turn, kissing her cheek for the picture, then giggle with her and grab a tissue to wipe away the lipstick print on her cheek.

I step back, getting a good look at her. "Wow, you look incredible, Vi."

And she does. She's wearing a Grecian style dress, with gold clips at the shoulders. Her hair is curled loosely with small whips around her face. She makes a stunning Helen of Troy. Her friend Mike will be her Paris, another set of doomed lovers.

"We do seem to be a rather hopeless bunch though, did anyone pick a lasting, sustainable, or healthy relationship for their costume?"

Mads pouts, her eyes twinkling merrily, "What would be the fun in that?"

I jolt in surprise when the doorbell chimes, and I hear my Dad greeting Theo, Hudson, and Ryan downstairs.

Vi's date will meet us at the dance, she prefers to keep her dating life separate from the madness of our little group. I can't say that I blame her.

"Shoot, girls, we're running behind, as usual. Let's finish up quickly."

I take the time to spritz myself with perfume, then apply a little more deodorant, just to be safe. I pass the stick around to the girls, and they do the same.

Stashing my lipstick, phone, a credit card, and some cash in the small pockets of my leather jacket, I slide my feet into my fire-engine-red stilettos with their dangerously pointed toe, already regretting my choice of footwear.

"Why do we do this to ourselves?" Vi's voice is tinged with wry amusement as she laces up her gold high heels, with straps that wrap all the way to her knees. They make her legs look twice as long, paired with the short Grecian-style dress.

"So we can look like this and make all the heads turn." Mads giggles at me over her comment, then slips on her leather sandals with a high wedge heel. I look at them in longing, wishing I had a pair with a nice solid heel too.

A loud whistle greets me as I walk down the stairs ahead of the girls, and Theo offers me a hand as I carefully step down to meet him. His hair is slicked back, styled just like the original Danny, only blonde, and he looks absolutely edible in his dark jeans, white t-shirt and leather jacket.

He thumps his hand over his heart, smiling down at me. "If anyone could tempt me to shape up, it would be you, babe."

The girls groan collectively behind me at his corny line, stolen right from the song lyrics in the movie, but I giggle, striking a pose and batting my eyelashes dramatically, letting him have his moment.

Dad gives me a discerning once over, clearly less than thrilled about my choice in outfits. The black, leatherette catsuit hugs every curve of my body. But, no matter that he might not love the outfit, he'd never criticize how I look in front of my friends. He hands me my knee-length cashmere coat, like a silent plea to get me to wear more clothes, but I hold up one of Wes' old leather bike jackets he'd been fond of when he was a bit younger. "All good, Dad. Thanks."

He claps his hand on Theo's shoulder, giving him a stern look, even as I see the twinkle in his eyes. "You beat any strange boys off with a stick, you hear?"

"Dad, I can look out for myself, you know. I've only been taking self defence at school for the past eight weeks—but please, continue to trust these idiots more than your own daughter."

My dad only smiles at me and chucks me lightly under the chin. "I know you're learning to take care of yourself, but it gives an old man peace of mind to know someone else will look out, too. Right, Theo?"

Theo grins, nodding enthusiastically. "The only hands on our girl will me be mine tonight," he says with a wink at my dad. I cringe immediately, and so does Dad.

Theo grins at him though, completely remorseless. "I'm only kidding, Linc, come on. When have Hud, or I ever been less than perfect gentlemen with Ellie?"

I roll my eyes, noting how he specified with me. I'm sure he's been less than the perfect gentleman with other girls, but I tactfully choose to stay silent on that topic in front of Dad.

Dad shakes his head, smiling despite his attempt to be the stern parent. "You're all going to give me grey hair and drive me to drink." Dad pulls me aside, handing me some cash and taxi chits on his account. "Just in case, honey. Halloween makes people do all kinds of crazy things. If you end up walking or transiting between venues, stick with the girls, Hud, and Theo. Especially if you go to an afterparty. If you get separated, or need to come home, you can use these or call. Deal?"

I only sigh, knowing he's right. Sliding the small bundle of money and paper into the inside pocket of my jacket, I agree, "Deal." I smooch his cheek with an exaggerated smacking sound, using my thumb to erase the red lipstick. "Relax, Dad. The dance is at Beaton, it's hardly an unknown rager. I'll text you to let you know if we go somewhere after. The girls and I are all sleeping here, probably. Maybe Theo and Hud, too. We'll stick together. Don't be such a worrywart."

"It comes with the territory—being a dad. Be safe, sweetie."

Ryan slides Mads' jacket onto her shoulders, and I can't help but wiggle my eyebrows at him, impressed with his outfit. He looks like a slightly skinner Roman warrior in his legionary costume. A very hunky Mark Antony, indeed.

Hudson, as usual, has gone all out. He matches Jules well, except for the fact he's added dramatic makeup, and bloodstains onto his costume, representing the bullet wounds Clyde took as they'd faced down the law and lost. I find myself noticing this difference in their personalities for the hundredth time. Hudson is so free, so uninhibited and ridiculous, I wonder why Jules is so worried about her own image next to him. She'd refused to use any of the messy costume accents on her own look this evening. To each their own, I suppose. I can tell by the look on Hudson's face that he's disappointed she didn't go all in for the look, but he'd never say anything.

Dad clears his throat, making one final group announcement. "You kids have our numbers, remember, you can always call if you need a pickup, or anything. No matter what, okay?"

Theo, Hudson, and I all nod, knowing the drill. No matter what happens, we can call our parents. No questions asked, no fear of punishment. They've always made it clear that our safety comes first. That's not to say we haven't all had some uncomfortable discussions and minor consequences in the past, but overall, it's kept us out of serious trouble.

"Then have fun, kiddos. Happy Halloween, and all that." Dad waves us off as our two taxis pull up outside.

As soon as we arrive at the school, Theo gathers us all around him, producing a small flask with a mischievous smirk. He passes it around, and everyone takes a small sip. I shake my head, crinkling my nose at the smell of the spicy whisky. I hadn't had so much luck with his preferred beverages in the past.

"Seriously? I chose this flavour just for you, Ellie. Try just a little. If you don't like it, that's fine. You promised you'd let loose with me a bit." He wiggles his eyebrows at me, and I know he won't push if I say no, but he's right, I do want to go a little wild tonight.

I take a small sip, and I look up at him as I test the feeling and the spicy cinnamon taste on my tongue. It's actually pretty good. I take another small sip, handing it back to him, and he grins, sliding it into his jacket. "Thatta girl," he tosses an arm over my shoulder, and I reach behind me to grab Vi's hand.

"Have you heard from Mike, yet?"

"He's running a bit late, he'll meet us inside later." She squeezes my fingers in excitement as we walk through the doors.

The dance committee has gone over the top, transforming the entire hallway, and corridor to the performing arts centre where the main event is tonight. As we walk through the different sections, separated by streamers, beaded curtains, spider webs, the drama students come to life, dressed in various house of horror costumes.

After a few minutes of good humoured horror, we stumble out into the dance, and the music floods over me. The room seems to vibrate with the heavy base, and the electronic pulse.

Vi peels off from the group to talk with a few other girls from our class and to make sure she can meet Mike once he gets here, leaving his name with the temporary event call desk. The rest of us hit the dance floor.

Theo hauls me into his arms with a wicked grin, spinning me so my back is pressed against the front of his body. "Let's see what kind of moves you've got, Sandy."

With the faint buzz of the whiskey singing through my body, I close my eyes and let go, allowing his bigger body to lead me in the pounding rhythm of song after song.

When the music shifts late into the night, I stiffen, uncertain how to move to the heavier wrap beats that vibrate through the auditorium. "Do you want to get some air?"

"Hell no, Ells. Let's keep dancing."

"I don't really know how to dance to this stuff, Theo." I suck in a shocked breath when he pulls be back against his body, and the oxygen in my lungs whooshes out when he dips me back provocatively, trapping one of my thighs between his long, lean, muscled legs to steady me in the dip.

"Just close your eyes and follow. It's no different from any other music. Just follow my lead, get out of your head."

I close my eyes, letting my body go, separating myself from my overactive mind. He pulls me back into his arms easily and I let Theo lead me, as remix after remix pounds out over the speakers.

Finally, I seize the moment when a song I recognize comes on, pushing him back and turning in his arms. I run my hands through my hair, arching my back and sliding my body against his to the sexy beat of Lose My breath.

He grins, tapping his hand over his heart dramatically, and this time, allows me to lead.

Before I know it, Vi is dragging a shell-shocked Mike to the dance floor, pairing off with Theo and I.

She wiggles her body close to mine, pulling her date up behind her. I laugh, more than happy to dance with her, and Theo's game to entertain us both, but Vi's date keeps trying to edge to the back of the crowd. His concern over dancing in a knee-length toga winning the battle over his desire to stay close to Vi.

After a few moments, she lets him go, and we dance with Theo together, who has more than enough skill and attention for us both. I shimmy, shake, and grind against Vi, and I can tell Theo loves it. In fact, based on the crowd we're drawing, it's not just Theo who loves it.

Mads and Jules join our small group, and for a while, nothing exists beyond the dance floor. I twirl between Theo, Hudson, Ryan, and poor, sweet, modest Mike, as do the other girls.

When Spice Girls make their mandatory and first of many songs debut for the night over the speakers, Mads kicks off a lightly choreographed number that she and Jules have memorized. They have me laughing as I lean against Theo to watch them, encouraging them both with a chorus of claps and whistles.

Eventually, the heat, the crowd, and the noise get to me. I fan myself with my hands. "I need some air. Who's with me?"

As is usually predictable, only the boys join me. Theo, Hudson, and I step into the cool night, and Theo wraps an arm around my shoulder. "You warm enough, Ells?"

I nod, tugging the small leather jacket tighter around my waist, and he hands me the small flask from his pocket again, so I take another sip before handing it back. I skip the second pass of the fiery liquid, handing it straight to Hudson, well aware that this isn't anything like the fruity wine I'm used to drinking.

"Got a text about an after party, some guys from the lacrosse team will be heading to Brady's place. Most of the hockey guys will be there, too, Hud."

Hudson raises an eyebrow at me in a silent question, leaving the decision to me. I nod, agreeing wordlessly that we should go. From what I remember, Brady is a rival hockey player from Regan, where Brodie went to school. A senior, just like Greyson, Theo, and Ry. It makes me more comfortable that they all know him, and I assume Hudson does too, to a certain extent, having played against the team for so many years.

"I'm ready to move on, if everyone else is. I've had enough of the crowd." Theo's comment is careless, but I know he's only said it for my sake. I shift my weight on my sore feet again and watch as Hudson heads in to let the others know. And to get his date.

Theo lifts me up, grabbing my hips without a word, and sits me down on the wide stone fence of the parking lot. Relief floods through me as the weight is taken off my poor, abused feet. I moan in exaggerated pleasure, then smile at him gratefully. "Best. Date. Ever."

He grins down at me, tipping my chin up to meet his eyes with one finger. Even boosted up on the stone wall, he can still look down at me. "Never let it be said I'm not fully tuned into my woman's needs."

I roll my eyes at him, and he laughs, leaning down to kiss my forehead quickly. "I'm actually ready for a change of scene. I can only dance to Destiny's Child, Missy Elliott, and Usher so many times in one night. Plus, we're getting to the Spice Girls portion of the night, so I'm out. I've also been watching you shift your weight back and forth between your feet for the past twenty minutes. It's time we got you out of those self-inflicted torture devices."

He hands me the small flask again, tipping the flash a bit higher with his index finger as I take the smallest of sips. More of the fiery liquid streams out of the small nozzle and I lean back to signal I've had enough.

He continues as I wipe a small drop of whiskey from my bottom lip. "Not that I don't appreciate all the great things those shoes do to your ass and legs, Ells, but I can tell you're ready to ditch them."

Handing the flask back, I slap his arm in exasperation, but I nod and laugh a little at his outrageous comment, watching as he tips the liquid back himself. "The things we do for beauty. I'd like to see you last this long in stilettos after dancing all night."

Theo finishes his deep pull from the flask, then shakes his head at me. "Don't you mean the things you do for vanity? You're beautiful regardless. But, there's no way I could do it. You'll never hear me say women are the weaker sex. Nope. I'm no fool, I know exactly how tough you ladies are."

He turns his back to me when we hear our friends approaching. "Hope on, Ells. It's a short walk to Brady's place."

Beyond grateful, I shimmy from the wall onto his back, and he grips my thighs, boosting me up before hooking his arms under my knees.

"It's nice to know chivalry hasn't died after all." Mads' comment spurs Ryan to offer her a piggyback with a gallant bow which naturally leads to all the boys boosting their dates up on their backs and racing like maniacs down the road, with our squeals of laughter carrying through the quiet, posh neighbourhood.

I close my eyes, tip my head back, and let the cool air rush over me, secure in Theo's grasp, thinking just how much I needed this night. Just how much we all did.

So, I wrap my arms more firmly around his neck, and press my lips to his cheek in a playful smacking kiss, content in the knowledge that no matter what happens tomorrow, this night has been absolutely perfect.

And, from the returning squeeze, and the little shake he gives me, I can tell he's thinking the exact same thing.

- - -

Please, don't be shy! I'd love to hear what you think so far, if the second book is what you expected and hoped for so far, or if you're missing something! 

I'll have the next few chapters dedicated to Elle and Greyson's first major scene together, so stay tuned!

Xx Toria