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Dedication: Distinctive for the amazing cover! Thank you!

Recap:

He rolls his eyes. "You're the one who will look good."

"Says you," I reply sarcastically.

"I have a surprise for you, after the dance," he leans in, whispering in my ear. "Pack to stay overnight."

I softly bite my lip.

"I can't wait."

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I press my lips together and rub slowly, before making a pop sound.

I meet my gaze in the mirror reflection. My dark hair is curled beside my face, my dark eyes framed with long lashes, my lips painted red.

"Almost ready for photos?" Kiarra asks, stepping out of the bathroom, her brilliant-blue dress flaring around her legs as she walks. Her heels click against the tiles, before changing to a soft thud as she walks across my carpeted floor, flicking out her long hair.

"Sure am," I reply, getting to my feet and wobbling. I hastily reach for my desk. I knew these heels were too high for me. Or maybe it was the three glasses of champagne...

"Do I look alright?" Becca asks us, her voice unusually timid.

She stands and runs her fingers down the light pink dress that is securely wrapped around her body.

"Hell to the yeah," Kiarra nods.

"Really?" she whispers.

"My brother will probably drop dead at the sight of you," I tease.

I thought Samara would be here for photos, considering Kiarra let her sit with us for lunch during the week, but apparently the "bitch has still a lot to make up for", direct quote. I do agree. A simple apology doesn't cut it for what she did to us, but life is short and I miss my friend. I think we will eventually become the group we used to be, but it's going to take time for the friendship to mend.

"If you say so!" Becca giggles, glancing at the mirror one final time.

Kiarra wraps her slim arm around my shoulders as she squeezes.

"You look good, girl," she murmurs.

"You too," I reply with a smile.

"Let's make tonight our bitch!" she squeals.

I follow her out of my room, Becca's shoulder bumping into mine.

Kiarra walks down my stairs first. I peek around the corner, to see Jai standing there, a warm smile flooding his face as he watches her descend towards him. He holds out his arm, which she takes. He kisses her on the cheek.

Finn makes an over-the-top gag sound and Miles hits him up the side of the head.

Becca goes next. She elegantly maneuvers down the steps with ease, her dress trailing behind her.

Damn it. I shouldn't have gone right after her.

Exhaling, my head feeling light, I walk towards the steps. Miles moves to the bottom of the stairs. I feel a fresh wave of relief when my eyes land on him. This is exactly how I envisioned the moment would be.

Me, dressed it a fiery red dress. Miles, waiting for me, in a charcoal black suit, his blonde hair gelled back. His face splits into a grin, his eyes greedily roaming over my body. I slowly edge myself down the stairs, my hand gripping the railing tightly.

"You look incredible," he murmurs. "I love you."

"I love you," I whisper.

He swiftly leans in and kisses my nose. His warm arm snakes around my waist and I lean into him, seeking his comfort.

"Beautiful!" my mum chokes out, snapping away ferociously on her camera.

My cheeks warm. "Mum!"

She breaks into untamed tears. Finn rolls his eyes and goes to her.

"Ma, whatcha' crying for?" he asks her with a grin. He wraps his arm around her. "I know I look damn sexy and Isobel looks average, but no one will make fun of her, I promise."

"Shut up, Finn," I laugh and lean over to slap his arm.

I push around him and sidle up to mum, clinging to her.

"My babies," she hiccups, looking between Finn and I. "You're all grown up!"

"Yeah, feel old now?" Finn asks her and I push his shoulder.

"Ignore him. He's still a child."

Mum really loses it then. She shields her face, hiding behind her curls and her hands. Finn and I wrap our arms around her.

"Group hug!" Jai calls out and all of a sudden, everyone is swarming us.

I let out a bubble of hysterical sounding laughter as the group hug tightens.

When we finally detangle from one another, we spend the next thirty minutes getting photos. I try not to get frustrated at the amount of times my mother has yelled, "say cheese!" We all share one more glass of champagne together, before we climb into the limo.

My head is spinning and the dancing lights shooting down from the roof aren't helping. I lean onto Miles and sigh in content. This is exactly how I always wanted my formal to be. With Miles beside me and the rest of my best friends here, too.

"Your dress," he whispers against my ear, making goose bumps pop across my skin. "Is amazing."

I roll my head so that I'm looking into his eyes.

"How did I get so lucky?" he murmurs, his fingers scraping against my arms.

"I ask myself that every day."

"Ew. Get a room." Finn flings his arm dramatically towards us.

"You offering yours?" Miles remarks with a dirty grin.

"Two words: Get fucked," Finn replies with a disgusted expression.

"Now, now boys," Kiarra pipes up. "No need to get heated."

Finn mutters something under his breath but we all ignore him.

The next moments are a blur. I'm out of the limo, lights are flashing in my eyes. I am pressed against Miles. He leads me into the hall, his eyes bright, his lips curved into a gorgeous smile. I stumble after him in a daze, flashes of pink and blue around me as my best friends go by, their dates in tow.

The floor is vibrating. I glide across it, Miles swinging around me. My arms are draped around his neck, my head thrown back as I laugh. His hands are on my waist.

"You are the most beautiful girl in the room, Miss Collins," he grins at me.

The air around me is crackling. I feel the heat of Miles skin against mine. I lean into him, drunk off his presence. His fingers trace my arms, before he kisses me. He's warm and delicious. I let myself kiss him back, my eyes closed, the music pounding in my ears.

"This is going to be the best night of your life," he whispers and in this moment, it feels like we're the only two in the room.

"Yes," I murmur. "It will be."

***

Miles pulls my seat out for me. I nod my thanks and practically fall into the chair, eager to rest my aching feet.

"I am starving!" Kiarra announces as she collapses opposite me.

"Same," Samara adds and Kiarra doesn't hold back with showing her annoyance. I guess it will take her a bit longer to come around.

Samara is dressed in a tighter-than-tight black dress, that looks like it was hand designed to fit her body. It's almost infuriating how amazing she looks. Beside her, Emily is dressed in a much simpler gown, but one that suits her just as equally.

Miss Fields, our year coordinator, steps behind a podium. She adjusts the microphone and it squeals. I wince at the sharp sound, along with 99% of the people in the room. She makes a nervous laugh.

"Oh, sorry about that, folks," she apologises and clears her throat.

She launches into a speech about how we were all tiny with big teeth and even bigger backpacks when she first met us. She goes on to describe how we've all changed and grown into 'incredible people', even though when we first started high school, we were deemed as one of the worst year groups our school has ever had. I guess you don't mention that though, when it's almost our graduation.

She then continues to speak about friendship and the promise of future. I try not to let her words scare me, as I realise this is it. We're officially finished high school and in a few weeks, I am meant to begin the rest of my life.

As I look around the table, my eyes land on everyone who is important to me.

Miles, so handsome and kind.

Kiarra, so strong and beautiful.

Jai, so giving and thoughtful.

Samara, so striking and bold.

Finn, so protective and brotherly.

Becca, so sweet and pretty.

Alec, so forgiving and willing to move towards a better place of friendship and understanding.

They're all amazing in their own, unique way.

And I am lucky to have them all here with me, in my life.

I will be forever grateful.

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Final chapter is next! Can't believe we're at the end!

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