━━━+*:ꔫ:*+ﾟ━━━

But if I just showed up at your party
Would you have me?
Would you want me?

Betty (Taylor Swift)

ꔫ

For tonight's party I rummaged through my wardrobe for at least half an hour before I settled on a black tight dress with sheer loose sleeves and long black boots. My color of choice was a safe and stylish one as well since it was that time of the month for me. I left my freshly washed hair loosely hanging around my shoulders and put a pair of shining diamond earrings in my ears.

When I descended down the stairs, James was about to leave the house and he looked up at me with pure surprise written all over his face.

"You're going somewhere?" he asked me.

"Yes," I replied. "To Cyril's party."

"To Cyril's... what? Why would you even...?"

"Paul invited me," I explained. "Can we go now?"

I walked out of the house with my half brother right on my trails. Our usual car with Percy was already waiting for us there and I sat in the passenger's seat beside the driver, putting my purse in my laps. In just a moment James closed the door after himself in the back.

"Betty?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you really trust Paul? Listen, I know him and he isn't the type girls would like to date."

"I know him too," I objected. "Thank you, James, for warning me though."

"You met him on Instagram, right?"

I sighed.

"I did," I agreed, looking out through the window at the dark scenery occasionally lighted by some streetlamps. "He's been doing his hardest to earn my forgiveness. Has he ever done that?"

"No. Especially not so publicly," James said with a hint of surprise.

I thought about my next words carefully but I knew I needed to know someone else's opinion too. "Should I forgive him? What would you do?"

I still hadn't decided what I should do with Paul. When I accepted his invitation I definitely wasn't planning on making things up with him. But truth be told, I liked his gestures. Before I moved here he was an important part of my life. And after that party where I intended to surprise him, expecting a positive reaction I left that place in a police's car and with a broken heart. However, my mom was the thing that tied me the most to my old life. And now I had nothing else. My old wardrobe was gone, my old bedroom was gone, my old school was gone. Paul was now the only connection that remained here to my old life.

James sighed. "It's truly up to you, Betty. But in your shoes I'd be cautious around him."

"Thank you."

At least James had polite comments unlike Cyril who straightforwardly told me his opinion as if he was the wisest person walking on the Earth. And it was common knowledge that he wasn't.

When we arrived at the entrance, loud music was already blaring and neon lights were visible through the windows. Cyril's house wasn't anything to be ashamed of either. It was huge. It had at least three floors and was painted white. Two plants were guarding by the door and in the parking lot there were already some luxurious cars left there by their owners who were probably getting drunk inside.

We had just stepped inside the house when Cyril came to greet his friend with a cup of alcohol. "James!"

"Hi, Cyril."

They swiftly embraced each other, patting themselves on the back.

"And Sassy Betty," Cyril noted plainly when his eyes landed on me.

"Don't be so excited to see me," I remarked with a fake smile.

"Never. Did you invite her?"

"I'm right here in case you've forgotten," I reminded him, crossing my arms over my chest. "And Paul invited me if you're so interested in my life."

Cyril started laughing. "You're not serious, right?" He looked at James, expecting him to join him but wasn't satisfied. "Man, you're hearing her?"

James shrugged. "It's her life. Betty isn't foolish."

"Well, she's foolish enough to forgive that dumbass," Cyril grumbled.

"Do you often talk in such a way about your friends?" I questioned.

"Betty, Paul does have quite a reputation among the girls at Maxton Hall," James said. "And I'm saying that even though he's my friend but now you're my family too."

I remained silent. It felt different coming from James than Cyril but during my stay at Maxton Hall Paul was nothing but a gentleman. Yes, he was resilient when it came to earning my forgiveness but that was a sign that he wasn't just playing around with me.

"Betty! I'm so glad to see you here!"

Paul appeared beside us, taking his spot next to me. Cyril brought the cup to his lips, shaking his head.

I turned to Paul, smiling. "Hi, Paul."

He looked at me from head to toe. "Wow, you look beautiful."

"Thanks, at least someone appreciates my outfit," I replied while swiftly glancing at Cyril to know this comment was aimed at him.

"I'm gonna have a drink," James announced and left the three of us there.

"I'm thirsty too," I said. "I hope this party isn't dry."

"You needn't worry about that," Cyril assured with a smirk.

"I'll bring you something," Paul offered.

"Thanks."

Paul walked away too which meant it was only me and Cyril now. Definitely not one of the greatest combinations.

"You really shouldn't waste your time on him, you know," he said, taking another sip of his drink.

"And you're not the boss of me, you know."

He casually shrugged. "I just gave you some friendly advice but if you're not gonna take it, it's not my problem."

"'Cause you're full of friendly advices."

He smirked. "I am."

"Well, I'm not so stupid to listen to them," I told him, flipped my hair and walked away from him.

ꔫ

"I'm glad you accepted the invitation," Paul said and handed me a glass filled with some liquid.

I carefully sniffed the drink and the strong scent of alcohol instantly hit my nose.

"Cyril always serves the best drink," he informed. "Not the cheap beer in red cups you see in movies."

"I see. Shouldn't you be more careful after being busted by the police?" I asked, remembering that fateful night.

"Because of that we have moved to our houses," he revealed. "Cyril volunteered to host most of the parties and it's become kind of regular now."

"Of course," I replied, my interest in this topic drowning away.

I took a small sip from my drink and cringed.

"You have to get used to the taste."

"Paul?"

His eyes sparked up. "Yes?"

"Why do you want me back?"

"Because you're you," he answered.

"I need a little more than that."

"Betty, you're beautiful and smart. I started liking you the moment we first messaged each other and I still like you. I've never met a girl like you. You were always my escape from this messed up world. And I really regret everything I told you that night. I was drunk and stupid and I didn't know what I had back then."

"Now you do?"

"Yes," he nodded eagerly. "And I don't want to make the same mistakes again."

I inspected his face, trying to look for any signs of lying. But I didn't find any. Maybe he really was sincere and he wanted to earn me back. He had been doing everything for that. James had subtly warned me about Paul and his reputation here. Cyril did it not so subtly. But I was convinced that anyone was better than Cyril. After all, he was the one changing girls between the bookshelves in the library and not Paul so he had no right to talk about my business and dating life.

"Paul..." I started but got interrupted by another person.

"Oh, do I see the two lovebirds making up? You know, I still play that video from that party from time to time because it's hilarious. Your face, Betty, it's priceless!"

It was the same girl that attempted to embarrass me in front of everyone not so long ago. And her little minion friend called Maria was right beside her. From rumors around school I learned that her name was Stephanie.

"Hello, Stephanie," I greeted her. "I see you've changed your skirt. Has the stain gone off?"

"Shut up, bitch," she seethed.

"Hey, girls." Paul stepped between us. "This is a party. We're supposed to have fun."

"We are having so much fun, aren't we, Betty?"

I mirrored her fake smile. Unlike mine, her lips were painted in a deep shade of red. "We are."

"Hello, ladies," Cyril joined us. "And Paul."

"Cyril, why do you seem to be following me everywhere?" I focused on him.

"Oh, don't be so vain. I'm not here because of you. But because of you."

"Me?" Stephanie winked and tried to act shyly but she turned out to be the worst actress ever.

"Yes." Cyril smiled and I rolled my eyes at him. He really had a type. Girls whose hobbies were dressing up and their biggest flex was knowing how to go shopping and which stores had the most expensive clothes. "Because I don't recall sending you an invitation."

Stephanie's smile turned into ashes in a millisecond. She was certainly not expecting this comeback and I bit back my smile.

"W-what?" she stuttered.

"You heard me. You and your friend aren't welcome here."

Stephanie chuckled nervously. "But, Cyril, I'm always invited. You know that!"

Cyril shrugged. "Not anymore. My house, my rules."

She was searching for the right words but she couldn't find any. At last, she accepted her defeat because Cyril was right. He could freely kick her out of here if he desired. So Maria finished her drink in one gulp and harshly put down her glass. She raised her chin and started walking away while her friend Maria was following her like a little servant.

"The party just got so much better," Cyril commented with a smirk and took a sip from his drink. He looked at me. "You're welcome."

"I didn't ask for your help because I didn't need it," I objected.

He feigned hurt as he put his palm over his heart. "I am being a gentleman and I don't even get a polite thank you in return."

"Exactly."

"Uhm, Cyril?"

"Yes, Paul?"

"Betty and I were just talking," he reminded him.

"Oh, did I interrupt something? I'll leave you to it then. There are some people who truly enjoy my company." Cyril winked.

"Keep dreaming," I told him.

Then he suddenly took a step toward me, leaning to my face, I held my breath.

"I've warned you," he whispered so that only he and I heard it.

"Fuck you," I answered, highlighting every syllable but he wasn't fazed at all.

Cyril straightened up, bid us goodbye and walked away, holding up his glass high in the air.

ꔫ

Soon we took a seat in one of the corners. I was slowly sipping my drink, the strong taste of alcohol filling my mouth and sending a wave of warmth over my body. But Paul was right. Cyril did offer only the best of the best.

"So, do you like it here?" Paul asked.

"It's great," I answered. "Certainly better than the last party I attended."

He frowned at my comment, knowing very well which day I was referring to. "Betty, I'm sorry."

"You've already said that countless times."

"Then what do you want me to do? Please, I'll do anything for your forgiveness."

"I can't give you an answer to that question, Paul," I told him.

He moved his chair closer to me and now our knees were touching. "Maybe we could start over. What do you think?"

I looked into his eyes and he didn't even hesitate to return it.

But honestly, what could be so bad about starting over? After all, I wasn't the same Betty either. The old Betty would never attend this party. The old Betty would never attend Maxton Hall. The old Betty would never know all these people.

The old Betty would never talk to Paul again.

But the old Betty died in that car crash with her mother. And I knew I had to move on eventually. I couldn't let that anchor down there for my whole life. I had to adjust to this life as soon as possible. I had to bury my old self and let this new and confident Betty come alive and shine. And at the same time I needed someone to remind me of what I had now and what I lost. I needed something from my old life too. And that was him.

"If you ever mess up again, you won't get a second chance," I said at last.

His eyes instantly lit up. "Does it mean that...?"

"Yes," I confirmed and even I could hardly believe the words that came out of my mouth. But it was already done. I had jumped into this wild river not sure if I could properly swim or not.

Paul leaned closer and I let him take away my glass and out it along with his on the nearest coffee table. I watched his every movement. Paul reached for my now free hand and entwined his fingers with mine.

"Every day I texted you, I imagined this moment," he confessed, his face only inches from mine.

"You did?"

He hummed in confirmation. "You've always been a princess in my eyes."

And then he kissed me. I expected it but it still managed to surprise me. It had been a very long time since I kissed someone. A small part of me wanted to push Paul back but I fought that desire. All my life I had lived restricted. Mom and I weren't rich and our home mirrored that. Now I had every material thing I could ask for but people were still telling me what to do.

But this was my choice.

James warned me. Cyril warned me. But I wouldn't let them make my choices instead of me. This was me regaining at least some control over my own life.

And with that thought I returned the kiss, making it even deeper.

ꔫ

Hello!

Well, it happened. Betty and Paul are together. But you didn't expect for her and Cyril to get together so soon, right? After all, this is a slow burn haha. Don't worry, I have some very fun plans for them!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Have a good day/night :))

Thank you so much for reading! I didn't expect this story to find so many readers (this is my most read fanfic so far so I'm so grateful that you keep reading, voting, commenting and most of all - that you're patient with me). THANK YOU!

Sincerely, writingmagic 💜