Masquerade Ball

Layla

"I need to talk to her. I need to make things better with her." I told dad as I got up from my chair. He smiled, getting up and hugging me. "Baby, I want you to know that I am VERY proud of you. Of your accomplishments and everything that you have become. You are a wonderful woman. And again, you don't have to stay and help. This is our battle, my battle."

Dad was reluctant to make me leave, but I had already made up my mind. Besides, I wasn't sure I was ready to go again. These past few days, I have learned so much, and I realized that I've missed out on so much.

I miss being part of the family; I missed spending time with my sister. I miss waking up in the mornings at home to my dad's off-key singing.

I even miss riding along with mom and her goofy friends and spending time listening to their wild stories. And I hate to admit it, but I missed Daniel. I missed seeing him; I miss hanging out with him, our late-night escapes to the beach, Friday night movies, and his spontaneous behaviors. I miss going to his house and hanging out all day with his sisters, with him, and his grandpa. I miss being friends with him.

I left thinking I had to... because I thought it was the only way to get over him, but the only thing I did was suppress my feelings.

I know it's going to be hard to stay, especially knowing I'm going to work with him now. But maybe this will serve to give closure to both of us.

The whole ride home, Karly was quiet. She refused to talk to me, not because she was mad, but because she was embarrassed with me for going off like that. I decided to give her a little space until later on.

After an awkward lunch with mom, I went upstairs to see her.

I knocked on her door and waited, hoping she wouldn't tell me to get lost. "Karly,"

She finally opened it after a few seconds. The door slowly opened, and she peeked her head out slowly, looking to the floor. "Karly, we'll eventually have to talk about this, you know that," I said, making her sigh. She opens the door all the way, making her way to her bed and laying flat on her stomach.

"I'm sorry, Layla. I really am. I was out of line."

"No. No, Karla. You were right. I haven't been around much to be there for you, for mom and dad. I haven't been around to help with our family business. I missed out on so much here. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I left you, I'm sorry I took off, I-"

"No, Layla. You were in your right to leave. You had the right to pursue your dream. You have no idea how happy and proud I am of you. You're an amazing little sister and my best friend."

She began crying. I couldn't help but hug her. I held her tight as we both cried. We talked for a long time, lying side by side on her bed.

"I'm glad I came to talk to you, sis," I say, looping my arm with her.

"And I'm glad you came home. And I'm sorry I was so harsh on you." She says, giving me a sad smile.

"You know, after the party tomorrow," she says, looking to her ceiling.

"Shawn and a few of us were going to take off to Vegas. I know you're leaving in two days, but.." I hadn't told her I was staying, which was all for the best. It made me smile.

"Layla, please go with us? It'll be the last time we hang out before you leave. And," she says as she sits up and looks at me through hopeful eyes.

"I'm not sure when will be the next time we'll see each other again. It could be months until I can see you, what do you say? Please?"

How could I say no to that? I mean, the chances of Daniel being there were pretty high, but I do want to spend time with my sister. And Vegas does sound fun before we have to come back to reality and face head-on all the long days of work ahead.

I pause for a few seconds, making it more suspenseful for her because, why not? I wanted to surprise her with my news.

"Please, sister! Do it for me, for my birthday?" She says, giving me her big puppy eyes, making me chuckle.

"Ok, fine. But, you have to go with me to the blue man show, got it?" She squeals, clapping her hands joyfully.

She hugs me tightly, making me tilt back as I chuckle. "Thank you, sis. This is going to be the best birthday ever, after all."

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

It's the night of the party, and everything is off the top.

The party is wild, with loud music, people everywhere, and waiters serving appetizers and drinks. Everyone is dressed in their most finest dresses or tuxedos to kill, along with their masks.

My sister is presented with gifts, gifts, and more gifts.

Dad and mom look so happy, and seeing them happy makes me happy.

And I won't deny it; Daniel looks stunning as well. He wore a black suit, with a white button-up and a black tie, along with a black mask.

He stayed distant from me, which made me a little calmer. He knew I was still slightly upset, but my sister was right. I need to patch things up with him, especially if we are to work together now.

I was surprised that he had strived alone; he usually attends these events with a new girl by his hand.

I was surprised to see so many of my old friends. I was smothered with hugs and cheek kisses from them. By nine, Nico and Brenda had finally arrived, and the party finally began for me.

We danced and partied away carelessly, just like when we were high schoolers, moving to the backyard, which was equally crazy.

"I'm going to get a drink," I told Brenda, getting a nod. I made my way back inside and to the kitchen. Daniel was leaning on the counter, his foot crossed over the other with a beer in hand and his phone in the other.

I sighed as we locked eyes. I reached the fridge and got a cold water bottle out. "Layla, can you please talk to me? Look, I'm sorry about those pictures. I swear I'm already looking into it. I will find out who publ-"

"It's OK, Daniel. You don't have to." I say, leaning opposite from him.

"Look, maybe... You were right. I overreacted. I guess the whole breakup with Trevor affected me, and I didn't know how to react. I took my frustration out on you, which was very unfair of me to go off on you like that."

He looks at me with his grey orbs piercing me. I'd melt five years ago, but today, they were only confusing me. "So... What you're saying is, you'll forgive me?" he tilts his head to a side and smiles, making me roll my eyes and smile.

"Yes, and, if it's ok with you... Maybe we can try and be friends again?" his eyes went wide with a big smile from ear to ear.

"I'd... I'd love that," he says as he takes me by surprise, engulfing me with a big bear hug.

"I'm going to make it up to you, I promise," he says while still hugging me.

I inhaled his scent. It was intoxicating. He always smelled so good. Not sure if it was his body wash or cologne, but he always smelled so good. I couldn't help but bury my nose in his neck as my arms wrapped around him.

I was indeed looking forward to Vegas now. Making up with him was going to make this trip a whole lot less complicated and awkward.