Part 37: Wrapped in a red bandage dress
Love is a smoke made from the fume of sighs, and I, dear reader, am a lady in love. Perhaps that explains the dreamy sighs escaping my painted lips as I admired my reflection. I wasn't exaggerating when I said Carrie excelled in her major; the dress I wore proved it. Simple yet elegant, the wine-red fabric perfectly matched my romantic disposition.
It was a one-shoulder bodycon dress that hugged my waist and wrapped around my hips, accentuating my curves. One side fell to my knee while the other ended mid-thigh in a daring slit that added allure. The high-quality fabric felt luxurious against my skin, enhancing both comfort and elegance.
My sister did my makeup, applying soft, natural tones that enhanced my features. A rosy blush highlighted my cheekbones, and a subtle shimmer adorned my eyelids. My hair was styled in an updo, showcasing intricate braids and delicate curls for a sophisticated yet playful look. I completed the outfit with strappy heels that elongated my legs and added a touch of glamour.
Today was finally the day.
Life is indeed interesting and funny. I chuckled at the memory of Carrie bursting into my room, rambling about Valentine's Day until I wished for a way to silence her.
Who would have thought I'd be looking forward to it?
I enjoyed these past thirteen days—the school projects and the lively atmosphere. The energy was contagious, with students collaborating and exchanging ideas with enthusiasm. It was refreshing to see everyone so engaged and motivated to learn. This was unexpected.
Picking up my purse, I took a deep breath, released it, and headed toward the door. It was time; I knew he was waiting for me.
With every step, my stomach flipped as I recalled how this meeting with my beau began. My cheeks were rosy, and my lips, like cherries, mirrored my excitement for what was to come as I opened the first page of my diary.
Sweet nothings he had whispered echoed in my mind. A smile escaped my lips as I held my breath. Just from his gaze, I felt his touch, gripping the stair railing to keep from collapsing as my legs turned to jelly.
At the bottom of the staircase, he looked even more handsome than I remembered. Dressed in a black suit that hugged his broad shoulders, he radiated masculinity, and I couldn't help but fall for him all over again. Everything about him was perfect—his looks, his style, his charisma, and especially how his face lit up when he saw me.
As his eyes drank in my appearance, I noticed the way his Adam's apple bobbed. His reaction was pure jackpot!
With our eyes locked, I descended the stairs, the heel of my shoe clicking softly on each step. His smile widened as he extended his hand toward me when I reached the bottom, ready to whisk me away into the night. It felt like a scene from Titanic, with Nick as my Jack and me as his Rose.
"You look—" His moment was abruptly interrupted by someone clearing their throat.
Startled, I looked around and noticed my family in the room. Embarrassed, I averted their teasing smiles, knowing I'd turn beet red if they started in on me.
"Aww, Mama, look how beautiful your other daughter has grown!" My sister chimed in, her voice playful. "She has to; after all, she has my genes," Dad added proudly.
"You look wonderful, my love." Dad decided to steal Nick's thunder, prompting Mom to playfully slap his arm as she chuckled.
I couldn't help but laugh at his antics, rolling my eyes. I knew he'd cleared his throat just to interrupt Nick. What a child.
"You look beautiful, darling," Mom said, walking toward me. "I hope you have fun tonight," she added, smoothing out the nonexistent wrinkles in my dress.
"Thanks, Mom. I'll make sure to enjoy myself," I promised with a smile, knowing how much this moment meant to my parents.
Even though I told them I was fine, I could sense their concerns. Mom had been thrilled when I arrived home, despite her suspicions about the sudden change in plans. She was just grateful that all her children were under one roof again—she called it Valentine's magic.
"No drinking, though," Dad interjected from the couch, wearing a serious expression. But if you looked closely, you'd see the playful glint in his eyes.
"I won't, Dad," I assured him, turning back to Nick, whose gaze had been fixed on me the entire time.
"What? Don't tell me you're blinded by my beauty too," I teased, giving him a playful nudge. He grinned and leaned closer to whisper.
"You mean drunk, so I'll need to hold you up so I won't fall for you more?" he said. If I hadn't been flustered before, I definitely was now. My cheeks burned as I tried to hide my embarrassment with a playful shove.
"Ahem." Dad cleared his throat, interrupting us again. "Are you two done flirting? You, boy, make sure my girl gets—"
"Home before midnight?" I finished for him, prompting chuckles from everyone.
"Exactly," he said with a smile, giving Nick a pointed look.
"Oh, come on, honey, midnight is when the event starts," Mom interjected, rolling her eyes playfully. "Let them enjoy their night; they're responsible young adults."
Nick chuckled while I grinned at Mom. "Dad, I'm not going to a homecoming. I'm going to a party, okay?" I teased, relishing his helpless expression.
My dad sighed and exchanged a knowing glance with Mom before nodding in reluctant acceptance.
"Shall we, then?" I turned to Nick, who offered his arm for me to take. But before we left, he turned to my dad.
"Don't worry, sir; I'll make sure she's home safe and sound." Then we headed out for the night.
...
"Wow!" was all I could say upon arriving at the party.
It was a party, sure, but no one had mentioned it would be a literal red carpet affair! They had outdone every expectation I had.
Demi Lovato's "Neon Lights" blasted in the background, creating a glamorous and lively atmosphere. A long red carpet led to the entrance, lined with photographers eager to catch a glimpse of the arrivals, making us feel like celebrities. Excitement filled the air as we stood at the beginning of the carpet.
"Wow!" Nick echoed, clearly just as impressed. "You guys don't hold back, do you?" He chuckled, and I couldn't help but agree.
"Are you ready to be a celebrity, my lady?" Nick whispered in my ear, his eyes sparkling with mischief. I laughed, tightening my grip on his arm and nodding. The moment we stepped onto the carpet, it felt like we were transported to another universe of glitz and glamour.
Flashbulbs popped and cameras clicked as we made our way down the red carpet, basking in the attention and feeling like true VIPs. The crowd's energy was infectious, fueling our excitement and making us feel like we belonged in this world of celebrities. We paused for pictures and answered questions about who we were wearing, and I made sure to put Carrie on the map as a rising fashion icon.
The whole experience was surreal and exhilarating! Most attendees dressed as if for the Met Gala, predominantly in white and gold, with only a few in red. I was grateful to stand out. We even had to sign our names on a wall before entering the main event!
As we walked through the doors, I was awestruck. The planning team had truly outdone themselves. The venue was transformed into a breathtaking spectacle, with extravagant decorations and stunning art installations. What caught my eye most was that some of my own work was featured among the installations.
"Whoa, I didn't know it would be like an exhibition inside!" I exclaimed, moving toward a particular photograph.
"You took this?" Nick asked in wonder, and I nodded with pride. It was a picture of a bird perched on a tree, its beak open.
I remembered taking that photo last season. It was raining, but the stubborn bird was determined to sing its heart out. Looking at it now, I was amazed at how I had captured its resilience and beauty amid the gloomy weather.
"I know you're a great poet and writer, but I didn't know you had a real talent for photography. How come you never took a picture of me?" he asked, a teasing tone in his voice.
"Are you jealous?" I teased, a wide smile on my face.
"I truly am," he replied, grinning playfully.
"I guess I prefer seeing you with my own eyes rather than through a lens. There's something special about experiencing moments firsthand, without a camera in the way." His eyes darkened with desire at my words.
Leaning in closer, his voice low and husky, he said, "I want to take you home now so I can capture every moment with you—not just in a photograph, but..." His words trailed off, his gaze intense as the air between us crackled.
The intensity of his gaze sent shivers down my spine, making me want to abandon this party and take his offer.
"Um, look at that," I said, gulping to regain my composure as I quickly walked past him, heading toward another picture we took. It was the perfect distraction from his overwhelming presence. Why was he suddenly so seductive? I wondered.
"This one was when we first created our club. It was three years ago, and I had no idea it still existed," I murmured, loud enough for him to hear, while staring at a photograph of us in the editing room. I remembered setting the camera to capture all of us.
"You looked happy," Nick commented, standing beside me.
"Yes, I was," I replied, glancing around the section filled with my work, surprised to see so much of it. I hadn't been informed about any of this. The entire arena felt like a showroom of our memories, frozen in time.
"My, oh my! Don't you look stunning?" Carrie's voice rang out, and we turned to see her with her own "prey," matching our vibe.
Might I say, Carrie looked like a goddess? She was clad in a white sequin off-shoulder A-line evening gown, featuring a custom side slit that started from her thigh and extended to her ankle. Her hair was styled in a neat updo, adorned with delicate crystal hairpins that caught the light as she moved. Her makeup was flawless, with a subtle smoky eye and maroon matte lipstick that perfectly complemented her dress.
"Dang, girl!" I exclaimed. "You are absolutely stunning, Habibi!" Carrie flashed a confident smile and gracefully walked toward us, enveloping me in a hug before hugging Nick.
"Thank you! I just can't help but look beautiful all the time," she replied, twirling around. Nick and I laughed at her playful nature.
"And you look dashing with Mr. Pastor." I turned to Dave, giving him a wink. He grinned and replied, "I'm a lucky man to have such a beautiful date." Carrie blushed and playfully nudged him, causing us all to laugh again.
"Where's Lizzy?" I asked, scanning the room.
"Probably making her boyfriend's life hell on the red carpet," Carrie joked, prompting more chuckles.
"She's always the life of the party," I added, shaking my head with a smile. "You guys outdid yourself." Nick nodded in agreement.
"I can't believe how well everything turned out." Carrie beamed with pride, her eyes scanning the room filled with decorations and happy guests.
"That's why I told my precious girl here that this year's Valentine would be different." "I promise to believe you always." I raised my fingers in pledge, making us laugh.
In no time, Lizzy made her grand entrance. With her and her boyfriend's looks, they always managed to turn heads towards them as they walked into the room. The couple was dressed to impress; their outfits were perfectly coordinated with gold and black accents, making them the center of attention.
Lizzy's sparkling dress shimmered under the lights, while her boyfriend's tailored suit accentuated his chiseled features. Everyone's eyes followed them as they made their way towards us, adding to the already electric atmosphere of the party.
"And her highness is here," I said, bowing down playfully as Lizzy approached. She laughed at my dramatic antics.
"You look used." I turned to Ethan, who gave me an exasperated look, knowing all too well about his trek down the red carpet with my lovely Lizzy. "Anything for my Barbie, anything." We giggled at how henpeck he was as he said this and gave me a hug.
"Today, we do nothing but enjoy the night!" Lizzy exclaimed loud enough that the DJ understood his assignment as he played a mix of upbeat tunes, instantly setting the mood for a fun-filled evening.
Among my favorite Kenyan artists—Sauti Sol, Nyashinski, Nikita Kerring, and others—I felt lucky to be here. The dance floor was already packed with enthusiastic partygoers, moving and grooving to the infectious beats.
"Hello everyone! I hope you're having a blast!" the MC announced, his voice booming through the speakers. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. "Can I say that you guys are awesome? Or what do you think, Natasha?" He directed his question toward his co-MC, who grabbed the microphone and replied with a wide smile.
"Absolutely! This energy is off the charts! I mean, are we at some kind of awards show or what?" The crowd laughed and cheered at her remark.
"You know, when I first arrived, the energy with which the cameramen attacked me on the red carpet almost made me fall over!" His exaggeration made everyone laugh, but who could blame him? I was starstruck when I got here.
The MC continued, "But seriously, folks, let's give it up for the amazing talent of our event planning faculty and staff, who have worked tirelessly to make this event possible. Without their dedication and hard work, none of this would be happening. Let's show them our appreciation!" The crowd erupted in applause, acknowledging the behind-the-scenes efforts often overlooked at events like these.
"You know what, Jemmo?" Natasha said, turning to her co-MC. "I knew this year was going to be special. I never thought I'd get to wear such beautiful dresses for an event like this. But here I am, feeling like a million bucks, all thanks to the fashion design faculty and to the one designer who makes me feel over the moon today, Closet Chic." Upon hearing the brand name, I couldn't help but cheer louder—it was Carrie's brand.
Feeling proud and touched, Carrie waved at the crowd and bowed slightly in gratitude. That's my girl.
"Guess what, everyone? The party is officially starting, and for that, we're going to welcome the university president to kick off the festivities."
As the president took to the stage, excitement in the room surged. The dean and several professors followed, each saying a few words about the event.
"Now, let's welcome the most important person. She was the one who came up with this fantastic idea and pitched it to the school council for approval. She has worked tirelessly to bring this glamour to our school years…" As the MC continued the introduction, my heart began to race. I didn't know if it was fear or nervousness, but my grip on Nick's arm tightened.
"Hey, are you okay?" Nick asked, his concern evident, but my eyes were fixed on the entrance.
"Now let's give it up for our Deputy President of the University of Art, the one and only beautiful and talented Silvia!" And there she appeared, dressed in a red-laced maxi dress, her hair flowing down her back. Beside her stood Harry in a gold tuxedo suit with black pants. They looked perfect—like a couple made in hell.
Anxiety started to consume me. My heart raced, and my palms grew sweaty. The sight of Silvia and Harry together sent waves of unease through me, making it hard to breathe.
"Hey, Mandy!" Nick's voice snapped me out of my dark thoughts. I turned to see his worried expression.
"Sorry. You were saying?" I asked, trying to push aside my racing thoughts.
"You know I'm on your side, right?" he asked, and I managed a weak smile, grateful for his support.
"Of course, Nick," I replied, my voice trembling slightly.
"It's just... seeing them together like that... it's hard." Nick nodded understandingly, his eyes filled with empathy. "I know it's tough, beautiful. But remember, you're stronger than you think. You'll get through this." His words offered a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos in my mind, rekindling my determination to face my anxiety head-on.
"Hello, everyone!" Our attention shifted to Silvia as she spoke from the stage.
"I must say, this is beyond my expectations," she said, her eyes scanning the crowd.
"The love and support in this room is so overwhelming that I can't breathe properly." The crowd erupted in laughter as Silvia fanned herself with her hand, pretending to catch her breath.
"But seriously," she continued, her voice filled with gratitude, "thank you all for being here tonight. Your presence means the world to me. Many people think the idea came from me, but that's where you're wrong." At this, the crowd fell silent, curiosity piqued.
I was just as curious. Silvia not taking credit? Since when?
Silvia paused for a moment, her eyes scanning the room before locking onto mine. "The truth is," she continued, her voice growing more intense. I felt a wave of unease wash over me, especially as her gaze lingered.
"This idea was actually born from Mandy over there," she said, and just like that, the spotlight shifted to me. It felt brighter than ever, with all eyes on me. This scene was all too familiar—the curious stares, the anticipation in the air, and the weight of everyone's attention focused solely on me.
Time seemed to stand still as my heart pounded in my chest. Memories flooded back to that incident three years ago, when everything went wrong. People had laughed at me, judged me, and sneered as if I were a joke. Even after they were banned from discussing it, whispers and sidelong glances followed me everywhere. I had hardened my skin just to survive. People like to talk, but over the years, they eventually forget.
But now, standing in the spotlight once more, I couldn't shake the feeling that Silvia was messing with my life again. I felt a reassuring squeeze on my hand and turned to see Nick beside me. His presence grounded me, reminding me I wasn't alone. I refused to let those memories define me. This time, I was determined to prove everyone wrong and show them the person I had become. Taking a deep breath, I composed myself, ready to see what kind of game Silvia was playing.
"I know you're all surprised," she continued, "but I'm not bluffing. I don't know if you remember, Mandy, but three years ago, while we were shopping at the new mall, you told me that people make a fuss about Valentine's Day when they could just shower love every day. You also mentioned how fun it would be to celebrate Valentine's more than just once a year."
At Silvia's words, my brow furrowed as I struggled to recall that conversation. And then, it clicked.
"You know how there are twelve days of Christmas? It would be fun to do the same for Valentine's, only with fourteen days instead," I had excitedly told Silvia three years ago. I was so eager to spend the season with Harry that I wanted every day to feel like Valentine's Day.
"Imagine all the ways we could show love and appreciation for each other every day for two whole weeks. It would make Valentine's even more special!"
"Well, shocker. Your idea is six days late," Silvia had sarcastically shot back. "We're already halfway through February, and you're just now suggesting this? Plus, I don't think I have the energy or creativity to come up with fourteen different ways to show love every day."
Now, in the present, my eyes widened at the revelation.
Fourteen days of Valentine's was my idea! I had wanted it to be like that, but after everything that happened, I had completely forgotten.
I glanced at Silvia. She wore a genuine smile, unlike the trickster or smug expressions she usually flashed.
"I thought your idea was wonderful, despite our differences. So I decided to give it a try. All credit goes to you. I've always known you had great ideas—whether in your stories or your poems." I raised an eyebrow at this.
She read my poems? As if sensing my surprise, her smile widened. "Oh yes, I've read your poems, and 'Obsession' is my favorite. You all should check out her stories and poems; they're amazing, I promise." Her words caught me off guard.
Honestly, I felt like I was in a dream. This was Silvia, the mean girl who had once ruined my life and showed no remorse.
"And I'm not just giving empty praise because I received an email today that your script 'Meet Me at Midnight on Valentine's Day' has been chosen for production by All Stars Entertainment," she continued. A wave of murmurs erupted in the room, and my jaw dropped in disbelief. I glanced at Nick, who wore a curious expression, mirrored by my friends.
"You're probably wondering how this happened. I submitted your script without telling you. I knew how talented you were, and I wanted to surprise you today." Silvia explained, a hint of guilt creeping into her voice. I stared at her, speechless and unsure of how to react. The script she mentioned was something I had written ages ago and had long since discarded.
I didn't want to see anything with "Valentine" in it, and I had completely forgotten I even wrote such a thing.
What... what was happening? Was this really the Silvia I knew?
"This Valentine, while we're spreading love, I wanted to give you this gift. So, everyone, have a blast tonight!" She concluded her speech to a round of applause. As the applause faded, I felt a whirlwind of emotions inside me—confusion, disbelief, and a hint of curiosity. Silvia's sudden change in demeanor left me unsure of what to think or how to feel.
"Well, that was surprising," Nick remarked, pulling me from my thoughts.
"You don't say," I muttered, still trying to process the whirlwind of events.
"Hey, are you okay?" Carrie approached us, concern etched on her face. "What just happened?" Lizzy asked, her voice filled with bewilderment.
"I have no idea," I replied, shaking my head, still dazed. "It's like Silvia just transformed into a completely different person." Carrie nodded, her brow furrowed in thought.
"We should probably talk to her and find out what's going on. If this is another one of her games, then—"
"Mandy," Lizzy was cut short by a familiar voice behind us. Talk of the devil; it was Silvia.