Chapter one

Ziaani's POV

"Yesssss! We're finally free!" my friend Luke said, throwing his arm over Jessica's shoulder—his girlfriend.

"Yes, we are, my guy," my other friend Mike added.

"Party!" Mike cheered, kissing his girlfriend on the cheek.

"What?!" I asked, confused.

"We're going to a costume party Michael is hosting, duh!" Jessica said.

"I'm not sure, guys, I don't—"

"Come on, Zia, it'll be fun! You never have fun. Let's do it!" my best friend Jessica interrupted.

"Ummmm, I don't know..."

"Come on, girl, do it for me," she said, giving me puppy eyes.

"Fine," I sighed.

She grinned, letting out an excited squeal before jumping up. "Yes! We have to go shopping!" Jessica said, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward her car.

We got in and drove to the mall.

"I can't decide," I muttered, glancing at Jessica, who was admiring herself in the mirror while wearing a very revealing nurse costume.

"I like this one," she said, checking herself out.

"Here, wear this," she said, tossing me a costume.

I held it up. "A vampire? Really?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, a sexy vampire," she smirked. "Damian is gonna love it."

I scoffed. "What? No. I—"

"Before you protest, I know you like him," she teased.

"I do not."

"Yeah, you do."

"No, I don't."

We went back and forth until I finally gave up and went to change.

"Come on! I'm growing roots out here," Jessica called from outside the dressing room.

"I'm not sure about this..." I hesitated, staring at my reflection.

"Just come out! I'm sure you look great!" she shouted.

"No, I—I—"

"NO. Come. Out," she demanded, her voice louder.

"Ugh, fine. Sheesh." I stepped out reluctantly.

"Wow." Jessica's eyes widened. "Damian is so gonna die when he sees you in that," she chuckled.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not wearing this," I huffed, turning back toward the dressing room.

"Yes. Yes, you are," she countered, marching to the counter and paying for our stuff before I could protest.