First Love Only Love (The Life 2)

She looked amazing; from head to toe, she shone. I felt like smiling and did feeling that tingling in my gut as she sat next to me. The twins, even Sheila, were still beaming at their handiwork, and even Pop made a comment about how beautiful she looked in her new digs. Ma thought she looked like a porcelain doll, but she also thinks that about the twins, so…

To me, she looked the way I expected her to. Her hair was still straight, but Sheila had done something to the ends that gave them a feathery look, I guess it’s called, and it flowed and bounced around her back when she moved. I’d dressed her the way I see her in my mind’s eye, classic clean beauty. Everything she wore was an overpriced designer brand, not because I believe in that superficial bullshit but because I know her enemies do.

The cashmere silk mix black mock turtleneck was paired with a mini leather skirt in heather blue that came to just above her knees and matching tights a shade lighter over black suede ankle boots. The black Chanel beret rounded out the look, but there was something missing. I could see her nerves beating away in her temple as she picked at the food that Ma had placed in front of her.

I watched to make sure she got some of it in her at least before ending her misery. “Come upstairs with me for a minute.” She stumbled when we reached the stairs, and I took her hand and didn’t release it even when she became steady on her feet again. “Did I get the heel too high?”

“No, it’s fine; I’ve just never worn them before, so it’s going to take getting used to, but I actually like them.”

“The lady at the store said that because the heel is so thick, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“She’s right; if they were stilettos, I don’t think I could pull it off, but these actually feel like I’m walking on air.” They should; the shits cost almost two grand.

“They look good; now we’re almost eye to eye.” Not quite, but she’d gained at least three inches in height, which brought her to just about my shoulder. “Stop fidgeting; you’ll be fine. What’s got you so worried anyway?”

“I don’t know; this all seems so surreal. I thought the weekend was the highlight of my life so far, but this feels even more so. It’s just….” She looked genuinely worried.

“Are you worried about what the people at school will say?” She didn’t answer, but I vaguely recalled Victoria saying something to her about her being a charity case to my family and me or something along those lines. “More to the point, are you worried about what Victoria and her friends will say?”

“How did you know?” Because you wear your thoughts and emotions on your face, and because I’m coming to know you too well.

“Has anyone here treated you like a charity case?”

“No, but I still don’t understand why you all are doing this.”

“Didn’t I ask you to trust me?” We’d reached my room, and I led her inside.

I moved to the bureau where I’d left her jewelry, the finishing touches to her outfit. The silver Return to Tiffany necklace against the black top had a stunning effect. I had her stand in front of me in the mirror while I snapped it into place around her neck. The matching bracelet and heart-shaped earrings pulled it all together. “You look stunning. Now pick your head up and follow my lead.”

I have to say, when we walked back downstairs and met the twins who were waiting that the three of them together looked amazing, all three complement each other in the clothes they’d chosen, and I had no doubt it was by design. My sisters are known for coordinating outfits with their friends in a show of some kind of female solidarity, I guess.

The twins bitched and moaned when the staff brought the hummer around front because apparently, they looked too good to ride in it. I ignored them and helped Gianna into the truck before strapping her in. “You two wanna walk, or are you getting in?” I walked around and climbed into the driver’s seat, leaving them to scramble to get in.

I must give it to them. They didn’t let on in any way that they were up to anything. She’d never know that the three of us were on guard and ready to strike at any moment, anyone who dared step into her space. Lance was there to meet us when we pulled up, sitting on the hood of his car like a delinquent with loud music blasting from his speakers, which of course, had gained the attention of more than half the school.

As if on cue, the whispers started, and I now knew why the twins had posted her picture to the forum. Everyone was there to get a look at the new and improved Gia Fontane, and they were not shy about letting it be known. “Is that Gia? How the hell did she lose that much weight in one weekend?”