Page 32 of Casualties

Yea that was intense.Your brother really knows how to pose a threat.

Me

Oh God, I’m so embarrassed…again, really sorry.

Jackson

It’s okay, really.He is your brother and overprotective.I don’t have the best reputation when it comes to dating someone, so it makes sense he's apprehensive toward me.

Me

So I have a question…That charity ball you and that girl from the pizza restaurant were talking about…I think I might be going to the same one.

Jackson

That’s great!Now it won’t be the worst event of the year, because you will be there.

Why do you have to go?I've never seen you at one before.

Me

Normally I wouldn’t have to go, but our parents aren’t able to make it and asked us to go in their place.I hate those events.

Jackson

I do too, and hate the forced date I have to bring.I would much rather go with you, but our fathers are business partners and my dad forces me to take her every year.

Me

I would rather go with you too.I’m stuck going with my brother and Ace.Cass will be with me, but just as miserable…she has this weird conflict with my brother that she never talks about.

Jackson

Well I’ll see you there!The rest of my week is slammed with classes and practice.Save me a dance?

Me

Oh, you brave soul…you may get another verbal bashing from my brother.

Jackson

I can handle it.

I don’t respond to his last text.While I would love to see Jackson and dance with him again, I know it will be more drama from Ace and my brother.

I text Cassie to let her know I’m home from school.Her reply comes right away, letting me know she'll be home soon, and asks if it’s true that we are required to attend the charity event.I text yes, and that we need to go dress shopping before Friday.All she responds with is a thumbs up emoji and she loves me.My eyes flutter closed, falling into a deep sleep.

* * *

The week goes by quickly.It's Thursday, the only day Cassie and I could make it work to go shopping together.We cut it pretty close, and I'm hoping we can find something to wear for the gala in such a short amount of time.

Walking into a boutique that looks like it carries nothing but fancy dresses, I groan.I probably won’t find a dress that is elegant, but still me.

“Come on AC, give it a chance.You never know, you could find the perfect dress here.Grams made the appointment, so we should be getting special treatment.”Cass fans her hands in the air like British royalty.I laugh, knowing she is exaggerating.In reality, she detests wealth and what it turns people into.I always tell her that her family is the exception.They are the most kind-hearted souls I have ever known.

Once Cassie gives our names, both attendants smile widely, knowing whatever we want is going on a black card that has no limit.They knew our sizes ahead of time—thanks to Grams—so the ladies have two racks of dresses waiting for us to look at.To my surprise, the rack for me is filled with dresses that are shades of black, maroon, and navy blue.Cassie’s rack has similar dresses, but with lighter shades.Her dresses are colors like dusty rose, forest green, and an eggshell blue color.Honestly, Grams knows us so well.My disdain turns into excitement as I realize I won't be trying on bright-colored prom dresses.

After trying on a ton of dresses, we each find the perfect one.We decided to wear a more daring look—they are still tasteful, but more on the risqué side.I know Ace and Morgan will have a field day over them, and probably lecture us on dressing inappropriately, but oh well.They can save their unwanted opinions, Grams approved.

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