The Last Thorn

5. Shine Bright

The whole day passes by in a haze. No matter where Florence looks, she sees those brown eyes. She doesn’t want to admit it, but deep down she wants to make sure that the image of Alex is burned in her brain.

No, she has to stay focused. She can’t let another obsession take her away from work. She was focused for literally 3 days and she got herself a promotion. What things she could do if she’d give her all every day? She hasn’t done much today, but she just has to take a breather.

It’s full on summer outside, so it’d be refreshing to walk a little before going home. She comes to Marcus’ office to ask him to let her go home early. She knows he won’t mind and it turns out to be true.

She happily grabs her things and goes outside. There was a light rain an hour ago, so the air is very fresh. Florence stops and inhales deeply. It feels great. Even the smell of an asphalt as well as some of the trees and the flowers in front of the building is calming for her agitated nerves.

It’s Friday, so she texts Eugene that they have to out to celebrate her success. It’s no- brainer that he’s down for it. It’s a slow day at the restaurant anyway, he’ll prepare everything for others to calmly finish the evening, so he’ll be home early today. Sharing happiness as well as sorrow between friends should always be put up first.

Florence is in great spirits when she gets home. She’s eager to have fun with her friends and to drink and dance till the sun rises.

“Hello, princess,” Eugene greets her wide arms wide open. However, he stops on his tracks when he looks at her outfit, “Honey, you told me you got a promotion today. How on Earth is that possible when you’re wearing a poop suit?”

“First of all, mother bought this for me,” Florence laughs.

“You know I love her, but THIS has to go. And those shoes? Why don’t you ever listen to me? They have to go.”

“Don’t worry,” Florence pouts as she throws them off, “My boss made fun of me enough already.”

Eugene’s eyes widen. He drags her down the couch and curls up as a child ready to listen to his most favorite fairy tale, “No way. You met Alex Benson? She’s like, a goddess of accessories. Those handbags and wallets. The year she made everything from see through materials? Iconic! What is she like? Please, tell me everything!”

“Nice,” Florence whines, “Why didn’t you tell me Alex is a she? I made such a fun of myself.”

“Yeah, I know honey. To turn up in a meet with Alex Benson in such an outfit. Oof. Rough. From today on it’s literally forbidden for you to get out of the house dressed without my approval. Come, we have to get at least something decent for you to wear today,” he says as he rushes in her room and goes straight in her closet looking through everything. It seems like he already knows what he’s looking for.

“Where is that mini dress I bought you?”

“Which one?” Florence rolls her eyes.

“You know, the I one I gave you for Christmas. You never wore it. The black shiny one,” he says as he throws a shirt over his shoulder.

Florence is fast to show him what he wants. She doesn’t want to argue, plus she knows it just won’t work. She’s just gonna give her friend what he wants, so everybody would be happy and have a nice time. Plus, she doesn’t want any more mess in her room.

As Florence puts on the dress, Eugene seems even more excited than before, “This. Is. Perfect. I know you hate it when I do this, but Garrett will be right over. He’ll do your make up. Yeah, I know, I know that he went slightly overboard the last time. But give the guy a break. He had never done makeup for anyone, but Doreen.”

“Yeah, I know. And it’s fine. But it’s slightly different for his stage self than for an average girl like me. I don’t need my eyebrows glued and face caked in 5 layers. My pores were terrible for a month.”

“Anyway, he did a better job than you’ve ever had. Trust me, this time it’ll be spot on. Anyway, while we’re waiting, how you’ve been? I’ve been pretty stressed when you didn’t say hi to me couple days in a row. It was like living with a ghost or something. You can hear it, but never see it.”

“I’m sorry, hon. Job has been stressful,” Florence says as she sits next to him on the bed.

“Who cares about the job. Nothing interesting ever happens in the job, especially an office like yours. Is that Marcus character still bothering you? What makes him think that’s okay?” Eugene says hastily.

Florence takes his hand into hers, “I’m more than good, hon. Seriously. Marcus is annoying, but he helped me a lot actually.”

“Well, he better be just helping and nothing else,” he says as an angry father. It makes Florence laugh. Eugene wouldn’t do anything even to a fly, but it’s so cute that she can’t help but hug him. “You’re the best, you know?”

“Oh, I know alright.” A message tings in his phone. His face can’t hide the true happiness because of Garrett being practically here. It makes Florence happy, however somewhat sad. It’s not easy to be around happy couples as an eternal single person. Eugene apologizes as he runs to greet Garret. Florence takes her time. She gives them privacy until they’re ready to come to her. She knows better than watch them being all lovey-dovey and kissing, and being in love.

Not more than 10 minutes later they both come in her room and she stands up to hug Garrett. They start doing her makeup right away.

It’s pretty nice when someone’s pampering you. Garrett’s got a professional makeup with brushes and various palettes. It feels nice against her skin. This time she doesn’t feel any glue, so she’s more relaxed than before.

After makeup is done, boys don’t let her look in the mirror just yet. Garrett decides to straighten up her curls and make her a high ponytail and turns her to the mirror.

Florence feels like she’s going to cry. She looks so good that it’s almost too much for her to bear. Her happiness is over the roof and she hugs and thanks both of them. She’s ready to rule the world today.

They’re all dressed up, but now it’s time to start up the evening before heading out. Everybody knows that you should eat a lot and drink something before going out- it’s not only cheaper, but that’s to make sure you’ve got energy.

They decide to to the Chapel tonight. As expected, it’s full, but Eugene used to know the bouncer, so they get inside easily. Most of people look at them angrily, while Garrett is pretending to be jealous. Eugene laughs and kisses him on the cheek.

They all go inside and there’s a huge hall full with people dancing. The music is popular and blasting. “So many opportunities to take my mind off,” Florence thinks with a wicked smile as they head to their usual reserved table.