Chapter Title: Smudged Lipstick
[Party – Sienna’s House, Basement – Nighttime]
The lights were dim, flashing red and purple over the crowded basement. The music vibrated through the walls, making it hard to hear anything but the heavy bass. Ava leaned against the wall, the edge of a cup pressed to her lips, half-empty and warm. Her head felt light, the alcohol humming in her veins.
Sienna was in the center of the room, spinning beneath the flickering lights like she owned the place. Her hair whipped around her shoulders as she laughed at something one of the guys said, but her eyes kept drifting back to Ava.
Lana: (nudging Ava’s arm) You okay?
Ava blinked, glancing over at Lana, who was way too close—like she always was.
Ava: (shrugging) I’m fine.
Lana’s lips parted like she wanted to say something, but before she could, Sienna was suddenly there, pulling Ava away by the wrist.
Sienna: (grinning) Ava! You’re not allowed to be boring tonight.
Ava stumbled after her, letting Sienna lead her toward the corner of the room, away from Lana’s watchful eyes. They collapsed onto a couch together, their knees pressed too close. Sienna’s eyes sparkled under the faint glow of the lights, her smirk lingering a little too long.
Sienna: You’re pretty when you stop trying so hard.
Ava felt her cheeks flush, but she covered it with a sarcastic laugh.
Ava: (rolling her eyes) And you’re full of shit.
Sienna’s hand brushed over Ava’s thigh, a casual gesture that felt anything but casual.
Sienna: Am I?
Ava opened her mouth to respond, but Sienna’s gaze flicked to her lips—just for a second. The room felt hotter, the music quieter, like the world had faded into the background.
Ava: You’re drunk.
Sienna: (leaning in closer) So are you.
Ava didn’t move. And then Sienna kissed her.
It wasn’t soft or careful. It was messy, lipstick smudging between them, the taste of alcohol lingering on their tongues. Ava’s heart pounded so loud she thought it might explode, but she didn’t stop. Sienna’s hand slid up to the back of her neck, pulling her closer.
For a moment, nothing else mattered. Not ballet, not Ms. Avery, not even Lana watching from across the room with wide, hurt eyes.
When they finally pulled apart, Sienna’s lipstick was smeared across Ava’s mouth.
Sienna: (smiling lazily) Told you. You’re pretty like this.
Ava exhaled shakily, brushing her thumb over her lips, but the red wouldn’t come off.
Ava: (grinning) Yeah… whatever.
But she didn’t wipe it away.
[Party – Sienna’s House, Later That Night]
Ava sat on the back porch steps, the cool night air biting at her skin. She pressed her fingers to her lips, feeling the faint smudge of Sienna’s lipstick still there. Inside, the party raged on, but out here, everything felt still.
The door creaked open behind her, and Ava didn’t need to turn around to know it was Lana.
Lana: (softly) You disappeared.
Ava stayed quiet, watching her breath fog in the cold. Lana sat down beside her, tugging her hoodie tighter around herself.
Lana: (after a pause) So… you and Sienna?
Ava flinched.
Ava: (sighing) Don’t start.
Lana: (quietly) I’m not.
They sat in silence, the only sound was the distant thumping of the bass inside. Lana’s foot tapped against the wood rhythmically, like she was holding something back.
Lana: (finally) Do you like her?
Ava hesitated. The question felt heavier than it should have.
Ava: (shrugging) I don’t know. Maybe.
Lana’s head dropped, her hair falling over her face as she nodded slowly.
Lana: (softly) Right.
Ava glanced sideways, catching the way Lana’s hands gripped the edge of the steps, knuckles turning white.
Ava: (gently) Lana—
Lana: (cutting her off) It’s fine, Ava. Seriously. I’m not mad.
But she was. Ava could hear it in the way Lana’s voice cracked, like something fragile holding on by a thread.
Ava: (barely audible) I didn’t mean for it to happen.
Lana: (finally looking at her) Yeah, well… things don’t just happen, Ava.
The words lingered between them, sharp and cold. Ava didn’t know how to respond, so she didn’t. She just sat there, staring at the ground, wishing she hadn’t drunk so much or let Sienna pull her in so easily.
After a long stretch of silence, Lana pushed herself to her feet.
Lana: (softly) I’ll see you at school.
Ava watched as Lana walked back inside, the door swinging shut behind her. The music swallowed her whole.
And for the first time that night, Ava felt completely alone.
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