– SHE WAS SO CONFIDENT UNTIL THEY GOT THERE, but now allie’s hesitating. a couple people know that she’ll be there : obviously she texted luce, ruby, and tilly, but she’s still scared that she’ll be unwelcome, because they’re OUTSIDERS when it comes to this, even if they’d been invited. “ well, you look stunning, ” she’s glad for the presence of imogen’s hand, lacing their fingers together more for herself than anything else. “ good to know i’m not the only one suddenly feeling super nervous. please tell me if i look as sweaty as i feel, and then we’ll find the drinks. ”
“ thanks , ” the little smile that comes is genuine , soft as her voice is quiet . “ you , too . ” a small squeeze of their hands . allie and imogen were always bonded , first as best friends , then as potential soon to be sisters through jeremy . . . and even without him , that doesn’t go away . but they’re also bonded in the way they’d both left boys here who perhaps mean more to them than they’ll admit . facing them again is difficult and scary , even if they weren’t at gallagher , but since they are , it’s even more difficult and scary . imogen’s index finger will gently tap at allie’s forehead once or twice , because maybe she’s a LITTLE sweaty . “ it’s warm in here , that’s all . ” she’ll nod , convincing herself . “ i just . . . i feel like if we’re going to bail we need to do it NOW . ” a nervous laugh , she’s tempted . “ no — ignore me . we should stay , at least for one drink , anyways . see how we feel after . . . we’ll be fine . ” now she just can’t stop rambling . “ let’s just find some . ” a small sigh as she starts walking a bit closer to where she thinks the drinks are .