Ophelia felt exposed, even as she tucked herself away in the corner, book in hand. When she’d decided on her costume for the night, she’d gone all out. Lando hadn’t understood when she’d told him she’d need hours to get ready, only to watch his eyes widen in delight once he saw her painted entirely blue. Her braids alone had taken up half of her Thursday, with the paint monopolising the majority of her Friday afternoon before Billy’s party.
Staring around her now, she felt a little silly. Nobody had committed quite as heavily as she had, though they all looked much better. Lando’s matching costume with his friend Elodie had seemed sweet when he’d mentioned it, but now Ophelia found herself blushing and averting her gaze from the pretty blonde. She was effortlessly pretty, always capturing the attention of those around her — including those that Ophelia wished would turn her way once in a while.
With her copy of Six of Crows tucked into her lap, Ophelia tipped her head back against the bookcase she’d sought solace in. She’d been searching for a quiet place to hide away from the music and the nauseating smell of alcohol when she’d spotted Luke. He looked as handsome as he always had, long legs and warm smiles, arm wrapped cosily around his little friend’s waist. They were wearing matching costumes — Shark Boy and Lava Girl, naturally — and Ophelia had winced at the pang of jealousy she felt. That same, ugly feeling reared its head when he’d scooped Elodie up into his arms, spinning her on the spot as Ophelia slipped away, hoping he somehow hadn’t noticed her standing there: Bright, blue and glowing.
“I’m sorry for disappearing. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed,” Ophelia murmured as she heard someone round the corner, assuming it was Lando or Kennedy wondering where she’d gotten to. When she glanced up, her lips parted in surprise as her beautiful, lovely boy stared back at her. “Oh.”