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With Rufus finally defeated, the truth coming out and everyone managing to not be sacrificed for the sake of their teachers being able to live forever, Patricia felt like she could finally breathe again. Most importantly of all, she had Joy back.
The pair had retreated back to the girls bathroom in the school to have a few minutes of peace before returning to the prom. They could hear the music blasting from the auditorium a few doors down as Joy sighed once they knew for sure no one else was in there.
“What’s wrong?” Patricia asks, her eyes looking towards her best friend, eyebrows slightly furrowed together in concern.
Joy lifted herself up so she was sat on the countertop, “I just feel live i’ve missed out on so much, you know? Seeing everyone with dates and in pretty dresses” she trailed off.
“Hey, I don’t have a date” Patricia laughed, attempting to lighten her mood.
“Well, most people I guess” Joy let out a unconvincing chuckle, “But you look gorgeous and I’m just here in a hoody and jeans…”
Patricia chewed on her lip, physically stopping herself from saying that Joy always looked gorgeous no matter what she was wearing. Instead she sighed quietly and pulled into her bag which she had retrieved from the house, her real bag this time not one filled with decoy waterbottles, and pulled out a pair of her baddest biker boots.
“Here, you wear these” she took off her heels and passed them to Joy.
“Wha- why do you have boots?” her best friend questioned.
“I thought you might feel a bit underdressed, plus I definitely prefer these over heels” she chuckled putting her boots on, “see they even have a wedge so Amber won’t be too upset with my prom outfit choice”
Peering into the bag again she pulled out her makeup bag, “I’ve also brought some of my stuff if you want to use it?”
A gentle smile crept over Joy’s face, “Yes, please.”
“Do you, erm- do you want me to do your eyeliner?” Patricia offered, Joy nodded tentatively in response the smile still plastered on her face.
Patricia made her way over to Joy as she the latter slightly parted her legs so that she could fit in between them, her outer thighs slightly touching her own.
Before all the craziness they used to do this all the time, every time Amber hosted a party, or Joy went on some date-not a date with Fabian. And each time Patricia’s heart fluttered as she leant in close to Joy’s face. This time was no different, if anything the butterflies in her stomach only intensified.
It feels like it’s been so long.
She takes her time to make sure she can get it just how Joy likes it, and if truth be told to have a few extra seconds to examine her features. And just like every time before she thinks to herself how beautiful Joy really is.
It takes a second to catch her breathe, “aaand we’re done” she says as she clears her throat, coughing away all the words left unsaid.
Joy doesn’t say anything for a moment, but she doesn’t move away and neither does Patricia. They just stay there for a second, looking into eachothers eyes. Patricia can’t tell if she’s imagining it but she’s convinced Joy keeps looking down at her lips, and she knows for sure that she herself definitely is.
It’s like time stands still for a second. They’re the only people to exist in that moment, despite the drumming of the music and the giddy footsteps outside. In that moment the only thing of any importance to Patricia is Joy.
“T-thank you” Joy stammers after what feels like minutes, but is surely seconds. A big smile is spread across her face.
“You look beautiful…as always” Patricia whispers almost breathlessly.
For a split second Patricia can feel herself leaning in. But suddenly the door creaks open and Joy bolts up as Patricia jolts away from her, turning her head quickly towards the bad timed intruder.
Mara stands at the doorway, seemingly blissfully unaware of what’s going on, or more accurately what was going on before she interrupted.
“There you two are! C’mon Mick really wants to see you again Joy!” she cries happily.
And just like that the moments gone.
Joy takes a second to readjust herself, barely noticeable to Mara but completely noticeable to Patricia, but when she talks it’s like nothing was even happening.
“I can’t believe you two are actually dating!” she says as Mara walks towards them and links both their arms.
“Don’t worry it was a shock to all of us” Patricia jokes, trying to ease the tension in her mind as Mara playfully jabs her in the stomach with her elbow.
Their moment might be gone but Patricia doesn’t miss the way Joy sneaks a quick glance at her while Mara’s talking.
Her mind floats back to receiving the letter, “Ooo, a secret last minute date perhaps?” Trudy had asked.
If only
, she thought.