Butterfly

We arrive at the party an hour later. Tonight's party is at Scott Newton's cabin, and it's supposed to be the most epic party to end senior year. I look down at what I'm wearing and really begin to wonder if it's appropriate for tonight. Tessa was determined this would catch Kieran's eye. She put me in a white off the shoulder western-style dress. It’s modest but sexy and it covers my up my scar.

This is the kind of dress Rick would not approve of. He would rip it off and force me to put on my baggie jeans and hoodies. Now that I'm dressed like this though, I realize how much I miss the old me. Rick stifled me for so long and the old Annabeth is eager to come out again. She's struggling to break free but I'm not willing to let that girl out just yet.

The push-up bra she gave me works a little too well since it makes my completely non- existent boobs look bigger. The dress is paired with a pair of brown cowboy boots. She says it makes the outfit look sexier.

My hair is down in soft brown curls and my makeup, well let's just say I let Tessa have her way with me. I feel beautiful and sexy but exposed and self-conscience as well. “I feel slutty, Tess. I don't know if I can go in there like this." She turns around and hands me her brown leather jacket.

"Here, wear this until you see him."

"Um...Ok." I put the jacket on.

"So, this is going to sound random, but I do have a point." Tessa states "You love butterflies, right?" I raise my eyebrows and wonder if she had already started dipping in the happy juice.

"You're right, that was random. Are you drunk?" She giggles and shakes her head causing her tight blond curls to bounce and sway.

"No, I'm not drunk, silly. Just answer the question. I promise I'm going somewhere with this."

"Okay," I laugh. "Yes, I do love them. Why?"

"I want you to tell me what you love about butterflies."

"Well, they start off as an ugly worm and transform into something glorious and beautiful. I love to sit and watch them take their first flight after they hatch. They are so unsure of their surroundings, yet so trusting. I sometimes wish I could join them and be free to fly away whenever I wanted and have no cares. I also wish I could go through my own metamorphosis and change into someone completely different; someone who is prettier and who attracts the good guys."

"Anna, I know the last few years have been really hard on you, and the last two months have been a nightmare because Rick refuses to let you go." Tessa takes my hands in hers.

"Well tonight, my stunning sister, you have just gone through your own very real metamorphosis. You have made so many changes and shed the things that were weighing you down. When you walk into that party you will begin your first flight as a newly born butterfly.

"Annabeth, you deserve to fly high and I want to see you soar. You need to prove to Rick and everyone else in that party that he doesn't own and define you.

"You are going to go in there and show him you are not going to cower, and you are not afraid of him anymore! Rick does not control you anymore.

"You have lived in terror of Rick for too long and it's time to let go. What does Eminem say in his song I'm not afraid?"

"I have no idea since I don't listen to Eminem."

"He says," she pauses for dramatic effect, “These aren't his words exactly but if Rick doesn't like the fact that you are moving on, and you don't care what he does then he can go screw himself. Besides he would probably enjoy himself a little too much anyway."

"Tessa Elizabeth St. James, Icannot believe that just came out of your mouth!" I shout and laugh at the same time. "Whatever happened to my cute and proper Sister?"

"She grew up." She flashes me a cheeky smile. "I mean it, Anna, he can go to hell if he doesn't like the way things are going to be from now on. I've got you and I'm not going anywhere. If he tries anything with you tonight, I'll just use my awesome ninja skills on his balls. I love you, Sister."

I reached up and wiped away my tears. Knowing that she knows some of my issues with Rick helps bring comfort to me. I just wish I was brave enough to tell her everything since she doesn't know the half of it. I pull my sister in for a hug.

"I love you, Sis." She pulls away and fixes her makeup and hair.

"Okay, enough sappy stuff. It's time to party now." She slaps my bottom and says, "Remember to fly, Baby Girl!"

Before we even reach the door, we can hear and feel the base of the music. Tessa and I both squeal in excitement because Say Amen by Panic! At the Disco is playing. Tessa has had the biggest crush on Brenden Urie for a few years now. This is one of my favorite songs, so I start dancing once I step foot in the house.

I look around the room hoping to spot Kierran but instead, I see Rick watching me. He's got his tongue shoved down Sadie Anderson's throat. He pulls away when he sees me and gives me a cruel and anticipatory smile, knowing exactly what he's doing.