Page 16 of Lightning Angel
She couldn’t wait to get back home and belt out Taylor Swift’sEnchanteduntil she’d fall asleep.
4
Ghost Attack
“Who are you, and what have you done to my best friend?”
Alexa turned from the mirror in the girls’ bathroom to see Daphne paused at the doorway, gaping in shock.
“Well, what do you think?” Alexa gestured a hand to her appearance with a smirk and tossed the lip-gloss into her bag.
“I almost thought you were some new girl.” Daphne composed herself and walked to her.
Alexa arched an eyebrow at her and looked back to the mirror. “Have I overdone it?”
“No, no. Absolutely not.” Daphne shook her head and reached into her bag for her favorite brown lipstick. “You look… new. And it’s reallygood, both in appearanceandin the case of the change we talked about yesterday. Truly, youdidsurprise me.”
“I’m determined to show Jude I’ve moved on from him less than twenty-four hours after our breakup.”
“I can see that,” Daphne mumbled, focused on applying the lipstick. “When was the last time I saw you with eye makeup? Those sharp wings of your eyeliner look ready to slay Jude if he dare approach you, or even look your way.”
Alexa chuckled. “Cassie said I looked bold too.”
“Youarebold,” Daphne corrected her and put the lipstick tube into her bag. “But hey, you could’ve gotten blue highlights instead and matched with me.” She ran her fingers through her short hair, messing them into her signature,almostAlice Cullen style.
“Your highlights are starting to fade. Why not dye them red and match withme?” Alexa grabbed her bag from the counter and slung it over her shoulder.
“Um…” Daphne’s groomed, dark eyebrows knitted together as she pretended to think. Then she smiled. “You’re right. Why didn’tIthink about it?” She linked their arms.
When they walked out of the restroom, Daphne cleared her throat dramatically. “Presenting, Alexandra Ford, single and ready to mingle.”
“You’re lucky you are being quiet,” Alexa threatened her playfully. “If you were any louder…”
“What would you have done?”
“I would’ve quit the club.”
Daphne snorted. “You think that’s athreat?I’d gladly quit too.”
Alexa stopped and turned to her. “You would do thatif I did?”
“Why so surprised?” Daphne swayed back a little, as surprised as she sounded.
“Nothing.” Alexa tugged at their linked arms and walked them toward their lockers. “I gotta tell you something.”
“What is it?”
“I mingled with someone yesterday.”
Daphne stopped them and stepped in front of her. Her eyes were wide and curious. “And?” she drew out. “Who is he?”
“His name is Tristan.” Alexa blushed, and wished she had some control over it.
“So,thatexplains why you are so different—”
“No, my hairstyle and my makeup are—”
“I’m not talking about your appearance, silly,” Daphne cut her off, her eyes twinkling. “I’m talking about how different you seem from the Alexa of the last few months—even the one I saw only last Friday. You seem different today; there is a glow about you—and no, it isn’t the highlighter on your cheeks. There is a twinkle in your eyes when you speak. I didn’t point it out earlier because I didn’t know if I was imagining it. ButnowI do! Tell me everything. I want every detail.”