Chapter 75 LXXV.

Chapter 75 LXXV.
Isadora's POV.

After our shopping spree, Trisha and I headed back to my house to get ready for Ethan’s party. I lounged on the bed, texting Raine, while Trisha was in the bathroom taking a shower.

“You’re bringing the nerd, right? We have a nice surprise for her.”

I stared at the message, a cold pit of fear forming in my stomach. I was almost tempted to tell Trisha not to come anymore, but I couldn't bring myself to disappoint Ethan. I didn't want him to see me as a freak or a buzzkill. At the same time, I was terrified of what they might do to her.

I tried to convince myself that George would be there to protect her. He’d already promised he would. For Trisha’s sake, I really hoped he would keep that promise, even if I knew he couldn't stand me.

Just then, Trisha walked out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel. I quickly tossed my phone onto the nightstand, making her look at me strangely.

"Are you okay, Izzy?"

I forced a bright smile and stood up, trying to keep my nerves under control as
I approached her. "I'm fine, Trish. What makes you ask that?"

She watched me cautiously through her glasses, a hint of worry on her face.
"It’s just... you look a bit pale. Are you sure you’re alright?"

I sighed and brushed her worries aside. "I’m fine, Trish. You don’t have to
worry about me. Right now, we should worry about getting you ready for the
party." I placed my hands on her shoulders and twirled her around, gently
pushing her toward my makeup chair.

Trisha’s eyes widened as she looked at our reflection in the mirror. "Oh no,
Izzy. Buying me the outfit was enough. I don’t need to wear makeup."

I shook my head, giving her a firm look. "This is your first party, my dear
friend, and I want it to be memorable for you." My fingers brushed her cheek,
and I noticed the way her face flushed at the gesture. "You have to look your
best so no one has the guts to look down on you. You’re already beautiful,
Trish; let’s just make you stand out."

She stared at herself for a moment, seemingly debating it. Finally, she sighed
and took off her glasses, setting them on the table. "Okay, fine. I’m going to
go all out today. But just for today. I never want to do this again."

I grinned and hugged her from behind. "Thanks so much, Trish. I love you."

She gulped, lowering her eyes shyly. "I... I love you too, Izzy."

I kissed her cheek and straightened up, gathering my makeup brushes and tools.
As I began working on her face, Trisha spoke up again. "Izzy, you’ve never
really insisted on me going to a party before. You usually let it go when I
refuse. I’m curious why you want me to go to this one so badly."

My hand stilled for a second. My heart pounded as I worried that she was
catching on to the fact that something was up. Not that I planned to let my
friends hurt her, but Trish was smart; she might figure out the truth quicker
than I could deny it.

I had to play my cards right. She would be at the party, but I was going to keep
her away from my friends. At the same time, I had to make sure she didn't find
out the real reason I insisted she come.

I forced a smile and resumed applying her makeup. "It’s just that you’ve never
been to one, Trish, and I really want you to experience it before we graduate.
Also, I’m leaving for a business trip with my parents tomorrow. We’ll be gone
for almost three weeks, and I want to spend as much time with you as I can
before I go."

Trisha looked satisfied with that answer, and I let out a mental sigh of relief.

"I... I’m going to miss you a lot too, Izzy," she whispered.

Her words filled me with warmth. Trisha was so innocent. She always forgave me
no matter what I did, and she was always there for me when no one else was. She
believed every word I said, not even questioning if I was lying.

How could I hurt a friend like her? How could I bear to lose her to someone like
George?

I felt confident that no one could replace me in Trisha’s life, though. She had
proven time and again that I was her number one. I doubted anyone could change
that. I just hoped she wouldn't get too close to George while I was away. That
would suck big time.

Once we were both dressed and ready, we headed downstairs. We found my dads
cuddling on the couch—they were both laying sideways, and Daddy had his arms
wrapped tightly around Dad.

They looked so lovey-dovey. It was cute, sure, but also really embarrassing to
walk in on with Trisha there.

"Dad, Daddy, can you guys spend even one minute without clinging to each other?"
I asked, rolling my eyes as we entered the living room.

Dad blushed a deep shade of red, but Daddy just smirked and tightened his hold
on Dad. "Are you jealous, little girl? You shouldn't be." He looked at a timid,
blushing Trisha and winked. "You have your beautiful girlfriend right by your
side."

I gasped, glancing at Trish, who was now bright red and shifting awkwardly. I glared at my dad. "Ewww, Daddy! Don't be embarrassing. Trisha is my best friend,
not my girlfriend."

He shrugged, completely uncaring. "But she’s pretty enough to make a great
girlfriend. Maybe when you guys start dating, you’ll stop killing the mood
between me and my husband with your jealous, single ass."

I rolled my eyes, but Dad finally decided to intervene. "Stop picking on your daughter, Sandro. You’re the adult here."

At least one of my parents was reasonable.

Dad smiled at us. "Are you guys on your way to that party you mentioned?"

I nodded and linked my arm with Trisha’s. "Yes, Dad. It’s Trisha’s first party."

Dad looked at Trisha with a worried expression. "Will you be okay, honey? High
school parties are usually pretty wild."

Daddy rolled his eyes. "You should be more worried about the fact that your
daughter is a bad influence on this cute, innocent kid."

"Dad, please shut him up already," I groaned in annoyance.

Daddy smirked at me. "Are you sure you want to see your Dad 'shut me up,'
princess?"

It took me a second to realize the innuendo, and I actually gagged. "Ewww! We’re leaving. Come on, Trish."

"Goodnight, Mr. and Mr. Ricci," Trisha said sweetly as I pulled her away.

"Goodnight, dear! You look really hot. I bet Izzy can’t take her eyes off you!"
That was definitely Daddy talking.

I pulled her out the door, ignoring Dad calling out behind us, "You both look
great, but be careful! Don't drink too much and don't take drinks from anyone!"

I heaved a sigh of relief when the door finally closed. Trish was smiling.

"Why are you smiling?" I asked, frowning.

She grinned, rubbing the back of her neck shyly. "I just really like your
parents. They’re fun."

I rolled my eyes as we walked toward my car. "If your definition of 'fun' is
'embarrassing,' then I agree."

"Come on, Izzy. You know they’re just messing with you. They really care about
you." She stared into the distance with a sad smile. "I kind of wish my parents
were like that, too."

I looked at her, feeling a pang of sadness as I remembered her situation at
home. Her dad was a drunk and her mom was always working; Trish had spent most
of her childhood lonely. I guess that was why she was so attached to me—I was
the first and only friend she’d ever had.

"Trish." I took her hands gently in mine. She looked at me with those bright
blue eyes. Without her glasses and with the hair and outfit I’d picked, she
looked like a model. I smiled, reaching out to straighten a strand of her blonde
hair. "You know I’m always here for you, right? And I always will be."

Her eyes softened. "Same goes for me, Izzy. I’m always here whenever you need
me."

I don’t know what got into me in that moment, but the words just blurted out.
"Promise me, Trish. Promise me that I’ll always be your best friend. Promise me
you’ll never like anyone more than me. Promise me that no one will ever replace
me."

She gulped, her eyes wide and stunned by my sudden intensity. It was too late to
take it back, but honestly, I didn't want to.

She smiled again, tightening her hold on my hands. "I promise, Izzy. No one will
ever replace you."

That was all the encouragement I needed. I kissed her cheek and opened the passenger door for her. "Shall we?"

She climbed into the car, looking genuinely happy. At least now I was sure my best friend would be mine forever. No one was ever going to take her away from
me.