We played two rounds for practice and the games really began. Low and behold Sophia rolled the first three and chose me to be the three man. This should be interesting. I just hoped I wasn’t going to be puking my guts out later. The effects of the alcohol were hitting me already and this game was going to make it worse because it was so face paced.
By the time the fourth go round went by, I was still three man and on my second drink of this game alone. That would total about six drinks for me so far if I were counting correctly. I couldn’t roll a three to save my life. Everyone else seemed to think this was hilarious except for me.
The next time the dice were in my hands I actually rolled a three. The choice was going to be hard because they were all cracking jokes about how much I’d had to drink already. I finally settled on choosing Jeremiah. The girls loved that idea. I wasn’t going to be the only man here suffering from their shenanigans.
Jeremiah had lasted about six rounds before he chose Sophia to be the next three man. She seemed up to the challenge though.
An hour later we had all decided to take a break from that game because the night was hardly over yet and we were all beyond tipsy. We moved into the living room and sat down on the couches to just talk while the alcohol settled.
We had been talking for about thirty minutes when Sophia jumped off the couch, clapping her hands. It was never good when a woman acted this way and had a devious look on her face, especially this woman. She was a spitfire and sassy to put it mildly.
“I have the perfect idea on how we can pass the time while we are waiting to drink some more.” I didn’t like the sound of that, considering this woman seemed as though she could come up with some wild ideas. Plus, her last idea was causing me to regret making my drinks as strong as I had.
We all waited for her to make her suggestion. Hopefully it wasn’t something completely crazy.
“I suggest that we all play truth or dare, but not some ordinary truth or dare. A person can forfeit to complete the dare at this time, but can choose to complete the dare at a later date. They can only do this once though, so you must choose wisely.”
“How long does the person have to complete the dare if they choose to forfeit it tonight?” Jeremiah asked.
“The person will have two weeks from tonight to complete the dare. If it’s not completed within the allotted time frame, he or she must pay the rest of us fifty dollars apiece,” Sophia explained. That seemed fair enough. The only problem was that I was scared to know what this girl could come up with to dare the rest of us to do.
We sat there debating on whether or not we wanted to play this game. It reminded me of when I was younger and used to play in middle school. Only this time we were older, so the dares would probably be more extreme than what a middle schooler could come up with.
After a few minutes, Emily, Jeremiah, and I had reluctantly agreed that we would play truth or dare. Sophia seemed thrilled. I couldn’t help but wonder if she had something up her sleeve when she suggested that we played this game.
We determined who was going to start the game by rolling one of the die that was used during our previous game of Three Man. Unfortunately, Sophia had beaten us all by rolling a six. Now we just had to wait to see which one of us she would choose.
She chose Emily first asking whether she was choosing truth or dare. She took a big gulp of her drink and surprised all of us by choosing dare. Sophia started off small by daring Emily to take a shot. It seemed as though she was leading up to something though because she had this strange look on her face.
We all took turns daring each other to do silly things, from eating Catsup from the bottle and licking the floor. It felt good just to do something fun and out of the ordinary. Maybe Sophia was on to something because Emily seemed to be really enjoying herself and letting loose.
We were all another couple of drinks in when things started to get very interesting. Sophia had dared Emily to flash everyone and being the person she is, she actually blushed at the thought. I don’t think that she actually would have done it if it weren’t for the alcohol, but after a few minutes of hesitating she lifted up her shirt. I tried to block Jeremiah’s view and he shoved me out of the way. She was covered by her bra, but he didn’t need to see her without a shirt on. It covers the same as a bathing suit top and he had already seen her in one of those, but I still had reservations about it.
Once she had put her shirt back down, Emily got a sneaky look on her face. I hated to think of what evil plan she was going to come up with next and get payback on Sophia.
She gave me a sly grin and I knew that she had come up with something good. She turned toward Sophia and asked her what she was going to choose. I had a feeling that either way she was screwed because I think Emily had a devious plan in the works.
“Dare,” Sophia replied, as she took a sip from her drink.
“Well, well, well. Sophia it seems that you have gotten yourself in quite a predicament because I have the perfect counter bet. I dare you to kiss Jeremiah and I mean really kiss him. Not some peck on the lips either. I mean a full blown five-minute kiss,” she dared, with a laugh.
I looked over at Sophia and she was scowling over at Emily. I wonder what would make her pick this sort of bet for Sophia. I also wondered why Sophia would be scowling over at her if there weren’t more to it than that. I knew that Sophia and Jeremiah could possibly have something going on, but neither admitted it. Not even after we seen them kiss on New Year’s.
Glancing over at Jeremiah, he had a big grin on his face. He seemed to be enjoying himself and loved the fact that Emily had dared them to kiss. He also seemed to be enjoying the fact that Sophia looked as though she was going to lose her cool.
Emily reached across me to get her phone off of the table and went to the stop watch. She really was going to time them. Now that’s hilarious.
“Alright, hun. Time’s ticking. Get to it,” Emily demanded. She was enjoying this more than she should be.
Sophia turned and scowled at Emily before she made her way over to Jeremiah. She looked at him and just went for it. I turned my head away because I didn’t feel like I needed to share in their moment, but Emily was all about it. She was trying to contain her laughter.
When their five minutes were up, the stopwatch went off and Sophia and Jeremiah separated instantly. Both look affected by that kiss, but neither would look at each other.
We sat and waited for another few minutes so Sophia could regain her composure. I looked over at Emily and she actually looked nervous. She probably should be because Sophia looked as if she was on the war path.
Sophia asked Emily truth or dare and I think she contemplated on truth, but she actually chose dare. It was probably the alcohol talking again. I just prayed that Sophia didn’t make Emily do anything crazy.
“This dare is going to cause the rules to change a bit because it involves Emily doing something that she can’t do here. I know typically we shouldn’t change the rules this late in the game, but I think this is a good one. Emily, I dare you to get on stage and sing in front of other people. I don’t mean for just a few seconds either. I mean you have to sing the whole song.” Really? That’s what she was going with. When Emily was around us, she didn’t mind letting loose, but she didn’t do well in crowds and she didn’t like being the center of attention.
“So what’s it going to be? Do you accept this dare?” Sophia taunted. I think that she wanted Emily to forfeit so that she would feel like she won.
“I accept, Sophia. I just hope you’re prepared for what’ll happen,” Emily replied. This is going to be interesting. I could see the wheels turning in Emily’s head and I could tell she was formulating a plan. I had a feeling that things were about to get interesting.
Chapter 16: Coming out of Her Shell
Emily
Tonight was the night where I would complete this silly dare that Sophia had dared me to do. It had been two weeks since we played the game and tonight was the last night
I could complete it without having to pay them. Little did they know that I could actually sing. Little did they know that my background consisted of show choir. They also didn’t know what I had up my sleeve tonight. Coming to this bar wasn’t a coincidence. This was all part of my plan and surprise of the evening. Mattie has been encouraging me to come out of my shell and bring back pieces of my past and merge them with the new me. I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces when they find out what I have planned. I couldn’t help but smile to myself for two reasons. I love giving surprises and I couldn’t believe I was actually bringing back this part of myself.
An old friend had agreed to help me after I explained everything to him. He was more than happy to oblige considering that he was back in town. We’d been meeting up for the past two weeks to practice and I couldn’t wait to show them that it was going to backfire in their faces.
Getting ready for the night was nerve racking. I wanted everything to be perfect, including the outfit that I was going to be wearing. I had to get into the part without making it too subtle. They all thought I was going to back out because tonight we were going to a bar where a hometown band would be playing. They all thought that I wouldn’t be able to complete it because they thought there was no way I could perform there. Little did they know they were about to be proven wrong.
The band Sweet Revenge would be playing tonight. They were from Augusta and recently made it big within the last year. Nathan Cage was the lead singer and teen that I used to help. I helped him get his life back on track and I also helped him get his contract with a recording company. All of which has remained a secret due to the fact that I had to keep my identity unknown. Now three years later, he was twenty and the world’s hottest sensation. Nathan had followed my wishes to a tee and he also had it to where no one knew the part I’ve played in the reason he hit it so big. All of those secrets would be revealed tonight and I couldn’t wait. I was tired of hiding behind my new self and I was ready for the world to know parts of the real me.
The decision for my wardrobe came to me after I pictured a show piece that I wore in high school. Rocker chick would be easy to pull off considering I knew what I would wear. I found a black corset type top, dark blue skinny jeans, black thigh high boots, and paired with bangles and big hoops. After putting on the hot outfit for the night, I decided that my hair would remain down and I would add loose curls. I added the curlers to my hair and started putting on my makeup. I made sure to add more eyeliner to my eyes to make my hazel eyes pop and added brown eye shadow to add to the allure. Taking out the curlers, I added hairspray and looked at the finished product of my new self. Wow. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I looked amazing.
In order to keep my secret surprise, I decided that I would text Sophia, Mattie, and Jeremiah and let them all know that I would meet them there due to running behind.
They all quickly responded to my texts.
Mattie: Are you sure you don’t want me to wait so we could ride together?
Sophia: You better not be backing out on tonight bitch. You have a dare to complete. LOL.
Jeremiah: Looks like someone may be chickening out on her dare. HAHAHA!
Their responses caused me to laugh because little did they know that I was about to rock their worlds. I responded, ensuring all of them that I would definitely be there by the time the band went on. They just didn’t know that they wouldn’t see me until I was ready to be seen.
I called Nathan to make sure everything was set for our part of the show.
“Hey, Nathan. We still on for tonight?”
“Of course, babe. We’re all set and ready to show the world what they have been asking for the past year. You sure you’re ready for this?”
“I’m more than ready. Can’t wait to rock everyone’s world tonight.”
“Just checking. See you in a bit.”
I grabbed my things and headed to the bar. My nerves started to dissipate. I was ready for tonight more than I thought I was.
***
Matt
Something was off about Emily’s attitude today. She seemed to be hiding something, but more so she seemed oddly happier than her usual self. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want all her happiness to be caused by me, but it was slowly driving me crazy to think what other things could be making her this happy if it weren't me.
Tonight she was supposed to be completing her portion of the dare. I didn’t know how she was going to pull it off, but I knew that something was up because she’s been really distant this past week whenever it was brought up. She would either be vague in her responses or completely change the subject. I wished I knew what she was thinking. What she was planning. I guess I would have to just wait and see.
She just texted me to let me know she would meet me at the bar. This night was getting more mysterious. We always rode together since that night on Halloween occurred. She felt safest riding to places like this with me. I tried to make sure that she was positive she wanted to drive herself, but she simply stated that she would meet me there and she couldn’t wait to see me.
I got ready and texted Sophia and Jeremiah to let them know I was on my way to the bar. Sophia and Emily were really excited to see Sweet Revenge play tonight. I wasn’t around when this band used to play here before they hit it big, so I would just have to wait and judge for myself on how good they were.
Arriving at the bar, I got all of us our table and ordered a pitcher of beer for myself and Jeremiah. Sophia liked her fruity drinks just like Emily so she could order her poison once she arrived.
Fifteen minutes later, Sophia and Jeremiah had arrived. I could tell that something was still going on between them, but they still felt that they needed to hide it. That sounded familiar. They had everyone but me and Emily convinced that they were only friends, but I stopped questioning them since New Year’s Eve.
Sophia walked up and asked, “Hey Matt, did Emily text you stating she would meet everyone here?”
“Yea she did, but I haven’t seen her yet. She said she would be here before the band started though.”
“Well, she better get her sexy ass here. She's got a dare to complete and I can’t wait to see what she has in mind.” She started laughing at her last sentence. I knew that she loved Emily like a sister, but she was enjoying the dare that she gave to Emily more than me and Jeremiah.
“Hey Matt,” Jeremiah stated, “You think she’ll go through with it or have to pay up for backing out?”
They were all banking on her having to pay everyone. The only problem with that thought was that they didn’t know the real Emily. They knew her as a shy woman who stayed inside her box. I knew differently. I knew she had a fiery side to her and I was silently hoping that she would prove them wrong tonight by showing it off.
“I have no clue Jer, but I’m hoping we are all proven wrong tonight. I just hope she can carry a note and doesn’t cause everyone here hearing problems,” I laughed. None of us had ever heard her sing at all. Not even to the radio.
With no sign of her, I sent her a text asking her where she was. I didn’t want to worry, but that was getting harder by the minute without her showing up.
The lights in the bar flickered signaling that the band was starting soon. With still no sign of Emily, we all sat down in our seats and waited for the band to start.
All the members came up on stage and the lead singer came up to the microphone.
“Hey everyone. How the hell are all of you tonight? I’m Nathan Cage and we’re Sweet Revenge. Are all of you ready to have your socks rocked off?”
The crowd screamed giving them all the answers they needed to continue with the show.
“We’re happy to be back in our hometown tonight, but we’ve got a little secret planned for all of you tonight. Some very serious questions will be answered by the end of the show. I hope you all enjoy,” Nathan screamed.
The band started with still no sign of Emily. They were actually pretty good. Not too heavy, with just the r
ight amount of rock and roll edge. I hoped she got here soon. Checking my phone for texts, I noticed that she’d texted about five minutes ago stating she was in traffic and would be here soon.
Nathan introduced his band mates before starting his next song and then asked something that had me asking more questions myself.
“So who all here has played the game truth or dare?” He screamed into the microphone.
The crowd went wild again.
“That’s good to hear. All of us from Sweet Revenge love that game,” he laughed.
“Tonight we have a special treat for you. I got a request from a friend of mine and she needed my help completing a dare. Who all is ready to find out what she has in store for us?”
The crowd continued to go wild. So she knew Nathan from Sweet Revenge. That’s news to me. Holy shit. What is she going to do?
***
Emily
I timed it perfectly so that I would arrive before the show. No one would know I was here until I wanted them to know. I hated lying to Mattie and causing him to worry, but he would understand once I revealed this part of myself.
Nathan was getting the crowd revved up and said how he was going to help a friend complete a dare. It wasn’t that I was nervous per say. Just anxious to get out there and do another thing that I used to love to do.
Nathan was introducing the guys after their first song was over and I knew that my time to perform had come. I slowly made my way to the side of the stage so I could remain hidden until the time was right.
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