Thanks for reading everyone! 

On Friday night, I go out to a restaurant with one of my out-of-school friends. Everything I tell, well in this case told Sasha, I tell to Marina. Marina knows basically everything about my school and the people in my grade considering the fact that she doesn't even go there.

"You should wear your contacts. And, I will do your makeup," Marina tells me rather than asking.

I laugh to myself. She loves doing my makeup. "Okay, but don't put on too much." Marina squeals and digs through her bag in a rush.

By the time we leave, I'm wearing a semi-tight, deep purple crop-top and black high-waisted skinny jeans. Marina applied a thin layer of a light, peachy lip- gloss and neutral-colored smokey eye with little eyeliner and mascara.

Tonight, I am free of glasses.

***

Once we get to the restaurant, we sit down and order our meals. While we wait, "Go sing karaoke!" Marina dares.

"Haha, sorry, I'm not a singer." I laugh. I feel so comfortable around her. Maybe it's because she doesn't know Falene and what it's like to be treated by her.

 "I'll make you a deal. You sing karaoke and I'll sing too, afterwards of course."

"Ummm—" I think aloud.

"Please?" Marina begs, tugging on my arm while shaking my body.

"Fine, but if I sing, you have to sing too and buy me a Java Chip Frappé," I give in, sneaking in a counter offer as well.

"Deal!" she sqeals.

I walk up to the steps of the stage and pick up the microphone. Picking a song on the computer, I wait nervously for the song to start, sort of regretting saying yes to Marina. I picked her favorite song, Title. I don't understand the meaning of the lyrics but it's her favorite.

The bright light blinds me. It seems like forever when the song finally ends. After I finish the last word of the song, my ears fill with a loud applause. I give a shy smile.

"Thanks," I mutter into the microphone. I walk down the steps and toward my table. Marina sits there with a wide smile. I give a playful, annoyed look. She laughs. "You were so good! And you say you aren't a good singer?!?"

"Thanks," I reply. Our food arrives minutes later and we dig in; letting out satisfying sighs. As we eat, we listen to others singing. Let me just say, many of them were ... uhhh ... in need of some vocal lessons.

 Once we finish eating, I urge Marina to sing. "Your turn! Up, up!" I grin at her.

"Alright, alright!" she giggles and throws her arms in the air, surrendering.

She picks up the microphone and selects a song. She choses a song by Meghan Trainor, not a surprise. I'm surprised when she chooses a song that is slow. The song is a Christmastime song, but I ignore the fact that the song is meant to be sung during Christmas. I smile through her entire performance. The first lyrics she sings were right on pitch and caught my undivided attention. Her voice is beautiful and so elegant.

Santa called to make sure I'm prepared

He said Winter love is spreading everywhere

Summer came and took off with the Spring

So now we start the Christmas caroling

I'll find my way back home and light up every tree, we will hang our stockings for you and one for me

'Cause Santa called to make sure I'm prepared

Said pack your bags and tell 'em you'll be there

I'll be home with my love this Christmas

I promise, I promise I'll be home with my love this Christmas I promise, I promise, I'll be home

Home, I'll be home

Santa called to make sure I'm prepared

He said wrap the gifts with all your love and care

The wind that blows the snow up in the sky

But I won't let the wind delay my flight

I'll be home with my love this Christmas

I promise, I promise, I'll be home with my love this Christmas I promise I promise I'll be home

I'll be home

I'll be home

I promise I promise I'll be home

I'll be home

I'll be home

Santa called to make sure I'm prepared

He said pack your bags and tell 'em you'll be there

I'll be home with my love this Christmas

I promise I promise I'll be home

I'll be home with my love this Christmas

I promise I promise I'll be home

I'll be home

I'll be home

I'll be home with my love this Christmas I promise I promise I'll be home

The song ends and everybody jumps up and claps. The song was so emotional, it almost brought me to tears. Marina hops off the stage and runs to me. I embrace her in a tight hug. "You were amazing! You almost made me cry!" I laugh.

"Haha! Thanks. Again, you were so good too! I still can't believe you said you weren't good at singing," she compliments.

"Well, I think that wraps up our evening," I suggest, "Let's go back to my place. Are you sleeping over?"

"Yeah, if that's okay with you."

"Of course! You're always welcome," I invite. We pay for our dinner and leave the restaurant. The cool breeze hits my body, sending a shiver up my back. We walk home in silence, not because we're mad, but because right now, we live in the moment. Tonight I am free of a bully. The night is here and the moon's shines bright, and we're both here to enjoy it.