Becoming Royal

'Everything is ready.'

The three words flashed across the screen of Danica's cellphone.  The message was from her best friend who had insisted on throwing a party for her that evening.

It was Danica's eighteenth birthday and her friends had insisted she needed to celebrate it in style, after all it was her emergence into adulthood.  At least that was what they had insisted despite her protests. 

Huffing Danica got up from her bed and walked over to her vanity allowing herself to study her reflection. 

Curly black hair surrounded her pale freckle covered face, golden eyes that were surrounded by thick lashes stared back at her with a look of annoyance in them.

Even reflection her was against her evening plans, she thought with a smirk that caused her cheeks to dimple.

No matter how much she examined herself she just couldn't possibly see the difference in 'child' Danica and 'adult' Danica.

From behind her, her bedroom door burst open allowing Amy and Heather her two best friends to come charging in.  Amy had her long blonde hair up in a ponytail, her blue eyes bore pure excitement, as her lips curved into a smile.  It seemed she didn't come to just hangout.

Beside her Heather's usual bored expression was in place, a total opposite to the overly excited Amy beside her. 

Her hair that was currently blue had been freshly shaven on one side and the long portion that hung down on the other covered one brown eye from sight.

"Why are you two here?"  Danica asked before her eyes zoned in on the makeup box that Amy clutched in her hand.  "No,"  She said holding up a hand.  "I agreed to the party, but I didn't agree to being your toy to play with makeup on."

Amy pouted her petite pink lips.  "You're the hostess of the evening!"  She whined.  "You have to stand out."

Danica could feel herself inwardly cringing.  She absolutely hated dresses and makeup, finding them to just be a superficial hindrance that was too much to deal with.

"Come on!"  Amy begged stepping forward.  "Just this once, please!"

Danica looked to Heather who had sat on her bed and was now engrossed in her phone for help.  Not even glancing to her Heather shrugged in a 'You're on your own' manner.

"Traiter."  Danica grumbled as Amy began making her way to her.

Heather chuckled, "Amy will do what she wants no matter what."

Huffing Danica crossed her arms over her ample chest.  "Just this once."  She conceeded.  "After this, never again."

Squealing Amy rushed forward grabbing ahold of Danica and sitting her down in a chair before swiveling her around so she couldn't see her reflection.

"You aren't allowed to see until I'm finished."  She clarified as Danica gave her a questioning look.  "I want this to be an absolute surprise."

The helpless Danica remained seated as Amy began her onslaught of makeup brushes and tools.  Even though they were meant to beautify a woman, to Danica they seemed more like a means of torture.  

When Amy finished with her face she moved onto Danica's wild curls determined to tame them, but from the sounds she was making it was easy to tell that she was on the losing side of the battle.

After what seemed like hours to Danica, Amy finally finished with her work.  She wore a satisfied smile as she clapped her hands.

"Now for the reveal."  Beaming she swiveled Danica around so she could see her reflection.

The woman staring back at her was foreign to Danica.  She looked sexy and dangerous all at the same time with hooded smoky golden eyes and thick black lashes.  Her matte red lips sat open in a surprised 'o' as she stared back. 

Even Danica's usually unruly curls were tamed and fanning her face in perfect ringlets.  She had to admit Amy did a damn good job.

"Well?"  Amy urged expectantly.  "Do you love it or do you love it?"

Rolling her eyes Danica couldn't help but smile, "I don't hate it."  She admitted while still examining her reflection.

Clapping happily Amy jumped up and down, "Now to get you dressed."

Settling on a pair of black leather pants and white t-shirt that Amy modified so it was more edgy, paired with a pair of black combat boots, and topped with a black leather jacket Danica headed out with her friends.

They arrived at a clearing at the edge of town just as the sun was beginning to set.

Tables for food and drinks were setup on one side.  In the middle of the middle sat large pieces of wood ready to be set ablaze for a massive bonfire.  Two large speakers were set to either side of the clearing to play music so the party goers could dance. Again Danica had to commend Amy on her handywork.

Danica spotted Chase and Greg Amy's two twin older brothers, busying themselves setting up a few kegs.  Raising an eyebrow Danica turned her gaze to Amy's.