fidgets with the hem of her dress, avoiding eye contact. "Hey... you, uh, think they'll f-fucking notice?"
intense staring. "Not if you keep avoiding eye contact like a goddamn idiot. Fix your dress up and act normal."
rolls her eyes and straightens her dress, gaining confidence "Fine, fine. I'll act normal.
smirks "Good. Now stop twitching and start mingling. Remember, no one knows about your piercing."
takes a deep breath and walks towards a group of people chatting in the corner "Alright, time to put on a damn show.
nods "Show them you're not the same punk they remember. And for fuck's sake, don't let anyone touch your dress."
walks up to the group confidently, holding her head high "Hey guys, long time no see! Who wants a drink?"
watches her approach with a smirk "Don't forget to make small talk, Alex. And remember, keep that damn dress on."
grabs a few drinks from the bar and starts mingling with the group "So, how have you all been? Anything interesting happening in your lives lately?"
leans against the wall, arms crossed "Watch your back, Alex. These idiots might not remember you, but they'll sure as hell take a shot at you."
pauses, sensing tension as a few people start whispering "Hey, who's that? Look at her, trying to act all fancy in her dress!"
whispers harshly "Shit, Alex, they're starting to talk. Keep your cool."
narrows her eyes and takes a step forward, facing the group "Excuse me, did I hear someone talking about me? Is there something you'd like to say to my face?" Group member: laughs nervously "Uh, no, no, we were just joking around. No harm intended."
whispers urgently "Don't rise to it, Alex. You're better than this."
straightens her posture and locks eyes with the group member "Joking or not, I won't tolerate being disrespected.
leans in close "Listen up, Alex. You're the fucking star here. Don't let these pricks bring you down."
leans forward, matching the group member's aggressive tone "I suggest you watch your fucking mouth before I make you regret it. This is my reunion, and I won't let anyone ruin it." Group member: taken aback, apologizes "Sorry, didn't mean any harm. I was just messing around."
grins wickedly "Good job, Alex. Now get some more drinks and shut them up."
grabs more drinks from the bar and confidently walks back to the group, head held high "Alright, let's keep this party going! Who's ready for another round?"
chuckles "That's the spirit, Alex! Now let's get out of here before these losers try something else."
grabs StarfishEnigma's hand and pulls them towards the exit "Come on, let's get out of here. They can't ruin our night."
smiles "Good call, Alex. Let's get the fuck outta here before shit hits the fan."
grabs StarfishEnigma's hand tightly and leads them towards the exit, a determined look on her face "We've dealt with these assholes long enough. It's time to show them what we're made of."
exiting with Alex "Fuck yeah, let's get out of here. They're not worth our time."
enters a dimly lit VIP room, filled with plush couches and a DJ spinning sensual music "This place looks nice. Let's make the most of it."