Chapter 35— Prepping for Lyra's Debut
Lyra's POV
The house smells like fresh flowers and faint traces of perfume. My mom is bustling around, reviewing seating charts, menus, and a checklist that feels endless. I watch her from the doorway of my room, sketchbook in hand, and feel a flutter of nerves mixed with excitement.
"Lyra, you need to pick your dress!" my mom calls, her voice carrying the same energy she had when I was little, except this time it's serious, grown-up. My eighteenth birthday isn't just a birthday — it's a debut. A celebration of stepping into adulthood, and somehow, it feels monumental.
I wander over to the rack of dresses she laid out, colors ranging from soft pastels to bold jewel tones. My fingers hover over a soft sapphire gown, the way it flows and catches the light making my chest tighten with a mix of excitement and nerves.
"Try this one," Mom says, practically dragging me toward the fitting room. "It'll match your eyes, and you'll look stunning. Trust me."
I smile faintly, letting her lead me in. There's a quiet pause as I step out of the dressing room, and I catch my reflection. The dress feels… like me. Elegant, soft, but not overdone. My mom's eyes glimmer as she steps closer, brushing a stray hair from my face.
"You're finally eighteen," she murmurs. "I'm so proud of you, Lyra."
Her words tug at my chest. Eighteen. Legal. Adult. And yet, I can't help but think of everything I've been through — the years of SVH, the betrayals, the list, Evan, the group… the slow, careful forgiveness. Somehow, all of it has led me here.
Later, I'm sitting in the café with the group. The topic inevitably turns to the debut — decorations, guest lists, music. Evan sits beside me, thumb brushing my hand subtly as we talk. My chest warms. He's patient, attentive, letting me steer the conversation without overwhelming me.
"Do you want me to help pick the music?" he asks softly, eyes bright. "I know a few songs that… might fit the vibe you want."
I nod, smiling. "I'd like that. Something light, but memorable."
Soraya and Saphira chime in with suggestions, laughing, teasing, and making me feel that same warmth of belonging I felt as we completed our senior list. Cassian rolls his eyes, but I notice him secretly jotting down some ideas too.
Even in the planning chaos, I feel a bubble of calm. The group has been through so much together, and now we're planning something beautiful, something joyful.
Back home, Mom is fussing over details again, pulling out invitations and calling caterers. I retreat to my room briefly, sketchbook in lap, mind wandering. I can't help but think of the cruise, graduation, and how far I've come. Then I glance at the small star necklace Evan gave me, and my fingers brush it reflexively.
"Lyra?" Mom's voice cuts softly through my thoughts. I look up, startled. "Come here. I need you to try on the jewelry for the event."
I follow her quietly, letting her place a delicate bracelet around my wrist and tuck small pearls in my hair. Her smile is warm, full of pride, and I can't stop the faint tear from threatening to fall. "You're… really grown up, you know that?" she murmurs.
I nod, feeling a strange mixture of excitement and apprehension. Eighteen is only a number, yet it feels like the doorway to everything I've been waiting for — freedom, adventure, and maybe… love.
That evening, the group shows up outside to brainstorm last-minute things for the debut. Evan hands me a small notebook with ideas for music, dancing, and decorations. Our fingers brush, and his eyes find mine. There's no pressure, no rush — just the quiet patience and warmth I've come to crave.
"Can't believe we're doing this for you," Saphira says, grinning. "You deserve it, Sol."
I smile, heart fluttering. The past months, the betrayals, the bucket list, the slow rebuilding of trust — it all feels like it's coming together. The debut is just a celebration of everything, not just me, but all of us.
As I look at the group laughing, planning, and teasing, I realize that this — this lightness, this calm joy — is exactly what I've been waiting for. Eighteen will be the start of something bright, something I'm finally ready to step into… hand in hand with Evan, with the group, and with myself.