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One of the dresses is pink with tiered frills. One is lavender, one is strapless, and ends in a sweeping train. The other looks like a bridesmaid's worst nightmare. That’s for sure going to Goodwill. Out of nowhere, the door to my bedroom opens, and I freeze as a woman walks in carrying a stack of towels. She stops dead in her tracks, spotting me.
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry. I thought you were still out."
The horror on her face makes me feel uneasy. Does she think she’s in trouble? I push the thought away and give her a smile. She's wearing the usual uniform staff wear, a black button-down shirt and a pair of khaki pants. Her dark hair is tied back in a tight braid and the overhead lighting catches a smattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose and cheeks. I can’t pinpoint it but I feel like I’ve met her before.
I tilt my head to the side as if looking at her from a different angle will help me recognize her.
"Have we met before?"
She shuffles the towels between her hands, and I rush over to help her. When she waves me off and carries the stack into the bathroom, I wait by the bed.
Returning, she smoothes her hand down her pants. "Sorry about that. Yeah, we actually might have met. I attend Oakmount."
I snap my fingers and grin. "That's right. I knew I'd seen you at the library a time or two."
She blushes, ducking her chin as if she’s embarrassed. "Yeah. I’m just working here to earn money for school."
I chuckle and wave around the room. "It doesn’t look like it now, but a few months ago, I understood that all too well.”
She nods, no doubt having heard about how my life has changed, along with everyone else on campus. "I'm sorry to hear about your mom."
I give her a smile and nod. "Thank you. I miss her so much."
She clutches her chest. "I can't imagine. Family is everything to me, and I don't know what I'd do if I lost my mother. She's actually the one who helped me get this job."
I sigh and smile even though I don't feel it, my eyes shifting back to the dresses on the bed. "Since you’re here, and I could definitely use the advice of another woman, can you give me your opinion? What do you think of these?"
She steps beside me and peers down at the dresses, a frown twisting her lips. "Well, they are...pretty."
I nod. "Yeah, pretty is right, but would you wear any of them?"
She shakes her head. "Honestly, no. I mean...they are pretty, but like for a sixteen-year-old maybe?"
Yes. That's it. Pretty but far too young for me. They look like the type of dresses that belong at a high school homecoming dance, not for a sophisticated adult event like the one we are about to attend.
There's a noise at the door, and the girl glances up almost anxiously. "I should get back to work. Good luck picking a dress. If it isn’t too late, maybe you can order something else?”
I check the clock beside the bed. Not too late, but it'll be pricey. I nod at her and give her a wave as she heads out the door. She gently closes it behind her. When the door closes, a thought occurs to me, and I rush over to yank it open.
"Hey. Did you want to maybe hang out sometime?"
She stops by her cart and glances back. "Oh yeah, I mean, sure, if you think it wouldn't be a problem."
It takes me a minute to realize what she means. If it will affect her job here.
"Oh no, it'll be fine. I'll talk to you later. Elyse, right? You know my name by now, for sure."
“Yes, and I'm looking forward to it.” She smiles, and I disappear back into my room, closing the door behind me. First things first, I need to find another dress to wear, because these are just not going to cut it. I grab my laptop off the dresser, settle it on my lap, and open it.
I head to Google and search for local dress stores near me. Ellen’s Boutique pops up as one of the results, and I navigate to the page. It takes me a total of ten minutes to find a different dress, and I hit the order button, paying extra for delivery. Then I place the laptop on my pillow and leave it open just in case they email back. I’m so full of joy and happiness it doesn’t feel like anything can ruin today for me.
While I wait for the dress, I go into the bathroom and prepare for the party. My usual messy bun and mascara aren't going to cut it for this event. I need to be presentable, mature. I take my time putting in my contacts, curling my hair, and smoking out my eyeliner.
A knock on my door startles me, and then I remember my dress. One of the kitchen staff lays it out in the bag across my bed.
"Thanks," I call, as I finish my makeup, slicking on a swipe of bright red lipstick. I smile happily once I’m finished and head back into the bedroom, unzipping the bag to get a look at the dress.
Perfect.
