A Unique Kind of Love (12 page)

13

Girl Days

“A best friend isn’t just someone who’s always there for you. It’s someone who understands you a bit more than you understand yourself.”

Lena Rose Winter

The dance was on a Friday and everyone had school. The girls complained, but the boys couldn't care less. Well, obviously, they didn't have to prepare for perfect hair and makeup that took hours to master.

The thing was, I didn't have anything to wear. I was horrified. All I had was a dress that was now two sizes too small, worn on Valentine's Day
, three years ago.

I wiped the sleep out of my eye, taking the Cheerios box and shaking some into my bowl. My mom was still asleep, which was really strange. Ever since Tori came into our lives, she'd always been going out in the afternoon and coming back after midnight. Frankly, curiosity was killing me, but I decided to give her time.

She'll probably tell me at one point in my life.

Ha, as if
. I was determined to have a talk with her, but after the dance.

Tori was eyeing me suspiciously. She looked as if she'd forgotten something.

"What are you wearing to the dance, Lena?" asked my sister, as she poured milk on her cereal.

I shrugged innocently. "Noshing." I accidentally spit a bit of milk on Tori. She gave me a death glare, then took a napkin and wiped my spit off her shirt.

"First, do you have 
any 
manners? It's extremely rude to speak while eating. Now, finish munching the bloody food and give me a real answer."

I smiled. Taking my precious time, I chewed and chewed and then swallowed.

"Finally, now, do you have a dress or not?"

"Nope."

Tori froze for a second, it took her time to process my answer.

"Earth to Tori," I said, waving my hand in her face.

 Then, she gasped loudly.

"Lena Rose Winter!” she yelled, making me jump in the air. “How in bloody hell do you consider yourself going to the dance? In your penguin pajamas?"

I held my hands up in surrender, "Calm down, woman. I'll figure something out."

"What do you mean? Americans, these days. Are you sure you're a girl? Honestly, all I see in movies is women always freaking out about how they have to look perfect."

I rolled my eyes, slightly annoyed, “Shut up."

Hurt flashed in her eyes, then she recomposed herself quite quickly.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that!" I sighed, feeling guilt washing over me. Tori stuck her tongue out.

I grabbed my bag, heading for the door.

"Come on, we're going to be late for school. I'll figure something out later."

A hand clutched my arm, I turned to face Tori, who had a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Uh-oh, not good.

"No, missy. You ain't going anywhere. We're going shopping,"

My eyes widened. "Tori. We have school. I'm not skipping it just because of a stupid dress."

She raised her eyebrows, as if daring me to challenge her.

"Oh, don't look at me that way," I exclaimed, cowering a bit. That did nothing but intensify her glare.

"Stop it, Tori."

She smirked, knowing I was about to crack.

"Stop smirking, for God's sake!"

My she-devil sister smiled fully.

"Yeah, yeah we're going shopping. Wipe that grin off your face."

We headed for her bright red car and Tori started the engine.

"Mission Dance: Find Lena a Suitable Outfit. Mission F.L.A.S.O. begins now," shouted Tori, as the car moved in the direction of Riverside Mall.

♥♥♥♥♥

My older sister and I scanned the display glass in different stores. I was extremely bored and tired, while Tori resembled a child who'd eaten too much candy. Her chocolate brown hair bounced on her shoulders from all the jumping around.

"Step one: Find a dress,” said Tori in a robotic voice. She added, “Still failing, so far."

She grabbed my hand and practically ran into a random store, the name of which I didn't catch. Once inside, I was astonished. It was the fanciest store I've ever been in.

The walls were painted a creamy, elegant white and in some parts, there were rosy vines. A huge chandelier lit up the store, making it look as if a thousand candles were hanging just beneath the ceiling. Cozy-looking, chic cushions were almost everywhere. Beside each one, there was a cup of tea. But that wasn't what made my mouth go dry.

The dresses were the reason. They were in every place I laid my eyes on. A hundred shades of every single color in the world.

"Hello, dear," a kindly voice said, interrupting my dreamy bewilderment. I turned to face a sophisticated looking, middle-aged saleswoman. Her hair was held neatly by a clip, her face had the perfect amount of makeup on it and her clothes looked more expensive than the contents of my entire closet put together. I had to frown, looking down at my puffy black jacket, red jeans and ratty sneakers.

I took that moment to close my mouth, fearing that I'd embarrassed myself even more.

"Hello, Susie!” Tori, my lifesaver, replied on my behalf. “This is my sister, Lena. We're looking for a dress, she has a dance to attend." I shot her a grateful smile and she winked at me.

Susie nodded her head and motioned gracefully toward a rack of different dresses.

"These are all probably your size. Which ones would you like to try on?"

I cleared my throat and gave Tori a glare. How was I supposed to know which one was 
The One
?

My sister grabbed about 10 dresses and handed them to me.

"Oh, I don't think we'll need your help anymore, Susie, I think I can deal with my little bear," said Tori, addressing herself to the saleswoman.

I felt my eyes widen. I was seriously scared, yet amused at the same time.

Tori could be a cute koala, but she can equally be a mean, mama bear.

"Go try them on," ordered Tori.

I did a salute, then muttered "Yes, ma'am,” as I headed for a dressing room.

I took a random dress from Tori’s selection, then tried it on. I frowned. It was a tube, floor-length, bright green dress. There was absolutely nothing special about it, save for a few jewels lining the hem to make it look less plain.

I opened the curtain, prepared to face Tori's opinion.

Her face scrunched up in a grimace and with the hand that didn't hold a cup of tea, she motioned for me to turn around. I obeyed.

"No, no, no! You look like a vegetable I would never eat! Lena, you look like a celery!"

I stuck my tongue out childishly, then went back to the dressing room. I sighed.

And so it went on for at least two hours. Me, trying on every single dress Tori had picked out and her, finding an undesirable quirk in every single one. She seemed to have a thing against fruits and vegetables. 

Apple, orange, banana, cucumber, tomato… the list goes on and on.

SOS,
I texted Liam quickly,
Tori took me shopping.

I was absolutely exhausted. I just wanted to go home. But there was a part of me that really hoped to find a nice, presentable dress. After all, I didn't want Liam to regret saying yes.

Suck it up, woman,
was his merciless reply. I could see him laughing at me.

I was fed up with these dresses. They were all beautiful, but I made them look 
plain. 
I looked down at the one I was currently wearing. It was a short, puffy pale orange dress with diamonds everywhere. I liked it, but I wasn't sure Tori would.

"Tori!” I called out, “I look like a peach, I don't want to come out!"

"Get out here, dummy!"

I grunted, but did as she asked.

"Tada!" I exclaimed dully as I stepped out.

I was greeted by the same grimace, "You were right about the peach part."

Surprising me, she sighed, exasperated. "Argh, why are there no 
It 
dresses!"

I looked at her, realizing for the first time how tired she was. Yeah, sure, she'd been annoying during the day, but she really cared about me.

"If I may, I think I have the perfect dress for you, Ms. Winter," said Susie, who'd been silently standing there all along.

"Please, help me," I pleaded, still in my peach dress.

Susie disappeared for a couple of minutes, then came back with a white box.

"Try it on, what are you waiting for?" I saw curiosity and excitement written all over Tori's expression. I took the box and sprinted into the dressing room.

I opened the huge white box and inside, laid a perfectly folded midnight blue gown. I drew it out of its box and shook it out, and only then did it reveal its true glory.

Breathlessly, I took in the beauty of it. The way the subtly sequined fabric flowed was elegant. If a dress could illustrate perfection, this would be it. I was itching to try it on. Suddenly, I felt excited. I tried to picture it: me at the dance, wearing this amazing thing of beauty and blushing at Liam's surprised expression. I could already see the twinkle in his beautiful, blue eyes. This dress was the most faultless, wonderful thing I've ever seen.

I slipped it on and to my surprise, it fit me flawlessly. I faced the mirror.

Who was the stranger standing there? Her long hair fell almost down to her waist, and her chestnut eyes seemed to be glittering. Her skin seemed to be glowing.

And it hit me.

That girl was me.

The dress molded my torso beautifully, complimenting my shape. The gown drifted slightly from my legs and ended at a brush past my toes. It was the color of a beautiful midnight blue, a shade darker than Liam's eyes. Its strapless style highlighted my collarbone and made it look wrapped in smooth, alluring, skin. There were subtle ruffles on the hem of the dress, making me feel like a princess. In this dress, I wasn't
"just"
Lena, I was a beautiful girl.

I felt like something was missing. I looked in the box and saw my answer. A gorgeous pair of heels the same color as the dress were lying there. I searched for the size. I felt myself gasp. It was a size 6. 
I 
was a size 6. How could this be possible?

I'd have to ask Susie.

I put them on and marveled at their comfort.

"Lena! I'm dying over here!" yelled an overly excited Tori. I could hear her impatient feet stomping around.

I smiled a little, then opened the curtain. Susie grinned knowingly and Tori took in a sharp breath.

"Y-You. Look. Bloody. Fit," muttered Tori while encircling me, her eyes full of wonder.

"Thank you so much, Susie," I told my new lifesaver. She nodded.