Caroline and I went into town to look for a dress. We decided to raincheck the college tour for another day. We were both so wrapped up in my date tomorrow night that that was all we could think about. And to be honest, I don't think my mind would be able to focus on anything the tour guide says. I'd be too busy daydreaming about Nik.
We came across a small boutique and when we went inside we were immediately surrounded by dozens of lavish dresses. Every length and colour you could possibly dream of. I tried on a few different colours: purple, red, blue. And finally I came across the perfect dress. It was a knee length white lace dress with a v-cut keyhole.
"Oh my god, Jessa! Try it on now, it's going to look incredible on you." Caroline was gushing with admiration. And she didn't have to ask me twice anyway. I was already eager to buy it.
Once I was inside the change room I swear it was the fastest I've ever changed in and out of something. I turned around to face the mirror and stared admirably at the masterpiece of a dress I had picked out. There was a glow to my face I had never seen before. I felt completely beautiful in every way.
"Jessa, is it on yet? I wanna see!"
I opened the door to the change room and I couldn't hold back the huge goofy grin on my face. Caroline's smile probably outgrew mine though.
"So, what'dya think?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
Caroline walked up to me and put her hand on my shoulder. "Jessa, you're freaking gorgeous in this dress. This Nik guy won't be able to keep his eyes off of you."
"So you're saying I should buy it, right?" I asked teasingly.
"Uh, duh. How much is it anyway?"
Shit, I probably should've looked at the price tag before I tried it on. I mean, I had money, but it wasn't like I currently had a job or anything. What I had was all I had. I turned around and Caroline lifted the tag out of the back of the dress.
"It's $350!" Caroline gasped.
"Dammit, I only have $500 in my savings. I guess I'll have to find something else," I started, feeling a wave of disappointment overcome me. "I do really love this dress though."
"You know, I have some pretty good bartering skills. I'm sure I could talk the sales associate to lower the price a bit. I'll be right back."
Caroline graced her way across the store to speak to a man in a very high-end navy blue suit. Either that man would pity us and sell it for cheaper, or he'd laugh at our low-budget shopping. I went back into the change room to put back on the clothes I came in, but paused for a moment to admire the dress on me one last time before inevitably having to put it back on the rack. I wished that I could wear elegant dresses like this one all the time. I felt like a princess.
After I left the change room, Caroline greeted me with a wide-eyed grin. "The sales associate dropped the price by fifty percent, so the dress is only $175. He said it was meant to go on a store clearance to make room for the new inventory of dresses for the summer and it must have been overlooked."
"Care, thank you so much! You have no idea how much that means to me. I just want tomorrow night to be perfect."
"And it will be perfect, Jess. I know it will," she promised. "Now, let's buy this lovely dress and get home. We still need to eat dinner, and you need your beauty sleep. Big day tomorrow."
I paid for my dress and Caroline left the store. Before I knew it we were home, we ate dinner, and now I was left alone in my room with my thoughts. My stomach was jittery with excitement, nervousness and anticipation for the upcoming day. I probably wasn't going to get much sleep tonight, but at least I was content with everything going on in my life finally. The past couple of weeks were pretty tough for me, but things seemed to be looking up. I was starting to feel normal, and maybe even a bit better than just normal. Finally I was figuring out my life—continuing my education, meeting new people and finally making some more friends, and most importantly I was reconnecting with my cousin. I think that was the greatest gift from all of this madness.
When I woke up the next morning... well, it was actually almost noon. I jolted out of bed and ran to the shower. Of course I knew I had several hours before my date, but I was nervous and so I started panicking. I needed to look perfect.
Quickly I shaved my legs, but still careful enough not to cut them. I probably washed my hair obsessively at least three times because for some reason I believed it would make my hair softer. Then I sat down and watched a few hairstyling videos for curling hair. Some girls could do it flawlessly and look like goddesses, but not me. I knew nothing about hair or makeup. I was a pretty Plain Jane. I liked the look of natural beauty, but since this was a special occasion and admittedly my first real date, I wanted to shake things up a bit. However, I decided it was best to leave the makeup to Caroline. She knew best when it came to this kind of stuff.
I spent over an hour curling my hair, attempting nothing but utmost perfection—something that Jessa Collins knew nothing about. I strive for it, but can never accomplish anything I'm ever completely satisfied with, which was why I discouraged myself from applying to the art program. Besides, I needed to take something more practical. Being an artist takes immense discipline and patience. Those are two traits I do not possess enough of.