The woman smiled and stood from Minako's bed. The zipper was tiny, but didn't pose a problem for Lucinda's nails, which like her lips and dress were an odd yellowish-green. But as Mina always said, Luci could make anything look good.
"My dear sister, that dress is perfect for you. Now go sit at your vanity and I'll go ask your Mimi for some blossoms to put in your hair." They both exchanged a blushing smile and Luci rushed out.
A short time later, Mina could hear the click of her friend's high heels down the hall and she looked to the door expectantly. Lucinda re-entered the room holding a bushel of cherry blossoms in one hand, and bobby pins in the other.
"See? Your Luci has come through for you again. Your make-up shouldn't take as long as your hair so I'll do that last."
"You're so kind Luci. How could I ever hope to repay you for all you've done?" Minako sat facing the mirror so her friend could begin with her hair.
"Hush it, Mina. You owe me nothing. Your friendship is thanks enough, you were the only girl in school that didn't like me for my money. Besides, you've already repaid me by accepting Jonasan's invitation tonight. I really think you two will hit it off Mina, he's such a sweetheart and I know he'd take good care of you. Please give him a chance for me."
"Alright Luci, I will. Where did you learn to do hair? It looks remarkable so far!" Luci had wrapped her long bangs in a roll and wreathed them around her head, tucking in a cherry blossom here and there like a crown. In the back, she drew up Mina's hair into a bun and pulled tufts from it to give it the appearance of the flower as well.
"Well, don't tell my father, but remember my Auntie Yuliko? She just opened her own salon and she's been teaching me the ropes. Daddy thinks it's nonsense and he absolutely forbids me to take on a job. He says Arturu will provide for anything I need. And he's absolutely right about that, after owning so many horses in his life, the man is a right stallion between my legs at night!"
"Luci! You're foul! But no, I won't tell."
"There's my girl, now turn around and face me. I'll do your make-up and then we can go." She had that same glint in her eyes as when she ever did anything sneaky and she opened the make-up drawer in Minako's vanity. All the products inside had not even been touched.
"Mina! Why you've never even opened these!"
"I've never had any use for them." She shrugged indignantly and slowly sidled around to face Luci.
"Times change my sister, close your eyes." The eyeshadow was easy enough to bear, and the lipstick she could tolerate but she sneezed plenty when Luci powdered her face. When she was done, her friend turned her to face the mirror once more. It didn't seem like much was changed. She'd only applied enough shadow to accent her eyes, the blush gave her cheeks a mother of pearl shine and the pale pink lipstick made her lips seem more full. All in all, Mina somewhat enjoyed her new look, but it would still take some getting used to.
"Luci, I...thank you. You did a wonderful job."
"Before you tell me I chose the wrong person to dress up, let me tell you that you're gorgeous Mina. To tell you the truth, I've always been a bit jealous of you. I have to work for my beauty, yours comes naturally. Now come on, get your dress shoes and lets go pick up the boys." She smiled brightly and stood waiting by the door while Minako slid her mother's fancy slippers on.