Do you ever just look at all the un-started papers you still have to write for school but you're here instead? I do and the total is so many that I lost count.

Copyright - Barbie as the Island Princess (At the Ball) because I'm trash for Barbie flicks even though they're sometimes trash.


Photo #84: At the Ball

If there hasn't been a relatable picture up to this point, Eadlyn has finally found one. This one has her smiling since she could actually picture herself in this exact situation.

The photo has Eadlyn's mother is standing on those pedestals that are found in a tailor's studio. She holds her hand up to her forehead in annoyance as May and Marlee stand on opposite sides of her, seeming to be bickering over fabrics they're holding above her mother for reference. Eadlyn has no idea why May and Marlee would be fighting but the longer she looks at the rage on their faces, did she really want to know?

-o-

America has an upcoming charity gala to attend and her biggest issue is picking a dress to wear. The fashion police's eyes have been on her since the Selection and now that she's the Queen of Illéa, they'll be examining her like a vulture to its prey. Every detail of her dress was looked at, from head to toe. America not only had to embody the word 'perfection', but she also had to wear something she hasn't done before or else they will mark her for that as well.

Sometimes, America finds it harder to prepare for a ball in comparison to actually being at them. Lucky for her, she has two of her best girls, May and Marlee, to help her out with that. Well, at least she thought she would be helping. Usually, the two girls would agree in terms of fashion but for some reason, today was not one of those days.

America stands in the middle of the tailor's studio, in front of a series of mirrors which have several dresses from various designers that were all sent to America in hopes that she would wear them to the gala. Scattered all over the floor are photos of America from the past in every ballgown she's ever worn to make sure that doesn't wear anything too similar to avoid a havoc - or worse, wear the same dress as someone else which is a bigger deal than it seems to be. By America's sides to help with the process are May and Marlee who are currently hovering over the pictures and studying them carefully.

"How about this dress," May says, picking one from their choices and holding it over America's body to see how it looks. "Billowing skirts with tied up sleeves has not been done before by you. And with this, you could tease your hair up to show off some flare."

America nods, taking that suggestion into consideration. She holds the dress at her own body to see how it would fit with the tailor's adjustments. When she glances up at the mirror, she sees Marlee shaking her head.

"She's a queen, not a duchess," Marlee says, cringing a little at May's idea.

"Do you have anything better?" May asks.

Marlee nods with a grin on her face. America steps down from the brewing tension and fashion rivalry. May places her hands on her hips, waiting to see what dress Marlee picked out to up her game.

"I think bodices that wrap around are the height of style," Marlee says, keeping her eyes on the pictures. "Deeper necklines are naturally daring. Maybe wear this dress and a smile."

Marlee picks up a deep green satin dress with a neckline that plunged a little deeper than usual. She holds it up against America with one hand and forces her to smile with the other hand. Marlee smiles at her idea, unlike May.

"We should go with something satin," May says, holding up some fabric samples. "Maybe add a simple headpiece and handbag. That's how to make an entrance at the ball."

"No," Marlee simply states. "Just, no. I think you should lose the silly head thing."

May opens her mouth to an offense. "No way!"

"I'm the one who's been to these before." Marlee perks up. "I know! Orange ombré the best thing."

For a second, May's face changes. It seems like Marlee's words are strangely persuasive. May and even America find themselves feeling kindly towards her. Then, May's face drops.

May scoffs. "Definitely the best thing to ignore."

America holds back her laughter at that witty response. Marlee narrows her eyes as May fakes a gag. America stands on the tailor's pedestal to avoid this seismic explosion of a fight. Nobody notices that Maxon slowly opens the door to check in on the process, not knowing what was happening behind that closed door.

"Flowing skirt!" May screams.

"Trumpet skirt!" Marlee screams back.

"Loose!"

"Tight!"

"More!"

"Less!"

"Dark!"

"Bright!"

America throws her arms in the air. "Stop!"

Maxon backs out, pretending that he never saw all this. Thank god the women never noticed him walking in or else he would've had to have given his opinion which would've resulted in a war. Marlee and May turn to face America.

"There is something good in what you're saying," America says slowly, lowering her hands. "I know that if I go, I have to look like a queen - classic and modern. It would tie in the old-fashioned Illéa with the future."

With that proposition out in the open, the three women look at the photos together in reference to what they have in front of them to work with.

"I look nice in shades of blue," America says. "It's been done by myself so many times but I think that the color is a factor we could repeat as long as the exact shade is different."

From that, May and Marlee separate all the blue dresses and organize them by specific shades from lightest to darkest. America stands in front of them, examining each and every dress carefully. Her eyes linger for longer over the dark blue dress that has a corset-like bodice and a skirt that flows up until it's cut off at the ankle. The skirt has swirling patterns on it which continue on the sheer sleeves.

"This one," America says, picking it out.

America holds it over her body and spins around as if she was wearing the dress herself. This dress combined both Marlee and May's ideas in a way.

"Something pink would pop out and look great," Marlee suggests.

May picks up a pair of baby pink heels with a little sparkle on the toes. America takes off her current shoes and slips into the heels, keeping the dress in front of her. As she looks at her reflection, Marlee and May add simple jewelry that sparkle like the night sky to her look. Once they're finished, they look at the final product in the mirror and their eyes open in sheer amazement.

"And with this, you're guaranteed to enthrall," Marlee comments.

"Now you'll take their breath away!" May exclaims, clapping her hands together excitedly.

As the three girls cheer, Maxon steps back in quietly. He's glad to see them now hugging instead of harassing one another. He has perfect timing when it comes to these type of things.


This just makes me think about how I'll have to pick out a grad dress in the upcoming future.

Stay Tuned - Tis the season to try and not sound clichéd!