𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐑'𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐄 || sodapop curtis

007 | say yes to the dress

❝Will you find the dress? Or will the dress find you?❞

HARLOW LED ME into a slightly larger room, and the number of dresses on racks was completely overwhelming- I don't know how you could ever choose. Vera followed me into the room, shutting the double french door behind her.

"Oh my, how will I ever choose?" I said.
"Don't you worry, you will just have to answer a few questions, and you'll be all set with your options."
"Okay, great."

Vera handed me a piece of paper, with the questions listed:

1. What are your favorite colors? Gold, white, silver.
2. Long, medium, or short length? Medium.
3. Texture: chiffon, crêpe, organza, charmeuse? Chiffon.

I was confused by the last question; I was no stylist. Harlow told me to go with what "sounded best." I answered all the questions and handed Vera the paper, excited to see what options I would receive.

"So," Harlow started. "While we wait for Vera, I am going to fit you for your gown." She said pulling out a measuring tape.

Harlow measured each of my limbs, from elbow shoulder then my chest, waist, and hips. It was a bit uncomfortable, but it didn't take long. By the time we were finished, Vera had returned from the maze of dresses. She held a few dresses in her hands as she made her way over to us, clearly smiling.

"Here are your four options, darling."
"Perfect."
"Harlow, lead her to the dressing room please." Vera ordered.
"Will do."

Harlow led me to the insanely large dressing room; it was three times the size of my bedroom. She hung the dresses up individually in a line next to each other in front of us. I didn't even know which dress to try on first.

"..let's try this one." Said Harlow, holding up a very pale pink dress with ruffles running down the legs.
"Wow." I said. I was truly amazed.
"That is quite stunning." Said Harlow, I agreed.

The next dress Harlow held up was white, with slight ruffles on the shoulders, and dusted with gold sparkles; it was like nothing I had ever seen. The way the ruffles fell over each other, and how beautifully the butterflies on the waist climbed to the chest.

I slipped it on, and I just knew this was the one. It fit me wonderfully- I didn't even want to try on the other dresses. Plus, my hair and makeup went perfectly with this gown.

"This is the one." I said to Harlow.
"Are you sure? We still have two more-"
"I'm positive." I reassured her.
"Okay, great. Let me tell Vera."

I walked over to a small love seat, waiting for the confirmation on my dress. It wasn't like I was a bride to be- I was just invited to a masquerade. It wasn't long before Vera returned- only to tell me that I had the dress.

"So, are you ready?" Asked Harlow.
"For what?"
"Y'know, your gonna have to eat at some point." She said lightly.
"Oh yeah- that sounds great." I said.

•••

"So, how do you feel about tonight?"
"I never thought I would say this, but I'm actually looking forward to it. Remind me again- how many girls are going?"
"Roughly 200?"
"Wow."
"How will the prince ever choose?"
"Well, y'know what they say- you only have one twin flame."
"I guess."

Harlow drove me through the downtown city of Venice. It was absolutely beautiful, I would never have imagined it like this. The way the clouds melted into the pale blue sky- it looked almost unrealistic. We arrived at a small food center, many restaurants surrounding.

"Where are we going?" I asked.
"I'm taking you to my favorite place." Harlow returned. "Buon Cibo."
"What does that mean?"
"Good food."
"That's- uh- original."
"Definitely." We laughed. I was really getting to like Harlow, and I suddenly hoped she would stick around.

"Ciao, possiamo per favore prendere due pizze al formaggio?"
"Ovviamente. Sarà tutto per voi signore?"
"Si, grazie."

"What did you order for us?" I asked.
"Two cheese pizzas. Pretty basic- but this is my favorite pizza spot."
"That sounds amazing."

Our food soon arrived, and let me tell you- that was probably the best pizza I have ever had in my life. We are in Italy, for crying out loud. Harlow explained to me how the masquerade would work, how I would get there, and when it's time to leave. Let's just say- it was more than I was expecting. I might as well had taken a royal manners class! But these rules didn't stop me from being on cloud nine.