AFTERGLOW [TWW √]

✵Chapter Five✵

As the final preparations proceed, Miss Tapioca with the help of Mabel and some spells has managed to fill two very long tables with colorful and delicious food.
All female students have never seen something so beautiful and edible at the same time.

Maud, in her yellow and black dress, helps Mildred put on her red dress.
It is not very long but not short either, it stops just below the knees.
A pair of simple, equally red flat shoes complete her look.
«Mh, you need something to spruce up your hairstyle, Mildred.»
Maud says, looking intently at her hair.
«I have just the right thing!»
Enid intrudes, pulling a beautiful red crown out of her purse, it looks very expensive and shiny.
«But Enid! It's is too beautiful for me!»
«Don't be silly Mills, it's a gift.
Ethel won't be able to dance with you but I still want to make the night special for you.»
Mildred takes the crown gently and puts it in her hair, looking in the mirror in amazement.
She may not be the prettiest girl in the academy, but today she must admit that she is really decent.
Meanwhile, Maud has placed an old Polaroid on her desk, and while Enid maneuvers Mildred's body like a doll, they position themselves in front of it, ready for an unforgettable photo.
«Okay girls, say Cackle's!»
Maud announces, before smiling and magically pressing the button to shoot.
In the photo they are happy and smiling, perfect to keep for great memories.

_______________

Ethel walks like a ghost through the corridors and classrooms of the academy, anxious.
She knew of her mother's imminent arrival, but the last detail of the presence of her "boyfriend" forced on her by her mother is new.
And he is already somewhere in the castle.

With a sigh she decides to stop running from him, she turns around, walking fast enough to reach her room in record time.
With a sad slump she falls on her bed, hugging one of her pillows tightly.
With some spells she changes her school uniform to her dark green dress, adorned with a see-through gold cloak.
S

he notices that the dress is long enough to cover her feet, so she doesn't bother in changing her soft and comfortable slippers, no one will notice.
Maybe someone would think that this choice isn't very "Ethel-like", but with the current situation she wants to feel good at least with something.
But all of her attention is suddenly captured by the sound of the maglet at her side; Mildred sent a message.
She grabs her device to read it, it is just a heart with the words "can't wait to see you" and a smiley little face.
Something shifts in her mind.

If I have to dance with him, then I'm gonna do it my own way.

She throws everything aside, pushing out a hidden suitcase under her bed.
She opens it, and inside instead of pretty dresses, there are black leather clothes with too much studs.

They want to dance?
Then I'll make them.