Dalliance (on hold)

Stephanie

The second hand was turning slowly. One two three four, one two three four. 17 minutes and 52 seconds past 5. One two three four, one two three four. 18 minutes past 5.

"Steph?" Connie shouted from down the hall.

"Yeah?"

"Are you wearing that blue crop top you bought last week?"

"No,"

"Can I borrow it?"

"Yep."

18 minutes and 43 seconds past 5. 18 minutes and 44 seconds past 5. One two three four, one two three four.

I sifted through my bottom draw to find the top Connie wanted. The tag was still on so I pulled at it with force to snap the plastic. Connie poked her head around the door and smiled. I threw the top to her.

"What are you wearing?" She asked.

"I'm not sure yet, what do you think?"

"Maybe that cute little blue and white dress?"

"I'm not wearing a dress, it's too cold and not formal enough." I sat down on the edge of my bed and sighed.

Connie opened my wardrobe and started sliding hangers across.

"What about this?" She pulled out a black fitted top with short flowing sleeves.

"Hmm." I winced. I'm not particularly fond of wearing tight fitted clothes. Connie could easily wear something like that and look stunning, with her gorgeous figure and long blonde hair. I, on the other hand, felt like a ripe plum at best.

"Or this." Connie pulled out a deep blue flowing top and looked at me with raised eyebrows.

"Yeah I guess I could wear that." I stood and held the top against me. "With some leggings or something."

Connie left me to get ready; I changed my tatty jeans for a pair of black leggings, and then washed my hands in the sink I have in the corner of my room. I removed my old grey T-shirt and pulled the blue one over my head, smoothing it down. I washed my hands again.

29 minutes and 13 seconds past 5. Damn. I stared at the second hand until it got to 16 seconds. One two three four, one two three four.

I had already straightened my hair earlier this afternoon to try and tame the frizz. I pulled the front half away from my face and clipped it at the back with a little twist. My make-up bag wasn't particularly impressive; I usually just wore concealer, foundation and mascara, but since I was planning to go out tonight I put some eyeliner on the tops of my eyes with a little flick, and added a small amount of bronzer on my cheeks in a half-hearted attempt to contour.

I stepped into the shared kitchen where Connie and my other flat mates were eating crisps and dips.

"You look nice." Maddison smiled.

"Thanks, so do you." I wasn't sure her compliment was all that truthful, but I accepted it anyway; I didn't have the energy to argue.