She (TakashiMorinozukaxOC)

Chapter Six: The Party

Jenni did her makeup and hair rather quickly. Somehow, she managed to wing some liquid eyeliner on her lid and draw her eyebrows nicely enough that she didn't hate her own face. She had found her curling iron in the depths of her luggage. She hardly every curled or straightened her hair-- usually it was up in some kind of bun or braid or ponytail. Or a combination of the three. 

But that evening she brushed it out, straightened the waves, and curled them softly before pulling back the top part by two small braids. She went for hairspray, but discovered that she hadn't brought any. 

"Shit," she stood up from the vanity in the bathroom. She had her house robe on, so she left the room and went over to the other wing. All of the maids were outside in the garden helping set up for the party, so she wasn't sure who else to go to other than Hekima. As she walked, she prayed that the work that she had done on her hair wouldn't fall before she could acquire hairspray. 

"Jenni-san?"

Jenni turned to Satoshi, who stood in the hallway, staring at her in wonder.

"Hey, Satoshi," Jenni said, "You wouldn't happen to know if your mom has hairspray, would you?" 

"We can go ask her!" Satoshi ran towards her, took her hand, and led her down the hall. He ran and dragged her to a door. He knocked and shouted, "Okaa-san!"

Hekima opened the door-- her dress on and her hair in curlers. Jenni hadn't seen the woman in anything but a kimono before. She dressed so traditionally she had thought that she'd wear a kimono tonight as well. Instead, she wore a dark blue dress with long sleeves, an A-line waist and a straight skirt. It looked good on her; Hekima was a very pretty woman. 

She looked at her son, "Why aren't you dressed yet?" she looked at Jenni, "Did you need something, Jenni-chan?" 

"Um--" 

"Hairspray, Okaa-san."

Hekima looked at Jenni, who had crossed her arms anxiously. She smiled, and told Jenni to wait there and Satoshi to go to his room and change or else. The phrase sent a shiver down their spines, so Satoshi sprinted back to his room to change. Soon, Hekima reappeared with a can of hairspray in her hand. 

"Turn," she told her. Jenni did as told, terrified of what the woman would do to her if she defied. Hekima pulled each curl, bounced it, and sprayed them lightly. "Let me see." 

Jenni turned to face her. Hekima inspected her hair and makeup, "You are a very pretty girl." 

"Oh," Jenni bit her lip, "Thanks." 

"Do you need help getting into the dress?" 

"No," Jenni replied. She bowed shortly, "Thank you for the help. I'll see you soon." 

"Takashi will meet you at the back entrance to escort you into the party. Do you dance?" 

"In general or..." 

"Partner dance? Do you know how to waltz?" Hekima clarified.

"Waltz?" 

"Yes, can you waltz?" 

"I took dance classes as a kid; I'm sure I can figure it out." 

Hekima sighed, "Takashi's a good dancer. Let him lead and you'll be fine." 

"Okay." 

Jenni stood nervously, suddenly feeling very small next to the woman, who was only an inch taller than her. Hekima ushered her back down the hall and told her to go put her dress on and to call if she had issues with the zipper. So, Jenni went back to her room and put her dress on. She heard music out in the garden. Outside, guests were starting to arrive.