Let The Games Begin // Billie Eilish

Chapter 15

"Here my darling, try this on" Sabine says to me as she hands me a silk scarlett red slip on dress with purple frills.

"Eh, it doesn't feel very...me." I say shyly, gripping onto the coat hanger and slowly turning it around in my hand.

"Honey, I'm afraid we've run out of options. It's either this or that green tutu dress." She responds in a defeated tone while placing her hands on her hips.

I'm currently in a massive room somewhere in the training centre being styled for Billie and I's interview together. I've been in this damn room for about 3 hours trying on dress after dress, while Billie tried on one oversized top-trouser combo after refusing to wear a dress, and dipped 15 minutes later.

I sigh dramatically as I head towards the changing curtain, when all of a sudden the door bursts open and in walks a little old woman with a walking stick in one hand and a glass of whiskey in the other. She is wearing a floor length maxi skirt and thick round glasses. She looks around the room for a second until her eyes land on me.

"You. I heard you're struggling to find an outfit, ay?" She shouts a little louder than necessary.

"I-um-yeah. Yeah nothing has really caught my eye yet." I reply, extremely confused about who this woman is and how she knows who I am.

Sabine, sensing my hesitation, chirps in. "Oh, Cove! This is Wanda. She's been styling the players for over 50 years now. She 'retired' about 8 years ago but somehow she manages to come back every year, giving her opinion as always." She says, rolling her eyes a little at that last sentence with a notable fake smile.

"I have brought you a dress that I think you'll like." Wanda says. She snaps her fingers in the air and a staff member comes running in with a dress draped around his arm. "Show her."

With that, the staff member holds up one of the most stunning dresses I've ever seen. It's a strappy midi dress that is a little flowly. It's a beautiful shade of pastel blue. The dress is simple, but that's part of it's charm. My mouth drops open as I stare at it and try to imagine myself wearing it. I look over at Sabine, who is side-eyeing Wanda.

"Is it ok if I try this on?" I ask Sabine.

"Well, I suppose it couldn't do any harm." She grumbles before turning around and hanging the red silk dress back on the railing.

I take the dress from the staff member and stroll into the changing room. As soon as I pull the dress over my head, I feel the way that I always imagine people feel when they try on their wedding dress. It just feels right. I examine myself in the mirror for a minute or so. I look exhausted. It almost looks strange to see this beautiful dress on a model that is so, well, not beautiful.

I walk out to Wanda and Sabine who both light up and start eyeing the dress up and down.

"Oh, that's it! That's the one!" Wanda claps, while Sabine tries to suppress a smile and nods in agreement. "You look lovely, Cove." She adds.

"Do a twirl!" Wanda practically screams, her voice coming out all croaky and scratchy.

I awkwardly turn around, the dress flowing as I do.

"Do you like it, dear?" Sabine asks gently. I nod at her, which makes Wanda clap viciously in victory.

"Ok, great, we will have it tailored to your measurements. It will go nicely with Billie's outfit, which is a bonus." Sabine smiles as she looks up at me. "Right, I think you're finally done. Once you change into your uniform you're free to go."

"Thanks. And thanks so much to you too." I say turning to Wanda. "I love it."

"My pleasure." She says in that raspy voice of hers. This woman must be at least 80 years old.