BELLRAM V01 - Ambivalence of Light and Shadow I

BP001-P32 - Pralines 14

"Huh?"

~It doesn't fit.~

The dress was a little too long, but that was still acceptable. The real problem was that the bust area was cut too generously. And it was visible. You could see it clearly. If the dress was not so tight everywhere else, it would not hold at all. Meia did not understand how this could be. She had tried on all the dresses that had been handed to her several times. Of course, this one was among them. On the other hand, there had been a lot of dresses. The time she had invested in each piece had perhaps been too short? She had only tried this one on once because she was sure she would take it with her. Still, it was strange. Both dresses had originally belonged to her mother. Why did only this one not fit? Should she change back into the other dress? But the other dress was not for the evening. Any woman would recognise that immediately.

"Um, the dress-"

"Yes, it really suits you." Lijeux replied immediately.

"Oh, um... Yes. Thank you?"

~Does she not see that?~

Maybe it was the direction of her gaze?

Meia turned in front of the mirror to see herself sideways.

~How does she not see that? It looks like popped balloons.

"Oh, it's already half past. I have to go home now."

"Wh-What? No. I'm not done yet."

"You want to stay longer?"

"No. My-my dress doesn't fit."

"Huh? That's a perfect fit, isn't it?" Lijeux looked up at her once. "Ahhh..." For a second she pondered, while glancing at the ceiling and again with her index finger touching her cheek, then she stretched it up as if she suddenly had an idea. "Just stuff it. Rujell does the same."

"She stuffs it? With what?"

"With socks."

"S-socks?" asked Meia doubtfully.

Meia considered, but it did sound a little implausible.

"Do you want me to do it for you?"

"N-! No, you don't have to. I can do it myself."

"Then I have to go home now. My sisters are waiting for me. See you around."

Lijeux headed off to the door, while waving her goodbye.

"Wait a bit. How do I get back?"

"You just have to follow the curve, down the stairs, and you'll be at the door to the courtyard. It's easy."

"It's easy, isn't it?

~Says the right one.~

"If you do want to come, I can guide you?" offered Lijeux questioningly.

Meia shook her head vehemently.

"No. It's all right. I'll find my way."

She could do without another of her guides. She could not go yet anyway. The problem had to be solved first.

"If you don't want to." Lijeux opened the door and looked back again. "As a farewell, I'll give you one last tip for today. I don't like people who don't laugh. Laugh a little more." As she walked out, she commented, "Nice underwear, by the way. I prefer it breezy too. Ahaha-" then the door closed.

~Can't she just shut up?~

Meia had realised she was going to say something like that, even if it hadn't been quite what she had expected. At least she was gone now.