Break Fresh Ground

31: DATE WITH HER

I let out a frustrated sigh as I surveyed the jumble of clothes scattered across my bed. Just as my room's door creaked open, Paris peeked in to check on me.

"Ano na?" she asked, her voice calm and composed.

I huffed in annoyance, my lips jutting out in a pout. "Why can't I find a single decent outfit?" I glanced down at myself, still draped in my robe. The shower was long done, but my current dilemma revolved solely around what to wear.

Paris chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. "Masyado ka naman kasing nagpapaganda. Maganda ka na, Scarlett, okay?"

"I know," I replied, stubbornly maintaining my pout.

"Alam mo naman pala. What's bothering you?" she probed, her curiosity piqued.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath to steady myself. "I want to impress my girlfriend."

I was feeling incredibly anxious, caught between the fear of overdressing or underdressing for the occasion. All I wanted was to wear an outfit that would make me irresistibly attractive in Artemis' eyes. But for some reason, I just couldn't seem to find the right combination, and it was only making my stress worse. It was already almost eight in the morning, and I was still struggling to choose something to wear.

Just then, Paris called out to me in a calm voice. "Hey," she said, trying to reassure me. "Calm down. I'll help you, okay?"

Feeling completely helpless, I replied, "Nalabas ko na lahat ng damit ko pero wala pa rin akong nagugustuhan, Paris."

Paris smirked and shook her head, choosing not to say anything. She quietly approached my bed and started picking out clothes that she thought would look better on me. She didn't bother asking for my opinion, knowing that I would probably reject all her suggestions. After a few minutes of deliberation, she handed me a plain white fitted crop top and a pair of high-waisted cargo jeans. I gratefully accepted them, relieved to have found something I felt comfortable in.

"Then, pair those with a white chunky sneaker," Paris suggested. I nodded, a small smile forming on my lips. "Are you still feeling anxious?" she asked.

I nodded again. "A little. Thank you... for helping me," I expressed my gratitude.

"No problem at all. Now, go get changed," she said, giving me a warm smile before heading towards the door. Just as she was about to close it, she added, "Remember, Ate Sienna will find you beautiful no matter what you wear or how you dress."

With those reassuring words echoing in my mind, a broad smile spread across my face as I swiftly changed from my post-shower attire into my chosen date outfit. I let my hair down, embracing a relaxed and confident look. I quickly applied my usual five-minute makeup routine, the one I rely on whenever I go out.

When I heard three distinct knocks on our apartment door, I sprang into action like a flash, swiftly making my way to open it. And let me tell you, when I locked eyes with her and witnessed her radiant smile, it was as if angels started singing. I'm not kidding; I wanted to burst into song as well.

"H-hi! Good morning!" she greeted; her voice filled with warmth.

My eyes couldn't help but scan her outfit. She wore regular fit jeans, a black sando with a square neckline, and layered it with an oversized white button-down shirt. Completing the look were her trusty Converse shoes, while she held onto the strap of her body bag.

"Hello, love. Good morning," I sing-sang sweetly as I embraced her, guiding her inside. "Maupo ka muna diyan sa sofa, okay? I just need to grab my bag," I informed her. She responded with a smile and a nod. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Paris smirking while preparing her coffee. I simply ignored it and headed into the bedroom.