Tattered Beauty (Watty Awards 2011)

Chapter 12

 Sorry it took me so long to update, but I had sooo much fun writing this part. I love those Cinderella type moments, and I love writing them. I hope you enjoy it as much as i did :)*

Chapter 12

            October 31st, a Friday, tonight was the 10th annual King’s Halloween Ball; I went to bed the night before with a growing sense of anticipation. Today I woke up at seven in the morning, practically vibrating with excitement. Kelsey…not so much. She was still fast asleep on her cot, snoring quietly, and contorted into an awkward sleeping position. I decided to let her rest until ten. A grumpy Kelsey does not equal a happy Hailey. Ten came and went, so I began to shake her awake. “Kelsey, up!” I demanded.

            “Why?” She moaned groggily. Kelsey’s dream profession would be a princess or a model—not having to get out of bed until at least noon and looking pretty all day would do her well.

            I rolled my eyes. “We have to get going! We need to head over to Smash and get our final fittings done. Then go get our hair and makeup done, and by the time that is all done it’ll be time to go!” I explained. “There is T-minus ten hours to do this, girl. Get your butt up!”

            Kelsey simply rolled over. I nudged her with my foot. “Fine, I’m up!”

            After twenty minutes of preparation we were on our way down the main road headed to Smash. Money had run out of my pocket and it was not too far away anyhow. Fifteen blocks was not bad compared to the distances we had walked other times. “I’m so excited!” I gushed. The thought of dancing with Daniel all night made me smile to myself and sent butterflies into my tummy. Maybe he’d finally kiss me!

            Kelsey shrugged. “Me too. But…what if—” She trailed off.

            “‘What if’ what? Tell me!”

            “What if they figure out I wasn’t actually invited? I don’t belong with them—I’m not a part of their little society. You are because you’re dating one of the members. I’m not a classy, New York City kind of girl, I don’t know how to be that.”

            “Not all the girls that’ll be there are classy, you know. Quite a few are sleazy, I bet you anything. Besides,” I said. “You can be anything you want at this party—it’s a masquerade. You’re a great girl with an unfortunate life. Just hide the unfortunate part for now.”

            Conversation ceased as we entered Smash. Laura had Kelsey’s dress on a rack, and she went down to collect mine. I went back to the dressing rooms with Kelsey and the girl who’d designed her dress.

            I waited for her to come out, and when she did, she looked lovely. She sashayed in front of the mirror. “I love it!” She squealed. The girl nodded in silent approval. “Can we make the bust area just a little more fitting? The girls keep falling down!” Kelsey motioned to her “sagging” breasts; they still put mine to shame.

            “Yes.” the girl answered. “I can do that.”

            “Thanks, Gemma, you’re a doll.” Kelsey giggled. How is that she knew the girl’s name and I did not? I sure was observant—not.

            I watched Kelsey spin and laugh; I could tell she felt goregous. I dreamt about my costume having a similar effect on me while I watched Gemma sew the wings right on Kelsey’s dress. They were expertly crafted. Laura, I learned, made them; the wings were perfectly symmetrical and the feathers were arranged in perfect, delicate rows. It was a project that should have taken weeks crunched into a few days. The work ethic of these girls was astounding to me.