Lost

Chapter 8 Jacquelyn

I can't believe I'm here. One of my top dreams has come true—I get to wear a real kimono, and it's gorgeous! The lady here is so gentle, wrapping me up in beautiful fabric like I'm a precious gift. I chose the color purple; I felt it would go best with my skin tone, and the lady agreed.

After she was done with the kimono, she started working on my hair, which I was not expecting. I was getting the full glam treatment. She spoke English pretty well, and the whole place gave off a quiet elegance. Actually, when I first came here, this shop looked... well, wealthy. It got me questioning what Isamu really does for a living. All this time, I thought he was just a farm boy.

"I think gold will complement the purple very well," she said softly.

"I think so too," I replied happily.

She carefully styled my braids up, placing what felt like a million bobby pins to hold everything in place. Once she was satisfied, she began placing the gold hair accessories throughout my hair.

"Wow, this is so pretty! Thank you so much!"

"Would you like your makeup done as well?" she asked. "I apologize for not having the right colors for your skin tone, but I can at least do a little eye makeup and blush."

"Oh gosh, I didn't expect you to carry a world full of skin colors," I said, laughing. "I'm happy with just this."

She broke out in laughter too.

"I'll be happy if you could give me a little eye makeup and some blush," I added. "Honestly, I don't wear makeup—I think I suck at it."

"You don't have to wear much to look beautiful," she said kindly. "It just takes a little to bring out the beauty you already have."

"You're good with words," I said, smiling. "I can see why you guys are so successful. You've just gained a returning customer."

She laughed again, shaking her head as she started my makeup. It didn't take long since she believed in subtlety.

"All done," she said finally. "I believe your boyfriend is done getting dressed too. He'll meet you out in the guest room."

"O–Oh no... we aren't dating or anything like that—just friends," I said quickly.

"Oh, but he said you two were—"

"O–Oh! I mean... yes! We sure are. We're past dating—super in love," I said with nervous laughter.

Maybe he told her that to get a discount. 

Smart move, Isamu!

"Oh, I see. How wonderful," she said, smiling knowingly.

The last thing she did was place my sandals on my feet before guiding me toward the guest room. There, I saw Isamu sitting and reading the paper. He must have been waiting for a while; guys never take as long as women do.

"Here she is," the lady said.

Isamu looked up from his paper, staring for a long moment before realizing he was staring.

"Oh. Okay. Thank you," he said quickly, lowering the paper.

The lady smiled and went back to her work.

Isamu stood up and headed for the door. A small pang of disappointment hit me—he didn't say anything about how I looked. It was the first time I'd gotten all glammed up, too. But that's okay. I knew I looked smokin'. I needed to take pictures for Stacy anyway.

Once we were in the car, I pulled out my phone.

[Me] pic

[Stacy] GIRL, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD! I WAS ABOUT TO CALL THE ARMY OR SOMETHING! OMGGGGG!!!