The Stray Souls ["The Diary Keeper" Sequel; "The Dark Legacies" Series]

Chapter 23: The puppeteer's strings

Getting ready for the school party was exciting. I went through my closet, trying to find the perfect outfit. After a bit of searching, I decided on a colorful dress that I hadn't worn in a while. It had a lively floral pattern that matched the festive atmosphere of the party. I wanted to feel comfortable and confident.

Next, I spent some time on my hair. I opted for loose curls, thinking it would add a bit of elegance to my look. I wasn't a pro at styling, but I managed to create soft waves that framed my face. A quick check in the mirror confirmed that my hair was party-ready.

Makeup was the next step. I kept it simple, just a bit of mascara and a touch of lip gloss. I wanted a natural look that suited the laid-back vibe of the gathering. The goal was to enhance, not transform. I smiled at my reflection, feeling satisfied with the subtle makeup choice.

As a final touch, I grabbed a small, stylish purse to complete the ensemble. It was just big enough to hold my essentials - phone, lip gloss, and a bit of cash.

"Lia, I don't recognize you. Where are the bold red lipstick and that ultra-short figure-hugging skirt?" Caroline just had to comment on my look.

"You can borrow it all from me," I replied, twirling in front of the mirror and admiring my reflection, "I'm going for a more elegant style for tonight."

"Mrs. Fairfield might think you're not Liandra Di Flores but our new student," my roommate joked.

"Let her think. Maybe, for a few minutes, she'll be glad that I'm not in this school."

"Deceptive joy is also joy."

Truth be told, Caroline never liked emphasizing her beauty. Education interested her more than cosmetics, discos, high heels, and fashionable outfits. But I couldn't let it go just like that - I had to help my friend and turn her into a real top model.

"Now I'll make you the star of tonight party," I said, pulling out my "beauty essentials" from the drawer.

"I'm afraid to imagine what will come out of this..." She nervously chuckled.

In less than half an hour, Caroline Sinclair transformed into a top model from a magazine cover. Her face adorned with false thick lashes, lavender eyeshadows, all shades of highlighter and bronzer, and, of course, my bright red lipstick. Without saying anything, I turned her in the chair to face the mirror.

"How do you like it?"

Caroline didn't respond – her emotions spoke louder than any words. Perhaps, at barely sixteen, the girl finally realized that beauty is indeed worth paying enough attention to.

"It looks like I'll be waking up earlier now, not to prepare for classes, but to make the most of your makeup kit," she finally managed to say.

The finishing touch was my shortest skirt, which I gladly lent my friend and it perfectly matched her beige blouse. There you go, girls ready for the party – I hope the school will remain intact and undamaged afterward. Although I can't exactly promise that.