Quick Bites

Dressed To Impress

The Easton High prom was round the corner and, as usual, girls were seen recklessly raiding high end boutiques and shops to find a fantastic prom dress of their dreams. Some of them preferred sequins, while others chose satin. After all, prom is an important dance of the high school senior year, an unforgettable event, which is highly anticipated by students all across the country. Such an occasion calls for impeccable attire, dancing and everlasting sweet memories. There was a lot of excitement in the air as the young and bubbly teenage girls pranced around shops and discussed their party plans between classes in hushed tones.

There was one girl who stood out amongst the giggling chicks, Virginia Ruth. She did not indulge in idle gossip or went dress shopping with her friends. She was sternly interrogated on her lack of interest but she smiled demurely in response. Her twinkling eyes suggested that she must have purchased an amazing dress beforehand. Needless to say, she became the envy of her classmates.

"Do you reckon she got a corset dress?" whispered Lucy during English class.

"No. I think she is more of a lace gown kind of girl!" hissed back Isadora.

"I bought a pink pleated frock yesterday!" Minerva could help but boast with a smirk.

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The school hall was filled with laughing young adolescents; boys shone in their impeccable tuxedos and the girls looked beautiful in their complicated gowns adorned with superfluous pieces of clothing. The scrawny disc jockey played the latest hit in bubblegum pop and the lights were dimmed. Sure enough, teachers were positioned at all crannies and nooks. Someone was handing out non-alcoholic spritzers and mocktails in little red cups. All in all, it was a perfect night.

"I see you went with the halter gown." Isadora commented on Lucy's attire. Lucy smiled and did a little twirl for her.

"Do you think it looks pretty on me?" she asked.

"Of course it does!" assured Isadora, then lowered her voice conspirationally, "say, have you seen Virginia yet?"

Lucy shook her head.

"I heard she was going to wear a gown encrusted with swarovski crystals. I mean, that is what Minerva told me. Do you think she might do that?" Isadora could not keep the excitement out of her voice. It was prom night already and Virginia could not be seen anywhere. The mystery of her outfit was almost too much to bear.

The two girls went to the drinks stand and got a glass of soda each. They were walking back to the dance floor when a guy bumped into Lucy, causing her to spill some of the liquid on her dress.

"Damn you!" she screeched and pulled the guy in front of her with a hard tug at his blazer sleeve.

To her utter surprise, it was no guy. Clad in a well-fitted men's suit with a formal black bow-tie around her neck was none other than, you guessed it, Virginia Ruth. Her dark hair was pulled back into a clean bun. She had no makeup on. Even her shoes were dark leather cut to fit the shape of a man's foot.

Isadora let out a loud gasp.

"What is this that you have done?" she exclaimed in horror.

Virginia shrugged casually. "I saw you wanting to wear your dream outfit so I figured to give it a try."

"Is this a joke?" Lucy looked at her critically.

"No. This is my choice. Now if you please, I need to go while the strawberry Sangria is still available." Virginia waved at her friends cheerfully and walked away.

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This story was essentially a flash fiction. I wanted to write on today's changing perspectives on fashion and beauty standards. I discard the idea where girls are expected to wear frilly dresses or girly gowns on their prom night. Come to think of it, it is passé'. Moreover, what is wrong with donning an androgynous outift for a change ?

Song - Vogue by Maddona.

Thanks for reading.