In My Rearview Mirror, JACK.HUGHES

TWENTY SEVEN

In front of the mirror, I'm juggling the black cowboy hat and its brown counterpart, seeking Olivia's advice.

"Do you prefer this one or this one?" I ask, holding the hats up for Olivia's opinion.

Her face reflects uncertainty. "I think I prefer the black, but both are so pretty," she responds.

I've been at this for the past half-hour, constantly switching hats, trying to finalize my look for the western night. "Yeah, they both have their charm, but I guess I should pick one," I say, feeling a tad frustrated.

After a moment of contemplation, I decide to go with the black one. It's a gift from my dad on my 18th birthday, and the black suede material with a silver bull design holds sentimental value.

"Black it is," I affirm, placing the hat on my head.

She grins, "Now, what about the rest of the outfit? Denim jacket or fringed suede?"

I place both over my body, but as soon as I see the black fringed one, I gasp. "Oh, for sure this one."

With a confident smile, I'm standing infront of the mirror, admiring the chosen outfit. The black fringed suede jacket drapes over my shoulders, giving off a distinct western vibe. The tactile feel of the fringes adds a playful element to the outfit, and I can't help but feel a surge of excitement for the western night.

Olivia's compliment lingers in the air, boosting my confidence. "You look so damn hot," she exclaims, and I can't deny the satisfaction that comes with nailing the perfect look.

The light wash Wrangler cowboy jeans hug my curves just right, completing the cowboy-inspired look. Paired with a simple yet chic black tank top, the outfit strikes a balance between rugged and stylish. I glance at the mirror, appreciating how the fringed jacket effortlessly ties everything together.

To tie the look together, I brush through my curled hair, adding a touch of oil for extra shine. The scent of the perfume fills the air as I apply it generously. I make sure that all my colourful jewelry is in place.

Before I forget, I grab my brown leather belt with a big buckle and fasten it around my waist. The distinctive buckle adds a final touch, creating a cohesive and polished look.

"Gosh, I think you look so sexy in the western vibe," Olivia says, her compliment making me grin with appreciation. As I prepare to head out, Olivia takes the clothes I didn't choose and neatly places them back into the brown box. It's a reminder that my time in this space is temporary; I'm moving out soon.

My dad is a big country fan; he owns every Frye cowboy boot on the market. He knows every song out there, and don't get me started on the line dances. We practically grew up on a camping ground, surrounded by the echoes of country melodies. My grandparents used to own a ranch when my dad was young, and he undoubtedly inherited his passion for the country lifestyle from those years.

So, naturally, a little part of my heart belongs to the country world. The twang of a guitar, the rhythm of a two-step, and the wide-open spaces – it all resonates with me on a deep level.

My mother fell in love with the simplicity of his lifestyle. She was initially taken aback by the cultural differences between her hometown in France and my dad's hometown in Michigan. I can't help but think of the unique cultural tapestry that shaped my family and the beauty that arises when two worlds come together.

The joy that the country vibe brings is undeniable. The sounds of the music transport me, giving a taste of sunshine and warm weather in this cold end of January. It's like a musical escape to a place where the sun always shines, and the air carries the scent of open fields and adventure.