𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 ;

salut maman

alana's pov

the next morning, i woke up to the soft glow of early sunlight streaming through my bedroom window, casting gentle shadows on the walls. i stretched and yawned, feeling a mix of anticipation and nerves about the day ahead. today, i wanted everything to be perfect. i had a plan, and it started with looking my best.

i slipped out of bed and walked over to my closet, carefully selecting my outfit. after a few moments of deliberation, i chose a soft, cream-colored sweater that hugged me just right, its fabric warm and comforting. i paired it with high-waisted jeans that made my legs look long and lean, the denim a rich, dark blue. i added a pair of ankle boots with a modest heel, the sleek black leather giving me just a little bit of height and making me feel more confident. for accessories, i picked out a delicate gold necklace with a tiny star pendant that sparkled subtly in the light and matching gold hoop earrings that added a touch of elegance to my look without being too flashy.

after dressing, i stood in front of my mirror. my curls were my crowning glory, a cascade of natural spirals that framed my face with effortless beauty. each curl had a mind of its own, springing and bouncing with energy, reflecting my personality.

i approached my curls with care and reverence. i understood that each curl had its own unique needs, and i had perfected my routine to bring out the best in them.

first, i gently sprayed my curls with a mixture of water and leave-in conditioner, hydrating them and coaxing them into shape. then, i applied a small amount of curl-enhancing cream, working it through my hair with my fingers to ensure even distribution. this helped define each curl and reduce frizz, leaving my locks soft and bouncy.

using a wide-toothed comb or my fingers.

once my curls were dry, i gently fluffed them with my fingers to add volume and dimension, careful not to disrupt their natural pattern.

to finish off my look, i applied a small amount of lightweight hair oil to my fingertips and gently smoothed it over my hair, adding shine and locking in moisture. i then spritzed my hair with a light hold hairspray to set my curls in place without weighing them down.

with my curls now defined and radiant, i admired myself in the mirror, feeling confident and ready to face the day ahead. my curls were more than just a hairstyle—they were a reflection of her identity, a celebration of her natural beauty, and a source of strength and confidence.

a touch of mascara to define my lashes, a bit of blush to add color to my cheeks, and an aggressive lip gloss completed my look, giving me just enough polish to feel put-together. satisfied with my appearance, i grabbed my bookbag and headed downstairs.

james was already in the kitchen, sipping his coffee and reading a book. the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mixing with the aroma of toast and eggs. "morning, mo," he greeted me with a warm smile.

"good morning," i replied, grabbing a piece of toast from the counter. "i'm meeting mom for a nail appointment after school today."

he nodded approvingly. "that sounds nice. always good to spend time with her and her money." he laughs

"yeah, i'm looking forward to it," i said laughing. "i'm stopping by dunkin' before school. do you want anything?"

he shook his head. "no, i'm all good. have a good day, monbon."

"you too, papa smurf," i said, heading out the door.

the crisp morning air greeted me as i walked to dunkin', the familiar route giving me time to think and prepare for the day. the sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the neighborhood. the leaves on the trees were turning vibrant shades of red and orange, signaling the arrival of autumn. i took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm wash over me.