Coyotes and Wolves, Milo Manheim Original Story

Butterfly

POV: Third Person

In a previous life, Estella was a prima fashionista. It was no secret that her parents had been comfortable. She always wore the latest trends, and her favorite designers. They weren't Kardashian rich, but they were pretty well-off. After everything happened and she switched schools, she stopped caring about superficial things.
Beauty was power, and strength. But neither had done anything to protect her from what happened. In fact, it was often the source of her problems. It attracted the wrong kind of attention, and skewed other's perceptions of her. When something is beautiful, people feel entitled to stare at it,  touch it, and own it. Thus, she made some major changes. She and her parents moved to a public school district, they bought an upscale yet modest home, and Estella began to dress accordingly. She wanted to forget everything about her previous life.

When Milo suggested going to a club, like the ones she would often frequent with her old ritzy friends, it made her stomach sink. Then when he suggested they dress up, it made her feel vulnerable. Her therapist had recently told her to try to step out of her comfort zone a little, but the prospect of this evening felt like a lot.

Ding Dong!

5:00pm, on the dot? Seriously? Well, at least this'll be some good content for my trauma journal. She thought sarcastically.

Estella opened the door, to a very chipper looking girl holding a makeup kit, hair care tools, and hangers draped with protective bags.

"Estella, right?" Delilah greeted.

"Yeah..." She answered, in a low tone.

Cowgirl, you know my name! Estella clapped back, internally.

"I'm Delilah."

"I know." Estella deadpanned. "I just didn't realize that this is what Milo meant by reinforcements."

Delilah shrugged.

"You know, it's okay, you don't have to go all Project Makeover. I really just needed something to wear. You don't have to waste your time..." Estella began.

"Oh, stop it. It's fine. Milo's my best friend. I just want to help. This is really important to him." Delilah pressed.

"Uh huh." Said Estella, suspiciously.

"What?" Delilah asked, calmly. "Is there something wrong?"

Be nice. She heard Milo's words in her head.

"I just... don't like crowded places. And, I'm just kind of dreading this whole thing." She partially lied.

"Don't even worry about it. You'll be fine." Delilah cooed, encouragingly. "Milo really likes you."

"It's not Milo, I'm worried about. I know he likes me." Estella retorted.

"Of course. Why wouldn't he? You're just his type. Pretty, smart, and...well. Yeah, you're both cute together." Delilah exclaimed.

"Why did you pause?" Estella asked.

"Oh, it's not a big deal." Delilah replied, dismissively.

"What?" Estella pressed.

"The only thing that I'd be worried about, is that you seem a little introverted." Delilah revealed.

"Why does that matter? Milo knows I'm introverted." Estella challenged.

"Yeah. But, why does he want to take you to a club and parade you around in a pretty dress? I mean, it's obvious that you might not be comfortable." Delilah continued to challenge.

"Well, maybe he's just trying to get me out of my shell or something. He said he just wants to spend time together." Estella proposed.

"And are you okay, being out of your shell?"
Delilah challenged, with a voice of concern.

"I guess we'll find out." Said Estella, determinedly.

"I'm really not trying to make you overthink. I'm sorry. I said it wasn't a big deal. You're right. Milo's just such a social butterfly, and I guess I just worry about him feeling..." Delilah paused.

"What?" Estella demanded, quietly.

"Like he won't be able to just be himself." Delilah finished. "And, he told me that that's what he likes about you the most, is that he feels like he can."

"It's not like I don't know how to be social." Estella argued.

"Well then, there shouldn't be anything to worry about. You know what to do, just mingle with some new people and don't be afraid to dance with them. Show him he doesn't have to hold himself back." Delilah encouraged.

Estella was starting to feel immense pressure and increased determination to become a sparkling fairy Queen to flutter around the club for all to see. For Milo. She'd try, for Milo.

"Okay then, you ready?" Delilah asked.

"Do I have to ride around in a pumpkin?" Estella quipped, sarcastically.

"Milo was right. You're funny. No, he's borrowing my car tonight." Delilah chuckled .

Of course, he is. What a generous friend you are, Cowgirl. Estella groaned, internally.