Dead Ends // Hugh Jackman

Chapter 30

Another thing to know about me is that I absolutely hate dress shopping. Or, shopping for any clothes in general. It takes much too long. You can be out for hours and still come home empty handed. Online shopping is easier and more convenient, but unfortunately, you don't get what you buy right away, which is why I have no choice but to go in person.

I'm already done by the time we go into the second store. All these dresses on display are much to frivolous for my taste. I don't like to stand out, so I tend to go for something more simple and that I can blend into the background in.

My mom keeps pulling out dresses and handing them to me to try on. I've gotten to the point in shopping where I just do what she wants with little to no fight. The faster we get through all of these, the quicker I can go home.

At the moment, it's just mom and I. Milo and Hugh are out looking for suits. Since Hugh offered to pay and Milo doesn't have my reservations on owing others like I do, he gladly took him up on it. Milo is going to milk it. I've already warned Hugh, but something tells me he's just going to let Milo do it. I really wish he wouldn't, even if he is likely to afford it.

I really wish Hugh was here with me to help ease the irritation, but mom had forced him and Milo to do their own shopping. Her words had been that it would spoil the initial reaction of seeing me in formal wear for the first time. I had to remind her that this isn't prom. It's just a soiree, but she wouldn't have it.

So, here I am, lugging around several dresses until we reach the fitting rooms. Mom motions for me to go try them all on. I do so with a groan, which earns me a stern look.

The first evening wear I manage to get myself is a deep emerald. The full sleeves are sheer, and there's a triangular patch above my chest and below the collar that shows off my skin. It's long, flowy, and every inch of it is covered in beads, matching in color to the dress, of various sizes. It's a bit much for me and makes my boobs look smaller than they are. It's an immediate rejection for me. I don't even go out to show it to my mom.

The next one is easier to get into, but it's just as flashy. For one, it's gold. It's an A-line bodycon that stops at mid-calf. There's strips of dazzling jewels that are packed together at the top and getting farther apart down the dress. This one pushes my chest up. It makes my boobs look great. I honestly wouldn't mind it if it wasn't for the feathers lining the hem. Another no.

The third one is more up my alley. It's a simple, off the shoulder gown. It's tight up until it hits the waist and then flows all the way down to my ankles. There's a slit that runs up my left leg. The only thing is it's red. A bright, daring ruby that will definitely have me sticking out like a sore thumb. Plus, this one definitely gives me prom vibes, so I don't even know why thought this would be a viable option.

Finally, I'm down to the last one. I take a look at it on the hangar and already tell myself I won't wear it either. It shimmers, like it has a million tiny stars all over it. The dress is a dark, rich navy. It reminds me of the sky just right after a sunset. The kind of blue that makes you think about how big and vast the universe is. It's too showy, but the second I put it on, I take back what I said about me not liking it.

It's soft to the touch. I thought it would be scratchy based on all the glitter, but the fabric of the dress feels like silk. It has thin straps that leads to a light ruching depending on how it falls and forms to my body. Unlike the previous 3, where there was some sort of tightness around my body, this one leaves more to the imagination while still accentuating every curve and dip.

While I thought the sparkle would be too much, it's actually very subtle. In the dark, the dress will look plain, but once any light hits it, I'll look like I'm wearing the night sky.