𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭

fifty

Delphine

The late afternoon sun filtered through the blinds of my apartment, casting striped shadows across the living room.

It felt like a quiet oasis away from the chaos of the rink and the noise of campus life. I was sprawled out on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, the remnants of my latest Netflix binge still playing softly in the background.

Just as I was settling into the comforting dullness of my own company, a sharp knock echoed through the room.

"Delphine! Open up!" Eliza's voice burst through, bright and full of energy, a whirlwind of excitement that I was not quite prepared for. With a resigned sigh, I pulled myself up from the cocoon of blankets and padded over to the door.

I swung it open, and there she stood—Eliza in all her glory, hair perfectly tousled, a vibrant smile lighting up her face. She practically bounced on her feet, radiating enthusiasm that could fill a room. "Get ready! We have a date to prepare for!"

"A date?" I echoed, feigning ignorance while my heart raced slightly at the mention of the word. Kaiden had asked me out—our little arrangement—and now the prospect of it made me feel a mix of anticipation and nerves. "What are you talking about?"

Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "You know exactly what I mean. Kaiden asked you out, and we're going to make sure you look amazing!" She pushed her way inside, practically taking over the space as she moved with a confidence that was both comforting and overwhelming.

I watched as she dropped her bag on the floor, rifling through it like she was on a mission. "Eliza, I'm not even sure I want to go," I said, trying to sound nonchalant as I leaned against the doorframe, crossing my arms.

She shot me a look that could melt ice. "Not an option, Del. You're going, and you're going to look fabulous while doing it. Trust me, it's time for you to step out of your comfort zone."

Before I could protest further, she pulled out a black skirt, a grey tank top, and knee-high socks from her bag, her face lighting up with triumph. "This is the outfit!" She held it up in front of me, her excitement palpable.

I glanced at the clothes skeptically. The skirt was cute, but I wasn't sure if I could pull it off. "That's...really short."

"Exactly! It'll show off your legs," Eliza insisted, a playful grin on her face. "And besides, you're going on a date with Kaiden. You want to make an impression, right?"

The thought of making an impression sent a flutter of anxiety through me, but I couldn't deny the excitement building beneath the surface.

Kaiden was different from anyone I had ever met—confident, charming, and infuriatingly magnetic. A part of me wanted to step out of my comfort zone, to embrace this moment and everything that came with it.

"Fine," I relented, rolling my eyes but unable to suppress a smile. "But I'm not going to look stupid."

Eliza squealed in delight, "You won't! Just trust me. Go change, and I'll do your hair and makeup!"

With a reluctant nod, I took the clothes from her and retreated to my room. As I closed the door, I couldn't help but feel a mix of trepidation and exhilaration. I slipped out of my comfortable loungewear and into the skirt and tank top. The fabric hugged me just right, and I found myself glancing in the mirror, surprised at how different I looked.

The skirt flared slightly at the hem, falling mid-thigh, and the grey tank top contrasted nicely with my skin tone. I tugged at the skirt self-consciously, wondering if I could pull this off. But just as I was about to lose my nerve, Eliza burst in, a flurry of energy and determination.

"Perfect! Now, let me work my magic," she declared, pulling me toward my vanity.

I sank into the chair as Eliza started rummaging through my hair products. "I don't know how you manage to keep so many things in here," she remarked, chuckling as she picked up a curling iron. "We're going for something soft and romantic. You know, something that says, 'I'm here, but I'm also kind of mysterious.'"

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Mysterious? I'm not sure I can pull that off."

"Of course you can! You're the definition of unintentional non-chalantness," she said, and as she began curling sections of my hair, I felt the tension start to slip away. The warm scent of the styling products filled the air, mixing with Eliza's perfume, creating a cozy atmosphere.

As she worked, we chatted about everything and nothing. Eliza was in full gossip mode, detailing the latest drama in our friend group and joking about Ethan's ridiculous antics. Her laughter was infectious, and I couldn't help but smile as she talked.

"Okay, now for makeup," she announced, moving to my collection of cosmetics. "You need a little pop. I think a smokey eye will really complement your look."

I watched as she applied the makeup, her hands deft and skilled. With each brush stroke, I felt the transformation. She layered on the eyeshadow, blending it expertly, and I could see the color making my green eyes pop even more. I felt a little nervous, but Eliza's enthusiastic chatter kept me grounded.

"See? You look amazing already!" she exclaimed, stepping back to assess her work.

I turned to look in the mirror, and a wave of disbelief washed over me. I barely recognized the person staring back. My hair fell in soft waves, framing my face perfectly, and the smokey eye added an alluring depth to my expression. I looked...different. Confident, maybe?

"I don't know," I murmured, still unsure.

Eliza placed her hands on my shoulders, looking me dead in the eye. "You look stunning. You're ready to take on the world—and Kaiden."

The reminder sent a rush of warmth through me, a mix of anticipation and anxiety. "You really think he'll like this?" I asked, feeling vulnerable.

"Absolutely," she assured me, giving my shoulders a reassuring squeeze. "Now put on your boots and let's see how it all comes together."

I slipped into the knee-high socks and leather boots, feeling the snug fit accentuate my legs. When I stood up and turned to face Eliza, her eyes sparkled with delight.

"You're going to turn heads," she said, and I could see the confidence in her smile. "Now let's add some accessories."

Eliza rummaged through her bag again, pulling out a delicate silver necklace and a pair of dangling earrings. "These will complete the look," she said, fastening the necklace around my neck and putting the earrings in my ears.

As I looked in the mirror one last time, I felt a surge of exhilaration. The girl staring back at me was someone I hadn't seen in a long time—a version of myself that felt bold and ready to embrace whatever came next.

"Okay, I think we're done!" Eliza announced, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "Now you just need to work on your confidence."

I snorted, a mix of humor and nervousness bubbling up. "Easier said than done."

She rolled her eyes playfully. "Just remember, you're going on a date with a guy who already thinks you're amazing. He's already got his attention on you. Just be yourself."

"Easier said than done," I repeated, though her words began to sink in. Maybe she was right. Maybe I could just be me.

Eliza glanced at her phone, her eyes widening. "Oh no! We're going to be late! We need to go!"

The realization hit me, and panic surged through my veins. "Late? For what?"

"For your date, of course!" She grabbed my hand and practically pulled me toward the door.

I blinked in surprise, trying to catch up with her enthusiasm. "Wait! I don't even know where we're going!"

Eliza smirked over her shoulder as we dashed down the hallway. "That's part of the fun! Just trust him, Del!"

As we reached the entrance of my building, the reality of the evening crashed down on me. I was about to step into the unknown, dressed up and ready for whatever Kaiden had planned.

And maybe, just maybe, I was ready to embrace it.