Shadows of Yesterday

Chapter 27: The One Where I Attempt to be Fashionable

A/N: Another author's note before a chapter, sorry about that! Just thought I'd let y'all know that the picture in the banner is the artwork I did of Ben :) I finished it sooner than expected. I don't think I'd say it's my best work, but it's the first time I've tried to draw someone lit by two differently colored light sources, so for a first attempt, I think it's pretty okay haha. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the chapter!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kat and I didn't end up going dress shopping until the following Tuesday--four days before Homecoming. In typical fashion, I had procrastinated all my homework until I absolutely couldn't anymore, so I spent all of the days leading up to our shopping appointment in a desperate frenzy to make up the assignments I'd ruined during my time in nature's mental breakdown the previous Wednesday. As a matter of fact, I didn't get done with my last assignment until ten minutes before I was supposed to leave the house.

Go, me. A true model of responsibility, if I had ever seen one.

She met me in front of the doors to La Belle Mirtone, an old dress shop on the outskirts of town that took its vintage vibe way too seriously. The mannequins in the front windows looked old enough to remember not being able to vote, and they were staring at me like they were judging my fashion choices. A fair judgment, really, since I was wearing raggedy sweatpants, sandals with socks, and Liam's hoodie that I was convincing myself I was only wearing for convenience and warmth.

They definitely weren't judging everyone, though, because Kat pulled up in a flowy white shirt, a lilac knitted cardigan, and nicer jeans than I'd ever owned in my life. Her outfit was complete with a matching knitted hat and a pair of sunglasses to counteract the blinding sunlight. I suddenly felt like a bum. "I see you dressed for the occasion," Kat commented as she opened the shop's door for me. 

"I had to provide you plenty to work with for the before photo. That way I'll look extra glamorous when you eventually transform me."

"Yeah, uh-huh. Whatever you say." She deadpanned, barely reacting to the loud "cling!" of the bell above the door as she stepped in behind me.

I looked around at the shop. I'd always known it was here; La Belle Mirtone was where my brothers' high school dance dates had gushed about getting their dresses. I had never thought I would have a chance to come here myself, though.

Just like the store's exterior suggested, its inside was decorated like a picture from a 1960s interior design catalogue, complete with outdated vinyl flooring and walls lined with ancient photographs of customers trying on dresses. It smelled like cloyingly sweet perfume and mothballs; a combination that made me want to throw up in my mouth a little bit while simultaneously reminding me of good times with my grandparents.

"Hi, welcome to La Belle Mirtone! How can I help you ladies today?" A woman standing near the front register asked.

She looked to be in her mid-80s, with short-cropped white hair and a pair of thin oval glasses resting around her neck on a beaded chain. I vaguely recognized her from previous town events.

Kat turned to her with a friendly smile. "Hi, Mrs. Chapman. We're just looking for Homecoming dresses. Do you have anything good that hasn't been claimed yet?"

Mrs. Chapman nodded with a matching smile and beckoned us to follow her as she headed for the back of the store. We obediently trailed after her until she reached a section of dresses near the back. She slid her glasses on and peered at me over the rims, pursing her lips. I didn't understand why she didn't just keep her glasses off; it wasn't like she was using them in her perusal of my woefully unfashionable state. "What size are you, honey?" She eventually asked.