Barefoot Cinderella

5. Clueless

4 years ago...

"I think this colour is lovely on you." Nicole said while browsing through my clothes.

"I know right. I was thinking about going through all of my mum's old clothes and whipping something new out of them." I told her, completely excited.

It was the first school dance I was going to in Junior High. Dang it, it was the first school dance I was attending, period! I wanted to look the best I possibly could and with Nicole's help that might not really be a pipe dream. You see, Nicole wanted to be a model when she grew up and even now she did a few advertisements here and there. A few months ago she was featured in the some fancy shamancy Designer's clothing line campaign, so I knew I was in good hands.

After all the drama I had to face for the past few years this was the perfect opportunity to re-invent myself and finally stop being the one who is always on the sidelines.

"Good afternoon girls." Rhea greeted us from the hallway since the door to the room was cracked wide open. For some reason whenever Nicole was over Rhea behaved more civilly towards me than when she wasn't here. I think she liked Nicole and wanted to be on her best behaviour around my best friends, or at least around Nicole because whenever Drew was over she acted as if she ice queen, and we all were like dirt under her nose.

"Hey Rhea!" Nicole greeted Rhea exuberantly. Rhea was a junior in high school and Nicole worshipped the ground she walked on. Rhea was everything that Nicole aspired to be, pretty, perfect, stylish, popular, a total fashionista and had people hanging onto each and every one of her words.

Being an only daughter Rhea was like a sister to her since they both had much more in common, compared to me. I was thrilled for my best friend even though she didn't know Rhea as well as I did, still it seemed like Rhea liked Nicole too, so it's the thought that counts maybe.

"What are you both doing on this fine day?" she questions us brightly, "It is an amazing day to tan. Why don't you join me Nic and I'll teach you the right way to tan so that you to get tanned evenly all over without getting sunburnt."

"Oh!" said Nicole looking torn, "You know I'd love to but I am working with Ariel here and trying to find a nice dress for both of us to wear to this school dance...."

Before Nicole could complete her sentence Rhea cut her off and said, "The place to find the perfect dress is the mall, not closet of a girl who barely knows what the latest trends are."

I was slightly miffed but I knew Rhea. She wouldn't know how not to be catty if somebody paid her not to do it.

Ignoring all that she said, Nicole replied, "We are trying to find something vintage and completely unique to wear to the party so we would stand out from the rest on the girl's there." 

"Oooohh... So you both are trying to impress some lads if I am not wrong? I didn't mean you Ariel you already have the perfect guy for you wrapped around your pinkie." She said looking pointedly at me. At Rhea's words a number of emotions pass over Nicole's face, rage and jealousy being the dominant ones.

Unfazed by the situation she had caused here, or rather ignoring it Rhea continues, "If you want to rock the whole retro chic I can help you out with that, why don't you come to my room and I'd lay out the perfect dress for you while Ariel makes us some snacks and of course Ariel that will include a refreshing glass of lemonade that I love so much." She order me and then directed her attention back to Nicole and continued, "Then we will go to my favourite store and buy you some accessories." She finished and discreetly winked in my direction, trying to be coy, while effectively dismissing me from her presence.