Changes of the Heart (FanFic)

Chapter 1

Disclaimer: The names, ages, birthdates, lives, and personalities of any of my non-fiction characters are not meant in any way to portray the real people after whom they are fashioned, nor do I claim ownership of them.

CHAPTER 1

    

“I can’t believe we spent this much money!” I exclaimed, my hand on my head as I looked down.

But I wasn’t looking at my fabulous, shiny, golden spaghetti-strap top, sheer, creamy, knee-length skirt, pale beige leggings, gold charm bracelet and pendant necklace, and tan-colored sandals, with a white shawl and cute, floppy hat. I was looking at the receipt in my hands. Normally I was the voice of reason in the group, but I must’ve forgotten this time. Maybe the glitter of my top had blinded me at the time…

“Don’t worry about it. We’re allowed to splurge every once in a while.” Ae Cha reasoned.

I took a deep breath to calm myself. She was right. No need to worry. It just meant I couldn’t get a snack in between classes for the next few years!

“Let me see.”

I looked at Ji-hyun and handed her the receipt. She was wearing her outfit too. We’d all walked out of the stores like supermodels in our new, expensive outfits. Hers consisted of a pair of green shorts, a red tank-top blouse, gold chain necklaces and bangle bracelets, and tall brown boots, with a black coat with a fur-lined hood.

“Goodness!” She exclaimed. “Mine cost that much? I don’t remember it being so…”

I nodded. “Ya, I know. But it’s done. I don’t think I have the heart to take this back.”

Ji-hyun and Ae Cha nodded in agreement. We’d spent hours trying on and critiquing each others’ outfits until we found the perfect fit. Ae Cha’s was the most extravagant—and probably the most expensive—out of all of us.

A translucent, opalescent, deep pink—almost red, star-spangled, sleeveless dress with a belt above the waist, a tiny silver tiara, matching golden gloves and choker necklace, and a pair of matching ballet-style heels, with a soft grey, silver silk-lined trench coat and elaborate silk scarf.

“Well, there’s only one thing left to do.” We all looked at Ae Cha. “Makeovers!”

Ji-hyun and I looked at each other and then we all laughed. Ae Cha was right. It was the only thing to cheer us up at a time like this. So we headed to the bathroom with make-up, nail polish, straighteners, curling irons, and styling products in hand.

    

I went for the curly ponytail look for Ji-hyun’s long, straight hair, to keep with her sporty personality and still be pretty. Ji-hyun straightened Ae Cha’s short, dark, curly hair and pulled it back in a high half-ponytail that sprayed out at the back like a fountain, adorning it with the tiara. Ae Cha looked like a party queen. For me, I insisted Ae Cha simply scrunch my long, dark hair with moose and let it hang in big curls under my knitted hat. It took some arguing, but I eventually got my way. We laughed and joked and played with each other’s hair along the way. Then we went for a catwalk through the dorm room the three of us shared. Then we got out our cameras. We did pretty poses, cute poses, silly poses, sexy poses, and everything in between. Then, in a breathless heap of giggles, we plopped on the couch together. Ji-hyun was leaning her back against Ae Cha’s shoulder and I rested my head in Ae Cha’s lap.

“We need to go somewhere. We can stay cooped up in here dressed like this.” Ae Cha declared.

“Definitely!” Ji-hyun agreed.