The Writer

THREE

Chapter Song
Venus- Sleeping At Last

——+————+————+————+——The back of my shirt soaks against the moist brick as I gasp for as much air as I possibly can while wondering what the fuck has happened to me?
    I've always had panic attacks around people, as it is an issue i've had growing up , that over the years I have overcome as much as I can. But what was wrong with me in there? I probably looked so mortified while they talked. What did they say while I blanked out?
   
"Oh yeah and see you later, Sophia". His voice rolls over the sentence playing over and over like a record in my mind, like he had just said it. My name modified by the way it flows out of his mouth like water. Why does that bother me? He just said my name, why am I getting so worked up about literally nothing?
   
  My heart starts to simmer with the opportunity to breathe again.  I walk back into the café and enter through the swiveling door, Niall is cleaning when I enter, smell of stiff coffee and steam stream to my head. Its almost silent but the small talk of a couple in the corner and ticking of the clock above me demand sound. I glance up at the clock above me, 4:25.
    
   Niall turns and rushes to me, "Hey are you okay?'' he stares at me, His hand grasp on my arm.
    
  I nod." Yeah, it just got really stuffy, I just needed some fresh air." I explain.
    
   "Okay, you rushed out really fast but I'm glad you're okay."He smiles smugly.I grin back,"Um,I was wondering since I have 15 mins left of work if I could leave early? Kathrine is having a special dinner and I still have to get ready." I ask.
    
   " Yeah go ahead." He allows and stands straight.
     "Okay you sure?" Omg Sophia just go. 
     " Yeah just go Alex will be here in half an hour plus its slow today" he smiles.
     "Thank you so much, Tomorrow I'll work full time and I won't be late."
     "Just go. I'll see you tomorrow." He says laughing.
I walk to the door," Okay, Thank you." I smile.
     I grab my bag and take off my apron and hang it next to Adins on the wall. I still have time to check out the boutique next door for a dress.
     I wave goodbye to Niall as I walk out the door, and a gust of cool air blows my hair against face once I get on the street.
     As the clothing store was right next to the cafe, it wasn't a long walk. Dresses and shirts cover mannequins in the glass windows at the boutique next door. An open neon sign glows blue and red, stating the store was still open. A jingle rings as I enter the door. Warm air and soft shopping music sink the room.
     The cream colored carpet squeaks as I dose around.
     An array of colorful dress in different classes cover the racks. Shoes line the back wall next to a cut corner dressing room. The hangers squeak against each other while I split through the closest rack of black dresses.

Soft fabric of a short long sleeve lace dress, brush around the tips of my fingers.
    "Oh I didn't know anyone else was in here.'' A voice startles me from behind.
I look towards the back of the store where a blonde girl wears a long sleave purple blouse with a skirt and black heels. She wobbles through from the back door with stacks of boxes in hand. '' That's ok do you need help?'' I ask as the lanky girl struggles.
     "No I got it." She says, the boxes pound against the counter. "Thanks though."
     I continue to sort through the dresses going through the variety of now longer dresses. " So do you need any help?" I jump.  "Sorry didn't mean to scare you there." The retailer stands behind me.
"Well tonight I have a dinner to go to with my friend's customer and I guess its really fancy...but I don't have really anything nice to wear."
     She nods, "hmmm,'' She thinks while looking around.

"Do you have a preferred style or anything?"
     "No not really I mean I don't want to shine like the north star but its like a really important thing to my friend." she looks at me up and down as she is tall enough to do so.
     " Well you seem to be able to work anything but here lets see.........." She guides me around looking at the styles of dresses." Im Becka by the way I think I saw you this morning in the café next door."
     ''Yeah I work there now so." We stop and she holds up 2 dresses against my body. Holding up a lacy purple and bold black flow one up to me. "These two are cute go try them on while I look around." She hands me the elegant pieces of fabric. I nod and walk into the small room with a antique mirror against the side. I close the thick curtain and start unzipping. First I try on the purple dress, pulling up the silky fabric along my body the lace long sleeves press against my arms, the fabric curves my waist then flowing out towards the ends.
     I shove the certain open and walk out side, Becka turns around holding a red dress in her hand next to open boxes. Her face says it all when she looks at me. I walk to the open 3- way mirror and twirl. It was bright against my pale skin and too elegant like I was wearing a dysfunction wedding dress. "Its beautiful but so fancy for a dinner."
     I face her, "yeah I agree, what is that dress your holding?" I ask.
     ''It just came in today i'm checking them," she lets go of the bottom the darkish red loose lace  fabric flows to the floor it was a collar gown and beautiful. "You can try it on" She looks at me staring at the dress.
     I grab it and hop of of the purple gown. The silk fabric covers up till my chest but the lace goes up as a sleeveless collar. The long Sleeveless Lace And Silk Georgette Gown flows onto my curves. I walk out and instantly fall in love with the gown. I twirl like in  fantasy, I had never had such elegant fabric on me except the ballet outfits.
     "Yes that is absulutly the one is so perfect, do you like it because I think gorgeous" she compliments. I look back into the mirrors and give myself a smile. "I think I'm in love" I giggle.
     "I looks so gorgeous on you too" She smiles. " plus they haven't been priced yet" she smirks, while I get her gist.
     I walk back into the dressing room and pull off the dress and pull up my jeans and shirt. Quickly I walk out with the dress and walk to the counter where Becka already had pressed in number to the register.
     " okay Is $30 okay?" she asks as if I could even lower the price even more. 
     "Oh my  yeah that perfect I can pay more that's really cheap" She sways her hand to me. "I know how expensive dresses are don't worry about it."
     "Come by the café and I can give you free drinks." I hand her $30. " Cool don't mind if I do." the register clicks. " Oh yeah my name is Sophia. "
     "I hope you have fun at the dinner you look gorgeous and I hope to see you again." She hands me a paper bag with my dress inside.
     I grab it and say goodbye to Becka. Once I walk outside I see the bus pull up at the end of the street picking up little people. I rush down as fast as could reaching the stop as the last person boards. I place myself in a empty seat in the back and head home.