{Chapter 7}
I awoke to the buzzing of my alarm and my mother's snoring. I swear if I hadn't bought ear plugs a couple years back I would NEVER get any sleep.
I reluctantly got ready by pulling on some black leggings, a navy tank. On top of the tank I wore an unbuttoned red white and plaid medium sleeve with Ugg boots to top it all off. After doing my morning makeup routine and fixing my hair into a messy bun, I flew out the door with my purse feeling abnormally pretty. I started my car engine and pulled out of the drive way with a half hour to spare. My mind wandered to other thoughts while I drove, bringing me to the nearest Starbucks to pick up something for me and Amy. The cafe was chalk-full of hipsters and business people. At 8:45 I walked out with 2 fraps and hurriedly got into my car to get to Amy's in time.
"Hey Gracie-Bear! Thanks for the frap, I needed a little pick me up! So, you ready to hang?" Amy greeted me at the door. She was wearing a purple ruffle top, purple leggings, a pink tutu, and high tops. Her makeup was so bright I had to squint to admire it without being blinded. Her arms were covered in neon bangles and her nails were a light shade of black, an unusual calm within the chaos called her outfit. It somehow all came together to look great on her.
"Your looking pretty today! Lets go!" She said, not waiting for my response. With a smack of her gum she snatched her bag from the small table next to the door and waltzed off down the walk, throwing the passenger door open over dramatically and slamming it shut behind her with unnecessary force as she got buckled.
"This is gunna be a long ride," I murmured to myself and got into my car.
We got to the Westborough Mall in record time and went to browse through several different stores. Whenever Amy and I go to the mall we make fun of all the hipsters first, eat, then shop last. When we go down to the food court we do a stupid dancing act with each other to get a discount on our favorite ice cream cones from Crazze Cream. Then we hit the accessory stores and such to buy all sorts of things. It's always a really good time.
After doing our stupid dance and getting our ice cream we swaggered giggling down the second floor walkway to Chloe's. As we walked I admired the dangling charms protruding from Amy's ears.
I didn't have my ears pierced, unlike her. It was one of my mother's many peeves, the complete and udder stupidity of poking open your ear for something that has no apparent function. Impractical she said, unprofessional she said. I had been putting up for reasons like that for years, no sleepovers at Amy's, no going out to the park with anyone, no parties (it's not like I was invited to any anyway), and absolutely NO dating. I was getting sick and tired of it. And i felt a little reckless today. I don't know what happened but something in me snapped. The always agreeing to whatever my mother said, the complete and udder feeling of no power or say had finally gotten to me, and I wanted to do something different today.
As soon as we got to the Chloe's I walked in, spun Amy around and said in a hushed voice, as if my mother could hear me all the way from her work,"Im going to get my ears pierced. Twice, I want two of them in each ear. I want to do it now."
"Woah, woah, slow down, why the sudden interest? I thought your not allowed to-"
"Screw that, let's go. Help me pick out some good ones."
We browse the store, picking several different styles, my favorite some spikes that faintly reminded me of Ashur's. We walked up to the register and told them I wanted two ear piercings, then they led us over to a corner with a small counter. I sat patiently as the lady told me how to care for my ears and waited for the pain. But it didn't come. As soon as the needle pierced my skin, I felt a rush of adrenaline. Breaking rules was not something I normally did, but I felt empowered, like I could walk on water. I was ecstatic.
we left the shop to go and get some new clothes, a spring in my step and an attitude that made me want to be edgy and different. Maybe a new wardrobe would be fun? I stopped in front of Tilly's, Amy surprised at my choice. I didn't want to blend in as much anymore. I wanted to be pretty.
A voice spoke in the back of my mind 'you can't be pretty, just look at yourself'. I walked over to the nearest mirror and examined my features. Brown hair with blondish accents, big brown eyes, freckles, and plump lips. I was relatively skinny, not a stick but borderline. I had noticeable curves and couldn't help but notice the large weights on my chest. Sure my ears stuck out, sure I had yellowish teeth. It's alright if I have dry hands and a tiny nose. It's ok...right?
'No it's not'
I gave in to the voice and decided I could at least try, even though I could never be beautiful.
"Come on Gracie-Bear, this would be perfect on you!" I plastered on a smile and turned to see the shirt Amy was holding. It WAS very cute. I heard the voice say 'You can Trrryyyy.' I told it it was right and decided to enjoy myself.
