Just Deserts

Magical Make-Over

Kayla woke up and stared at the cracked ceiling. She couldn't really remember her dream, only a vague sense of happiness infusing whatever had happened.

She sighed as the alarm clock yelled at her.

In the corner of her room her dress for that evening hung in a garment bag against her closet. The new shoes stood in their box next to it.

She went to shower, images of designing and making the wondrous dress filling her entire being. She remembered every decision, every moment of agonising over colour and texture.

A knock at the front door pulled her out of the bathroom in only a robe.

'Come now, you should be at the spa!' Danielle fussed as she pushed into the tiny apartment. 'Antonio is taking the car around the block. Quick, throw something on and let's go.'

Kayla shook her head as her stepsister opened the closet door.

'Really? Do you only own work clothes?'

Kayla didn't answer. It was quite obvious from the closet that it was the case.

'Stay in the robe. Let's go,' Danielle said and grabbed the dress and shoes.

'But –'

'You won't need clothes for your day at the spa.'

The spa was crowded for so early in the morning. Danielle hissed something about people not making bookings, but Kayla ignored her. All she could see was the richly dressed people gawking at her in her robe.

Inside bamboo and orchids thrived in natural planters. Between the plants, the stone floor and gurgling fountain, Kayla felt like she'd stepped into another world.

And she had. She'd stepped into the world her stepfamily had always inhabited.

'Ah, Danielle. So good to see you,' a man dressed in shades of green greeted and kissed Danielle on both cheeks.

'You too, Malcolm.'

'And this must be your baby sister. So cute. But –' He pulled his face as if in pain. 'I see what you mean about her nails. Not to mention –' he vaguely gestured to all of Kayla. 'But not to worry. We'll have her looking like a princess before the ball tonight.'

If someone were to ask Kayla what had happened at the spa, she wouldn't have been able to answer honestly.

The hours had gone by in a blur. She was thankful that she'd been in a robe when she'd arrived; it was the only way she was able to recognise herself. Between the waxing, massaging, lotions slathered all over her and other strange happenings she was a little overwhelmed. She didn't have to make any decisions: Danielle and Malcolm where in charge of her.

As her nails were painted a glittering silver, Kayla felt a panic attack coming on. She wasn't a princess. She wasn't a superstar. And she wasn't her stepsisters. She didn't belong there.

'Breathe, darling,' Malcolm said with a hand on Kayla's shoulder.

When the manicurist was done, Kayla sat down in another chair and placed her feet in a tub filled with warm, bubbling water scented with violets. She stared at the silver ovals on her hands. It was a little frivolous, but she knew that Danielle was right that it would look amazing with her shoes and dress.

After that she allowed Malcolm to lead her anywhere he thought she needed to go. By the time her hair was done and the final touches of make-up were applied, Kayla felt like a true pampered princess.

'Off you go,' Malcolm said after he'd swiped her credit card. 'You'd better get dressed if you want to make it to the ball in time.'

Kayla took the company card, hoping that it wouldn't be flagged like Danielle's and that Amy would still be blissfully unaware of what was going on.

'You look amazing,' Danielle said as Kayla walked out of the changing room. One of the spa attendees had helped her to get dressed in the voluminous ball gown.

'Thanks. You look wonderful,' she replied as she took in the ice blue dress she'd made for her sister.

Stepsister, she corrected herself.

The silk sheath hugged her lithe body while the gossamer cloak fastened at the back spread out like wings and floated behind her, making her look like a fairy-princess.

'Thank you. Here,' she pulled out a jewellery box. 'I got you a necklace and matching bracelet to complement the rest of your outfit.'

'You're much too kind,' she managed to say as she took in the myriad diamonds.

'They'll have to be returned to the jewellers,' Danielle replied. 'I certainly don't have the money to buy them. But to borrow? Easy,' she winked as she turned to fasten the choker. The pretty bracelet was already gleaming on Kayla's wrist. 'There. Now you look like a real Castillo. Ready?'

Kayla caught her own reflection. She didn't recognise the woman in the mirror. The layered purple, black and silver eye shadow made her look glamorous without it being overdone. She was tall and elegant. And she made the dress look incredible.

The dark purple silk looked amazing as the ruffled skirt grazed her ankles only to regally pile on the floor behind her. The sleeveless top, the fabric twisted around her torso, made her look even taller than she was. And the shoes... All those crystals along with the loaned diamonds around her neck and wrist made her look like a fairy-tale princess.

Yes, she was a true Castillo tonight. She was ready to go to the ball.

*Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed this newest chapter in the tale. Vote if you did. If you have anything you'd like to say, don't hesitate to comment – I always appreciate feedback. Ooh, a day at a spa – did you like it?*