Paper Thin

• 26: Orchids •

Melody

Dozens of outfit combinations were scattered across the floor. Shirts, skirts, jeans, and dresses thrown left, right, and center. In the eye of the fabric tornado, I sat on the wooden floor, knees to my chest, looking at the mess I'd made trying to get ready for my date. Taking a shaky breath, I reached for a pair of stretchy jeans. Maybe, just maybe, I wouldn't feel as fat in them as I did in the other clothes I already tried on. I then grabbed a dark tank top and a soft, blue cardigan and laid them flat on the bed. It was a strategy I used from time to time; disassociate myself from the clothing and just find a good outfit.

The articles of clothing looked nice together, so I put them on and walked to the bathroom to put my makeup on. I was giddy and excited to be going on a date with a handsome boy that I like, but I was extremely nervous. While I was usually a perfectionist, there was now added pressure of looking perfect for him.

I splashed cold water on my eyes, which were puffy from earlier tears of frustration and began putting make up on once my face was dried. I didn't have long, as Carson was picking me up at seven, though I insisted I could walk to his house.

After various shades of blush, eye shadow, lipstick, and eyeliner were applied, I picked up the heated curling iron and twisted my dark hair into loose ringlets. After that, I ran down the hallway, past Mia's room, to go to get a little bag out of the closet for the gift I had gotten for Carson.

"Where are you going?" Mia yelled, standing at her dresser. Her door was open, and she was staring at my outfit.

"Out," I shrugged, stopping at her door. She was clearly getting ready for something, and I could ask her the same thing, but I didn't care where she was going.

"Where?" She pressed. I rolled my eyes at her nosiness.

"On a date," I told her. Her eyebrows rose automatically at the word date.

"L-M-A-O!" She spelled out. I looked at her questioningly, confused by why she thought it was normal to speak like she was texting. "That's a good one. Go on! Do whatever it is you're actually doing," Mia smirked.

I glared at her and trudged down the hallway and back into my room. After preparing Carson's surprise, I dragged on my wedge heels and picked up my purse before leaving my room.

The doorbell rang, and I took a deep breath and once again feeling nervous about the date and my outfit. My shoes clunked against the wooden steps as I tore down them and stopped at the door. Taking a few steadying breaths, I straightened my clothing and opened the door. Carson stood under the dim porch light, illuminating his face. He was wearing a pair of black joggers, a tight white shirt, and an open royal blue button up on top. My eyes traced his body, down to his fingers wrapped around a bouquet of flowers.

"Orchids," I breathed, walking towards him.

Carson gave me a smile that made my heartbeat increase dramatically. "For you, Mellie."

A large smile found its way to my face as I took the delicate assembly of flowers from him. "Thank you," I told him. "I'll just put these inside."

Quickly, I went to the kitchen and grabbed a vase, then filled it with water before placing the beautiful flowers inside. I left the flowers in the kitchen, knowing it was highly unlikely for Mia or Margot to enter the room for the rest of the evening. I then darted back to the front door, bumping into the dining table on the way. I hoped Carson didn't hear or see it, but that hope was in vain. He was leaning against the beige bricks, amusement lining his features, his body shaking slightly in silent laughter.

"Flustered, are we?" Carson asked, his lips curving up into a smirk.

I closed the door behind me and frowned playfully at him. "The table attacked me, not the other way around," I protested. A laugh escaped Carson's mouth and I began walking down the porch stairs without him. "It's true! It's a very aggressive table!"