Salvation -- (Harry Styles Fanfic)

Salvation -- Chapter 3 (Harry Styles Fanfic)

Chapter 3

I fussed over the fabric, forcing it to glide over my skin. Turning, I tried to see if my bottom was underneath the skirt. It was…and it looked awful. I didn’t know why I even mentioned the dresses from last Christmas. I must’ve forgotten how much I despised mine. Claire’s fingers quickly zipped up the back, tying the large bow that sat below my neck in the process. Eyes traveling toward her vanity, I groaned in horror. It was as if a pastry from the bakery down the street was staring at me. The dress was the kind of pink that made you squint. Layers upon layers of continuous fluff underneath the skirt lifted it up so I looked like a ballet dancer ready to take flight. Crystals decorated the bodice that would otherwise have been lovely, but they were cracked; showing the dress’s age. The neckline was surprisingly low cut, contrary to the juvenile design. Putting my head in my hands, I moaned again.

“Claire this is a disaster.” Looking up, I realized she agreed with me. A fake smile was forced onto her face. “Well…I mean it’s not that bad…maybe if we just…” Her words hung in the air, the sentence waiting to be completed. I sighed loudly, throwing myself onto her bed. “I can’t go like this!” “Mariah we can’t find you a new dress now. The gala starts in an hour!” “Then I’m not going!”

Part of me was genuinely upset at the thought of not attending. My mind had been overflowing with excitement for the last few days. Images of dancing, glittery heels, cute guys…I was looking forward to it. But there was just no chance I would be caught dead in this monstrosity of a dress. Ever. I felt the bed sink to the left side and the sweet smell of peaches wrapped around my nose. Claire wore this perfume she found at a cheap kiosk at the mall. I personally wasn’t a fan…it smelled like calories. “Y’know, the guy I told you about is really excited to meet you. He’s seen you before at school. Told me you were hot.” I heard a teasing sing-song in her voice. It was too good not to bite. “He did?” asked my curiosity. She giggled. “Yeah. And you’ll never have the opportunity to appreciate his beauty AND grace him with your presence if you don’t get up and go,” she said with a smile. Puckering my lips I began to think. I really did need to get out of the house. With an eye roll accompanied by an overly dramatic sigh, I hopped off the bed and walked toward her closet.

“What are you doing?” she asked. “You have plenty of dresses from proms and parties. Plus you don’t have a date, so no one will judge me for wearing a dress you’ve worn before. I’m sure you have an extra to spare.” My fingers sifted through the clothing rack, swiftly passing everything I knew I was too fat to pull off.

‘Ew. God, no. That would just be embarrassing,’ they sneered. “I know,” I whispered under my breath. “Whoa! Mariah that one’s perfect!” Claire shouted. I was too focused on my thoughts to actually study the gowns. Looking up, I saw my fingertips brushing a golden little number; fit for a princess. Tracing the length of it with my eyes, I noticed it was a mermaid style. “Claire…no. I don’t have the body for that.” She laughed, pushing me aside and freeing the beauty from the hanger. “It’s either this or the fruit pop you’re wearing. You choose, babe.”

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The building was incredible. It was glowing from the inside out. Cries of excitement and laughter echoed from the doors, covering the streets in a blanket of charisma. My hands trembled, the nervousness plain as day as I stepped out of the car. Claire followed behind me, steadying me as I tilted back for a moment. “Hey…are you alright?” she asked, a worried expression on her face. Regaining my balance, I placed my hand on my stomach, willing the beast to stay quiet. “Yeah, it’s just the heels,” I laughed. She laughed along with me and pointed across the street at the night life before us. It was all so much to take in. The beautiful people, the smiles, the chit chat. Everyone seemed so…happy. I fought the frown inching its way onto my face. I’m human too. I could be happy too. Just for tonight.