Being Olivia West

Dresses and snow

5 weeks later

After an awful five weeks at school of being tripped by Amanda and having my cast signed hundreds of times I'm finally getting my cast off. I sit quietly in the passenger seat of my mom's car. We listen to the Lana Del Rey CD that I got for my birthday. I connect with her music on such a personal level, it's like she's taking the lyrics directly from my head and putting them to the music.

"So, are you excited to be getting your cast off today? It's much sooner than we expected, isn't it?" my mom asks. I shrug.

"Yeah, I guess" I say quietly. Rain pounds on the windshield of the car. We don't talk for the rest of the way to the hospital. I don't mind.

She pulls into the parking lot of the hospital. I open my door, pulling up the hood on my hoodie. I step out and stand on one leg against the door as I pull my crutches out after me. I shut the door and I hobble as quickly as possible with my mom towards the door, not wanting to be in the rain for too long. The weather matches how I feel right now; miserable.

"Olivia West" the receptionist calls out my name. My mom and I stand up and follow her to a private room. We wait another 10 minutes for Dr. Layton to come into the sterile white room.

"Hello, ladies!" she greets us happily. My mom smiles and I try to do so as well, not really in the mood. The next 45 minutes goes by quickly, a blur of handheld electric saws, blades, and the smell of antiseptic wash. Dr. Layton ends the appointment with giving me some instructions.

"Alright, so, there are a few guidelines we have to go over. You were lucky that the break wasn't too bad, or else you would still be wearing that awfully neon cast. First guideline is that you can't be doing any vigorous or rough physical excersise for a minimum of two weeks, second guideline is that you can't wear heels for a few days. I know, teenagers these days practically live in high heels, but its still not good for your leg, got it?" she finishes. I nod, just wanting to get out of here.

"Great! It looks like we're done here, then" she says. My mom and I both say our goodbyes before we make our way back to the car.

"It feels so weird to walk now" I mumble. My mom laughs.

"I'm sure you'll get used to it, and besides, at least you wont have your cast on for the Snow Ball!" she says as we climb into either side of the car. I sigh.

"I don't think I'm going, mom" I say quietly. She makes a noise of plea.

"Oh, come on, Olivia! You should go with your friends. It'll be fun and a good way to get your mind off of everything" she says excitedly. I smile.

"Wow, mom, you sound just like one of my friends, or any other teenage girl". She laughs.

"I'm serious. You don't need a guy to have fun at a dance. We can even go dress shopping together!". I smile.

"Sure, I'd like that" I say. The windshield wipers make a noise that fills in our somewhat awkward silences. Perfect.

The next day, I wake up to the sound of my mom cooking breakfast and my dad on the computer. Still no news on when he's moving out. I get out of bed, relieved to get up without my crutches, and walk groggily downstairs. My mom greets me happily.

"Good morning! I was thinking we could go get your dress today. You up for that?" she asks. I nod.

"Yeah, sure" I say, sliding into a chair by the island. She places a full plate of bacon, pancakes, eggs, and sausages in front of me.

"Mom, you didn't have to do this" I say. She shrugs and smiles.

"I know, but I wanted to. To celebrate getting your cast off" she explains happily. I smile.

"Thanks mom" I say and start eating.

I change into skinny jeans and a pink sweater before I make my way downstairs. My mom and I slip on our boots, coats, and scarves and head outside.

"Oh!" she exclaims. I find out why as soon as I step out into the open: a soft snow is beginning to fall. A tiny beacon of hope lights up inside of me. This might actually be a good day.

We walk through the white parking lot into the mall off the highway. Inside, Christmas decorations are strung on the cieling and the walls. A big decorated tree even stands in the middlde of the main entrance. People swarm around, hats covered in snow. Since when does it even snow in California? It must be global warming or something.

"Do you want to go into that prom dress store?" my mom snaps me out of my trance. I nod.

"Sure, lead the way," I say and we make our way into the store.

We wander aimlessly through the racks and racks of prom dresses, not really knowing what to look for.

"What color dress are you looking for? Maybe that will give us an idea of what we should be searching for" my mom suggests. I shrug.

"Any shade of red, I think. Something Christmasy" I say.

"Alright" she replies with a smile. I smile back.

After looking through racks and racks of pretty dresses, we narrow it down to 4 options.
"Here, take these" my mom extends the dresses to me as I step into the fitting room.
"Thanks" I smile and shut the door. I slip into the first dress, a short maroon one with lace, and step out to show my mom. Her eyes light up and she grins.
"Oh honey, it's beautiful" she gasps. I twirl around, showing all the angles.
"I love it" I say happily "this is so my dress". I change back into my clothes, we pay, and head back out into the snow. A perfect day.

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Hello there! I don't know if you remember me or not, since I haven't updated in over 2 months! I'm soooooooooooo sorry :( I've been crazy busy lately and I haven't had a lot of time to work on anything. Ugh. Anyway, please stay with me through these busy weeks haha😂. Btw the media is Olivia's dress if anyone was wondering💕 Love you guys, thanks so much for reading ❤️ xoxo ~Livvy💝