Accessory Wars

Chapter 35-Felisa

            I had no obligation to go to the gym, as Kami was off visiting Ki for the week, but after hours of studying I needed some stress relief. Seline and Garreld taught me various close combat moves. I lost count how many times they flipped me or pinned me to the mat. It felt like my first week of training all over again. The following morning, I woke sore and took some of the pain killers I had left over from Waterliep before getting ready for the day. I didn't have morning class so I decided to go shopping downtown. More so looking than actual buying. My budget was paper thin from tournament expenses and the idea of a sponsor started sounding much more appealing.

March brought warmer weather to Serenhe. I still needed to bundle up but the worst of the cold had passed. Downtown was busier than usual. Spring break was a foreign concept to me and Kami had to explain how different schools took it on different weeks. The University of Serenhe didn't have theirs until next week. However, students from other schools were in town for college visits or vacations. It was almost as busy as the winter holiday season.

As I walked by the shops, I looked through the glass at the spring fashion. I admired tank tops and skirts in an assortment of bright colors. One shop caught my eye, filled with sun dresses in beautiful designs, and I slipped inside to peek. I scoured the racks, feeling the soft fabric under my fingertips. They had so many pretty dresses. I checked my bank account on my phone. Maybe if I only bought one...

I began my search, hoping to find the absolute perfect dress. My first pick was a pretty pale blue with sunflowers and wild grass flowing upwards from the edge of the skirt. My fingers started filtering through for sizes, knowing my broader shoulders needed a size larger than other girls. The sound of chatter filtered into my ears followed by the sound of abrasive laughter. I didn't want to eavesdrop but it was second nature to me. When I found a dress my size, I pulled it off the rack and pretended it examine it. The conversation between the girls wasn't particularly interesting. They talked about school, boys and they didn't like teachers giving them homework over break.

Draping the dress over my arm, I went in search of a few more to try on. I found a nice green one and one in a soft yellow with ducklings holding umbrellas parading around the skirt. Moving towards the back, I scanned through the items on the sale rack. Nothing stood out to me, as it consisted of winter clothes.

Deciding to find on one last dress before moving to the fitting rooms, I headed to the front of the store towards the newer clothing displays. I looked over various floral prints and decided on a pink dress that came with a thin, leather waist belt. As I pulled my size from the rack, I noticed someone standing to my right. I usually paid little attention to other people but this girl had the most beautiful golden curls cascading over her left shoulder towards her waist. It reminded me of Jay's hair. Soft. Curly. I noticed the pained expression on her face as she stared at a dress displayed on the wall. It was a beautiful mix of midnight blues, indigos, violets and hints of maroon with tiny stars all over the skirt.

"That one's pretty," I commented after willing up the courage to speak. The girl gave a start and ran her hands over her hair, stroking it downwards. The curls kept bouncing back into place after her palms slid past. I immediately felt jealous. My hair never stayed curled.

"Yes, it's nice. I can't decide if I want it or not," she admitted.

"You could try it on."

"I know but if it fits, then I'd be even more tempted to buy it." Her hands stopped moving and her eyes became distant.

"Is something the matter?" I asked. Her eyes shifted to me, a brilliant pair of blue that looked like the ocean during the summer. They lingered behind a pair of blue framed glasses, which were attached to a delicate gold chain gently resting on her shoulders. Tiny pink beads and white kittens adorned the chain. It looked cute with her dress.