The fangirl assistant (Not finished)

Chapter 10 - Seventeen

The mall was bustling with its usual afternoon energy, a blend of shoppers, food court chatter, and the occasional burst of laughter. Maya and I entered the main atrium, the air filled with the scents of pretzels and popcorn. Maya, with her confident stride and an eye for fashion, led the way, her enthusiasm palpable. I followed closely after her still tentative but curious, my wide eyes taking in the array of stores and flashing neon signs. "Alright, Gracie, today's all about exploring new styles. I want you to step out of your comfort zone," Maya declared, her tone brimming with excitement. I nodded, feeling a mix of apprehension and anticipation. I've always admired Maya's fearless fashion sense and am eager to find my own, but the idea of being more edgy is daunting.

"Okay, I'm ready. Where do we start?" Maya's eyes sparkled as she pointed towards a trendy boutique with an eclectic window display. "Let's start there. I've been eyeing that place for weeks online. They have some really unique pieces that could be perfect for you." As we stepped into the boutique, the interior was a sensory overload of vibrant colors, bold patterns, and edgy accessories. Maya immediately gravitated towards a rack of statement jackets. She pulled out a leather jacket with silver studs and held it up to me. "What do you think? This could totally give you an edgy vibe. Pair it with some leather jeans and you'll look amazing."

I hesitated, my fingers tracing the spikes on the jacket. "It's...a bit out of my comfort zone. I'm not sure if I can pull it off." Maya smiled encouragingly. "That's exactly why we're trying it! Fashion is all about experimenting. You never know what you might love until you try it. Trust me, you'll feel different once you put it on." With a deep breath, I took the jacket and headed to the fitting room. Maya watched eagerly, her anticipation almost palpable. When I emerged and looked at myself in the mirror I saw a mix of surprise and self-consciousness. The leather jacket fits me perfectly. "See? You look incredible!" Maya exclaimed, her voice filled with admiration. "It's all about confidence. The more you embrace it, the more it becomes part of who you are." I twirled slightly, observing my reflection. "It does look pretty cool. I didn't expect to like it this much." Maya grinned and clapped her hands together. "I knew it! Now, let's find some accessories to complement the look. You can't go edgy without the right accessories."

We wandered over to a display of chunky jewelry, neon belts, and oversized sunglasses. Maya picked out a few pieces—metallic bracelets, a studded belt, and a pair of aviator sunglasses. "Try these on. Accessories can make or break an outfit." I tried on the sunglasses and fastened the belt around my waist. I looked at myself in the mirror, noticing how the accessories transformed the whole look. "Wow, this actually feels kind of fun. I never thought I'd be into this kind of style." Maya beamed with satisfaction. "See? You're discovering a new side of yourself. Fashion is like a canvas; you get to create and express yourself however you want." We continued our spree, moving from store to store. Maya encouraging me to try on different outfits, from sleek, modern dresses to edgy, graphic tees. With each new outfit, I grew more comfortable and confident. By the time we made our way to the food court for a well-deserved break, my earlier hesitations had already faded away.

"Thanks, Maya," I said, taking a bite of a pretzel and smiled at her. "I never would have thought I could pull off something like this. You really helped me see things differently." She took a sip of her soda, her eyes warm with pride. "That's what friends are for—to help each other discover new things and support each other. I'm so proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone today."

After a short snack break, Maya held my hand and dragged me back to the remaining stores, she had already chosen two dresses, one was long and very classy and the other one was more of a casual outfit, she obviously looked stunning. "Gracie, look at this." She called me from the other side of the store. "I think this would really suit you." She smiled at me and my jaw dropped, it was a beautiful beige gown, that had some pearls and sparks on it. She noticed my reaction and grinned, pushing me towards the dressing room. "Try it on, I'll be waiting." She hanged the dress inside and closed the door.