Once Upon A Bet

/13/ Worst decision

Dedicated to BlueBerry_Always for all the lovely support and comments <33

My heart was pounding harshly in anticipation as I stepped out the closet and stood before the mirror.

"Can you help me with this?" I pushed my hair aside, careful not to mess the salon's work, and allowed Avery to zip it up the damn dress. Please fit me, please fit me... I held my breath as the silky fabric slid over my body and closed around my form.

"Done." she cheered stepping beside me to adjust her own outfit.

"Thanks." I hesitantly opened my eyes and felt my chest relaxed when I saw my reflection. It fitted.

It's a tight corset barely allowed me room to take deep breaths but it wasn't uncomfortable anymore. It held in all the right places, the smooth cloth elegantly emphasized my bust, lacing gently in my waist and falling loosely around my knees. Its reddish color matched the smooth look I went for at the salon; almost nude lipstick and a smoking soft shading that made my eyes look bright and big. I made sure they covered all my freckles too. I hated them, they covered most part of my body and made me look childish.

Now, tho, I looked elegant, yet simple. My reflection smiled back at me as I analyzed all the work content.

"I can't believe you went through such an intense diet looking like that. I would always wear tops if I had that waist." Avery clicked her tongue eying how slim it looked compressed like this. I blushed at the compliment, making my pride with myself bloated all the more and my back straightened.

"Hey, it's not like you can complain." I rolled my eyes adjusting my freshly waved hair, making it fall in casually around my face.

She scoffed. "I'm certainly not, but I'm a size or two over you."

"You're also several inches taller."

She grinned, looking radiant as she turned to look at me. "True." they had straightened her hair so it fell smoothly down her back and was wearing an elegant white body-suit, sleeveless and flattering. Once more, she looked like a model. "Shall we go then?"

I took a slow sight. I hated this kind of events, I felt under the loupe all the time. But maybe now that I'd been here for some weeks already the attention I'd drawn might as well dissipate. After all, I wasn't that thrilling and my scandal was a long, long time ago. Yet, why couldn't I shake off that awful clenching sensation in my chest. This growing anxiety...

"Come on," Avery laced our arms as if sensing my thoughts and pulled us out my room. "Think of this: the earlier we get there the earlier you get to see that bidder of yours."

I reddened at the insinuation she pas putting there. "I've told you." I whispered as we neared the lobby where my parents were getting ready to leave as well. "We're only going as friends and to get a reaction out of them." I pointed the opulent couple fixing their attires by the end of the stairs, but Avery knowing glance didn't falter.

"Right."

I was to say something else but another voice startled me as we made it to the last step. "Miss Starlan, what a pleasant surprise." my mother stepped closer with that kind smile of hers. That smile I rarely get to see.

"Avery, please." the girl grinned politely and took her hand, doing the same with my father right after. "Your house is one of the most beautiful once I get to see."

"Oh, darling." mother waved it dismissively but I get the hint of pride that made her cheeks rosen a bit. "I'm assuming you're coming to the Country Club as well? I know your parents wouldn't miss it for anything."