The day of Prom Night has arrived. At first, Lina didn't want to go, but she changed her mind, or it was more Cheryl who did.
Lina is getting dressed in her bedroom when someone rings at the door. Aunt Ayna opens the door; it's Cheryl.
Aunt Ayna: Hey, Cheryl!
Cheryl: Hey! I'm here for Lina's makeup!
She shows her vanity case, which is indeed full of makeup.
Aunt Ayna: Oh, it's so nice of you! Come in, darling!
Cheryl: I figured that... well, it's the first time for Lina to attend such an event, so I want her to feel special tonight, to be somebody else, and have some fun! You'll see, you won't even recognize her! (she says very excited)
Aunt Ayna: (smiling at her) Thank you so much, Cheryl! She's in her bedroom, getting ready. I think she will appreciate your help!
Aunt Ayna lets Cheryl in. The latter rushes to Lina's bedroom and sees that she is almost ready: She already did her hair, she is wearing a headband embedded with crystals, a silver pair of earrings, and an asymmetrical purple dress, the whole matched with a varnished pair of high heels.
Cheryl: I see that you already did a pretty good job! (admiring her) and I love how you styled your hair, that high bun suits you!
Lina: Thanks, but it was my aunt's idea! I chose the dress though, and all the rest. You know you didn't have to do it. Besides, I don't really like makeup anyway. I actually hate it-
Cheryl: (interrupting her) Blah Blah Blah... All I know is that I'm in charge of you tonight, and you're my model, so sit down!
Lina sits down without saying another word and lets Cheryl do her job. When Cheryl finishes Lina's makeover, she takes a few steps back to admire her masterpiece.
Cheryl: Tada! All set! You look, fabulous darling! You better come back with a date tonight! But first, close your eyes.
Lina closes her eyes. Cheryl turns Lina's chair around so that she can face the mirror. Lina opens her eyes and sees her reflection in the mirror. She barely recognizes herself. Her expression is unreadable, and Cheryl is starting to freak out.
Cheryl: So? You're scaring me here! (she says, pulling a face)
Lina: I'm-I'm... Wow... That's beautiful! I love it!
Cheryl: Phew! (she says, relieved) for a second, I thought that I messed it up! Ok, come on, let's go, we're already running late!
They leave the room, and Lina takes her purple clutch along the way.
Aunt Ayna and Sarah are watching TV when they see Lina and Cheryl crossing the living room. They look at Lina with their mouth wide open, as if she had struck them with some kind of spell. Then, aunt Ayna stands up and comes near Lina.
Aunt Ayna: Wow, Lina, darling! (she puts her glasses on) You are so pretty, you became such a beautiful young woman. Come over here (she hugs her tightly against her chest, and a tear rolls down her cheek) I'm so happy to see you like this! Shining like a little star! You deserve it, honey! (turning to Cheryl) and you, I don't know how to thank you?
Cheryl: Don't worry, aunt Ayna! It was my pleasure, plus I had fun turning this one into a beauty queen! (she smiles)
Sarah: I want to be like this one day! As pretty as Lina! I wanna wear makeup too! (she says dreamily) and I wanna wear a beautiful dress too!
YOU ARE READING
As Long as I Breathe...
RomanceLina arrives in the United States alongside her four-year-old little sister Sarah. Both have fled their country because of the war that took Lina's parents' lives. For Lina, the United States represented an opportunity to start from scratch and put...
