Chapter 70

"Damn, you look so beautiful, Aly," I whispered as she approaches my position.
"Why are you looking at me like that, El?" she asked, uncomfortable.
"I said you look so beautiful," I stated and look at the make-up artists. "She"s beautiful, isn"t it?" I asked and they nodded spontaneously as they looked at Aly. I turned my gaze back to Aly and smiled at her. "You"re uncomfortable right?" I asked and she nodded. "Why are you? You have nothing to be ashamed of because you are beautiful, Aly. You will look better if you are confident so forget about your shyness for a while," I stated. I want to laugh at what I said because I"m not sure if I"ll also be confident enough when I"m wearing a gown.
"Oh, I"ve heard that word from you, El? Let's see if you can also stand up straight when you wear a gown," she said, chuckling. She began walking and almost lost her balance since she forgot she was wearing heels. Thankfully, she was able to keep her grip on the chair. She murmured, "What the heck is this?"
When a make-up artist mentioned my name, I relayed my vision to her. She was holding a scarlet gown and handed it to me, saying, "This is your gown, Miss El." I took it from her grip and observed the glowing designs on it. The gown was exquisite, and I'm sure it cost considerably more in life. I would refuse it if I had the choice, because I don't know where I'll get paid if I damage it, but I don't because I don't have a gown in my apartment and don't have time to look for one.
As I looked at Aly, who was also looking at me, I gulped. "Go ahead and put on your dress. We're looking forward to seeing you in it," she said. I can't return her smile because I'm thinking about whether or not the gown I'm holding will look well on me. "El, what are you waiting for? Why do you appear to be unable to move from your position? Wear that gown nonetheless, because we'll be late for the party," she continued.
As I nodded at her, I gulped and bit my lower lip. I didn't say anything and simply entered the room from where she had exited before. I put on the gown that was presented to me and gulped numerous times due to the dress's real appearance. It was a backless, above-the-knee-length dress. My body's contour was prominent, and the skin on my back was exposed. I'm not sure why, but when I look in the mirror now, I see a different El. She exudes bravery, power, and seduction. Right now, I'm not smiling or frowning, yet I see a different expression in the mirror. I was afraid of staring at myself in the mirror, so I turned away. When I walked out of that room, I was gasping for air.
When I glance at them, they're all speechless by the sight of me. I wanted to talk and ask how I looked, but I couldn't because I couldn't get what I saw in the mirror out of my head. It's not me; I saw a different version of myself, and I'm scared that's what they're seeing now, so they're unable to speak.
"H-hey," I said, stuttering.
The nervousness I felt disappeared when they all smiled at me and Aly spoke. "You"re so gorgeous, El. The dress mom chose suits you, but you look so tense. Why are you catching your breath? Did you run inside? Did anyone hit you?" she asked, chuckling.
I immediately shook my head in response and forced myself to erase what was bothering me. One of the make-up artists approached me and handed me something in my box. I picked it up before I looked at her and asked. "What is this?" I asked while holding the box.
"That's the heels you're going to wear," she answered. "Wear it and go back to your seat," she added.
I didn"t say anything and I went back to where I was sitting earlier. I opened the box and a pair of black high heels appeared. I took one and then I put it on my foot. It also suited me just like the dress and I wonder how Aly"s mom was able to figure out my size. I will no longer be able to thank her because they have left, but I will make sure that I will thank them for the next time we meet. Aly"s parents change and I hope they continue to change. I like my best friend to be happy and I know that she is enthusiastic now.
The make-up artists began fixing Aly and my hair after I put on the heels. I can see her in the mirror, and she will be wearing contact lenses, for the time being, so she will not be wearing her glasses. My hair is straight and only reaches my shoulder, whereas Aly's hair is curly and reaches her waist. I refused to wear jewelry because I was afraid of losing it, but they wouldn't let me.
"If you don't wear that, Miss El, we'll lose our jobs," the make-up artist who looked after me remarked, so I didn't say no. It became evident to me when she stated 'that' how powerful Aly's family is.
They finished fixing us quickly, and we headed out to the dressing room. Two men were waiting outside the door, each of them was dressed entirely in black. They were also wearing dark sunglasses, and I wasn't expecting them to help Aly and me down the steps to the service that would take us to the event.
I spoke with Aly while on the trip. I don't want to be engulfed in silence because I don't want to be concerned about what I'll do after the party. I'd like to calm down; I'd like to be fearless because I know it's the correct thing to do. This is the last night so I will just have a little patience to keep up with the flow of people we will meet later.
I'm starting to wonder if Baki will attend the party. Is she also going to wear a gown? What will her reaction be when we meet? Is she in the company of Jas? She can't include Jas because she's the only one who knows Ivan. But I'm hoping Jas will show up at the party. I miss him so much, and if I see him there, I'm sure I'll give him a tight hug, despite the stares from people who don't even know who I am hugging.