We got into the car and made our way back home. He explained about the annual gala and their procedures. After working hard for the club, he finally secured a title for himself. The ball would announce all the new members and position changes in the club. This would be a big deal for him and his career. I couldn't help but share the feeling of joy, though it meant I was forced to give a speech in front of hundreds of people. When I reached home, I ran to Mariel for advice.
"He asked me to a fancy dinner!" I exclaimed.
"That's wonderful. What are you going to wear? What are you going to do with your hair? What about make up?" she got excited.
"I've no clue. Can you help me? You're the prettiest lady I know after all," I grinned.
"Oh, you! Let's see what you've got in your closet."
Jalebi greeted us at my bedroom door. I opened my closet door and drawers.
"Oh dear. I'm afraid none of this will do. They couldn't possibly be fancy enough," she ransacked my room.
"I'm not exactly the poshest looking girl. I don't own dresses that would suit a fancy dinner date. What am I supposed to do now?" I worriedly slummed into my bed.
"Worry not, my child. It's a good thing I kept my old dresses," she walked out of the room.
The adorable cat and I followed her to the attic where we encountered a sizeable wooden chest. Mariel unlocked it with a key and revealed a carefully stacked pile of vintage dresses of various textures, colors, and length. One of the red dresses caught my eyes instantly. It was an off-shoulder crimson dress, decorated with small ruby flowers all-over. The skirt part was layered with a see-through organza for volume. I had just the perfect pair of black heels to pair with it.
"I see that the 'Bachelor-hunter' has caught your eyes," she nudged my elbow.
"Is that what you call it? You're scandalous," I smiled.
"You can borrow any of the dresses in this chest."
"Are you sure?"
"Do I look like I can hunt bachelors anymore?" she put her hands on her hips.
"Thanks Mariel. I really appreciate it," I hugged my chosen dress.
"Now go get ready. I'll put the kettle on."
I took a long bubble bath and shaved every inch of my body except for my head. My arm was cramping from the weird positions I had been in. I sat on my dresser in my towels and dried my hair before putting on my underwear. I put on an instrumental playlist on to serenade me through my activity. My hair was clipped into a bun and I started to put on a natural makeup look with a hint of glitter on my eyes and a sharp wing liner. For lipstick, I went with a neutral mauve color to focus the attention on my regal dress.
After I had settled my make up, I managed to do a half up half down hairdo to show off my neck in dress while still keeping the length and curl. I brushed my hair to position the curls the way I wanted them to look. Finally, I put on my frilly-bottomed dress that hugged my upper body to accentuate my features. The way the sleeves flattered my collar bones and shoulders was astonishing. I had never worn something like that before. I couldn't help but stare at myself in the mirror while twirling and giggling like a little girl.