CHAPTER FIVE

He looked strangely familiar, the weird guy who stood in a fancy suit blankly staring at her. He stared at her like he knew who she was and it baffled her because who would know a nobody like her, she didn’t think she was that pretty or sophisticated for someone to take notice of her, and enough to stare. Sure, she had a perfect oval face and a sharp jawline that could slice through glass, her eyes; delicate but sharp holding a captivating gaze. She couldn’t get his image out of his head throughout the time she rode the bus with Cheryl on their way to get the dresses for the masked party. He was tall and would hover over her if she stood close enough. She couldn’t get the look on his face when their eyes met out of her head, a mix of embarrassment with a hint of confidence and superiority. His piercing eyes held a magnetic charm that seemed to draw her in with their intensity, she wondered if she could allow herself to be drawn to. His face was chiseled to perfection like he was sculpted by a master artist. 

She sighed deeply as she allowed herself to daydream, after all, it was the only thing she could do so she relished in it.

“We’re here” Cheryl announced pulling Emily as they approached a semi-rustic store that gave off a hippie style. The streets were bustling even that late into the night, it looked alive with a symphony of colors and sounds like a vibrant tapestry. The streets were alive with a pulsating energy. Neon lights cast an enchanting glow, illuminating the path to hidden gems of the night. The air was filled with the intoxicating blend of laughter and music and if one listened closely, one could hear the clinking of glasses and the burping that came along with downing a full glass of beer at a go. 

“Orion!!!” she yelled into a space surrounded by drapes and dresses of different colors, shapes, and sizes. The nostalgic scent of an antique store lingered in the air, like a delicate blend of aged wood, worn leather, and a hint of mustiness like a whisper from the past. Emily closed her eyes, taking a deep breath she allowed the scent to transport her to a bygone era, allowing herself to dream about being in the arms of the weird stranger she caught staring at her.

“Over here” a deep voice sounded from the heart of the store drawing her back to reality she very much despised. 

“Cheryl is that you?” the voice asked and Cheryl gave a light squeal, running in the direction of the voice and pulling Emily among. Orion emerged, a pile of clothes surrounding him, he was adorned with colorful beads and flowing tie-dye shirts, patchwork pants, and the only thing missing was a crown of flowers atop his curly mane. Orion embodied the essence of the 60’s counterculture. The whole store was a kaleidoscope of treasures, vintage vinyl records spun melodies at a corner, and the shelves were adorned with retro lava lamps and psychedelic artwork.

“Sweet girl” he said wiping his hands on his trousers, his voice sounded like a gentle breeze, soothing and captivating. A hint of warmth and sincerity in his voice, a voice that invited you to lean closer and Emily stared intrigued.

“We need dresses for a masked party; it’s sophisticated so we need to look rich and sexy”

“I have the perfect dresses for you girls, follow me out back” he instructed, his voice sounding still like a warm embrace. Both girls trailed after him to a cube-like him that was draped with different dinner dresses, long dresses, dresses made of feathers and silk, and satin with pretty scarves, shawls, and headwear. It was a lovely sight to behold and a dream come true for Emily as she had never had access to such pretty dresses in her life, she ran her hands through the different materials, allowing herself to feel each of them and immerse herself in the experience, she wanted to enjoy it because she had wallowed in self-pity for too long.

After hours of going through almost every dress in a bid to find the perfect fit, they were either too tight, too free or it wasn’t the right color but finally, Cheryl settled for a dress that was a mesmerizing shade of sapphire blue, matching perfectly with her dyed red hair that cascaded in fiery waves down her back. The flowing fabric draped gracefully around her silhouette, accentuating her every move and curves. The bodice was adorned with intricate lace and sparkling sequins, shimmering like stars in the night sky. 

“Oh my God, you look like the red-haired version of Marilyn Monroe” Orion gushed as Cheryl stepped out of the dressing room, her cheeks were a bright shade of crimson red and as she twirled, the dress came alive revealing layers of tulle that created a magical illusion.

“You’re a freaking genius Orion” Cheryl gushed as she stared at her reflection in the oval mirror that stood tall at the center of the room “This dress is everything, Orion, I love it” she blew him a tight-lipped kiss before turning in the direction of the dressing room

“Emily, come out already” she called out 

“In a minute” she yelled a response before she emerged gracefully in a dress that was a vibrant shade of crimson red that danced with the intensity of a blazing fire, her flowing chestnut lock rested beautifully over her shoulder making a perfect match. The fabric draped gracefully, equally hugging her slender figure in the right places. Delicate lace patterns intertwine with intricate beading, shimmering like stardust in the moonlight. Her shoulders were bare and exposed like a delicate flower.

“You look amazing Emily” Cheryl gushed, rushing over to admire her dress

“You think it’s not too much?” Emily stared at the mirror, although feeling pretty it felt a lot to take in. She had never dressed up or looked so beautiful in her life. It was nice to dump the jeans and plain for a pretty dress that accentuated her figure.

“Emily” Cheryl started “It’s supposed to be too much, we’ll be surrounded by rich people so look the part girl”

“You girls look breathtaking,” Orion said and then he turned specifically to Emily holding a delicate silver bangle with a crimson gemstone accent. He took hold of her wrist and fastened the bracelet to her hands.

“This would go nicely with your dress” he smiled at her while she admired it with wide eyes and a heart full of words but unable to express it 

“You have a beautiful spirit, Emily,” he said cupping her cheeks with a delicate smile and voice that soothed her soul.

“Your happy ever after is just around the corner, you should embrace it”