Strings of Fate

15- Shopping and sparkles

Shopping is exhausting, but fun. The first few stores we try, Megan can’t find a single dress that interests her. In the third store, she finds a few things to try on but decides against them. As she searches for herself, I half–heartedly keep an eye out for a dress for myself. But mostly I focus on helping Megan find her perfect dress. We are in our fourth store and Megan is flicking through a rack of dresses and dismissing them just as quickly. I’m quite tired, I don’t go out often other than for work and the threads floating around me are distracting. I do wish that I could turn my abilities off and on. A switch would be useful, or a button. Feeling a headache coming on, I decide to step back for a moment. I find myself standing beside Darrien. As he has been all morning, he is quiet and watches us both carefully, I notice his eyes flicking to the side every now and then. I follow his gaze as it does and realise that he is glancing over at a dress. And wow is it a dress. It is stunning. It is a deep red with a fitted, sweetheart bodice. The skirt is long and swishy. What really makes it impressive is that the dress has tiny glass beads sewn in strategically to make it sparkle as it catches the light.

that It’s obvious why that dress would catch his eye. With her raven hair and golden eyes,

dress would be absolutely perfect on Megan. Without pausing I fetch the dress and hand it to

Megan to try on. Her eyes light up as she dashes to the changing room.

“Good choice.” I comment to Darrien. To my amusement he flushes slightly and looks away. I giggle slightly. He might be big and scary, but at this moment he is just adorable.

“I think we’re going to get along you and I.” I inform him before making my way towards the changing rooms to wait for Megan. She emerges after a few moments and if I didn’t know better I would say she was photoshopped. The dress looks so good on her.

“This is completely the wrong bra for this dress but I think I have one at home that will work

better.” She comments.

“But what do you think? Do you like it?” she asks for confirmation. I roll my eyes.

“Megan, if you DON’T buy that dress I will have to poke your eyes out with a stiletto heel as punishment for the disservice you would be doing the world by not wearing it.” I state firmly. She laughs and beams at me. I think I even hear a slight chuckle from Darrien who up until this moment has been staring at her. I’m not sure how she hasn’t noticed, but he is so clearly in love with her. It’s painfully obvious. I remind myself that anything is obvious when you already have the end of the story. My powers are kind of like reading the last page in a novel.

15- Shopping and sparkles

You know how it will all end and that the loose ends will eventually get tied up, but have no clue how the characters got from point a to point b. Which really is the interesting part so without that background information, the ending is a little dull. It should be fun to watch Megan and Darrien’s relationship play out although I’m sure it’s going to be incredibly frustrating as

well. I turn my attention back to Megan. She poses as I snap a photo of her in the dress on my phone and Megan heads back into her little cubicle to change back. When she steps out she is holding the dress carefully by the hanger with it folded over one arm to stop it dragging on the floor.

“Now we need to find something for you!” She declares. I shrug.

“It really isn’t necessary.” I remind her.

–

“But it is fun.” She points out. As Megan glances his way, Darrien steps forward and holds out his arms. Megan hands him her dress and he carefully folds it over his arm, holding it the same way she did. Megan then returns to the rack, this time searching for me. After a few minutes she decides that my dress isn’t going to be found in this store and purchases her dress. We head to yet another store and she begins her search anew.

“This is actually quite tricky. Since your hair is blue we need to make sure it doesn’t clash. I don’t really want to put you in black. It would look okay, but I think it won’t be as flattering as something in blue or purple. Maybe even white.” She says as she browses. She holds up a

dismisses them.

few dresses in front of me, but quick

“Yes, I am definitely leaning towards blue to match your hair.” She suddenly stops and gasps,

“Yes! This is the one, I’m sure of it. Go try this on!” She thrusts an armful of dark blue fabric into my chest and pushes me towards the changing rooms. I let myself be pushed along and slip into the dress. I look at my reflection in the mirror and I am blown away. I didn’t expect to like it so much. The dark blue fabric is soft, not as dark as my hair but close. It has thin spaghetti straps and the bodice molds to my figure perfectly. It looks a little odd since I’ll have to wear it with a strapless bra but I ignore that for now. I have one at home somewhere I’m pretty sure, I got it on sale forever ago but never got around to wearing it. There are rhinestones sewn on the straps and along the neckline of the dress. It is flowing and floor- length. At the hips of the dress, there are layers of glittering chiffon fabric in the same dark blue colour which add a’little volume and sparkle beautifully as I sway from side to side. At the back they drag on the floor slightly. I can imagine how they would flare out if I were to twirl around. I am in love with the dress. My thoughts are interrupted by Megan calling

Igh the door separating us.

“Well? Does it fit? Can we see?” I turn and unlock the door. As it swings open, her jaw drops.

“Yes. Just yes. We are getting you that dress. You should only ever wear that dress. Seriously. We are going to look so awesome for my engagement party. I am so excited!” She run forward and hugs me tightly. She then releases me and pushes me back into the change

room.

“Quick, change back. We need to get shoes and jewellery. Then you can text Bellamy that we’re ready. No, wait a second!” She pulls out her phone and takes a quick photo of me.

“Okay, now go change.”

It doesn’t take long to et our accessories. Megan chooses accessories in gold to match her eyes. I pick glittery, black stiletto heels and black jewellery with black rhinestones which sparkle when they catch the light. They compliment my dress perfectly and bring out the blue in my hair. My

only concern is that because the outfit has so many dark colours, my eyes are going to look even more washed out than usual. When I express my concern Megan shushes

1. me.

“Your eyes are stunning, don’t be ridiculous. Besides, once we have your makeup all sorted to match the outfit you are going to be beyond flawless.” I have a feeling that spending time with Megan is going to do wonders for my confidence, her enthusiasm is catching and I might be starting to believe her. Shopping bags in hand, we go buy ourselves ice–cream and find a comfortable place to sit while we wait for Bellamy to show up. It only takes him a few minutes. Megan hugs me again and Darrien gives me a small smile and nod. Then the two of them head back to the car. I let Megan take my dress with

her as she has apparently that I am going to get ready with her at her house for the party because she wants to do my decided

makeup herself. I have no reason to object, I’m not particularly good at applying makeup so if she wants to do it then she is welcome to.