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Chapter 7 - Party Prep

The boutique smelled faintly of fresh fabric and soft perfume, the gentle hum of quiet chatter and music creating a warm, inviting bubble around Quinn and her mom.Racks of dresses glimmered in the afternoon light, each one promising something different. She ran her fingers over silk, chiffon, and lace, feeling the textures beneath her fingertips as if she could read their stories.

"Try anything that catches your eye," her mother encouraged, smiling. "Sometimes the perfect dress isn't the one you expect."

Quinn nodded subtly and began piling dresses from the racks. First, she tried a pale blue gown with a stiff, heavily boned bodice. She glanced in the mirror and froze. The skirt flared out like a lampshade.

Her mother stifled a laugh. "Ah…yes. If your goal tonight is to double as a decorative chandelier, that's perfect."

Quinn groaned and spun, accidentally bumping into the mirror. "Okay, that's definitely not happening."

Next was a bright red dress covered in sequins. She tried it on, and the sequins shimmered in every direction, catching the light like a disco ball. "This…is intense," Quinn said, squinting at her reflection.

Her mother clutched her chest dramatically. "Quinn, dear, you're dazzling! You'd blind everyone at the party before you even greeted them."

Suppressing a giggle, Elara shook her head. "I think maybe something a little less…blinding."

They moved through rack after rack, laughing at some choices, shaking their heads at others. There was a green tulle gown that made her feel like she was wearing a walking cloud and a black dress with countless tiny silver stars that made her feel more like she was attending a masquerade ball than a birthday party.

Her mother finally held up a cream-colored dress with exaggerated puff sleeves. "Well, this one screams 'princess' who accidentally time-traveled from the 1800's.'"

Quinn couldn't help but laugh. "Do you think anyone at the party would believe I'm royalty?"

"Only if you curtsy," her mother said, pretending to bow. "Otherwise, I think the tulle monster from earlier has you beat in the 'eye-catching' category."

Finally, near the back of the boutique, a soft blush-pink dress caught her eye. She paused, brushing her fingers over the delicate lace along the sleeves and hem. It felt light, airy, and somehow perfect. Her heart skipped a beat.

"Do you like it?" her mother asked quietly.

Elara nodded, almost breathless. "Can I try it?"

In the dressing room, she stepped into the dress and froze. The skirt flowed around her legs like it had been made for her, the lace hugged her shoulders just right, and the blush color made her skin glow. Her mother peeked in, eyes wide open with pride and sheer amazement.

"It's beautiful," she said softly. "Absolutely perfect."

Quinn twirled slowly, laughing as the fabric swirled around her. "I think…this is the one."

Her mother reached out, smoothing a stray lock of hair from her shoulder. "It suits you because it feels like you. That's the dress for your birthday."

Elara's eyes shimmered. "Can we get it?"

"Of course, my love," her mother said warmly. "Your birthday deserves the perfect dress."

On the way home, the dress was carefully folded in its box beside her. Elara couldn't stop imagining the party—the twinkle of lights reflecting off the soft fabric, her father and brothers' delighted faces, and laughter filling the room. The dress wasn't just clothing; it was a promise of a day full of magic, memories, and moments she would treasure forever.

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