Today was one of those days where our apartment was noisy, because it was the day Clara was hosting her event at Mayfair hall, the day I was supposed to bring my boyfriend over.
Giggles and screams rang out in the house.
"Gracie" Mabel screamed my name "you're not even getting ready, we're leaving in 2 hours"
"I already took my bath, I have my dress laid out, I'll just put it on once we're about to leave" I said. Then I went back to my movie.
"I'd like to see the dress you picked, from your non-existent fashion sense," Mabel said with amusement.
"Come on mabe" I whined.
"I don't wanna hear it, Gracie, let me see," she said, holding out her hand.
I sighed and went to pull out the dress, more like a polo and joggers.
Mabel looked beyond shocked.
"Gracie, we're going to an event, you can't wear this" she said
"You guys are the ones anyone would be interested in seeing at the event, I'll probably just stay somewhere else till it's over"
"Gracie Alabama" she said then slapped my arm.
"Oww…. What was that for Mabel".
"Don't you dare Mabel me, how could you, did you forget your boyfriend's going to be there? You need to look your best" she chastised.
"He's not really that kind of guy, he doesn't really care about looks" I said awkwardly.
"And you know that, how?" She said eyebrows raised.
"Cos he's my boyfriend"
"You really know nothing about how to keep a man," she sighed. "Makes me wonder how you got him in the first place"
"It was a miracle," I muttered.
"I'll get something else for you, while you will go to Claire right now, so she can get your makeup done"
"I really don't need the make over Mabel"
"I won't tell you again Gracie, if I'm back and I still meet you here, I'll drag your ass myself, I promise you" she said and left.
I decided it wasn't worth it, so I went to Claire. The squads were in the room already all dressed.
"Hey Gracie, what's up" Claire asked
"Mabel told me to come to you to get my makeup done"
"Ohh really, come on then" she said happily, while coming over and dragging me into the room.
"I didn't know you were a make-up enthusiast, don't worry I know just the right shade for you" she said eagerly.
"Do u mind not making it too heavy" I asked as soon as she sat me down.
"Of course, I got you"
Then she began, I don't know how long it took but Mabel came in with a dress as soon as Claire finished with my makeup.
"Alright, everyone out, so Gracie can get changed, we'll be out soon" Mabel ordered and they all left.
"Wear that and don't complain" she said finally and left. I was alone, finally, I decided to see myself in the mirror first, and I couldn't help the smile that graced my face, I guess she wasn't a make-up artist for nothing. Next was the dress, I picked it up, the dress was doing too much, but I couldn't complain so I wore it, it was a strapless black velvet dress, that made my bust swell up, the dress hugged my frame nicely from top to thighs, then flowed freely downward, I hated to say I didn't want to complain, the dress made me feel beautiful and confident. The shoes were simple nude heels, I noticed a set of jewelry next to it and put it on, the necklace fell down to the part in my bust. I loved it.
I stepped out, and the first thing I heard was a scream.
"Oh my God Gracie" Claire screamed.
Everyone stared. I stood also.
"Wow…you look beautiful Gracie" Chloe said, smiling softly.
"Of course she does, she's my artwork after all" Mabel said with a flick of her hair and a radiant smile.
"Not fair Mabel, I also helped bring everything to life" Claire said pouting. "You look gorgeous Gracie"
"Thanks guys, you all look beautiful too" I said shyly, the compliments were overwhelming already.
"Hmm…what's the fuss about, she doesn't look any different than us or are you guys saying we aren't beautiful also" Mari said with a huff of annoyance.
"Come on Mari, it wouldn't kill you to say she looks good, would it?" Chloe said exasperated.
"Whatever" she flicked her hair "once you guys are done gloating, then we should be on our way" she said and walked out.
"Don't listen to her sweetheart, you look fabulous, I'm sure your man would go crazy" Claire said happily.
"I'm going to have to give her a piece of my mind one of these days" Mabel said walking out and slowly the rest followed. I stared at myself in the mirror again then finally walked out.
A car was already waiting outside, I went to my room and got my purse, put in my essentials and I was walking towards the front door. At the door I noticed Zara, putting in her shoes. I had just passed her.
"You look beautiful Gracie," a voice said quietly.
I stared in surprise. Then smiled.
"Thanks Zara, you look beautiful too" I replied, she just smiled and walked off.
I stepped out also and went towards the car.
"Gracie stop lagging behind get in" Claire waved me over.
As the car moved forward, my fingers tightened around my purse.
Tonight wasn't about dresses or makeup.
Tonight was about the lie I'd told — and the man I was trusting to help me keep it alive.