Chapter 204: Get that Dress!
The two girls roamed the city as if nothing could stop them.
One got fired up in finding a dress, which is Anna. Meanwhile, the other plainly accompanied the ambitious one, which is Lillian Grey.
At one point, it viewed like Anna is the one who appeared to be searching for a dress and that she bought in a laggard with her.
Nonetheless, the two went to a few shops where they could find a possible prom dress without going overboard with the price tag. Anna, being the shopping freak, knew which places to hit and to avoid.
Anna's target was decent looking shops and surprisingly thrift stores where, sometimes, one can find even a gem amongst the affordable stuff. So far, the two hunted down four shops and still couldn't find a perfect dress.
…
Lillian Grey stepped outside for a minute from Anna's hauling. She needed air to breathe for a few seconds.
Coming outside, Lillian drifted off slowly to a place where she could lay back and relax for a while. She watched people passing by, and it felt void.
Lillian appeared as if she got possessed by this oppression that killed her from the inside. She knew that hiding it any further will cause trouble not only to herself but to the dearest people surrounding her.
As Lillian stood by herself, alone, distracted by the thoughts that refrained her from being self, Lillian's eyes landed sideways and got stuck on a specific item displayed.
'Dolly's Boutique' – A small shop personalized in selling dresses and accessories.
It had a few dresses kept for window display, and there stood one red dress that caught Lillian Grey's attention.
A wine red long dress with pocket; Lillian kept staring at in awe.
...
"No way, mister. It is a rip-off in broad daylight. I can't accept it. Woah, when you think that you found a pretty decent dress, people try to deceive."
Anna yelled as she came out of the shop, still angered about how pricey the one dress Anna finally thought would suit her best friend.
"Lilly, come on, this man is deceiving us. We will show him that we can find a dress that is even better than the crap that he is selling here," Anna raged as she naturally thought Lillian would wait outside.
Noticing that Lillian isn't nearby, Anna gaped.
"Lilly?"
"Where did she go?" Anna scanned the surroundings.
'Don't tell me she left just like that, leaving me alone here.' – Anna worried.
'You are dead meat if you abandoned me, Lilly,' – Anna quoted as she looked about.
Moving around, Anna soon found Lillian Grey in front of a small boutique.
'What is she doing there?' – Anna thought.
She saw Lillian Grey stand in front of the window display, particularly admiring a dress that looked like its red.
'Is she-' Anna exclaimed in utter shock.
Slowly nearing her from the side, Anna noticed the slightest joy glistening across those worn out eyes.
'That's it.'
'I'm getting that dress right now. Anna, be prepared to have a great bargain battle. We can't afford to miss this dress.' – Anna encouraged herself.
"Let's go check out the dress," she said, startling Lillian by grabbing her hand forcefully.
Marching her step inside, Anna noticed that shop to be a pretty decent one. She could smell the level of deceiving to be less in here.
'This is a great start.' – She noted.
Looking around to find that red dress on display, Anna flew right in front of it.
Anna's fashion senses were at its peak while glancing at it from top to bottom,
'Hmm… not bad, this idiot can once in a while choose a damn dress.' – Anna shot a glare at Lillian, who still seem to be in a shock.
"Where are you dozing off?"
"Come here, Lilly. Let's check if it fits you," Anna called.
"What are you doing?" Lillian asked.
"You like this, didn't you?" Anna claimed.
"I-" Lillian struggled to answer.
"It doesn't matter, I think this dress will look good on you," Anna replied, ignoring Lillian's answer.
The wine red color matched with Lillian's skin tone. The length and the waist had to slim down an inch or two for Lillian to wear. Like a robot, Anna scanned the outfit, measured it to Lillian's figure, and quickly instructed the tailor to make adjustments.
All while Lillian struggled with Anna to stop making fitting adjustments even before finalizing the dress.
"Lilly, this is your prom dress," Anna remarked out loud.
Against that tone, Lillian didn't rebel and walked away in silence.
Anna waited for the tailor to fix the dress to match Lillian's figure, and after finishing it, Anna requested Lillian to try the dress for one final checking.
Lillian went to the changing room and soon came out wearing the dress.
Anna's eyes grew instantly from surprise. She smiled brightly.
Lillian's favorite outfits are often tank tops and jeans. She doesn't tend to wear many gown-like dresses, saying that it isn't comfortable.
Now watching her wear this stunning dress, Lillian looked even more gorgeous. The dress sat perfectly on her toned figure. The back strap did give Lillian the uneasy feeling, but against Anna's flaming gaze, she remained quiet, thinking that it is all for just a night. The high slit that ran to her things exposed her toned legs and her bare skin. Everything looked perfect except for her pathetic hairstyle and a lifeless face she wore.
Sighing to herself, Anna spoke, "Hmm… you look beautiful."
Even the owner of the store found the dress to suit Lillian Grey better than anyone who tried on it.
"You look absolutely stunning, dear. If your lover sees you like this, I'm sure they are to propose you at this moment," the owner lady complimented.
"Propose! Ma'am, that's too much for a teenager," Anna jokingly revealed that they are buying a prom dress and that they are too young to get married.
…
'Here comes the tough job, Anna. After bragging to the owner that we would buy the dress, don't fail,' – Anna kept reminding herself.
"The dress costs $175 along with complimentary choker and bracelet."
Hearing the owner speak, Anna glanced at the dress with a keen eye for details.
"Hmm…" she buzzed for a while, posing a stern look on her face.
Lillian was ready to give up at any time to leave the store. Irritated by her motives, Anna pushed Lillian away from the haggling.
With only the two remaining to discuss, Anna chose to discourse.
"Ma'am, I am ready to give $150 cash ready at once if you can afford me that rate," Anna sounded firm and convincing.
The owner hesitated, not wanting to lower the price.
Sensing her wavering, Anna spoke again.
"We don't want the choker or the bracelet and give us the dress for $150. I'm ready to buy this instant if you can agree," Anna sounded more real.
The owner glanced at Anna and saw the girl so determined. Also, she looked at Lillian Grey, who was waiting obediently far away.
Learning that the friend is helping the girl out, the owner's eyes softened and was willing to lower the price.
"Alright," the lady agreed for the deal.
Anna's face brightened instantly in joy. She thanked the owner for her help.
"It's alright. You are getting it for the prom, right?" the owner asked.
Anna admitted.
Recalling her prom memory, the owner lady relaxed and smirked.
"It is a special memory for every girl. I'll sell you the dress for $150, and you still get the choker and bracelet."
The owner informed.
"But, we-" Anna seemed stunned.
"It is alright, dear. Many tried this dress, and it stood on the display for weeks. However, your friend, she looked lovely in this dress. Consider it as a gift from this old lady," the owner remarked.
Anna couldn't respond, and so, she smiled and nodded.
Before leaving the house, Edwin gave Anna money for the dress to buy. Edwin gave them enough cash, but Anna tried her best to bargain and won.
Paying the cash, the owner carefully packed the dress along with the accessories in a beautiful box.
"Bring it to me in case if you find any fault with the dress, which I'm sure isn't there. However, in case if you think there's a need to fix something, then bring it over. I'll help you," the owner added.
Anna thanked once again for the help and kindness; The owner wished both to have a great time at prom.
Having purchased the dress, Anna and Lillian Grey left the store together.
Weekly Power Status
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