Chapter Five

*A week later*

Vanessa

"Why is the couch like that?", I asked Devin when I noticed a pile of clothes mainly suits scattered all over it.

"I'm going to a party tonight, Julia said I should invite you but she wasn't sure whether or not you'd accept", he replied before digging through the clothes perhaps looking for something specific.

"I'm not interested in going to any party", was my reply before taking a seat.

It will be full of rich and cocky people who thinks they're on top of the world because they got it all. If I was rich, I can't deny that I won't feel as good as them but it's also good to be humble. How much of them helped the poor? I'm not a saint - we're only human and eventually one day we will all die leaving all our riches behind, so why not share it and let the poor feel as good?

"I had a feeling you would say no. Is it because you don't like Julia? Or me perhaps? Or you just don't want to get too involved with us?"

"I didn't say I didn't like anyone. I just don't want to be around rich people who will only get on my nerves. And besides I don't even understand why she would invite me - I'm no one and I don't have anything spectacular to wear and there was no way, I'm going to party and looking like filth".

He shook his head before taking up a blue suit that was in a clear bag.

"Let me tell you what ; you help me find the perfect suit, and I'll get you a dress and perhaps some accessories as well. Julia is inviting you to a party that not many persons have been to and you shouldn't turn it down. She wouldn't have invited you if she didn't want you there".

I groaned deeply in my mind. I didn't want to go ; but what did I have to lose? Perhaps my sanity while being around so much rich people. I saw him take up a plaid suit that I didn't think would fit well at a night party.

"I don't think that suit will fit well, perhaps you should try the black one with the bow tie".

"You're right, I'll be right back".

He was sure as hell rich. Most of the clothes brands were either Armani, Versace or Gucci. I don't even think I've ever worn those brands before. He came back a few minutes later looking good. The suit fitted him well even thou there wasn't any contrast between his complexion and it.

"What's your fashion style?", he asked holding up his phone to take a pic. 

"Cheap, comfy, seasonal and wearable", I replied without a second thought. 

He walked off and came back a few minutes later dressed in his original clothes.

"Ok, let's go"

>>>>>

"This place looks...expensive", I say looking at the three storey building called Diva Davina. I exited the car along with Devin and I following him inside. I stayed behind him keeping my hands in my coat pockets. The inside was spectacular and packed with people shopping to their heart's content.

"I'm going to talk to a friend, find something nice to wear", he said before going over to a woman who was checking some clothes on a rack. I turned away and sighed. I wasn't use to shopping at luxurious stores. 

I saw a sign a few inches away from me and after reading it I found out that the fancy dresses were on the second floor. I made my way to the escalator without telling Devin ; he doesn't look like he wanted to be disturbed.

The second floor was even more gorgeous than the first. Their were a few collection pieces to the side thst were on sale and I noticed the discount percentages. 

"Hello, how may I help you? Looking for something chic, sexy or perhaps romantic?".

She was dressed in a black skirt suit that had a name tag to the side. 

Tiff.

"I'm looking for something fancy, to wear to a party", I replied as her eyes lit up and she released a smile that accentuated her pink lipstick.

"Follow me. We have these collections personally made by the owner's wife ; they are to die for".

I followed her into a smaller segment of the building and saw different collections of clothes showcased behind a glass. 

"So what's your favourite colour?".

"I like black, white, blue but mostly brown or grey", I replied as she release a small frown.

Did I say something wrong?

"I suppose you wanna stand out and perhaps be the centre of attention... right?"

"Not really", I say thinking about it. I don't want to be the centre of attention, I rather be invisible. Plus I don't think I wanna stay too long.

"Ok, give me a sec".

I sat down after watching her walk away. I didn't need anything too expensive because I don't want to be a burden to Devin and even thou he is rich, I won't be the one to take advantage of him.

Tiff came back a few minutes later with about three dresses on a rack. They were all red but beautiful nonetheless. She handed them to me and pointed to the changing room. Once inside I started stripping my clothes whilst admiring how big the room was especially the mirror.

I pulled on a short strapless dress that was fitted at the bust and waist. I stared at myself for a few seconds before realizing that I had curves for the gods. I have never paid much attention to my body after my past. As a matter of fact I don't really wear tight fitting clothes. 

I looked at the other dresses but I knew deep down this was the one I wanted. I smiled. I had not planned on wearing anything fancy but I couldn't deny how beautiful I would look. 

After changing back into my original clothes I left the room holding the dress I wanted close to me.

"I want this one", I say handing her the ones I didn't try.

"Good choice, a nice pair of heels either black or silver will make you look outstanding, have a nice day", she said before walking away. 

"There you are"

Devin seemed somewhat annoyed - perhaps he was trying to find me for a while now.

"Sorry, but I found something nice", I say as his eyes lit up and he took the dress from me before examining it. He looked back and forth between it and body leaving me with a confused glare.

"Yeah ok, I have something important to do ; is this all you want?".

I was thinking about wearing a pair of heels but it's been so long since I've worn any and I honestly don't want to fall in a room full of people. 

"No, I'm good", I say as he nod and we left where we were and I follower him to cash the dress. I'll just stick with a pair of black flats that I have at home. It's better to wear something you're comfortable than to wear something that makes you feel either naked or walking on needles.

"I'll see you at home", he said before hoping into his car and driving away. It wasn't a home for me. Just a regular house that I was staying at. 

I glanced to my right and noticed two guys pulling a woman from the side of the store. Persons were watching as she tried to protest but before I could even take another breath, she was pushed into the sidewalk. And what's worse was that everyone walked away after it happened.

I went straight up to the guys who were about to go back inside but stopped when they noticed a serious woman in front of them. 

"Why did you pull her away?", I asked crossing my arms. The guy who was to the right rolled his eyes but the other decided to open his mouth.

"She was making people uncomfortable. Can't you see that she is homeless?"

"Homeless or not, you think its right to push her? What if she had broken some bones or even worst lose her life?", I shouted angrily. I hated what just happened. Just because a person is not at your level or status doesn't mean you should treat them like dirt. We all have damn feelings.

"Look, I don't know who you are but I don't have time for this. She was making people uncomfortable and that's bad for business, if you had a job you would know".

I so wanted to punch him but I held back. I groaned before turning to help the lady but she was already up whilst holding her side.

"Are you alright?", I asked as she nod before turning and walking away slowly. I reached into my bag and took out five dollars before putting it into her cup. She smiled and I did as well before hailing a cab that was coming my way.

I went inside with one thing on my mind - hoping that tonight goes well.