Chapter 10

“Here it is!”

I like to think of myself as a connoisseur when it comes to dresses. My collection was quite vast. The length of the dresses were never the same, some were long enough to cover whatever pair of heels I decided upon. Others were short enough that I’ve been mistaken for a whore before. In a range of all the colors that I’ve decided worked well with my skin tone and tight enough to show off all the dips and curves that I was proud of, I’ve spent years crafting my wardrobe into something I could be proud of. 

On one day, I could feel like a princess. My dress would adorn a poofy bottom and an abundance of glitter.

The next, I could feel like a vixen. With a deep v-neck and a tantalizing short end, a teasing amount of lace would adorn the dresses.   

Some days I felt like a farm girl. Feet bare in my garden as I flounced around in a tight, yet flowy dress. In shades of pastels and whites, colorful patterns of stripes and checkered  decorated the thin cloth that made up the outfit.    

Most days, I kept it simple. Appropriate enough to wear under my cloak, but still had some semblance of me. A tight bodice that molds to my breast and stomach. It’ll flare from the waist down, and usually stops a few inches above my knees. I’ll be wearing my favorite pair of heels. Comfortable enough to travel in and sturdy enough to handle the day to day tasks of a learning witch. The heel is long, yet a nice thickness that didn’t make it look too blocky.

I’ve spent years collecting dresses.    

I couldn’t wait to add a new one to it. 

I grinned, “I can't wait to try it on.”

“Let's not wait another moment!” She motions for me to stand, “You know, the dress you have on now is simply adorable.”

I beamed happily at the compliment.

“I think I got this one here.” I replied, “Come to think of it, most of my wardrobe comes from here.”

“I love a consistent buyer.”

“It's hard to find simple dresses around here.” I wandered over to the changing stall. Brynn followed close behind, eager to listen to me brag about the shop. “Although I love them, I don't want to always dress as if I'm going to the ball.”

“Why not?”

“During the winter, I love it. I'm comfortable. I look adorable. The patterns are too die for. And more importantly, I'm warm.” I spoke as I stripped myself from my dress. I wobbled on my heels, carefully stepping out the dress that pooled down to my feet. I continued, “In the winter, it's as if I'm wearing a heated cloak. Which I love because it's winter. But in the summer, it's unbearable. Imagine having to conduct yourself all day, with all the manners and politeness we’re forced to portray while out in public because we're women,” I paused, rolling my eyes at the unfairness. “-in a sauna. ”

“Oh.” Brynn frowned, “That sounds horrible.”

“It is.”

With her help, I managed to worm my way into it. 

“Were you thinking about getting shoes?” Brynn asks.

“It is something I was thinking about.” I answered, “It isn’t a main priority at the moment. I don’t have a reason to wear such a thing yet.”

“Well,” Brynn took a step back, motioning for me to twirl in front of her. I did, catching a glimpse of my dress in the mirror. Even though I didn’t have a reason to wear this dress, I was eager to flounce around the town with it on. 

I just need the perfect pair of heels to go with it.

Brynn continued, “I’ll be happy to help you look when you're ready.” 

I gazed at myself in the mirror, smiling happily at the sight. Even though I already knew I wanted to buy this dress, seeing myself in it only made me want it even more. 

“How soon can you get this to my home?” I ask.

“Tomorrow.” She answered, “Should be in the early afternoon.”

I immediately began to strip. Slowly working the sleeves down my arm, I slowly began to wiggle my way free. Since I still haven’t taken my shoes off, I had to be careful to not trip or sprain my ankle. Walking to school would be a hassle if I did that.

“I’ll have this prepared to be shipped.”

“Thank you!” I grabbed my outfit off the floor, “I’ll meet you at the register.”