Four days later... Wednesday

I received a letter in the mail and it's either about to tell me I got the job or I didn't. I anxiously tore it open, my hands trembling as I read: 'We regret to inform you that'...

I didn't need to read any further than that to know what my answer was. And as I glanced down at the text below it, you wanna know why I was denied? I guess they figured out I had a criminal background, likely recognizing my name from headlines or something. God who knows I don't know what goes into that stuff. All I know is that I can't explain myself because they've already made up their mind.

What do I tell Michael? I can't have him knowing anything about what happened. But how am I supposed to explain why they rejected me? Will I ever just get to live a normal life without my past getting in the way, for christ's sake? Is that too much to ask?

I mean, I know it's really not that big of a deal. There's other jobs out there, other chances. But it still sucks, no one believes my side of the story. Now I'm left to suffer the consequences of someone else, and that someone I still haven't found yet. Maybe it won't be this way, this was just one unfortunate event, not the end of the world. There's still hope, I shouldn't be so pessimistic so soon.

Besides, I'm going shopping with Lucy and Rose today. The date is in two days, which makes me both extremely excited and nervous. Not that I'm not looking forward to it, but having to explain to him that I didn't get the job is a conversation I'd really prefer not to have. Maybe he won't ask about it. But I have better things to focus on right now.

We first went to a boutique shop to search for dresses, because I lacked any type of nice clothes. There was a space dedicated for dresses of so many kinds, ranging from casual and sweet to glamorous and bold. I felt like a child in a toy store, eagerly scanning up and down the aisles.

"Alright, now we gotta find something that screams YOU. How about you choose a few and me and Rose will pick some we think you'll like, and you can try them all on, sound good?"

I nodded, and we both split into two different aisles. I needed to find something that would not just impress him, but impress me. I wanted to find something that would make me feel like a princess, but I have no idea where to even start.

I ran my fingers across each one, feeling the fabrics and examining their own uniqueness. They were all so alluring, with each one holding its own beauty and individuality. I tried to decide on a few to pick out: should I go for the endearing pink sundress? Or maybe the black silky dress? Elegant and sweet or bold and mysterious?

I glanced at Lucy and Rose chatting with one another as they pulled out one of their choices, enthusiastic. I reminded myself that it's not just about finding some dress. This was a new beginning for me, and I deserve to find something that will make me feel beautiful as I step into a new chapter in my life- a chapter of finding myself, and embracing my own individuality.

Each piece of fabric I examined was a symbol of hope for me, and I slowly started to select a few that stood out to me one by one.

I picked out three I wanted to try on, and Lucy picked two. We hurried to the changing room to start trying them all on. I started with one that I selected:

Flowy, light, and was a nice lavender color. I had mixed opinions so I turned to Lucy and Rose, who both agreed it wasn't my color.

Then the next one was one they picked out: a floral wrap dress with a pinkish color to it. It was a tight fit but I guess not bad. They agreed it looked cute, but I needed something more. It wasn't it. The second dress they chose was a black silky dress that I'm pretty sure Lucy secretly wanted herself. It was way too raunchy for a first date; Rose's comment was "classy not trashy, love". I think I know which one of them picked that dress.

We continued to try on the rest of our selections, and picked out a few more to try on. I began to lose hope as we turned down more and more. Too casual, too cute, too sexy, not enough. I huffed and leaned up against the wall.

"I think I'm just too indecisive. None of these feel right."

Lucy placed a hand on my shoulder. "Nonsense, we're gonna find one that feels right even if it takes all day."

I shrugged my shoulders, scanning the shop and trying to find something else I might like. Rose gestured towards a dress in a corner, making her way toward it.

"This is a real pretty one, what do you think Cynthia?"

"I guess I can try it on and see."

As I zipped up the final dress, I knew I had found it. This was the one.

It was a deep blue color with just enough sparkle to make someone double take, and a silky ribbon tied around the waist. The skirt went down far enough to where it wasn't too short, but not too long. And, best of all, it was perfect for twirling. I don't know specifically what it was about this one, but I felt beautiful.

I stepped out of the stall and presented the look to them, their faces brightening as my smile radiated.

"Well would ya look at you, Cinderella! You like that one?" Lucy exclaimed, nudging Rose on the shoulder.

"It's gorgeous," I replied, spinning around so they could see it from all angles, "this is definitely the one."

"That color is stunning on you darling, he's gonna love it." Rose added, pleased with her selection.

"Now we just gotta go look for some heels- c'mon, the dress ain't gonna buy itself."

◆ ◆

As Cynthia went to change back into her normal clothes, Rose turned to lean towards me.

"Does Michelle know that we're out doing any of this?" She whispered

"Hell no, and we're keeping it that way. I'll just bluff, no biggie."

"You don't think she'll start getting suspicious?"

"She for sure will, but she'll have no choice but to believe me."

I paused as I heard an audible grunt coming from the stall. "You okay in there?"

"Zipper's stuck."

Rose giggled under her breath and went up to help her. Well, of course she's gonna get suspicious, she's just Michelle. But I refuse to let her ruin this opportunity for her. She's not a baby anymore, besides, she's already ruined her entire childhood. She can't control her life, not under my watch.

Cynthia handed me the dress as they walked out of the changing room, and I had one more thing I wanted to get from here before we left. Well, ya can't show up to a date wearing that beautiful dress in sneakers, right?

"Okay, Cynthia, do you know how to walk in heels?" I asked, picking up a random pair of stilettos on display.

"Uhm, I don't think so?"

"Well you're gonna learn today. Go find a pair your size and come back to me; nothing risque."

I let her search around for a few minutes before she returned back to me, a pair of golden colored platform heels in her hands. She slipped them on and attempted to stand up while keeping her balance.

"Okay, now just take it one baby step at a time and keep your posture straight. It's not as hard as it looks, I got you."

I placed my arm out for support as she took a few steps forward, wobbling and clutching on to me as she regained her balance.

"Okay, I think I'm getting it." She let go of my arm and walked a bit further, gathering more confidence as she strutted back and forth.

"Girl, you're a natural, and now three inches taller than me." Rose teased.

Must've spoken too soon, because just as she picked up the speed to a fairly normal pace, she lost her balance and slipped.

"Woah there, let's not break any bones before you even get to the big day." I said, helping her back up.

"I just don't know how girls wear these without snapping their ankles in half. You said it wasn't as hard as it looked though, right?"

"Right. You'll get used to them with enough practice. If you slip and fall during the date, just make sure to land in his arms so it looks romantic."

She grinned and stood back up, stepping a few feet forward before stumbling again. I couldn't help but laugh as she kicked off the heels.

"We'll practice more later; go ahead and put those back in the box and I'll take everything up to the front. I've got a few more things in mind for us to do before sundown."

➳ ➳

Heel to toe, heel to toe, heel to toe. I've been practicing for at least an hour in my room trying to perfect walking in these heels. I have to look like an idiot pacing back and forth, but it'll be worth it. Lucy said it just takes practice, so once I gain confidence in these things I'll be all set.
If I'm being honest, as uncomfortable as they are, they do make me feel kind of badass. I just hope I don't slip in front of him- that's embarrassing.

Lucy took me to a jewelry store to find some matching gold accessories to match my golden heels, and Rose suggested we went to a nail salon to complete the look. I had already intended to wear the necklace that Lucy gifted me even though it was silver, so I stuck with a few bracelets and dangling earrings that would compliment my dress. I got my nails painted blue to match my dress, with a touch of glitter on each nail.

I couldn't wait to put everything together. I felt like a little girl playing dress up. I mean, in a way I guess I kind of was. As much as I want to be independent and branch out into the world, part of me still wants to live the childhood that I didn't get; still wants to heal. But I guess that'll just come with time.

I almost completely forgot about the letter from this morning, and how I still have to figure out how I'm going to tell Michael about that. I mean, would a lie hurt? Probably. But the truth would hurt more, so I'm torn.

I don't want him to get the wrong impression of me, to think that I'm a criminal. I have to explain it to him, but I don't know if he'll listen. If I'm honest, I don't know if anyone will listen.

◆ Michelle ◆

"Did you see Cynthia and them when they came home?" Bonnie asked, giving me a look that told me she knew something that I didn't.

I mean, I saw them, but nothing else out of the ordinary. Lucy told me her, Rose, and Cynthia were going to go shopping for some nice clothes. Didn't think why, I just assumed they just wanted to spend time with each other. Of course, though, I can't trust Lucille, and Bonnie tells me everything.

"No, what about them?"

"You didn't see what they had bought? Shopping bags from a boutique, some fancy jewelry store, and what looked to be a fresh manicure. You put the pieces together."

"Don't tell me it's what I think it is."

"The girl's got a little date Friday night. Overheard them babbling about it a few days ago or so, and I guess they went out shopping to buy her a date outfit."

I was furious. So she's been going behind my back to see some boy, and now both Lucy and Rose are in on it? I've given her enough freedom, it's only been a few months yet she's already getting tangled up with dating. Lucille is probably a terrible influence on her, trying to make my daughter a whore. Well, I won't have it.

"No, she's not going anywhere. I'm gonna confront her tomorrow morning and she is going to wish-"

I paused, thinking of an idea. She glanced up at me. "Hm?"

"You know what? No. I'll let her go on her little date, see how long it takes before she gets heartbroken. No one is going to want her, she's got nothing to give. How about this: you follow her Friday night, see where she goes and what she does, and we'll see what she's really hiding from me."

"So... you want me to stalk her date?"

"Yes, yes I do. I'll give you whatever you want in return, but I need to know what she's up to. Can you just do it and tell me everything she's doing? And if anything goes south, keep her safe. It's fine, it probably won't last long anyways."

She sighed, setting down the journal she had been jotting in and turning herself toward me. "Fine. but you don't ask me for anything else for the rest of the week, and I want that $50 you still owe me. Deal?"

"Deal."