I smiled to myself, my fingers gliding over a soft silk gown hanging on the rack. “He’s… changing,” I said softly.
Both of them turned to me, curiosity sparking in their eyes.
“I mean, he’s still him,” I added quickly. “Still quiet, still a bit of a puzzle sometimes. But there’s something softer about him lately. It’s like… he’s letting me see the real him.”
Mary raised an eyebrow. “And you’re liking what you see?”
I bit my lip, warmth flooding my cheeks. “Yeah. I really do.”
Just then, Lillian gasped, nearly dropping her stack of swatches.
“Oh my God, Liz—this one.” She reached between two dresses and pulled out something deep, rich, and breathtaking.
It was a forest green gown, reminiscent of pine trees at dusk. Floor-length and fitted through the waist, the sweeping skirt looked like it could dance through a ballroom with every step. The neckline was elegantly off-the-shoulder, with just a hint of structure in the bodice. Under the light, the fabric shimmered gently, like leaves glistening after a rain.
I reached for it, my fingers brushing against the silk.
“It’s perfect,” Mary said, her eyes wide with excitement.
“Try it on,” Lillian whispered.
I nodded, my heart racing a little faster, and slipped into the fitting room.
The instant I stepped out, both girls gasped.
“You look like a queen,” Mary exclaimed, covering her mouth in awe. “No, wait—you look like a bewitching enchantress ready to steal a prince’s heart and make him forget his own name.”
I laughed. “That specific, huh?”
Lillian was practically bouncing on her toes. “You have to wear that one. It’s magic. It’s so you.”
Somehow… it truly was. Strong. Soft. Sharp in all the right ways. Like armor woven from elegance.
After we paid, we moved to the front to browse the mask selection. There were dozens—lace, velvet, gems, feathers, you name it. I tried on a few that felt too extravagant, too rigid, too theatrical.
Then I spotted it.
A dark green mask, trimmed in antique gold, with delicate vines carved along the edge. It covered just enough of my face to add an air of mystery while still letting me be myself. When I held it up, both Mary and Lillian squealed in delight.
“Pair that with the dress, and Noah’s going to be utterly enchanted,” Lillian declared.
“I will literally perish if you don’t wear that exact combination,” Mary added dramatically.
I laughed again, and it wasn’t just because of their antics. It was because—for the first time in a long while—I felt a surge of excitement.
Not just for the gala. Not even for the dress.
But for what was on the horizon. For who I was becoming. For the boy who was changing—and inspiring me to change, too.
In that moment, surrounded by my two best friends and holding a mask that promised secrets and sparks, I let myself believe
Maybe this time, the girl wearing it could finally let someone in.
As we stepped out of the boutique, the dress bag was draped over Mary’s arms like it had been woven from moonlight itself. My mask was snugly tucked away in a velvet box in my purse, and the three of us were still riding the high of our fabulous find. Lillian practically danced down the sidewalk beside me.
“I’m so hungry,” she announced with theatrical flair. “Let’s celebrate your fashion victory with some carbs and a fancy coffee.”
Mary linked her arm through mine.
