"Of course she is," I mutter, pressing a hand over my chest to steady the fluttering underneath. My heart feels like it's trying to escape.
"Nervous?" Tammie teases, arching a brow as she hands me the tiara that goes with the costume.
I let out a shaky laugh. "Yeah, a little. This was all... kind of sudden. I thought the sponsors weren't coming until next week."
"Apparently, they changed plans," Lucy says, stepping back to admire her work. "Callahan said she didn't expect them to come so soon too."
Katie grins, twirling the makeup brush like a wand.
"Well, good thing our star Clara-slash-Sugarplum looks drop-dead gorgeous."
"More like drop-deadterrified," I say, but my voice wobbles with a smile.
Tammie gives my skirt a final fluff and steps back. "You'll do great, Care. You always do."
Lucy nods, smiling as she adjusts the ribbon on my sleeve. "Yeah, seriously. You and Adam have this down. Just breathe, okay?"
Katie caps her lip gloss and sets it aside. "You've worked hard for this. Go out there and show them what you can do."
Their words make something warm bloom in my chest. I manage a small smile and nod, even as nerves twist in my stomach.
"Thanks, guys," I say quietly. "I'll try."
Tammie pats my shoulder. "Okay, stay put for a sec, yeah? We're just gonna check in with the boys—make sure they're actually ready and not goofing off again."
Katie nods, already heading for the door. "We'll come back for you once everything's set, then you can head to the backstage with us."
"Wait—" I start, the word slipping out before I can stop it. I hate being left alone right now; my nerves are about to stage a full mutiny.
But they're already halfway out the door.
Lucy lingers for a moment, glancing at her phone as it buzzes. "Callahan just texted. She needs me for something. I'll be right back, okay?" She flashes a reassuring smile before hurrying out after the others.
The door shuts behind them, and suddenly the room feels way too quiet.
I let out a long breath, then take another—slow, deliberate. In through the nose, out through the mouth. The kind of breathing you do before stepping on stage, when your heart's trying to sprint but you need it to dance instead.
"Okay, Care," I murmur to my reflection. "You've got this."
When I finally lift my gaze, I almost don't recognize the girl staring back.
The layers of pink tulle catch the light, making me shimmer like something out of a snow globe. My fingers skim over the bodice, tracing the tiny beads and ribbons. It looks so much like the one my mom had custom-made for me few years ago.
This might be the other dress I tried on the other day—the one that immediately caught my eye. Up close, it's even prettier.
There's something almostenchantedabout it, as if it's been waiting all this time for the right night... for me to finally step into it.
My long silver hair cascades down my back in soft curls, the tiny tiara nestled perfectly in place. I giggle quietly; I actuallylooklike a princess.
I gently rub my fingers over the heart-shaped locket resting against my collarbone, its cool metal warming under my touch. A smile tugs at my lips as a memory flickers—the night Zach gave it to me, the same night he asked me to prom.
Back then, that tiny moment felt like magic.
And right now, it almost does again.
I glance at my phone to see if Zach replied to my text—still no new messages. The last text from him stares back at me like a cruel joke.
See you later.
