Paper Thin

• 36: Don't Shop Til You Get Enough •

Melody

            After school, I met Alani, Emma, and Cora at the front doors of the Alcott High. I knew I invited Cora, but the fact that she came made me both happy and nervous. We all sat in Alani's car, the three friends chatting excitedly, while I blended into the backseat. Or so I thought...

Three pairs of staring eyes suddenly had me cornered in the car. I breathed a sigh of relief when Alani faced the road again, but Emma and Cora didn't look away. Emma had a smile on her face, as did Alani, but hers was a little slyer, more curious. Cora... I don't know how to read her. She was curious, but was that anger on her face?

I glanced around the group waiting for what they would say. "What's going on?"

"There seems to be a buzz that you and Carson White are secretly dating!" Emma squealed, her red hair bouncing around her excitedly.

"Oh, um... I mean, I wouldn't say secretly. But we–"

"So, you're dating?" Cora asked cutting me off. Her almond-shaped eyes narrowed slightly, as she peered over her shoulder.

"I don't know we–"

"What do you mean you don't know?"

"I mean, it's complicated."

"Are you his girlfriend or not?"

"Cora! Stop interrogating her!" Emma chided. I let out the breath I was holding and composed myself. I probably looked extremely frustrated, which isn't the way to make friends. I worked on keeping my face neutral, while trying to forget the fact that Carson hasn't asked me to be his girlfriend.

We were taking things pretty slow and that was good. I was a mess and it was hard to just jump into a relationship with anyone – especially someone who was so far from perfect. So, maybe caution and hesitation was a good thing. It was smart for Carson to see if he actually wanted to deal with me. He had an easy out.

"Mel, if you actually want to tell us, you can, but you don't have to," Alani said.

"I really don't know," was all that I could manage.

***

We'd been walking around for a little while, through different stores while I tried to muster the courage to try clothes on. All three of the girls had tried at least a couple outfits on, but I hadn't really seen anything that could look nice on me.

"What are you thinking of being?" Emma asked. I shrugged.

"Something cute, I guess. I hope I can pull something really nice and unique off," I mumbled. It was almost inaudible, and I don't know who was more surprised at the honesty. Emma's eyes widened slightly, but she settled on a smile.

"We'll find something perfect for you," Emma told me.

We walked up to a pop-up Halloween shop that had different costumes, as well as trendy clothing that could be used as both costumes and party clothing.

"Ooh lets go in here!" Cora said pulling Alani and Emma along. I followed them, starting to regret inviting Cora. I wanted to extend an olive branch, but she clearly knew that I wasn't a good fit for their friend group, even if no one else was willing to admit it.

I leafed through some clothing, determined to find something to wear to that party. There were some nurse outfits, bodices, bunny clothes, and other revealing outfits, that I didn't feel comfortable trying on. Alani walked over to me.

"Okay! No more beating around the bush here! We're going to grab a bunch of clothes and you're going to go into the dressing room and come out and show us," she said.