Chapter 12: "Makeover"
A room was bathed in soft, warm light, the morning sun casting a gentle glow through the window. The sun was shining brightly, its rays peeking through the curtains, illuminating the dust particles dancing in the air. On the bed, a sleeping figure lay still, a smiley face etched on her face. No one knew what she was dreaming about, but her expression suggested a peaceful slumber. Suddenly, her face scrunched up in a frown, as if sensing something. Her eyes fluttered open to find a face staring at her, and she gasped, sitting up abruptly.
The person opposite her burst into laughter. "It's not funny, Lettie!" River said, her voice muffled as she tried to calm her pounding chest.
Lettie, still chuckling, held up her hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine." She swung her legs over the side of the bed, revealing her bare feet, and hopped off the bed. "Good morning, my sunshine!" she greeted, beaming.
River smiled back, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Good morning." She glanced at the clock on her nightstand and raised an eyebrow. "But what are you doing here so early? It's half past 7!"
Lettie bounced up and down, her curly hair bobbing with each movement. "For shopping, of course!" She was wearing a bright yellow sundress with white flowers, her hair tied up in a ponytail. River's eyes widened as she took in Lettie's outfit, and she noticed that Lettie had left a pair of high heels on her shoe stand, probably planning to change into them later.
River shook her head, amazed. "Isn't it too early?"
Lettie shook her head. "I know, but I couldn't hold the excitement. I've been waiting for this day forever!"
River's cheeks flushed slightly as she remembered Lettie sitting beside her on the bed. "How long have you been here?" she asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
Lettie grinned mischievously. "Like, 15 minutes ago."
River's face grew slightly hotter. "Geez, Lettie..."
Lettie suppressed a laugh. "You were smiling the whole time... I was wondering what you were dreaming about."
River's blush deepened. "None of your business," she said, tossing a pillow at Lettie.
Lettie made a pitiful sound, laughing. "Ouch!"
River laughed, getting out of bed. "Okay, let me go freshen up."
As River headed to the bathroom, Lettie settled onto the sofa, pulling out her phone to scroll through her social media. Her gaze wandered to the brown wooden closet in the corner of the room, and an idea sparked in her mind.
Twenty minutes later, the sound of water stopped, and River emerged from the bathroom, her hair dripping wet. Lettie looked up, and her eyes widened in approval. On the bed lay a beautiful flowy white dress with lace details, and a pair of sneakers was placed neatly beside it.
River looked at the outfit with a mix of hesitation and uncertainty. Lettie smiled and beckoned her over. "Come on, River, let me help you get dressed. You know you're not exactly the most fashion-forward person."
River chuckled and let Lettie help her into the dress. Lettie styled her hair into an elegant updo, and River couldn't help but feel a little out of her comfort zone.
When Lettie finished, she stepped back and admired her handiwork. "You look stunning, River!" she exclaimed.
River's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, trying to hide her blush.
When they entered the kitchen, River's parents turned to look at her, and their faces lit up with admiration. "You look beautiful, sweetie," River's mom said, smiling.
River's dad nodded in agreement. "Yes, you do look lovely, dear."
Lettie grinned, playfully inserting herself into the conversation. "Auntie, Uncle, don't forget to acknowledge me too. I'm the one who dressed her."
River's mom laughed and playfully rolled her eyes. "Oh, Lettie, you're looking beautiful too, dear. And you did an amazing job with River's hair and outfit. She's always been a bit of a tomboy, but you managed to bring out her feminine side."
They all laughed, and River's blush deepened. "Thanks, Lettie," she said, smiling at her friend.
As they sat down to enjoy breakfast together, River's dad said, "I'm so glad we're doing this today. You two deserve a day out."
River and Lettie exchanged a look, and then they dug in, savoring the delicious food and each other's company.
RB