Take No Notice ?

17: Dates And Drama

Sweatpants? What a disgrace!

I slide the racks as I view my options, nothing seems to meet my expectations until - no. I couldn't.

My fingers rest on a pink dress that my mother had bought for me recently when she'd been shopping. I'd hated it's colour, the most repulsive pale pink. It practically screamed 'old lady' with all its frills and laces. I cringe as I take it in properly in the light, it looks even worse.

Good god...is this what the world is coming to?

I grimace as I pull the tight dress on. I stand in the mirror and almost break down into tears, it's the most absurd looking piece of clothing I've ever seen. I FaceTime Steph and she laughs at my expression.

"Preparing for the date, I see?"

"Didn't it say somewhere that the preparation is the worst part?"

"Darling, you're overthinking it." She stares at the collar of my dress through the screen and bursts out laughing. "Please tell me that isn't the horror of a dress I saw when I came over last week?"

I pout. "It was the only decent thing I could find!"

"Lemme see."

I show her my dress in the mirror and her expression solemnises.

"Yes?" I ask, nervously.

"Sonia..." She begins. "That doesn't look half bad! It looks so lovely on you!"

"Uh-huh, sure." I'm disbelieving, it looks positively hideous.

"I'm serious, it looks much better then it did on the rack. Just Joel's type!"

"Stephanie - are you certain? I can't risk screwing this up."

"Sonia, as your best friend I pinky swear you look beautiful."

"If you're sure..."

"Definitely."

"Steph, I've been meaning to ask...where are you staying right now? Home isn't safe, surely?"

She looks conflicted for a moment, "I know, but that's where we are. Just aren't allowed to go down to the kitchen. I'm scared, Sonia. I can't believe someone intentionally lit that fire."

"I know how scary this must be for you, should I come over?"

"Of course not! You have a date to go to! I will personally come and drag you there if you don't go!"

I grin at her. "Ok then, thanks Steph. I'll call you and tell you how it goes!"

"You better!" She says with a giggle, and hangs up.

I take a huge breath.

Time to do this.

Joel

When I first see Sonia enter I'm definitely astounded. She's wearing the most elegant, sweet looking dress I've ever seen. I can't seem to take my eyes off her.

I stand up and she meets me with a peck on my cheek.

I pretend to be disappointed, "Is that all I get?"

She laughs, flipping her hair over her shoulder flirtatiously.

"For now." She looks down at my shirt as we take a seat.

"Lovely as always, I see."

I blush. "I was about to say the same, that dress seems to be made for you!"

"Truly?" She asks, obviously delighted at the compliment.

"Absolutely."

I hand her a menu and our fingers brush. She catches my eyes with a little smile, which I meet with my own.

That's when a shrill, obnoxious voice speaks up.

"Omigod, you cannot be serious!" 

We turn to see Gwen standing there, one of her henchman beside her.

"The two poor losers on a date? Bah! How ridiculous!"

I speak up angrily, seeing Sonia's flushed face, "Yes, and what business do you have to interfere?"

She giggles. No, cackles. "And what are you wearing Sonia? A monstrosity, that's what! I believe I saw the same thing on one of the street children!"

Sonia lip starts to tremble. I'm furious, and stand up. I walk over to Gwen with what I hope is a threatening look.

"And you assume what you're wearing is better? Sonia looks beautiful, her natural beauty alone outshining your plastic, makeup smeared face! Why a skirt so short? I assume you take pleasure in old gentlemen trying to look up your a** as you strut by? How disgusting! Especially when all they take interest in is the size of your behind, since no one who possesses a brain would ever care about the idiocy that swirls about your head!"

Gwendoline's mouth curls into a deep snarl, "Hah! It's hilarious how you think I care what you say! And at least I have a 'behind', unlike your little stick of a Sonia here!"

Sonia breaks into tears and rushes out of the restaurant, everyone gazing after her. I run out the doors, but by the time I'm outside she's nowhere in sight.

Sonia, you're beautiful. I just hope one day you'll realise that.

A/N:

I really wanted to punch Gwendoline when I was writing this - like really wanted to punch her. Alas, crazy people like her really do exist in this world.

Hope you all enjoyed! If you have, I'd really appreciate a vote and comment!

See you soon!