#Chapter8

EMMA'S POV

Long, red hair that fell to her back, eyes that were like the green forest, high bridge nose and plum lips that were painted bright red.

Every part of the woman was beautiful and sophisticated. No matter how I thought about it, she was not the kind of woman who would stop strangers on the road and ask them to check out her store. Moreover, even if it was true, judging by the very expensive clothes and shoes that she had, there was no way that Lina and I could afford anything that she sells.

Thus, I furrowed my brows at her before respectfully saying, "I'm sorry. We already made some plans."

"We did?" Lina, who was stunned silly by the woman's beauty, suddenly asked me. "Aren't we just going to the thrift store to buy dresses?"

I blinked at her innocent face who did not seem to realize that she blew up my story.

The woman's eyes brightened upon hearing her. Then, with much enthusiasm, she grabbed Lina's hands and told her, "Really? Perfect! I am sure I have the perfect dresses that will suit your taste!"

Despite talking to Lina, however, I noticed that her eyes were focused on me. I frowned.

"Oh, that's great! We are going to our university ball tomorrow night! Hopefully we see something good!" Lina laughed while telling her.

The woman likewise laughed when she heard her. Then, with a triumphant look in her eyes, she dragged Lina away while telling her, "Definitely! Then, let's go to my store!" I could only sigh and follow while looking at them walk away.

x x x x x

"Emma, look what I have found! This dress is perfect for you!" Lina loudly said as she held a big box of dress.

It has been a couple of minutes since we arrived inside the woman's, Claire's, boutique. Unsurprisingly, her store indeed looked sophisticated and high class - one that would be insanely popular to women in the area. It was surprising and even highly suspicious that she only had me and Lina as 'customers' inside the store.

Lina arrived in front of me and handed me the box. Carefully, I received it from her.

"Open it!" Lina urged me.

The box likewise looked immaculate and expensive. Thus, with much carefulness that I could muster, I opened the box. There I saw a white dress.

The design of the dress was simple yet very exquisite. It was the most beautiful dress that I have ever seen. I lifted a hand and carefully touched the fabric. It was very soft and light, something that really fit my taste.

"I think the dress was made for you!" Lina spoke with exaggeration.

I bit my lower lip before closing the box again. Then, I faced Lina and truthfully told her, "The dress is very beautiful. But I doubt I can afford it, Lina."

Lina blinked before closing her mouth. All her excitement was instantly gone.

"Sorry, Lina," I comforted. "But don't be sad. No matter what I wear tomorrow night, we will still try to have a good time, right?" I told her with a smile.

"Thank you for showing me this beautiful dress. I really liked it," I turned to Claire who was watching our exchange and gave her a smile.

Claire's eyes slightly widened as if she was surprised. Then, the smile on her face turned more genuine before she came over and said, "Well, I think you can afford the dress!"

"Today marks a very special day for my family so all of us are celebrating in our own way. Of course, it includes my shop!" Claire said enthusiastically.

"Oh?" Lina looked at her with sparkling eyes.

"Yes! Let's just say that a very important member of my family seemed to have found someone...," Claire briefly explained. Her eyes could not contain the happiness that she felt.

"So today, everything in my shop cost ten dollars only. Both of you can look around and get everything that you want!"

In the end, Lina and I bought one dress each.

"I can't believe it, Emma! Look at how pretty our dresses are! Especially yours. Even the measurement of your dress fits perfectly on you!" Lina exclaimed. We left Claire's store almost an hour ago and she still could not help but to repeat saying how lucky we were.

"I agree," I replied to her with a small smile on my face. Although not totally, the trip at Claire's shop helped me somehow take off my mind, even temporarily, from my bizarre dream.

Fresh air blew on my face. Normally, the walk to our dorm room at night would help me to relax. And I indeed was, until suddenly, for some strange reason, I felt a nagging emotion that I was being observed.

It was as if there were eyes that were directed at me, watching my every move.

I turned around to check our surroundings. The road, however, was empty except for Lina and me.

"Strange," I murmured before I continued walking.

"You said something?" Lina stopped her story to ask.

"Nothing," I told her. "Just for a second, I thought that we are being observed," I added.

"Ah?" Lina's eyes widened before taking a few steps towards me. "Don't scare me! It's not a ghost, isn't?" She asked as she linked our arms together.

"Well... hopefully no-" I started to say. However, I was not able to finish because suddenly, a racing car arrived and was driving so close to us. Its lights were directed on us, effective blinding us. And for a second, all I heard was the screeching of the tires that were coming towards us.