Free Awake by Riana Lucas Page A

flow loosely down around my calves. At the base of the dress, deep-red poppy flowers finish the design, matching the ones pinned onto the left sleeve.
    â€œOh, Willow! This dress is perfect!” I beam and push myself up from the bed to take the dress from her. “I am going to try it on, and then I will help you pick yours, okay?”
    â€œOf course. Take your time. I’ll wait here.” She sits herself back down on my bed and prepares to wait patiently. I cannot help but to laugh as I walk into the washroom: her patient appearance does not fool me.
    Not wanting Willow to wait too long, I quickly pull the dress on and find it a perfect fit. Once I have the gown on, I turn and notice the back of the dress for the first time. It has a deep V-shaped opening. Had I seen the opening before, I probably would have decided against it, but it’s not revealing or uncomfortable in any way. Once I step out of the room, I move in front of the full-length mirror so I can get the full effect. I do not recall ever wearing a dress before. They are not practical for fighting or for missions, and I have never been in a situation that called for this type of attire. When I gaze back at my reflection, I find myself speechless. I feel a little awkward, but the shock at my appearance overrides the emotion. I look almost beautiful.
    Willow steps up behind me, brushing my hair out so it smoothes out long and straight around my shoulders down to my waist. She hands me a pair of strappy black heels with small poppies just above the toes. I put them on before taking another look in the mirror. This is when I notice the poppy flowers on the bottom of the dress constantly shifting and changing. Looking down to get a better look, I realize the flowers are going through the life cycle right in front of my eyes. They start as buds and then bloom into full flowers before the soft petals fall off and drift to the ground around my feet, where they then simply disappear. Then the cycle starts all over again. The process is simply magical.
    â€œIt is perfect, Willow. Thank you,” I breathe.
    â€œYou’re very welcome. Would you like some makeup? I don’t think you need any, but if you would like some, I can apply it.”
    â€œMakeup?”
    Willow gives me a startled look but before I can question it, she walks over to the dressing table and brings over a few small containers with different colored powders in them. “This is makeup. You put the powders and glosses on your eyes, lips, and cheeks to enhance them.”
    â€œI know what makeup is, Willow. I just do not see a need for it."
    â€œAre you sure?"
    â€œYes. I do not wish to paint my face. I like the way I look just fine the way it is,” I say with a decisive nod.
    Willow laughs before placing the items back on the table. "Fine, but I'll get you to change your mind eventually," she says with a wink then begins to look around the room. Before I can object to her prediction, she speaks up again. “So, will you help me find a dress that suits me as well?”
    â€œI will, but I must warn you, I have no experience with this. I might pick the wrong thing,” I say as I begin to lift dresses, trying to imagine what they would look like on Willow. After I hesitate over a few, I finally lift one I think would look beautiful on her. I hold up a light green, ankle-length dress made of satin but covered in a thin layer of flowing sheer material dotted with small crystals over the entire dress. The straps are thin, and the neck line modest but flattering. The entire dress may appear simple, but I do not think it will be on Willow. When I hold the dress up for approval her eyes light up, but she hesitates before taking it.
    â€œAre you sure, Poppy? This dress is very expensive.”
    â€œWhy should I care? The queen gave them all to me, and I am not going to wear all of them. Besides, this one will suit you much better than it would me.” I shrug,