Free Saving Georgia by Kristin Flynn

experience. Jenn hands me a pair of sandal wedges and I gave her a look of ‘you’ve gotta be kidding me.’
    “They would look awesome on you.” She insists.
    “Yeah, until I try to walk.” I protest.
    “Georgia, you’ve got to at least try.” Harper backs up Jenn. Of course she would.
    “I will try but I guarantee you that I will face plant.”
    “We’re only asking that you try. Here, put this dress on with it.” Harper hands me a pale pink summer dress with a floral pattern on it. “Jason likes pink.” She adds.
    “OK.” I offer in defeat and make my way over to the dressing room.
    I take off my shorts and tank and shimmy the dress on. I stare in wonder at the person in the mirror and I wonder if I am still the same person on the inside. I sit down and put the wedges on, and they are right they do look great together, but I know that I have not been blessed by God the gift of grace, and that I will stumble repeatedly. I foresee many a face plant in my imminent future.
    “Are you done Georgy?” Jenn asks, and I know she is dying to see what her little project looks like. However mean that sounds, in all honesty I am having fun and I feel gorgeous.
    “Yes ma’am.” I say, opening the door and walking out so she can see. ‘ Please don’t fall, please don’t fall, please don’t fall’ i s the mantra I’m reciting in my head.
    “Oh my!” She shrieks and wraps her arms around my neck. “You look like a model! You look perfect!” She coos.
    “Jenn, you’re embarrassing me. Please get a hold of yourself.” I beg her. I have never, ever had to mutter those words to my friend before, but frankly she was making a scene and I don’t want any more attention than what I am giving myself right now.
    “I am buying you several sundresses and, oh my gosh, purses and accessories and…. Ooh!” Jenn squeals and heads back to the sales floor, leaving me alone in this silly sundress that does flatter my figure, in this thankfully empty dressing room. I must admit I do like the way I look in pink.
    I peeled the dress off and started to put my shorts back on, when Harper dumped a pile of clothes for me to try on. More dresses, oh joy.
    I must have modeled seventeen dresses for them, and still the first was my favorite. I did enjoy the black and white striped dress, and a few other floral prints. Also, the polka dot dress was nice as well.
    “How dressed up is this party of yours tomorrow that I have to wear a dress.” I ask.
    “It’s not formal, if that is what you’re asking. It’s a casual summer party, but what we’re trying to accomplish for you is a more feminine look for summer, so you blend in with the girls and not the boys.” Harper states so matter of fact like. “And, it looks like we’ve accomplished just that. You look wonderful.” I guess she was going from the ‘lift them up after you kick them down approach.’
    “Thanks. I think?” I spit out. “am I done trying clothes on?” I plead.
    “Yes, this is fine. We’re going to go check out. You can dress yourself.” Harper states, as she grabs the clothes and heads out the sales floor.
    What is going on ? I need to stop dwelling on things, I am reading much too much into things and I should just be able to enjoy what has befallen me. I put my clothes back on and made my way out to where Jenn and Harper were and they already had packages in their hands.
    “Here!” Jenn hands me her bags. “These are all for you.”
    “I can’t accept all this. You all have already paid for my hair and my nails, and that very unfortunate eyebrow incident, please let me get the dress.”
    “Too late, we’ve already gotten it and some more to go with it.” Harper says, and then turns to Jenn “I’m going to start heading home. I have to get things together for tomorrow. Bring her by early so we can straighten her hair and get her dressed.”
    “OK, we’ll be there.” Jenn smiles and links her arm into mine. “We will see you later.