Free Trailer Park Princess by Delia Steele, J. J. Williams Page B

alone. I have Thax and Mando’s parents, as well as Rome and his mini nerd herd. Those two love Star Wars almost as much as I do. Besides, Toby and Mando both promise to come home every holiday. Toby swears he will call every day, oh, and Skype me on the brand new tablet he bought me with a one year prepaid internet service plan he already paid for. I don’t even want to get into that! Talk about extreme birthday gifts! Gesh, the boy went wild, causing one nasty fight, but in the end I accepted since it will allow me to see his beautiful face daily when he is gone.

    The mall is crowded, as always, but they have the best stores within a hundred miles. After ninety minutes of “ohhs” and “ahhs” and trying on close to like 65432 dresses, Mando decides on a white and silver, almost-see-through, long, sequin covered dress, with a slit from the ground up to her throat, high neck, and sleeves which were both a clear-ish material giving her a naked illusion. She had a fit when she saw it, claiming it was “THE” dress Ana wore to the party in her favorite book. She just had to have it. “I’ll be the Hispanic version of ANA, and all the boys will want to spank me!”  She giggled as she ran out of the dressing room holding it up.   I was ready to go after that, but she insisted that I try on a few.  I let her have her way as always and caved. It was fun; I admit it.  I tried on a few, but I decided finally on a black, high-low sweetheart gown with some white layers added in, and a diamond-belted waist. My favorite part is how the black is hemmed with white, and the white is hemmed with black. It’s stunning.  Too bad I cannot afford the price tag at a puny $134.95. And to think, it fits me to a T. I mean, this dress was made for me, and I feel like Cinderella in it.
    “Rory, I am taking my dress up the coun…” Mando stops dead in her tracks when she walks out of the dressing room with her gown in tow. “HOLY MOTHER OF ALL THINGS KINKY!” she screeches, “You have to get that!” I smile, knowing it’s just a dream. I go back in and return it to the hanger. It’s meant to be admired from afar. Exiting the room Mando throws her hand out “NO, Rory, you should do this for yourself; you deserve it. You work so hard, and you take care of your brother. You never get yourself anything. And who knows if you make it to prom next year? With us leaving, I figure you will grab an extra shift.” She knows me well. I don’t plan to make it to my senior prom. This will be my prom memory always.
    “I cannot waste that kind of cash; you know that. Hey! What are you doing?” I sneer at her with my eyes wide. Why is she taking the dress with her to the counter?
    “Hush, Rory, consider this my birthday gift to you. Oh yeah, you didn’t think Toby wouldn’t tell me, did you? Psht, I ought to jack your face up for not telling me.” Mando smirks and winks, then pulls out her credit card. She is so spoiled, yet always so thoughtful.
    “Thank you,” is the only response I can give as I carry the zip-up bag out of the store with me. And thank goodness a simple pair of black heels from Walmart will work. I sure don’t own any! By the end of our shopping trip, I end up buying some clearance costume jewelry, as well. I went with a black satin choker that had a diamond charm on it to match the belt and a matching black tiny-bowed headband. I plan on a French roll updo with the headband mashed into it! If Amandolette will listen when it comes time to do me up. I doubt she does…but… it could happen! It’s been a perfect girl day. We make plans to come back the day before prom and do our nails. It’s just two weeks away now, and I find myself getting excited.

    “What’s up, Princess?” Rome calls out as he strolls through my castle door. The oxidation is so thick it flakes off as the door slams.
    “Nothing, about to watch a movie. Wanna watch with?” I have never been wigged out by Rome or his habit of just