As expected, it was impossible to find a dress in the shop. Sarah's mom took her to a dozen different stores, even some of the bridal boutiques in case a bridesmaid dress would work. They barely found anything that would fit her, let alone something that also looked good. Alexa had one dress that might work, it was a white sequinned thing that had a big, billowy skirt; unfortunately, the neckline was far more daring than Sarah was comfortable with. Alexa said she could wear a shawl, and while Sarah certainly looked great in it, she couldn't imagine going out in public wearing it.

Fortunately, Alexa hadn't been exaggerating, Jill had a huge closet to rummage through. They all gathered in Jill's spacious bedroom, holding up dress after dress. Sarah was having fun, even if Jill's room was filled with a nauseating combination of aromas. Lotions, perfumes, candles, and who knows what else all competed for attention in Sarah's nose.

Jill stood elegantly, showing off the dress she planned to wear to prom, a short tunic-type dress that came right up to her neck but left her shoulders bare. Sarah suspected that if Jill lifted up her arms or walked into a breeze then more than just her shoulders would be bare. But as short as it was, Sarah had to compliment Jill's style as she watched the tall girl playfully twirling around, showcasing the dress. It did make her look great, all legs and motion.

"Isn't this just the most fabulous thing you've ever seen?" Jill said, striking a pose with a laugh. "Sometimes being tall pays off! And with heels on I'll cause traffic accidents!"

Sarah and Alexa agreed. However, their attention quickly shifted back to finding a dress for Sarah.

"Alright, Sarah, your turn!" Alexa said, pulling out a dazzling array of dresses from Jill's closet. She plucked one and held it out to Sarah. "Try this on!"

Sarah hesitated, feeling a bit self-conscious. Jill noticed her friend's apprehension and gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, some of it will be awful, but there'll be something great in here."

The first dress she tried on was, indeed, awful. It was a sequined orange thing that billowed in places that Sarah didn't billow. The second fit perfectly, but it also hung down and trailed on the ground. Meanwhile, Alexa and Jill couldn't help but ask her about Finn's invitation.

"So, he just asked during art class?" said Jill.

"Hardly," said Sarah. "He didn't even really ask, he just said we should go together."

"And then what?" asked Jill.

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"Like what? He said that I made sure I understood him, and that he was asking me for a date, I asked about Bri, and he said they broke up, and I said I'd answer him later."

"And then you ran to me because going out with Finn is scary," chimed in Alexa.

"It's not scary, it's just..." said Sarah, but she was interrupted before she could continue.

"No, I get it, going out with Finn is kinda scary. He's just a big doof, isn't he?" said Jill. "But I heard he's a good kisser."

Sarah's face felt like it was on fire, and the red dress she had on didn't make her feel any better. It was too tight, and it was making it hard to breathe. She reached for the next on the pile and stepped back into the closet.

Shucking the red dress off, she started to shimmy into the next, a pale grey dress with lacy bits. She spoke loudly through the closet, hoping to change the subject, "Where is Bri tonight, anyways?"

"A new guy. John? James?" said Jill.

"Josh," said Alexa. "Josh, he's in her public speaking class."

Sarah stepped out, wearing a knee-length dress with a flattering A-line cut, adorned with delicate lace accents around the waist and shoulders. In the brighter lights of Jill's room, the lace turned into an iridescent pale blue that changed shades as she moved around. As she twirled around in front of the mirror, Sarah posed and watched herself in the dress.

"I think this is it!" Sarah said, beaming at her reflection.

Alexa and Jill applauded. "You look stunning, Sarah!" Jill said, giving her a hug.

Sarah had a hard time looking away from herself in the mirror. The pale blue dress accentuated her figure and made her feel beautiful. She actually found herself looking forward to going to the dance. Jill and Alexa beamed with approval, and Sarah felt grateful for the way they ignored her little twitches and winces when a light caught her eyes or something banged or rattled nearby.

With the dress settled, the trio moved on to accessories. They rummaged through Jill's extensive collection of jewelry, shoes, and handbags, trying different combinations until they found the ideal match. A delicate silver necklace adorned with a small sapphire pendant complemented the dress perfectly. She'd never worn that sort of jewelry before, but Jill assured her it looked far nicer than it really was.

She did put her foot down, literally, when the two tried to convince her to try on heels. Jill was holding a shiny silver pump with a spike on the heel that looked a foot long to Sarah. Alexa had a black sandal thing with a heel just as tall, but the toes were on their own platform too. Sarah thought they'd just feel like stilts. But no, she had flats at home. They might not be shiny, but she wouldn't kill herself either. The dress and jewelry would be fancy enough for her.

"Oh, that'll be perfect for you," said Alexa. She'd been rummaging through a pile of clutches and held one out triumphantly. She handed it to Sarah. "Just make sure you wear black shoes with it."

The little clutch was made of black leather, edged and riveted with shiny chrome. And on the front, embossed in the leather, was a grinning skull and crossbones. She wasn't sure why, but Sarah did like the purse. Sarah gave her dress another swirl in the mirror, smiling at herself.

"Yup, perfect," said Alexa while Jill nodded. "Just one last thing, even if you're going to hate it."

"What," she said. Sarah folded her arms, looking at the two.

"Dancing," said Alexa.

"Makeup," said Jill at the same time.