ECHOES OF LOVE

chapter 7

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Chapter 7: Glamorous preparations

I woke up to the soft rays of sunlight streaming through the curtains, signaling the start of a new day. Stretching, I glanced at the clock and realized it was time to get up. Today was the day of the gala, and I had a lot to do before tonight.

I went to wake up Elle, who was already wide awake and full of energy. She chattered excitedly about the day ahead as I helped her get ready. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn't help but smile as we made our way to the kitchen for breakfast.

After breakfast, I dropped Elle off at Mrs. Jenkins' house, her regular babysitter. Mrs. Jenkins greeted us warmly, and Elle ran off to play with the toys, leaving me with a pang of guilt at leaving her behind for the evening.

As I drove back home my mind was on the gala. I had been looking forward to it, but now that the day was here, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. I wanted someone to accompany me, someone who understood the importance of the event and could share in the excitement.

I decided to call Ayla, "can I talk to you for a moment?" I asked, my voice hopeful.

Ayla answered "Of course, Camilla. What's on your mind?" she replied, her tone curious.

I hesitated for a moment before gathering my thoughts. "I was wondering if you would go to the gala with me tonight," I began, feeling a bit nervous. "I know it's last minute, but I really don't want to go alone."

Ayla smiled and got really excited. "I would love to go with you, Camilla," she said warmly. "It sounds like it will be a lot of fun we need to go shopping first thought!"

Relief flooded through me, grateful for Ayla's friendship I laughed. "Okay well meet me at my house and we can go pick out some gowns"
We hung up the phone and I decided to shower and throw on some clothes when I heard my doorbell ring I went to open it and there was an excited Ayla right in front of me "Hey girly ready to go?" She asked "yea just let me heal my shoes" I grabbed my shoes and we were out the door on the way to the mall.

As we walked through the bustling mall, my excitement grew. This was a chance for me to feel like myself again, to step out of my role as a single mom and into something more glamorous.

We entered the first store, and I was immediately drawn to a stunning red gown. Ayla insisted I try it on, and as soon as I slipped it on, I knew it was the one. The dress hugged my curves in all the right places, and the vibrant color made me feel confident and empowered.

But Ayla wasn't convinced. She insisted we try on more dresses, just to be sure. So we spent the afternoon going from store to store, trying on gown after gown. Each one was more beautiful than the last, but none of them compared to the red dress.

Finally, after trying on what felt like a hundred dresses, Ayla conceded. "You were right, Camilla," she said with a smile. "That red dress is perfect for you." I couldn't wait to wear it to the gala.

As Ayla and I were browsing through the racks of evening gowns, to find a dress for Ayla I suddenly heard a familiar voice behind me. I turned around to see Adrian's sister well STEP sister Jessica, standing there with a smirk on her face.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Camilla," Jessica said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "What are you doing here? Trying to find a dress that will make you look less like a mess?"

I felt my cheeks flush with anger, but I forced a smile. "Nice to see you too, Jessica," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm just here looking for a dress for an event."

Jessica raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing wider. "Oh, an event? How fancy," she said, her tone mocking. "I hope you find something that can hide all those flaws of yours."

I clenched my fists, struggling to keep my composure. I knew Jessica was just trying to get a rise out of me, but her words still stung. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm.

"Well, it was nice running into you, Jessica," I said, my voice cold. "But I have a dress to find, so if you'll excuse me."

I turned away from her, my heart racing. I hated how Jessica always knew how to push my buttons, how she always seemed to find new ways to make me feel small. But I refused to let her ruin my day.

After we found are dresses Ayla and I headed home to get ready for the Gala. We spent the next hour getting ready, helping each other with hair and makeup. As we stood in front of the mirror, putting the finishing touches on our outfits, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Ayla's friendship. She had been my rock through so much, and I knew tonight would be no different.

Finally, we were ready. Ayla looked breathtaking in her gown, her hair cascading down her back in soft curls. I felt a surge of confidence as I looked at myself in the mirror. The dress hugged my curves in all the right places, and my hair and makeup were flawless.