The Beautiful Outsider

The Perfect Dress

I am Annastacia Johnsons, a 15 year old sophomore in Ravenwood Academy. I had spent my freshman year being bullied and humiliated by elite students at my school. Ravenwood Academy is a well known and renowned private school, I am lucky enough to get a scholarship. That's probably the main reason why the elites wouldn't stop bullying me. They can't accept the fact that I, an ordinary teenager, can be a student in a prestigious school. Most, or let me say all of the students there are unbelievably rich. Their families are the richest in New York. Being the only peasant, I am barely getting out of there alive.

Tomorrow is the first day of sophomore year and I think I'm having cold feet. I am afraid that this year will be as miserable as last year. I am picking my outfit but my closet is not making this any easier. I don't have any dress that could at least be considered beautiful or elegant by the rich people. First day is the most important of all school days. It's the only time that you can make a name for yourself. It is also the only day that you don't have to wear uniforms. I remember my first day last year; I was wearing rugged jeans with cuts in the middle, and a black painted shirt paired with my cheap looking high tops. I looked homeless. Well, for them, I look homeless. I can still remember, students were literally keeping their distance from me. It was like they pictured me as a thief that might steal their expensive belongings. I know, it sounds ridiculous. Everything is ridiculously stupid at that school- well for an ordinary girl's perspective. That was the day I was called "The Homeless Loser". I never found a single friend last year. I've learned to talk to myself because no one wants to talk to me. I was literally all alone, but this year it will be different.

"Uggghh! When did I last buy a dress for myself? Cause' these clothes are so freaking' UUUGLY!" I shouted at myself in the mirror. I am extremely stressed out. I don't want to go to school tomorrow and create another name for myself. I am not going through the shame of being called an ugly monster or a homeless troll.

I went down to the kitchen where my mom is cooking dinner. I can smell the food from here. I heard my stomach growl. My dad is in the living room just right where the staircase is. I could see he's watching his favorite show, Game of thrones.

He shrieked when he saw me walking down the stairs. "Darling! How many times do I have to tell you, to stay in your room when I'm watching my show." He hastily turned off the TV and gave me a big frown. He was watching a really disgusting scene. I think it was a dwarf having sex with a bunch of whores.

"Sorry dad, I just need to ask mom something." I walked to the hallway on the left and went inside the kitchen slash dining room.

"Mom... Do you have some cash. I think I need to buy a dress for tomorrow." I sparkled my eyes and made a puppy face. My mom works as an in line supervisor at Ravenwood Hotel. It's the same family that owns my school. She has been working there for as long as I can remember. I chose to go to her since she's more generous than my father. She always gives me money when I need some, but this time I'm gonna need a lot.

"How much do you need honey?" She turned to see me, while cooking her special lasagna.

"Uhhmmm, maybe a hundred bucks." I looked down as if getting ready for a turn down. I really wanted a couple hundred bucks but I doubt she'll give me that much.

"Sure! Tomorrow's your first day. You should look marvelous!" My mom happily gave me the cash without any interrogations which is oddly insane. I know she's generous, but she always asks about my expenses. Anyway, I am not complaining. I gave her a tight hug and drove off my favorite shop, which I don't go often since it's very expensive, before she could change her mind.

I parked just a few steps away from Chanel, the shop I ought to buy my dress. I went inside and I can already smell elegance. It is a very stylish and chic shop. It has beautiful crystal ball chandeliers that brighten the whole room. There are mirror on every free spaced walls, and classy couches on each side. The rows of dresses were all lined up perfectly on the corners and beautifully dressed mannequins on the glass windows. I am so thrilled to shop in here, it has been too long since I bought something from a branded shop. It was EXQUISITE!

I walked around the shop and scanned some dresses. I wanted to buy every single dress in here. There were a lot of amazing dresses, from cute cocktail chiffon dresses to fabulous classic gowns. The feeling was splendid.

I have been looking for a little while but I just can't seen to find the perfect dress for me. I need a dress that would make my heart jump from my chest. I looked at every dress carefully on this row, trying to imagine how I would look in it. I faced to the other side of the room and I saw a dress that made me shed a tear. It was a red knee-length empire waist dress with a V-line sleeveless top. It was simply BEAUTIFUL. I slowly stepped closer towards it and gently lift the price tag. It was 499.99 dollars. I died. I stared at it blankly for a minute. But I didn't lose hope, I went to see the other dresses. I looked at each of the prices but it was all over my limit. I was devastated. I felt my body shaking like I was gonna collapse.

"Miss, do you need anything? You've been here quite long enough but you seem to have a problem choosing. Do you need any help?" A woman in a uniform snapped me out of my misery.

"Uhhmm, I guess. Do you have any dresses that are below a hundred bucks?" I made a big smile. I was embarrassed to ask that question but I had to. I look at her and a saw her grin for a split second.

" Yes, of course! It's on the back corner of the room." The lady pointed at one row that had a sign saying CLEARANCE SALE.

"Thanks!" I was relieved. I quickly walked towards it and looked for the best dress I could find. I am feeling really good about this. I shall find the most beautiful dress on this area!

Unfortunately, most of it are not as good as the other ones. These are old dresses that needs to get sold. I looked at every dress in there. I just don't think these dresses would give me justice tomorrow. I'm on the last 5 dresses and I am afraid that I would not find the perfect dress on this area. I took each of the dresses slowly trying to pray first before looking at it. I am down to the second to the last dress, these dresses are still no good. I can see the color of the last dress and it's black. The thought of it strike me like a lightning. This is the last dress, after this you're gonna have to get out of here and find a cheap store that sells second hand dresses. I closed my eyes and took out the black dress from the rack. I faced it in front of me and touched the beading of it and the soft fabric. I took a deep breath and slowly opened my eyes...

At last! There it was, the most beautiful dress I have ever seen on this area- of course the not on sale dresses are still more beautiful but this dress is perfect for me, not too elegant and not too plain. It was a sweetheart top baby doll dress with a floating skirt. Perfect. Just Perfect. And it was only 99.99 dollars with tax. AMAZING.

I drove back home and went straight to my room. I took out the dress from the bag and placed it on my bed. I looked at it for a while. I am still in awe. I can't believe I'm gonna wear this dress for my first day. I can already imagine all of their faces: Jaw-dropped, eyes sparkling, mouth drooling. They will be all over me. I ran my fingers through the dress and felt the softness of the fabric, then I eagerly put it on.

"Oh okay. This seems a little bit smaller than my size." Great. Just great. I was in complete awe last night that I didn't even check the size. I just assumed it would perfectly fit me. Err. I squeezed the dress through my body. I pushed my belly in and I straightened my back. "Hmm..It's not that small. It could still fit. I'm just not gonna eat tomorrow." I looked at my reflection in the mirror. Wow, It looked perfect on me. I don't look like a Homeless loser anymore. I look like a PRINCESS. I took it off me and had a quick half bath. I put on me pajamas and I turned out the lights. I am now ready for my beauty sleep. TOMORROW will be AWESOME.