MAKEOVER-E

Astrid was grumpy and it reflected in her work. She was reprimanded twice for accidentally burning the burger patty and Matilda soon realized that Astrid was lost In her own cocoon.

She quickly pulled Astrid aside and spoke to her.

`Hey, you look lost. Spill the beans, baby'. Matilda looked to the front counter and motioned Bettany to cover her for 10 minutes.

`I…am ok. Just tired.'

`Baby girl, I can spot a lie a mile away, otherwise, I ain't Matilda for a reason'

`That transparent, huh?

`I know you have an issue with trusting people. You are always guarded like a stiff stick. But your body ain't a stick'

Astrid laughed and she contemplated if she should talk to Matilda.

`Let's just say that there is this dinner invitation with a bunch of rich vampires and I am wary of them'

`Can't you say no?

`I wish it was that easy but I don't want to offend them. After all, they insisted since I was the saviour of the day',

`Huh?'

`That will a story for another day', 

`Do you have anything to wear? Shall I help you?' Matilda started imagining Astrid wearing something from her wardrobe.

`Matilda. Thanks. I really could use your help',

`Don't thank me yet, come back with me today and I will glam you up like a doll'

`Okay. One more thing. How would you know if a guy likes you?'

`Mmmmmmm...admirer, huh? Well, you know the usual blush, heartbeat skipping, stomach-churning, and your sex drive just increases multifold and boom, you must get inside the guy's pants!'

Astrid's eyes turned wide and she made an `o' with her mouth. Matilda made it sound like it was a normal occurrence but, in her case, she was more confused as she felt none of those feelings when Alex kissed her cheeks. She wasn't sure if Matilda described how she should feel or how the other part should feel.

`Oh, that is usually how I feel with the guy I like. The men I think, they keep staring at you here, here and here' she pointed to her lips, breasts, and lastly her entire body. `Fret not, men will approach you, with some cheesy dialogues and ask for your number and things like that. After a few dates, you are your own judge if you are compatible or not.'

`Okay…..That is quite a lot of info in a day. Are you sure I can drop by your place today? My dinner is at 7.30 pm'.

`Where is it?' Matilda nodded her head and looked behind Astrid.

`Stargaze Lane', Astrid turned her head and saw her manager looking at them both questioningly, as they were huddled in a corner chatting during working hours.

`Wow, that is some posh area, girl. Are you sure it's not a DATE?'

Astrid rolled her eyes, and both resumed their work when Mr Davis crossed his hands and looked at them sternly.

Both, Astrid and Matilda finished their shift at 4.30 pm and took a subway to Matilda's house. She stayed in a flat house that looked very neat and tidy. Astrid had never been to this side of town and she was surprised to see about 20 similar-looking blocks scattered around the area.

`You have a neat place to stay', Astrid looked at the jungle gym made of ropes and steel located in the centre of each block.

`It's small. I rent a room.'

`You stay alone?' Astrid was surprised.

`Yes, parents died or abandoned if I can remember. As soon as I graduated from school I started working. That's the first thing I had to do to leave that hell hole' Astrid sensed her resentment towards the orphanage and kept mum, not pressing further.

Matilda rang the doorbell, and after 3 rings she unlocked the doors using her keys. The flat was medium in size with 2 rooms, a toilet, a tiny kitchen, and a small hall. The entire house was decorated in purple paint, purple curtains, purple sofas even a purple mat. A purple bomb must have detonated here, Astrid thought.

`Wow, purple power'

`Yeah, tell me about it. The senile lady must be sleeping in her room'

`Aren't you speaking loudly?' Astrid whispered afraid to create a scene.

Matilda just rolled her eyes and went into her room. It was beautiful. Her room was simple and painted in white with pots of plants adorning the windowsill. Astrid made a mental note to gift some of her oil. Matilda took a towel and instructed Astrid to shower while she opened her wardrobe and started rummaging inside for a decent dress for Astrid.

Astrid showered quickly and sat on stool and Matilda blow-dried her hair.

`You have healthy hair. What are you using girl?

`I will bring it to you when we meet for work.' Astrid smiled and Matilda winked at her.

Matilda made 2 French braids at the sides of Astrid's hair and tied them in the middle of her head with a pin and ribbon. She only used a portion of her hair so the rest of it cascaded down in soft curls.

Next, she took a pale blue dress made of soft cotton and mouthed Astrid to wear it, while she prepared her makeup. It was sleeveless and elegant, with clean simple lines on her sides and dark blue satin sash.

`Matilda, this is beautiful. It looks so expensive. I can't possibly wear this!'

`Don't tell me you were planning to wear jeans and a t-shirt?'

Astrid kept her mouth shut and looked at Matilda for a moment. Matilda rolled off the bed and started laughing. This girl is unbelievable, she thought. She is so pretty and yet her clothes are an understatement to her beauty.

Astrid tried to say something, but no words came out of her. She opened and closed her mouth and decided to wait until Matilda calmed.

`I'm sorry, that is just so funny', Matilda wiped a tear off her cheek and started to pick up her brushes and makeup palette. She applied very light makeup and did a black cat eyeliner for Astrid's almond-shaped eyes. She applied a beige rose Bobbi Brown crushed oil-infused lip gloss on Astrid's shaped lips and told her to pout.

`Done. You look divine, girl!'

Astrid looked at the vanity mirror and she must say she looked different. Matilda did an amazing job of transforming her into an elegant lady.

`You need to pluck your eyebrow though. I only shaped them using a comb so it's temporary.

`Oh, Matilda you did a great job', Astrid hugged her.

`I think you need to leave now. Its already 6.45 pm', Matilda broke her hug and patted her back. Matilda even prepared a pair of blue ballerinas for Astrid. She looked like a fairy with her pale brown eyes, high nosed bridge, oval face paired with a perfectly proportioned lip of well-defined cupid's bow and a curvy body.

Matilda quickly followed her to the nearest taxi stand. Astrid saw a few people staring at her and a few men winked at her.

`Say, Matilda. Do you think you overdid? I'm getting unwanted stares' Astrid held Matilda's arm and walked closer to her.

`Ignore the pests, they have never seen a queen bee before'. Matilda saw a cab and raised her hand. The cab pulled over.

Astrid was amazed by Matilda's sense of words. She has the best words to describe anyone in any situation. She made up her mind to maintain her friendship with Matilda if anything she seemed genuine in her actions.