Chapter 4: Dress Up

Rosabella hummed in delight and closed her eyes as fingers massaged shampoo into her brown hair. She closed her eyes, enjoying the pleasant experience. The warm water lapped at her skin, washing off the grime and filth. Bubbles of soap floated around her, tickling her when they popped. It was crazy to think that the girl didn't want this in the first place.

At first, Rosabella wasn't comfortable with someone bathing her, especially a stranger; however, Alycia was very calm about it. The caretaker told her that she'd wait outside if she needed any assistance. It turned out that Rosabella did in the end. She couldn't pour the buckets full of warm water into the basin.

Alycia filled the tub with warm water and poured an abundance of soap to hide the girl. She walked out of the room when Rosabella began to undress, for which the child was grateful, only returning when she heard her name called.

"Hold your breath," the caretaker warned, releasing Rosabella from her thoughts.

Rosabella sucked in a breath of air and closed her eyes as water and soap poured down her head. The process continued multiple times until Alycia was satisfied.

"Here's the soap to wash your body. I'm going to prepare for your haircut and nails. Be thinking about how you want it done." the caretaker explained, placing a large towel on the chair she sat in, "I'll leave the towel right here for you whenever you're ready."

"Thank you," Rosabella responded, "but what will I change into?"

Alycia looked surprised for a moment but regained herself, "Ah, you're right. How silly of me. Wait here for a moment." She left the room for a minute before returning with something draped in her arms. "You can change in this robe. I would let you into your dress, but then you'll get the dirt all over you again. You'll get a new dress after your hair and nails are complete. Is that alright with you?"

Rosabella nodded, "Sounds good!" She returned to scrubbing her peach skin free of grime. When she had finished, the warm water held a brownish tint in it. The girl's sunken cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment at the thought of trailing dirt throughout the fine establishment. Hesitantly, her green gaze looked up into the mirror to view herself. It was obvious that she was malnourished by thin her arms and legs were, along with some of her ribs showing.

Shivering from the cold, she threw the soft red robe around her and walked out of the bathroom. Rosabella jumped in surprise to see not only Alycia but two other women with her.

"Well, don't you look lovely. Come join us," Alycia beckoned while pulling out a chair in front of a white vanity. "These two ladies will be helping me. Go on, introduce yourselves."

"Hi, I'm Elaine!" the blonde-haired woman greeted. She was the tallest of the three with a strong stature. Her cheeks were plump with freckles dotted around her nose, and round glass framed her amber eyes. Her wavy hair was blonde and reached her shoulders. The servant dress she wore was a light blue color. "I'll be trimming your fingernails back. Would you like some nail polish? We have an assortment of colors for you to choose,"

Rosabella shook her head, "No, thank you."

The other lady stepped forward, "I'm Brooke. I'll be helping with your toenails." She was different from Elaine. Her body was a pear shape with a delicate upper body and long legs. Her dirty blonde hair was longer than Elaine's, with bangs that almost covered her pale brown eyes. Her long maid dress was a rich earth tone, and the scent of flowers came off of her.

Rosabella noticed a poppy peeking out of one of her pockets. "Do you like flowers?"

Brooke nodded, "I do. I visit the garden every day to check on them. If you would like, I can take you there after supper."

Rosabella beamed, "I would love to!" She quickly sat in the chair and gazed up at Alycia. "Are you doing my hair?"

"Yes, I am. Have you decided on a hairstyle? I can do short, medium, maybe just a trim, or..." the caretaker listed before Rosabella interjected.

"Just a trim, please! I like my long hair,"

Alycia smiled, "Alright, just a trim then. I'll go first, and then the girls can figure out who goes next."

~~~~~

Rosabella stared in awe at her newly trimmed fingernails. They no longer held a yellow tint and chipped but were polished and rounded. Her toes were in the same state.

"Aren't you just dazzling!" Elaine exclaimed, restraining herself from launching to hug the child.

Alessia came up to Rosabella's side, "Our fun's not over just yet. Come with me. You still have to choose a dress."

The girl jumped off the chair and walked next to Brooke as they approached the double doors.

"Welcome to your new wardrobe!" Elaine proclaimed when she threw the doors aside, revealing the large room filled with dresses, shoes, and other accessories.

With small steps, Rosabella entered the closet, slowly rotating to see everything inside.

"What do you think?" Brooke asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"It's beautiful," she whispered before addressing them, "Are these all really mine?"

The three women nodded their heads with bright grins and tears in their eyes before moving off to separate areas. Dresses were lifted off the rack and were either put back or draped over an arm.

"What's your favorite color, sweetheart?" Alycia asked, debating over two similar dresses.

"I like blue, but the pretty kind. Sometimes pink." Rosabella responded, moving past a bright yellow dress.

"What do you mean by pretty kind?" the caretaker asked.

"Like..., this color!" the girl exclaimed, tugging at some turquoise silk. "Mama said that it looks pretty on me."

Elaine pulled out the dress she was referring to, "I think she's right." She assessed the clothing by putting it flush against the child's body, "What do you think? Do we have a winner?"

The two ladies stood where she crouched before nodding in agreement. Alycia gasped, "I have just the thing!" and rushed over to wear the necklaces laid. The jewelry she brought back was a simple design. It was a small sparkling gem attached to a long thin chain.

Brooke had also disappeared and returned with white, flat closed-toed shoes. "I found these."

Elaine clasped her hands, "This is perfect! Now, let's get you dressed. We shouldn't keep the king waiting for too long, or dinner will get cold!"