Analogous Vanity

Alice wasn't tired enough to sleep though, so she propped herself on one elbow to take in all that had changed in Claudia's room. It wasn't much, but the last time that Alice was over at the house was a couple of months ago for the Christmas party that her parents were holding, and it was a fun event.

She should try to come back more often since she needed a change of scenery since it has been a repeat of the academy, the convenience store, and then her bedroom. Normally, Claudia's parents would be around, but they were gone for the next few weeks on a business trip that took them to another country for the time being.

Claudia wanted to tag along, but it was coming up short on the university studying exams as well as progressing towards the end of the third year of high school which was only going to bring more stress over her if Claudia was gone for a long time. Alice told her so, and Claudia sadly agreed which made Alice promise that once they were older, they were going to travel often.

It was a promise that she made to Claudia that she was looking forward to. Alice wanted to travel the world, but it was kind of tough to do so when she was used to following the strict plan that she had set for herself leaving her with little room to do what she wanted to experience. Hopefully, as they get into university, they will be able to study elsewhere as well.

Claudia went back to her vanity to finish her makeup, and Alice got herself up and walked over to sit right next to her with one of Claudia's plushies in hand. Alice watched Claudia carefully as Claudia drew in her eyebrows before contouring her face with much vigor in her blending that made Alice laugh.

"I need to chisel out my face more," Claudia muttered.

Alice tweaked Claudia's nose. "You really don't. Your jawline is already very pretty."

Claudia clicked the product closed before winking at her. "Thank you, darling."

"What outfit do you have planned for today?" Alice asked as Claudia moved on to finishing her eye makeup.

"Hmm, I don't know. But I want to match the vibe that you have going."

"And what would that be?"

"Classy and put-together girl with a touch of summer vibes."

"Ooh, that does sound cute."

Claudia leaned closer to inspect her lashes before running a black coat over them. "I think a skirt would be a moment."

"Skirt with boots?"

"And a knit top?"

Claudia nodded before screwing her mascara closed. "I like that."

The balcony was to die for, and Alice got up to walk over to the French doors that were still closed since the morning was still somewhat chilly as the day was starting to warm up. She opened the doors and put a small door wedge at the bottom to let more sunshine into the room as she walked over to the railing to take in the fresh air.

The view from the balcony was only to the side of the yard that overlooked the small greenery that separated Claudia's house from the next, but it was a quaint image rather than looking at the street which she did appreciate. There was also a table outside with an umbrella that they liked to use often during the summertime since they both easily burned.

Alice would have thought that she would be easily tanned like her father since he got the most stunning shade during the summer, however, both she and her mother burned easily which was a shame. Claudia was the same as her, but it was still somewhat predictable with her pale hair and eyes along with the pale skin.

She looked over to see Claudia smack on a lovely lavender shade of lip tint that still went more pink than purple before standing and walking over to where she was. Claudia put a hand over her eyes and squinted out. "It's so nice out. What do we have planned for today?"

"Nails, food, and shopping," Alice said simply.

"That right there. Is the dream."

Alice grinned. "To you maybe."

Claudia immediately grimaced. "And your dream come true is an opening a textbook."

Alice patted Claudia's shoulder in support. "You better get ready for later this evening."

"It's going to be horrible," Claudia whined.

"But better than your cram tutor?"

Claudia nodded frantically. "So much better."

Alice laughed knowing that Claudia's cram school teacher late at night was an absolute tyrant, and the rave reviews from the other students in that class were about the same. They all came back with absolute dread which was sad but hilarious to hear. It was safe to say that Alice had dodged a bullet there.