A dream or a parallel universe

Lexi returned home early from school, made herself a quick sandwich and walked upstairs to her room. She stepped into her cozy bedroom, the quiet sanctuary a welcome respite from the chaotic school day. She settled onto her bed, cradling a hastily made sandwich and a sense of accomplishment.

Beside her, the calendar on the bedside table beckoned. Lexi picked it up, her pen poised. The date stared back: July 23, 2003. She marked it with a small "X", creating a tangible record of this pivotal day.

Her thoughts drifted to Jake, the boy who she had been willing to dedicate her teenage too. According to Lexi's memory, he was supposed to talk to her first on August 19th, but today had changed everything.

"I talked to him first," Lexi mused, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Some things would be different now."

She recalled standing up to Megan, Rachel's pride, and her own newfound confidence. The encounter had left her buzzing.

Lexi took a bite of her sandwich, the flavors mingling with her thoughts. Being a pushover had done her more harm than good and when she finally decided to fight back, everything came crumbling down. It was a wrong timing and it destroyed her relationships. She was going to change that.

As she chewed, Lexi's gaze lingered on the calendar, a silent promise to herself to track this journey, to chronicle every moment.

The peacefulness of her room enveloped her, a refuge from the uncertainties outside.

Lexi returned the calendar to its rightful place, the marked dates staring back at her like promises of a new beginning. She finished her sandwich, savoring every tiny taste of it. She was going to make every moment count. Rising from her bed, she strode towards her wardrobe, a sense of determination coursing through her veins.

For years, Lexi's life had been a masterclass in discipline. As a teenager, she'd followed the rules, never straying from the path. In college, she'd focused on academics, and afterward, her career had consumed her every waking moment. But now, with adulthood looming large, Lexi yearned to break free.

She flung open her wardrobe doors, revealing rows of clothes that seemed to whisper "boring" and "predictable." The monotony of her wardrobe mirrored her life. Structured, safe, and suffocating. Lexi's fingers trailed over the fabrics, her mind racing with visions of vibrant colors, bold patterns, and daring styles.

It was time to shed her skin, to trade caution for spontaneity. Lexi craved the thrill of the unknown, the rush of adrenaline that came with trying new things. She envisioned herself laughing with friends, dancing under starry skies, and exploring uncharted territories.

The transformation began here, amidst the humdrum of her wardrobe. Lexi's fingers closed around a faded t-shirt, its comfort a reminder of the life she was ready to leave behind.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~

After dinner, as her mom served desert, Lexi pushed her chair back from the dinner table, the scent of apple pie wafting through the air. "Mom, can I change my clothes?" she asked, her voice tinged a bit with excitement.

Her mom's hands paused, the serving spoon hovering over the dessert plates. A look of surprise flickered across her face. "You want to change your clothes?"

Lexi's dad, engrossed in his book, spoke without looking up. "There's nothing wrong with your clothes, dearie."

"That's just it, Dad. My clothes are too boring. I want something more... girly."

A warm smile spread across her mom's face. "That's fine, dear. When were you thinking of..."

"Tomorrow," Lexi replied, her words tumbling out in a rush. "With Rachel. I can shop for makeup too."

Her dad's eyes finally lifted from his book, a hint of surprise etched on his face. "That's sudden and when did you have any interest for makeups?"

Lexi's voice took on a playful, persuasive tone. "Daaaad..." She batted her eyelashes, her eyes shining with pleading. As they only child, that trick sometimes worked in changing her parents mind.

Her mom intervened, chuckling. "It's fine, hon. You can go shopping tomorrow."

Lexi's face lit up with triumph, and she threw her arms around her mom's neck. "Thanks, Mom! Thanks Dad!" As she moved to hug her dad.

Both parents watched in surprised as she rushed to her room to call Rachel.

Lexi's dad raised an eyebrow, concern etched on his face. "I thought we were past the dramatic teenage phase. What's triggered this sudden transformation?"

Lexi's mom chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I think it's more than just puberty, honey. Lexi's growing up, and she's discovering herself. She's been focused on academics and career for so long; now she wants to explore her creative side."

"But shopping for new clothes and makeup?" her dad asked, skepticism creeping into his voice. "Isn't that a bit... superficial?"

Her mom placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "Not necessarily. If she's fnding her identity, and that includes self-expression, we should be supportive, not critical."

From upstairs, the sound of Lexi's flip phone snapping shut and excited giggles drifted down, punctuating the conversation.

"I think we're in for a wild ride," her mom said with a grin.

Her dad sighed, smiling. "I suppose we'll just have to roll with it."

Saturday morning dawned bright and early, and Lexi's excitement was palpable. Rachel arrived at the doorstep, bubbling with enthusiasm, ready to kick-start their shopping spree.

"Today's the day!" Rachel exclaimed, as they hugged.

Lexi grinned. "Let's do this!"

With a budget in mind, courtesy of Lexi's parents, the duo set off to transform Lexi's wardrobe. They navigated through trendy boutiques, scouring racks and shelves for the perfect pieces.

Rachel's expertise shone brightly, courtesy of her mom's influence. As a designer for a modeling company, Rachel's mom had instilled an impeccable sense of style in her daughter.

"Try this one!" Rachel suggested, holding up a chic dress.

Lexi slipped into it, and Rachel's eyes sparkled. "Stunning!"

Rachel kept making her try on clothes after clothes before picking.

Their shopping spree was a whirlwind of laughter, advice, and tried-on outfits. They snatched up clothes, shoes, bags, cosmetics, and even undies, carefully staying within budget.

As they strolled down the boutique-lined street, Lexi's heart swelled with pride. Rachel's passion for fashion had always was inspiring.

"Once day, I'd leave for New York, pursue my dream and become a designer." And she did just that.

Lexi heart swelled. "You'd live your dream Chel and you'll end up happy." She said.

"Of course I will. We're both go to New York, you'd be a writer like you've always wanted and I'd be a designer." Rachel said, smiling and Lexi returned the smile, her heart full.

After hours of shopping, they made a brief stop for ice cream.

Rachel and Lexi pushed open the door to the ice cream shop, greeted by the sweet aroma of frozen treats. As they approached the counter, a friendly voice rang out.

"Hi!"

The scooper, a boy with a bright smile, looked up. Rachel's eyes locked onto his, and she froze. Lexi noticed her friend's sudden paralysis and followed her gaze.

It was Liam, their classmate from math and track! Rachel had a huge crush on him. Although it never worked out in the end, she wanted Rachel enjoy every moment of happiness life presents.

Lexi's face lit up with a knowing grin. "Hi, Liam right?" she asked, nudging Rachel with her elbow.

Rachel snapped out of her trance, her cheeks flushing. "Liam," she whispered.

Liam's smile widened and Rachel felt her heart melt like ice cream under the sun.

" I'm Lexi, and this is Ra..."

Rachel's name spilled from his lips before Lexi could finish. "Rachel."

Her heart skipped a beat. "You know me?" she asked, with a slight quake in her voice.

Liam chuckled. "Of course I do."

"I didn't know you worked here. How often is your shift?" Lexi asked, knowing that Rachel would want to know although she was too shy to ask.

Liam's eyes crinkled. "Just on weekends."

Rachel's mind whirled as his eyes left Lexi to look at her, his smile not faltering a bit.

"What flavor would you ladies want?" Liam asked, his gaze lingering on Rachel.

"I'd have the strawberry cheesecake, what would you have, Chel?" Lexi asked, nudging her again to break for from her trance.

Rachel stuttered, "Mint chocolate chip."

Liam's smile widened, and Rachel's heart fluttered again. "Alright."

As Liam handed them their ice cream, Rachel silently pleaded, "Please don't smile like that." His captivating gaze made her feel like she was melting.

Lexi waved goodbye, pulling Rachel out of the shop. Outside, Rachel couldn't contain her excitement.

"Did you see his smile, Lex? He looked out of this world!" Rachel said as they walked back to Lexi's place.

Lexi chuckled knowingly. "Just to you, but I understand that feeling."

Rachel giggled, feeling embarrassed. "I bet I looked like an idiot drooling at him like that."

Lexi shared her own experience. "You did fine, Rachel. Unlike me, who acted like a crazy bitch in front of Jake."

Rachel beamed. "He's so good-looking, and he even knows my name."

Lexi muttered, comparing her own crush, Jake, to Liam. "Jake didn't even know I exist. Lucky you."

Rachel sighed blissfully. "This is the best day ever, Lex."

Lexi smiled, nudging Rachel's cone. "Eat your ice cream; it's melting. I wonder why you like it so much, tastes like frozen toothpaste mixed with chocolate."

Rachel laughed. "It's actually really good."

Lexi teased, "It's actually really good; you should try it sometime."

Rachel playfully countered, "You should try it sometime."

Lexi declined, "I'd pass."

"Thanks Lexi."

"For what?" Lexi asked.

"You know I wanted to ask how often he works there."

Lexi smiled. "Come on Chel, you have even more for me."

~~~~~~

When they entered Lexi's house, Rachel dropped her shopping bags onto the floor, excitement radiating from her face. "Time for a makeover!"

Lexi grinned, leading Rachel to her room. "I'm ready to transform."

Rachel began unpacking the cosmetics, lining them up on Lexi's vanity. "First, let's start with the basics. Foundation, concealer, powder."

Lexi watched intently as Rachel demonstrated each product. "Okay, now it's your turn."

Lexi hesitated, but Rachel encouraged her. "Don't worry, I'll guide you."

With Rachel's help, Lexi applied the foundation, smoothing it evenly across her skin. Rachel nodded approval. "Perfect. Now, concealer under the eyes."

As Lexi carefully dabbed the concealer, Rachel chatted about Liam. "Can you believe he remembered my name?"

Lexi's eyes sparkled. "I know, right? You're totally smitten."

Rachel blushed. "Shut up."

Next, Rachel introduced Lexi to the world of eyeshadow. "Just a light touch, blend it well, easy does it."

"Do you think I made the right decision, changing my clothes and trying on make up?"

"Come on Lex, don't overthink it.*

As they worked on Lexi's makeup, Rachel shared tips and tricks. "Highlight your cheekbones, define your brows."

Although, Lexi was already familiar with all these procedures, she let Rachel guide her as she thought she was a novice.

Lexi admired her reflection, amazed at the subtle transformation. "Wow, I look... different."

Rachel beamed. "Stunning. Now, mascara and lip gloss."

With each stroke of the mascara wand, Lexi's lashes lengthened. Rachel handed her the lip gloss. "Final touch."

Lexi applied the gloss, puckering her lips. "I feel like a new person."

Rachel grinned. "You look like one too."

Lexi turned to Rachel, her eyes shining. "Thanks for today. I needed this."

Rachel hugged her. "Anytime, bestie."

As they admired their reflections, Lexi asked, "Do you think Jake will notice?"

Rachel's smile hinted at secrets. "I'm sure he'll be amazed."

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow through Lexi's window, illuminating their laughter and friendship.