Page 28 of Beautiful Scars

The first dress is blue. The fabric feels impossibly soft, and when I look in the fitting room mirror, I barely recognize myself. It hugs the curves I usually try to hide, and the color makes my skin glow.

"How's it going in there?" The saleswoman's voice is gentle through the door.

"I..." My voice cracks. "It's different."

When I step out, Levi's eyes go wide. He stands from the waiting area chair, his lips parting slightly. The way he's looking at me makes my skin tingle.

Each dress after that first one gets a little easier. The saleswoman keeps bringing options, and I find myself relaxing and starting to enjoy the process. With every new dress, I stand a little straighter, look in the mirror a little longer. The burgundy one shows off my shoulders. The green makes my eyes look brighter. Each reflection shows me something new about myself, something I've been hiding under baggy hoodies and slumped shoulders.

But it's the black dress that changes everything. Simple, elegant—it fits perfectly, and shows just enough skin to feel daring without making me uncomfortable. When I step out this time, Levi actually stands up straighter.

"That's the one," he says immediately.

I study my reflection, barely recognizing the girl staring back at me. She looks confident, beautiful even. Like someone who could walk into a room and turn heads for all the right reasons. For the first time, I’m looking at my reflection and don't feel like I want to disappear.

"What do you think?" Levi asks softly.

I bite my lip, considering. I can't imagine what it would feel like wearing something like this out somewhere. But, I think I'd like to find out.

"I love it," I admit quietly.

"Then it's yours." Levi's hand finds mine, squeezing gently.

"Levi, no—it's too expensive." I start to protest, but he shakes his head.

"Birthday gift, remember?" His smile is warm. "Plus, the look on your face right now? Worth every penny."

The saleswoman claps again. "Shall I wrap it up for you?"

I look at myself one more time in the mirror, at the way the dress makes me stand taller, shoulders back instead of hunched forward. At the way Levi can't seem to take his eyes off me.

"We should find you shoes to go with it," the saleswoman suggests as she carefully folds the dress.

"Oh, I don't—" I start to protest, but Levi's already nodding.

"She's right. Can't have you wearing those beat-up Converse with it." He gestures to my worn sneakers with a teasing grin.

The shoe section is just as intimidating as the clothing, rows of heels in every height and color imaginable. The saleswoman brings over several options, and I find myself drawn to a simple pair.

"Not too high," I warn, wobbling slightly as I try them on.

"These are perfect." Levi watches as I take a few tentative steps. "You can actually walk in them."

I catch my reflection again—the shoes make my legs look even longer. "They're pretty."

"One more thing." Levi disappears toward the jewelry counter, returning with a delicate silver necklace. A small solid heart pendant dangles from the chain, catching the light. "This too."

"Levi..." My throat tightens as he holds it up.

"Turn around," he says softly.

I do, and his fingers brush my neck as he fastens the clasp. The heart settles just below my collarbone, and when I touch it, it's warm from his hands.

"Beautiful," he murmurs.

The saleswoman rings everything up, and I deliberately don't look at the total. Levi takes a large wad of cash out of his pocket without hesitation, and soon we're walking out with several bags.

"I can't believe you just did that," I say as we head toward the food court.

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