Page 6 of Lila

“I told you there’s a floor with shops and stuff. You didn’t bring anything with you, so we have to go to Silver Threadz and get you a new Silver Springs wardrobe.”

“Shopping?” I ask, lighting up.

“Like we could end your first day here without buying something.”

The elevator dings and the doors open. We step out and Lav grabs my hand dragging me to the left. We pass shop after shop before she stops in front of Silver Threadz.

Lav drags me into a deceptively large store with every kind of clothing a modern witch would need. There are racks of jeans and t-shirts, leather jackets, indie clothes, and even sexy dresses. I could get lost in here, but I’m already in love.

“Oh my god, whatisthis place?” I gush as we walk further into the store.

“My favorite store ever, that’s what,” Lav says.

“Look at their shoe selection! They have everything from expensive heels to boots and tennis shoes plus flip-flops! It may be too cold to wear those now, but I’ll be coming back to get some when it warms up.”

“Oh really? I thought you weren’t sticking around,” she teases.

“I don’t know. This store may be enough to convince me to stay.” I laugh.

“Lavender! You’re back so soon?” A pretty blonde woman about our age appears from between two racks.

“Hey Desiree! This is my bestie, Lila. She had the great fortune of coming to town with no clothes, so now we get to go shopping!” Lav chirps.

“Hello, Lila. Welcome to Silver Springs! I’m sure Lavender will have no problem building you a whole new wardrobe, but if you need any help, just holler.”

“Thanks, will do.” I smile. Everyone in this town is so friendly. I don’t think I’ve met one nasty person yet.

Desiree goes off to help another customer and Lav and I flip through the racks like girls on a mission.

“Oh my god. You have to try this on,” Lav gasps holding up a light cream-colored dress with lacy long sleeves and a sparkly gold belt.

“Oh, that’s so cute! Give it here. But only if you try on this one,” I demand showing off the slinky black spaghetti-strap dress I found. It’s much racier than the one she picked out for me and I knew as soon as I saw it I wasn’t going to let her leave this store without it. “I’m sure you’ll find yourmatein this.” I tease her.

“I could always use a new little black dress,” she agrees with a laugh, taking the hanger from me and leading the way to the dressing rooms.

I put on the dress and I’m instantly in love. I don’t wanna take it off. It fits me perfectly. The sleeves hang off of my shoulders, and the dress flows over my body, flaring out slightly at my hips. I cinch the belt around my waist and smile at my reflection.

“Okay, I’m totally buying this,” I announce as I open the door. My jaw drops as I get my first look a Lav in her dress. “Holy shit. I knew you needed that dress. That thing was made for you! Damn girl.”

“I know right?” she says running her hands down her sides. “I’ve never worn such a flattering dress.”

“I’ve never gotten so much confidence just from wearing a dress before,” I say.

“Yes! Confidence! That’s what this feeling is,” she laughs.

“Hi, ladies! How are we getting on? Oh! I love those dresses on you!” Desiree gushes. “Are they from the Determination line?”

“Determination line?” I echo.

“It’s a magical clothing line we sell. The clothes give your self-esteem a little boost,” she explains.

“Yeah, I’m definitely feeling that. How am I going to go back to regular clothes after this?”

Desiree laughs. “You gotta balance yourself. If you wore nothing but Determination, your confidence would get so high bad things could happen.”

“What could be bad about having a lot of confidence in yourself?” Lav asks.

“It can override your filter… if you have one of those.” She smirks at Lav. “Maybe you get a little too confident and say the wrong thing to the wrong person. Or you tell your best friend you’re in love with him and it turns out he only likes you as a friend.”

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