The Beginning of More

Chapter 3 – Practice Makes Confidence

Lila stood in the middle of the room with her phone in hand, looking far more serious than the situation required.

She paced back and forth once before stopping directly in front of Ariana.

"Now," she began dramatically, glancing between her phone and Ariana, "what do you know about a house assistant role?"

Ariana couldn't help laughing.

"A house assistant helps manage household tasks," she answered. "Things like cleaning, organizing, helping maintain the home, running errands when necessary, and making sure everything is in order."

Lila nodded approvingly. "Good." Then her expression suddenly changed. "Sit upright, Ari."

Ariana blinked. "What?"

"Your posture." Lila pointed accusingly. "Bad sitting posture isn't going to help."

Ariana stared at her for a moment before letting out a laugh. "Lila... we've had this conversation so many times."

"And yet," Lila replied, folding her arms, "you keep going back to the same posture."

Shaking her head with a smile, Ariana adjusted herself and sat up properly. "Better?"

Lila gave her a thumbs-up. "Much better." She glanced back at her phone. "Now tell me, what are some of the responsibilities of a house assistant?"

Ariana thought for a moment. "Cleaning, cooking, organizing..."

Lila immediately raised a finger. "Ari."

Ariana was shocked. "What?"

"You hesitated." Lila said.

Ariana sighed. "It was only for a second."

"Exactly." Lila lowered her phone. "If you do that during the interview, the interviewer might think you don't know what you're talking about."

The smile on Ariana's face faded slightly. She lowered her gaze and took a slow breath.

Almost immediately, Lila's expression softened. "Hey."

She walked over and sat beside her on the bed. "Don't feel bad, okay?"

Ariana remained quiet.

Lila gently nudged her shoulder. "Preparing doesn't mean being perfect."

She smiled reassuringly. "It just means being ready. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel during the interview."

Ariana looked up at her. "Do you really think I can do this?"

Lila didn't hesitate. "I don't just think you can." She smiled. "I know you can."

Ariana felt some of the tension leave her shoulders.

A small smile appeared on her face. "Thanks, Lila."

"Always." Lila wrapped an arm around her and pulled her into a brief hug.

Just then, Ariana's phone alarm suddenly rang.

Both girls jumped.

For a second they simply stared at each other. Then they burst out laughing.

"Well," Lila said after catching her breath, "I guess that's our cue."

Ariana picked up her phone and switched off the alarm. "Yeah."

Lila stood first and stretched. "Alright then. Let's get started."

Ariana chuckled as she stood up beside her. "Lead the way, Coach Bennett."

Lila was practically buried inside the wardrobe at this point.

One minute she was pushing hangers aside, and the next she was pulling clothes out only to immediately shove them back in.

Ariana chuckled softly. "You know," she began, reaching for a dress hanging nearby, "I think you're taking this interview more seriously than I am."

She held up a simple gown and turned toward Lila. "What about this one?"

Lila looked over her shoulder. Her eyebrow immediately rose. "Seriously?"

Ariana blinked. "What?"

Lila pointed at the dress. "That looks like something a retired school principal would wear."

Ariana gasped. "It's not that bad."

"It is." Lila insisted.

Ariana shrugged. "It's just an interview."

Lila turned back to the wardrobe. "An interview doesn't mean you have to dress like an old lady."

"Lila." Ariana's eye widened.

"I'm serious." Lila said.

Ariana shook her head while trying not to laugh. A moment later, she picked out a pair of pants and a shirt.

"What about these?" She asked.

Lila glanced at them. Then shook her head. "No."

Ariana stared at her. "You didn't even think about it."

"Because the answer is still no." Lila said.

Ariana eyes went wide. "Lila!"

But her best friend was already back to searching through the wardrobe.

Ariana folded her arms. "Then what exactly are you looking for? You've rejected everything and haven't brought out a single outfit."

"Because," Lila replied confidently, "I'm looking for the perfect one."

Ariana rolled her eyes. "Of course you are."

A few moments later, Lila suddenly froze. "Wait..."

A grin slowly spread across her face. "There you are."

She reached into the wardrobe and carefully pulled something out.

A black flare dress decorated with elegant white polka dots.

Lila held it up proudly. "Now this is what we need."

Ariana's eyes widened.

The dress was beautiful. Simple, elegant, and sophisticated without trying too hard.

"What do you think?" Lila asked.

Ariana barely heard her. She was still staring at the dress. "Beautiful," she said softly.

Lila's smile widened. "I know." She stepped forward and handed it to her. "Go on. Take it."

Ariana carefully accepted the dress, still admiring it.

"Told you I have great fashion taste." Lila said.

Ariana laughed. "It's gorgeous."

Then a thought occurred to her. She looked up. "Wait."

Lila immediately looked suspicious. "What?"

"We don't own a dress like this." Ariana said.

Lila tried to look innocent.

Ariana narrowed her eyes. "Where did you get it?"

Lila shrugged casually. "I bought it."

"For who?" Ariana asked.

"You." Lila said.

Ariana blinked. "For me?"

Lila nodded. "I got it for your birthday."

Ariana looked confused. "But my birthday isn't for a few more weeks."

Lila crossed her arms. "Your birthday is closer than you think."

A warm smile spread across Ariana's face. Without another word, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her friend.

"Thank you." Ariana said softly.

Lila hugged her back immediately.

"I don't know what I'd do without you." Ariana added.

Lila gently pulled away and looked at her. "Hey." Her voice softened. "Don't say that."

Ariana looked at her.

"I'm already in your life." Lila smiled. "And that's what matters."

Ariana felt her chest warm.

She looked down at the dress again before glancing back up. "So let me get this straight."

Lila raised an eyebrow.

"This is an early birthday present?" Ariana asked.

Lila shook her head. "Nope."

Ariana frowned lightly. "No?"

"No." Lila pointed at the dress. "That has officially become your good-luck gift for the interview."

She folded her arms proudly. "Your birthday gift is still coming."

Ariana laughed.

Before Lila could react, Ariana pulled her into another tight hug.

"You're such a crazy friend." Ariana said.

Lila laughed and patted her back. "I'll take that as a compliment."

When they finally pulled apart, Lila glanced at the wall clock. Her eyes widened. "Okay, sentimental moment over."

Ariana followed her gaze. "Oh."

"You should get dressed and start getting ready." Lila pointed dramatically toward the bathroom. "We are not showing up late for this interview."

Ariana nodded quickly. "Right."

Clutching the dress in her hands, she headed toward the bathroom while Lila watched with a satisfied smile.

For the first time since receiving the interview invitation, Ariana felt genuinely ready.

Or at least as ready as she could be.