I finished my shower briefly 10 minutes after it started, worried that if I took any longer that someone might burst in trying to find out what was wrong.
As I dried my hair and body, I thought of what I had to do. I needed to find out where I am and contact my family to let them know I am okay. They must be worried sick... My heart aches at the thought. After that I will have to find out who I changed into and how to change back.
I exit the bathroom, wrapped in the soft plush towel. I never felt a towel of this quality in my life and, now that I think of it, the blankets felt high quality as well. I shake those thoughts from my head and look around the room. There appears to be a dresser and a closet, so I pull open the drawers delicately with their knob handles, admiring the quality of it, before glancing at its contents.
The drawers seem to hold undergarments and accessories, painstakingly organized. The bras in the top drawer are lined up like so, so that the underwear in the second drawer matches, and with the socks in the next.
I plucked a bra and underwear set from the drawers, slipping them on before opening the wooden louvered doors to the closet.
The loudest gasp escaped from my lips as the lights inside automatically flicked on. Inside was almost another room the size of this one, with cream cushioned circular and square couches, a few mirrors, and walls lined with clothing, accessories and shoes. It almost looked like a high end department store!
I stepped inside carefully, as if worried that once my foot touches the white plush carpet that I will fall through and wake up back in bed, too distracted to remember that that's kind of what I want.
I reach a hand out, touching the soft fabrics of the clothes as I walk through, peeking down at the shoes and admiring the accessories scattered throughout, organized as if trying to upsell me to purchase certain accessories to complete certain ensembles. I come to a break in the rack along the wall, catching my reflection in the mirror. I remember my purpose as I stare at the stranger once again.
An odd feeling tugs at my mind and I suddenly smell coffee and warm syrup as if it's placed right infront of me. I shake my head, remembering that I have to get ready or someone may come back to find me.
I reach out, grabbing a pre-made outfit off a hanger: a pair of light blue jeans, a cream tank top and an oversized white sweater. I pull the skinny jeans over my full hips.They are rolled up into a neat pressed cuff at the bottom, and small decorative shreds of distress here and there. Pulling the tank top on, I tuck it in, making sure to smooth out any new wrinkles. I slide a simple woven leather belt through the loops, before putting the sweater on.
I look at myself in the mirror and take it in. The sweater hangs off one shoulder haphazardly, and the bottom of it shows off my midriff, which must be why the tank top was with it. If I tried to wear this outfit at home I would definitely look like a goblin who just rolled out of bed, but she- Juni- makes it look so effortless and like a pretty messy. I grab the cream ankle boots that were under the outfit and exit the closet.
I grab a pair of thick wool socks, with a cute woven pattern to match the belt, not that anyone would notice. I take a seat at the vanity, sliding the socks on before slipping my feet into the boots, I make eye contact with a photo of Juni.
I pick up the photo, examining it for anything that can tell me about her. She stands with another girl, taller than her with deeply tanned skin and deep brown hair. The girl is very pretty, and clearly strong, looking like girls I've seen at the gym lifting weights regularly. Then I notice Juni accessorieses and groan inwardly, scanning the vanity. I don't need a neclace, as the tank top reaches my neck, so I grab a leather bracelet and button it around my wrist. I quickly run the hairbrush through my hair and, as if by muscle memory, put my hair into two low messy buns. I blink in confusion, as I reach for the make-up, moving as if controlled, I put on mascara, eyeliner, some nude eyeshadow and a nude glossy lip. It felt like second nature, but I've never done cute hairstyles or make-up like this... I stare myself in the mirror, the make-up giving me a gorgeous model like look, but that "no make-up" look.
I snap back to my senses, hearing footsteps approaching. Someone is coming. I stand quickly, knocking a book off of the vanity. I reach down to pick it up and read the cover: Juniper's Journal.
My eyes widen in surprise. This could be the key, a key to understanding what is going on, or at least who Juniper is. I go to open it, but am interrupted by a loud knock. I catch the journal from dropping to the floor a second time, and try to steady my pounding heart. I will have to read this later.... I think to myself, reluctantly placing the journal back on the vanity and taking my first steps towards the door.
The person pounds the door again, and whines, "Juniiii I'm hungryyy, what's taking you so long?" I reply, without thinking, and hear her- Juniper's- voice for the first time. "Coming! Coming-" I touch the handle, unlocking it, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, and pull it open.