A bet that changed their lives

Part 16 - It's a Girl Thing

"Do you live alone?" Arya couldn't contain her curiosity as she and Lana entered the latter's apartment. "Ah, yes! Perks of being independent you can say," Lana answered as she gathered her clothes that she wanted to change into and continued, "I am gonna take a quick shower. Please feel at home. Here...," she gave a remote to Arya, "Watch something if you want. Don't get bored," she said before going to her room and locking the door behind her.

Arya kept the remote aside and went to her balcony and admired the view from her eighth floor. It was quite breezy out here and she loved it, momentarily distracted from how anxious she was to visit a club, a first time for her. She didn't know for how long she stayed there, lost in her thoughts when Lana's voice broke through the calm, "There you go! All packed! I have taken a  couple of extra dresses for you too, just in case. Duh-uh before you object, I know our body types and choices are different but no harm right?" She grinned so wide, Arya decided against arguing further with her and smiled wholeheartedly. They were soon on their way to Arya's place.

***

"God lord, girls! What the hell is this mess?" Dan was shocked on seeing a pile of scattered clothes that now lay on Brooke's and Arya's beds as soon as he entered the bedroom that the girls shared. "That's it, the next time any of you makes a puppy face for new clothes, I am going to remind you of these clothes here, just laying in your wardrobes," he pretended to scold them. He couldn't be angry with them for long, they were the apple of his eyes. He was proud of them, supported them, and was more of a friend than a father to Brooke. As for Arya, she had a special place in his heart. He knew how his friend, Arya's father, would dote on her and Dan never missed any chance to pamper her, the girl was so kind and good-natured. That's why when Arya had called a few hours back to ask for his permission to go to a club with her friends, he had immediately agreed. She needed to go out more, have fun and try things that people of her age did. And he trusted her enough to know that she would take care of herself and never do anything for her or him to be ashamed of. 

"Mimi is trying out clothes for the club, Dad. And these things take time, it's a girl thing, you wouldn't know the pain," Brooke's cheeky response made everyone laugh, even Arya who was cribbing just a few seconds ago. Lana had taken upon herself to make Arya try something new, something different. She was bored with Arya's office clothes and wished to see her in something completely different. Brooke was quite young than Arya, so borrowing her clothes was out of question. And looking at the now raided wardrobe of Arya, Lana had two choices. Either let her wear one of her office dresses or else fish out the dresses she had got with her. "Here, try this one. This one is slightly loose for me and a tad bit long. This should do. Now go, shoo, shoo," Lana immediately pushed Arya to the bathroom before she could grumble. "She cribs a lot. A lot!" Lana said dramatically. "Mimi hates spending so much time on getting ready. Even when we go out shopping, she is an impatient one. She will try a couple of outfits and if nothing fits or looks good, she gives up. She doesn't care," Brooke giggled as she was trying to put the discarded clothes aside. "In fact, I am liking this. Never seen Mimi all dolled up and thanks to you, we all will see her in a new avatar," she grinned. "Oh you just wait and watch. I bet even Arya won't be able to recognise herself once I am done helping her get ready," Lana couldn't help but return her grin.

"Can I please help?"

"Of course! Well, actually I was thinking of giving you all a surprise but what the hell, I definitely an assistant."

"Yay! And can I also help you get ready?"

"I don't see why not," Lana laughed at Brooke's childishness.

***

Oh my God! Lana, you look absolutely gorgeous!" Arya stared wide-eyed at Lana, who was dressed in an off shoulder maroon sequin dress that ended at her mid thigh. Her smoky eye makeup and nude lipstick, styled with straight hair, made her look so pretty, she was sure guys would be left swooning over her. "I agree with Mimi, you do look so gorgeous!" Brooke chirped.

"As much flattered as I am upon hearing you call me gorgeous, I would actually love to be called sexy," Lana tried to say it with arrogance but failed miserably and they both burst out laughing. It was 6 o clock now and Lana was almost ready, she just needed to wear her stilettos. Arya, on the other hand, had developed cold feet. She had insisted on helping Lana get ready first. Had it not been for Brooke's 'threats', she would've still been in her pajamas.

Arya was now dressed in a peach skater dress with a V neck, which was a bit deep for her liking, with the bust area of the dress covered in golden sequins. The dress ended right above her knee, again, a bit short for her comfort. "Mimiii! You look so pretty, like a delicate flower and so dreamy!" Brooke squealed. Lana let out an almost whistle, but the sound that came out was anything but ladylike, making the three laugh like crazy. "Hey, hey, why are you all laughing in a.... Whoa! Arya? You seem to have stepped out of a fairytale!" Susan beamed. She couldn't help but admire the pretty girl who stood in front of her, so different from her usual avatar.

"Why did you both have to use all the adjectives now? She is not even ready yet! You, girl..." Lana pointed towards Arya, "have less than 40 minutes to get ready now. And we still have to set your hair and apply makeup. Now, sit here."

"Lana, I am not confident enough to carry an elaborate eye makeup like yours. A simple eyeliner and mascara, please?"

"Sigh, alright. Some progress at least!" Lana drawled. Brooke and Susan stood near Lana, assisting her as she helped get Arya ready.

She was done styling Arya's hair in soft, natural curls when the bell rang. "Oh that would be your other friend with whom the location was shared?" Brooke asked. "Is it 7 already?" Arya was surprised, but not more than seeing her reflection in the mirror. She looked different, good different, and she was liking it.