𝙾𝚌𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝚘𝚏 𝙴𝚖𝚘𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜

𝚂𝚒𝚡

I stare into Billie's full-length mirror, at Billie herself. Of course, Billie has always been beautiful. Naturally, she is windswept and wild - her beauty an earthly kind. Since we were children, her curls have danced unconstrained and her mouth has been of elated expression. Billie's curls are now artfully collected at the nape of her neck. Her face - for once - in serenity, in witness to herself. Billie dusted her eyes with golden flakes complimenting the warmth of her burnt orange dress, itself striking with cutouts and a slit.

"You're beautiful," Billie says, looking at me via the mirror.

"You're more beautiful," I reply.

"You're most beautiful," Billie returns, ever competitive even at being right.

Tonight was the long anticipated Ball. But for me, more like the very dreaded Ball. Unfortunately, my skin has decided it's the ring of fire; many more miniature volcanos I have had to cover with concealer. And bonus, the bra I have doesn't support my boobs.

"You look beautiful," Benji says, standing in the doorway.

He's so good at being nice. And given the opportunity, I ask, "Can you change my phone case to the one on the bed? I don't want to chip my nails."

"Of course," Benji complies, switching out my blue abalone case for the pearl.

Getting my turn to stand before the mirror, I see my eyes are prominently round. My nose is evidently boney. My mouth is too small. The beading of my sweetheart bodice does not distract from the limp, non-existence of my chest. The dress is too big around my waist and so I look like a rectangle.

A knock on the front door has Billie sprinting out of the bedroom – the fastest one can run in heels anyway. The rest of the Brown family and I make it to the hallway to see Billie open the door to Reef.

"You look stunning," Reef greets her.

"That is stunning," Billie replies, motioning past Reef.

"Hello, Mr and Mrs Brown," Reef waves, then smiles and nods at Benji and I.

"Is that for me?!" Billie squeals from beyond the house.

"You know to call us John and Maria," the latter says, having reached Reef to hug him. John gives Reef a handshake then brings him in for an embrace.

"Oh my goodness!" Billie bursts.

We all careen our heads out the front door. A blue vintage sports car is parked on the gravel, adorned with bush flowers and eucalyptus leaves across the base of the windscreen.

"It's so perfect," Billie says before Reef places his hands on her waist and kisses her lips.

I find my hands in prayer over my nose and mouth.

From the box, Reef pulls out a corsage and places it on Billie's wrist. Native flora, matching the car's adornment.

Tears prickle in my eyes. Telepathically, I know how much Billie loves the corsage.

Reef opens the car's side door for Billie to slide in. And soon enough, the car is a mere mirage through the dust.

This is why they're my favourite couple of all time.

༄ ❀ ༄

The entire car ride to the Ball, I wanted Maria to crash the car so I could die. When we got there, I spoke aloud my wish and Maria responded, "You look no less pretty than any of the other girls, if not better. Come get out of the car so I can take some pictures."