Marcie walked back to her apartment, dragging her feet a bit. She wasn't sure exactly why. She felt like she was missing out on something. She paused to go back to the dock, but decided against it, picking up her pace to her apartment.
She quickly climbed the stairs and opened the door, to find Holli standing in the kitchen cooking up bacon, the maple scent filling Marcie's nose. Holli's red hair was pulled up into a messy bun, and as usual she looked gorgeous. Marcie was always jealous of Holli's good looks, and knew she could never compare. She shut the door behind her and grunted a greeting as she plopped down on to her couch. Holli looked at her curiously before walking over to her with a large mug of coffee.
"What's up buttercup?" Holli asked handing the mug to Marcie, a question in her eyes. She hated seeing her friend upset, whether it was about an essay or maybe even a boy (though that rarely happened). Marcie looked at Holli with a forced smile before taking the mug of coffee and taking a long sip of it. She closed her eyes and rested her head against the back of the couch before shrugging.
"I don't know, honestly. Just a dull mood I think." Marcie said, taking another sip before opening her eyes to look at Holli watching her.
"Well, then we need to go shopping. That will perk you right up." Holli stated happily. Both girls jumped when there was a thud against her balcony door. Holli looked at the door, then to Marcie questioningly. Marcie shrugged and stood as Holli walked over to the door and slid it open, stepping out on to the balcony and looking around.
"HEY! Down Here!" Marcie groaned as Mark's loud voice echo'd up through the door just as Marcie reached it. Holli leaned over the railing and looked down to the two sailors standing down there.
"Oh Red Haired Goddess! We seek the wisdom of the great and powerful Marcie!" Mark yelled bowing dramatically. Holli turned and looked at Marcie, who mouthed 'make him go away.' Holli looked to the men again, before yelling back.
"Marcie is indisposed at the moment. Can I help you?" Holli asked brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Mark stood and out stretched his arms.
"I were hoping she would accompany me to the Sailor's Ball tonight!" Mark hollered. Holli squealed at the mention of the Sailor's Ball and Marcie started waving her head and her arms. Without consulting Marcie, Holli leaned over the railing.
"She'd love too!" she exclaimed, which caused Marcie to squawk like a bird and run forward to lean over the railing.
"I'm not going with you Mark, I need someone with at least a three digit IQ, date requirements and you don't fit. Sorry" Marcie chirped with a triumphant grin. Holli gasped and punched Marcie in the arm. Marcie winced and rubbed the spot looking at Holli who was giving her death glares. Mark let his arms drop before looking around. He reached out and slapped Bret in the chest.
"You can go with Bret, as long as I get to take your Goddess friend." Mark yelled, which caused Bret and Marcie to both groan and Holli to squeal once again in delight.
"YES! Yes, she accepts. We'll be ready for 7" Holli said, turning and grabbing Marcie and dragging her into the house. Marcie groaned and shut the balcony door rather roughly, before looking at Holli.
"Why, Holli? I don't want to go to the Sailor's Ball!" Marcie whined as Holli grabbed all the breakfast items and stuffed them into the fridge in their various states of cooking. She shut the stove off and grabbed both of the girls purses.
"Because, it'll be fun and they both were cute, now. Let's go shopping." Holli said, throwing Marcie her purse. Marcie caught her purse and rolled her eyes, before dumping the rest of her coffee down the drain and following Holli out the door.
*****************
Marcie found herself in the French Quarter with Holli. They had already been to several different dress shops, but none of the dresses Marcie had tried on had worked for Holli. Holli had found her gown in the first shop but had insisted that because Marcie rarely goes on any dates, that her fate was no longer in her own hands and Holli was taking control. Holli had spent the past ten minutes on the phone setting up various appointments with beauty parlors and stylists, while Marcie followed behind obediently.
"Ok, Marcie, I have a good feeling about this one." Holli said as they entered the small beauty boutique. Marcie looked at her friend with a doubtful look as they began to dig through the racks of dresses. Marcie was about to give in, when Holli released a squeal that caused Marcie to spin on her heels. Holli was holding up a deep royal blue one shouldered gown, satin fabric draped off the hanger to gather at the floor. Crystals and beads adorned the shoulder and hems, leaving a sparkle. Marcie had to admit that the gown was beautiful.
"Try it on! Try it on!" Holli chanted, ushering Marcie towards the fitting room. Marcie grabbed the dress and entered the fitting room, going through the familiar motion of pulling off her clothes and pulling the gown on over her head. It zipped up the side which made it easier for her, but it was a little long. She gathered up the fabric in the front and opened the door stepping out of the dressing room to the waiting Holli.
Holli let out a gasp and nearly dropped her bag.
"Marcie...holy crap." she breathed out, staring at her. Marcie suddenly became self aware.
"What? Is it too much?" She asked turning to look in the mirror. What Marcie saw completely caught her off guard. It was as if the gown had been made for her. The satin fabric draped down along her delicate curves, settling in all the right places. The accent crystals and beads added just enough sparkle, but not enough to take away from the sparkle that was now in Marcie's eyes. She had never felt so good about herself and she suddenly wanted more then anything to go to the Ball.
