As with the clothes that Brooke and Serena purchased, they requested that their items be delivered to their dorm, since they were heading to the beach.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3FN3Edii6 維尼
With Raven securing her dress, and Katya admitting she already bought hers as well, all that's left was for December to find her magical moment.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55oA6yxgHY 維尼
They checked in on the rest of the stores, but none of it had the vision December imagined her dress to be. In addition, all of the pretty ones didn't appeal to her either.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7rpIQyqQf 維尼
"I knew the possibility of it could happen, but I didn't think it would sting this much." December sighed as she slumped against a wall.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5llRoLSoj0 維尼
Her friends were patient with the search, including Katya who surprised her for the umpteenth time when the girl stayed through it all.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡfir6Rk8PDa 維尼
She had thought Katya would leave them to attend to other things, but the girl only said, "I must admit, this is quite fun. Besides, I didn't have anything else to do for the rest of the day, so why not?"8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Es6oERVF5 維尼
They must have passed the same store a few times in that district, but it wasn't until Serena piped up and pointed at a place slightly hidden in a corner, that December realized they hadn't gone in.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡmij8xKFld5 維尼
The store name read, Ephemera and December thought it suited the quirky concept of the place.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡvID1Zc1zMC 維尼
"Are you sure you want to go in there? It doesn't look like it has what you're looking for." Serena said, concern clouding her features.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuVIXoc9he 維尼
She didn't blame her because it doesn't look like the usual stores they went in. But December was already intrigued by it.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡgULxZCjWoU 維尼
"I'll never know until I try. Besides, we've been to dozens of them. Who knows? It might have something that could be to my liking."8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHm9tcHmel 維尼
It was hidden between two stores, albeit a little further inside than the usual store fronts. The sun barely touched it, except for its shingled roof. A dark painted wall for bricks, there was a huge three-way window with mannequins dressed in a vintage outfit, one of those timeless fashion but from different time period from the early 20th century.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNsI3XBKIP 維尼
One was a two-piece outfit with a vest and a long skirt that she imagined would accentuate the curves, the other had a baggy beige shirt tucked in a trousers and pinned with a suspenders belt, and the last one had December thinking of the word 'eccentric' yet she knew it didn't do justice for the look.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡioB4n7W8QU 維尼
The whole thing was eye-catching and intriguing that there was just something she couldn't quite place when she looked at them.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhG8khrxgB 維尼
Like changing seasons, she thought in wonder. Or travelling to some place I didn't know existed.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSUSclUSwq 維尼
It didn't look tacky despite its appearance. If anything, the way the items pooled in a disorganized way almost seemed purposeful.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡigcoPppT6P 維尼
The ornaments hung inside had paper cuts and even cushioned pillows of the moon, sun, stars, and even leaves thrown carelessly by the windows, in a way that looked neat. There were fairy lights everywhere in many shapes and sizes, and glitters and sparkling items such as a disco ball and a glowing earth globe. She wondered how something so outstanding and obvious didn't catch her attention earlier.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ87hefaObm 維尼
It was a beautiful store despite its somber appearance. The only thing that dampened it was the fact that the store could be easily overlook, unless people really look.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfMdTuXuc1 維尼
"How the hell did we not know this place existed?" Brooke muttered as she eyed the building almost in distrust. Yet, there was also wonder in her voice. "Oh, that's a very cute plushie." She tapped against the mirror on one of the displayed items.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CsUP5HPwG 維尼
"It feels like I've stepped into another world." Serena breathed in awe.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5N1zQyru5o 維尼
December turned to look at her gleeful fascination. "That's exactly what I thought."8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6PZzaqg1C 維尼
"Why are we whispering, though?" Raven whispered.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRQOMB9bdc 維尼
They entered the whimsical shop, the bell pealing lightly – twice – with Katya following suit, appraising the place before her in quiet fascination.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡCphNk5HaW3 維尼
The inside was as dreary as the front store; painted with a darker shade of purple, the only thing illuminating the place were the fairy lights hung in threads through the walls. But there were also more interesting items in there; lava lamps in various colour, one even in hologram, a unique-shaped of small wooden boxes, tiny chandeliers that mirrored a still jellyfish hanging from the embedded light bulbs.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLLF5bCuSk 維尼
There were also a quiet corner of a cozy recliner and a round table, lined by a wall of bookshelves. December had gasped when she saw a pair of old books suspending midair, pinned by an invisible wire to set a few pairs of light bulbs into it.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdFO3f43gc 維尼
She thought that was a very creative way to go about it.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJOLFXso8M 維尼
They had to weave their way through a rack of clothes hung in the middle of the space; sweaters, jeans and trousers, as well as pleated skirts that whispered it had seen through years of generation.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgPBD2leyG 維尼
This place was a mess, but it felt like an adorable mess to December. A quiet charm that couldn't be ignored.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJaggTE5Ww 維尼
"Not your average bundle…and I don't know…not-so bundle store? I don't even think I should call it that." Brooke mused to herself, awkward but also impressed.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡoS6UHSUo8R 維尼
December's eyes landed on a bookshelf, where she saw a few round-wooden dolls in various sizes lined neatly on a shelf.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx2il9XbJS 維尼
"Ah, I see you eyeing my Matryoshka dolls. Do you like it?"8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡxH3hboCOr5 維尼
A woman's voice, slightly raspy. It wasn't an entirely unpleasant sound, sounding homely, a bit maternally even. They turned to find a woman whose age couldn't be discern very well – she could either be in her sixties or thirties at once – hunched over a trinket of miscellaneous items. But her eyes stayed on them like a hawk over the rim of her glasses.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcxkpuStgK 維尼
She nodded. "They're pretty."8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuvF6PjBAf 維尼
"How much do they cost?" Raven inquired, out of politeness and mild interest.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJyvIPlOJ6 維尼
The woman let out a low but hearty chuckle. "They're not for sale, honey." She put her machinery and tools aside to greet her customers. "Welcome to Ephemera. I'm Effie. What can I do for you young gals?"8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡEC5MVUfmSn 維尼
December blinked. "Oh! I…I was actually thinking if you might have some dresses? For prom." She cast a smile. The ageless woman appraised her, a finger under her chin. December felt like she was assessing whether or not she was worthy of Effie's dresses, but cast that deprecating thought aside.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsjZfXho7i 維尼
If she had to put a time period to it, it looked like the shop had various items of clothing and knick knacks – that are wearable – from the 20th century. That was more than a hundred years ago. But if she were also specific, it looked like something that survived from the 1940s and the 60s.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxo7GWxsaG 維尼
There was not much option for a prom dress for December in the store, and she didn't know why she harboured a hope, but she saw a polka dotted vintage dress, and if there was something like that, there could be something more too.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX18uzXgP3 維尼
Her friends had gotten their 'special' moment today, and though she knew there could also be disappointment, she fervently hoped there must be something for her as well. Her 'something special.' Brooke had said that anything could happen, and she particularly felt the pull that day.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAllvdc0TT 維尼
Finally, Effie said, "You're looking for something different, aren't you? That outstanding moment or however you young'uns say it." When December blinked in confound, and so did her friends, Effie continued, "You're not the first girl who came here. What do you have in mind?"8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡN56iWYSwz0 維尼
December glanced at her friends before looking back at Effie. "Something floral, a long skirt with –"8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSSnhH260k 維尼
"I'm going to stop you right there, honey." Katya and Brooke both had their eyebrows raised, but before either of them could speak their mind, Effie continued, shaking her head. "That doesn't sound like something that would fit you. I believe what you need is…ethereal."8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsYJlWj9W8 維尼
She grabbed a set of keys and beckoned them towards a small door hidden in a corner. Setting the keys in, she turned the knob and they entered…into a whole new world.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFwhp7rqpK 維尼
It was a complete dream.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡaai1wt6BQt 維尼
At least it felt like it. Surreal, even.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡYj5U0sg3zH 維尼
Whereas the space they were standing in was dim and smelt like old but comforting things, this was like stepping into a magazine.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXkTzN0rs5 維尼
The first thing that assaulted her senses was the delicate fragrance permeating the air. Flowers or a type of fruit, she couldn't decide.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZKdATk4KC 維尼
They were bathed in a light glow of white and yellow; gold and beige. There were mirrors everywhere too, December noted. She could see that most of her friends' jaw were still unhinged at what they're seeing. The long, rectangular shaped walls to the ceilings adorned with a huge crystal chandelier, and the embedded ceiling lights shaped like diamonds – it gives specific attention to the rack of gowns and dresses lined at every space there was.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSMHZD8O1L 維尼
In the middle of it, sat a woman deeply hunched over something. Effie had a light green tint to her hair but the one before them had a hair dyed bright-orange.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLAWUo63DJ 維尼
She didn't look up when she spoke, her voice soft and musical. "Here to shove more unsuspecting teenagers at me, are you, Effie?"8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRTDnNkXQy 維尼
Effie chuckled and said, "They're here for a dress," before amending after a glance at December. "Well, only one of them, it seems. She's looking for the perfect one, and who better at it than you?"8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡiI1tkk9d0J 維尼
For a moment, neither of them spoke. And then the woman sighed – long – which clued December that these women had done this many times before.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Fm1HB2SWf 維尼
The orange-haired woman muttered something under her breath.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡHU5fbtb0hE 維尼
Effie only grinned at them before saying, "That's Ethereal. Or Ethel as she prefers to be called."8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzfS32R61P 維尼
"Ethereal?" December said, stupefied. "So when you said I needed ethereal…you meant…?"8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MekmCwAGy 維尼
Effie nodded, her smile knowing. "My sister." She then added, "Of course, you need that too. Oh, I always love saying this." Effie's laugh bubbled out of her.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKxLb9wG28 維尼
"So, you are Ephemera and she's Ethereal." December tested the name on her tongue, loving how it rolled off it. "Those are really lovely names." She beamed at them.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqwl4uXorl 維尼
Ethel snorted. "Tell us that again when you know what it's like to have an unnatural name."8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TgDQp6tv4 維尼
December shared a gleeful look with her friends, and even caught Katya's amused expression. She looked at them. "My name's December and I still think you have lovely names."8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡelYag8wInA 維尼
Effie and Ethel were dumbfounded at first, glancing at the girls – and when they nod knowingly – they turned back to December.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZZ8KGEQ6e 維尼
"Well, would you look at that. We've caught us one of our own. Would be the first too to come in here with a name like that." Ethel smiled, a tinkling sound in her wake. "That's not as uncommon as ours, but let's get to business now, shall we?"8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQwCLdYy5u 維尼
"And that's my cue to leave." Effie laughed before adding, "I'm not cut out to be around fragile things for too long. If you want a dress, Ethel's your person." With that, she left the room with a click.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡgR4Vwq3TKm 維尼
Katya was watching everything with interest, but when the woman left, she narrowed her eyes at it. She was skeptical at the way the two odd women – especially Effie – carried themselves. They were too nice…something she felt wary of. No one could be too nice and to see December and her friends walking in here as though they trusted everything…she just couldn't believe them.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGVDUqyIl6 維尼
Despite that, Katya had to admit that even she wasn't immune to the magic the place had.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡabWNInGsDu 維尼
And she had followed them in too, didn't she? Katya bit her inner cheek in irritation.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPanOvxMYr 維尼
With the absence of Effie, Ethel got into her work mode. While December's friends busied themselves with the displays of clothes on more mannequins, and admiring some jewels in the case, she was being appraised by Ethel.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEnNlGGjPp 維尼
Ethel took one look at December and gestured her to follow towards the racks. She perused them with a flick of her fingers, stopping by when she thought it was something she needed, but otherwise moved along the rest.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoyLNKRu1D 維尼
As she did, a thought played in December's mind. Ephemera. She jogged her mind for what it means, but having come up short, she decided to do a quick search.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAwj5iC9oc 維尼
Ephemera; things that exist or are enjoyed for only a short time.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡPi6VIgT5y9 維尼
She burrowed deeper into her analysis – the front store's name had Ephemera's on it, but this seemed like two siblings' business. The idea of the items and slightly dreary environment then, saved for some interesting things, made her mull the deeper meaning behind it. There were old things mostly, books and clothes from a time long gone but still preserved, and she wondered if the old women's parents were psychic. If they knew their daughters would open up a store with a pretty name, but now that she thought of it, held a sad note to it.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡeafxWnvRey 維尼
As if she was meant to be discarded. That thought didn't bode well with her.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbUVz7bqJp 維尼
She also suddenly wondered if these names were true, because it just seemed like a cruel trick to put upon them – one with so much promises, while the other lessened.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡpenszimd93 維尼
She chastised herself for thinking that – what did she know of it?8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9xq9DpzJL 維尼
"I know that look." When December looked up, startled, Ethel continued, "It's not what it usually means. Although it lasts for only a short amount of time, that's what makes it precious. Ironically enough, it really means we're the protector of things that are forgotten, more or less, and those that needed more work to shine. Twice the work, but I'd like to think we're badass at it."8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6TgfBE9Yf 維尼
December found herself astounded by that explanation. She hadn't thought of it that way – that instead of being lumped away with things that are not favourable or forgotten, they are doing what most wouldn't by preserving it, by making sure it still stays in people's memory. It's what makes it even more valuable. She was taken aback by it with sheer wonderment.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQsMCpiEc3 維尼
Badass? She couldn't have agreed more.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67V127UXHV 維尼
"I…didn't say anything." December said sheepishly, because she felt she had to say something.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJSXqk8BUh 維尼
"You didn't have to, it shows on yours and everyone's face. Well, those who wonders, anyway." She quipped quite jovially.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1J5hf4aPu 維尼
"But that's a really amazing way to look at it." She couldn't help but gush.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHrJKG5Po7 維尼
Ethel's lips parted in a smile. "Again, I can see that."8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡic79e54Xgd 維尼
"One thing, if Effie's name is on the front, and you have yours here, then…" December trailed off, suddenly being reminded that she was crossing the polite boundary into well, ill-mannered.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WKMi4zCAr 維尼
Ethel registered the stricken look on the girl's face, and if she were touched by the girl's belated thoughtfulness or even funny, she didn't show it. She knew what was being asked, and so she only said:8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡDu4ExklAXx 維尼
"Now, who's to say that this part of the store isn't the front one either?"8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2y8r6HhCp 維尼
December's lips parted in stupor, before a smile pulled at her lips. She shook her head to herself, wondering if these two pair of women always surprise people with the wonderfully mysterious way they carry themselves.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaS37Vfj9h 維尼
After that, they worked in tandem to find December's perfect dress. Gold, black, navy blue, and many more colours and shades in various cuts and designs. Each time December tried it on, she ended up finding something that didn't sit well with her, and each time, she felt her hope diminishing. These clothes were mesmerizing and if she could just ignore the dissatisfying feeling within her, she would have gone with it.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuAGSEXHMR 維尼
But she didn't want to rush it – it felt like she was coming closer to finding it…8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQBzi1Lrha 維尼
Katya had busied herself with her phone, until they showed December's first choice. She didn't particularly care for her new friends – or so her ego tells her – but she knew she was softening towards them. It really didn't take long for her to see that December and her friends were genuinely trying to befriend her.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡxO2vxtbzSA 維尼
Brooke had been showing her the dresses and saying how it complements her icy blue eyes and death glares. It was a joke that, admittedly, chipped a piece of fortress within her. Her eyes crinkled with mirth.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFWmARBHEW 維尼
Serena commented on the jewels and even listened in interest when she told her about a similar jewel with small baubles at the store back home.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIF6GAJPJ8 維尼
Raven, although she seemed to mind her distance, also looked curious, but otherwise tried to manage a conversation as best as she could.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlDNUASdGj 維尼
To an outsider's eyes, they were the most important people at school.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBWYdIA7ps 維尼
But in reality, they looked just as pleasant where they are ordinary, without any filter, instead of the impenetrable group they seemed to portray, and one she had seen and been in many times.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXFKA46gNI 維尼
It was…refreshing, and left her feeling unbalanced at the beginning.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡAevci82a8w 維尼
Katya gave her a dark magenta dress, but after seeing December putting it on, she decided it looked awful on her.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6HLQHp2FT 維尼
She looked at the girl whom had piqued her cousin's interest, unknowing as she seemed. Katya admitted that the main reason she agreed to hang out with December, was because she wanted to learn more about her. To see what it was that made Pierre a bumbling fool, whenever he thinks of her. Seeing such a reaction was funny and endearing, but it wasn't long until she became curious.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCQMYgxd6r 維尼
And so far, she was confused. There didn't seem to be anything special about her, saved for her name. Sometimes she thought she could see why, bits of it – she was expressive and even-tempered – but could that be sufficient? She didn't think so. There were not enough reasons for her to fully see and understand it.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡQykyxJZwRS 維尼
They had been going on for about an hour or so now, and December suddenly felt the urge to burst into tears in her worry and frustration.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLfuLovZy6 維尼
She took a deep, shaky breath and told herself to hold it together. "Don't give up, December. You're going to find it soon. But if you really can't find it today, there's always next time." She gave herself a pep talk.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLDc9SuW8P 維尼
Ethel knocked on the door and upon seeing the miserable look on her face, she smiled in understanding. "Save your tears for later," She then added proudly, "I have a feeling this one will make a difference."8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXWiSywnfY 維尼
December's eyes shined with hope, and she thanked Ethel. There were no mirrors in the fitting room – a feeling of anticipation that dragged out – until the moment she could see herself in the huge three-way mirrors outside.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsyMd73BZe 維尼
"Close your eyes and come on out." Ethel spoke almost endearingly.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡow3SDkPirX 維尼
She took a breath, closed her eyes tight, and stepped outside, noting the small intake of gasp and murmurs in the room. It made her heart beat in eager anticipation because didn't that mean something good?8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡq67kqKxblY 維尼
The only way she knew where to step was through Brooke's guidance and Ethel's voice.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8nuO0Sugh 維尼
When she stood in front of the mirror and saw herself, her breath hitched.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmMVcs0c3N 維尼
The material had felt light and airy on her, but so did a few of them before. Now seeing it for herself, in a dress that was part gossamer and part fabric, she had to blink to make sure she wasn't dreaming.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMtNGt4DFg 維尼
This…is definitely made by faeries, right? So soft and fine, it feels like something from a dream…8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQbhZi4z8K 維尼
Words that are just that began to form in her mind; to describe and justify the vision she was seeing, to put a name – something – on this feeling swirling within her.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAI9hbkHPX 維尼
Earth.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6HmJGKTN1 維尼
She waited for the moment of realization to dawn on her – that feeling of floating in the air and feeling bewitched by the image of her in it. That feeling of belongingness, perfection.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡI88UssaTiJ 維尼
Universe.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjxRuvFtcM 維尼
The truth was, all of that happened in a blink of an eye that the only way she knew this was hers, was the sudden and fierce need that made her feel a strong attachment to it. As though she had found a piece of her in the form of a garment.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRHPqmmJfC 維尼
Timeless.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Cp0IiTZqz 維尼
The urgent need that whispered: This belongs to you, December.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBS1oQfS6S 維尼
Effie's earlier statement echoed in her mind, I believe what you need is…ethereal.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡefcULefSsU 維尼
Indeed, that…was the only thing that came as close as she could to describe this.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYds8LOUWl 維尼
Ethereal.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1TLMhVi6p 維尼
She blinked and looked at her friends – whose eyes she saw were misted with unshed tears, and whose expression were as enthralled as she was.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDlpX10Flf 維尼
They knew it the moment she did.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2OrK2CBwD 維尼
And then she turned towards the woman who helped make that dream come true, who found her something special.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ165IdfZRK 維尼
Still speechless and overwhelmed by her relief that she had finally found it, that the search was finally over, and, like Brooke, she highly doubt there was something better than this, she did something she had been holding herself back from.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjptrFAhyF 維尼
She burst into tears, before running straight into Ethereal's arms, sobbing, "Oh, thank you so much."8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYapo4YSm8 維尼
After thanking Ethel profusely and again hugging both Ethel and Effie this time – the latter looked on knowingly, proud even – December and her friends made their way towards the beach.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BSm8G50Zf 維尼
"I knew you'd find the dress, and look! You did." Brooke exclaimed. She was still gushing to December about it.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RMwoQ8yX3 維尼
"Absolutely. I thought it looked straight out of fairytale. I love the shimmers on it!" There was wonder in Serena's eyes, as though she was seeing the dress again in her mind.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBf7SR6dLy 維尼
Raven nodded, joining in on the enthusiasm. "I know what you mean, Serena. It's whimsical and I don't think I have seen something like it before."8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CZCgQkFew 維尼
December felt heart filled with love, happiness and anything that keeps taking her higher, and higher – and any more than that, she would definitely float or fly – when she heard them complimenting her dress. She nodded at them, because it was what she felt too.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUNi9gef5I 維尼
The feelings were filled to the brim, and any moment now, she could spill.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfm8RAh2nd 維尼
Her eyes glittered with unshed tears, and her lips trembled slightly. She turned to Serena and engulfed her in a tight hug. "I would have never gotten this dress if you hadn't directed us to this shop. Thank you, Serena!"8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDjyh8Zz7R 維尼
Katya watched in amusement at these girls' state of excitement. She had to admit that final dress December showed them was the pinnacle of it all – it was enchanting – which suited December.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡphM5EnnOb2 維尼
She also wouldn't be surprised if the girl stole everyone's words when they see her. Katya smirked inwardly at the thought of someone being speechless.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡah5zMFo6OU 維尼
Katya would love to see the reaction on Pierre's face. He didn't tell her who he fancies, but she didn't need telling.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnpfU51ynK 維尼
Once, she saw him looking forlornly at something far away – and when she followed his gaze – December was there, at the courtyard with her friends.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡukhJAA31pp 維尼
On the second time, he looked charmed. He was by the arched pillars, but his eyes strayed. And again, there was only December standing by the library. She shook her head just thinking about it.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡog9QljqzWd 維尼
So preoccupied, he didn't even notice her observing him. She may not know much about him after all these years, and while she still didn't know what it was about the snow-haired girl, she was glad that Pierre seemed to come out from the gloomy cloud he always brought with him.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡITGdxOP7JA 維尼
He was as transparent as the fabric on December's dress.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFdG0khTKN 維尼
Still, she would keep an eye on her.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡkd8ftgbTCW 維尼
"Yes, you looked like a feya. A weeping fairy if you start crying." Katya deadpanned.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡxI2QBowknX 維尼
December blinked, feeling her eyes moistened, before wiping them dry. She smiled widely at Katya, feeling foolish but still giddy, a bubbling laugh from her throat. "You're right. I'm just…so happy and excited." December let out a small shriek of joy, and did a little dancing jig to a beat; the running man moves, and shaking her thighs while she displayed two fingers in 'V' over her eyes, leaving her friends to laugh out loud at her antics. "This is how I'm going to dance at prom!" She exclaimed.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ve83VhwfM 維尼
The few people who passed by and noticed December's antics gave her a funny look, but she didn't mind them at all.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70BAumja6L 維尼
Brooke doubled over and had to hold on to Serena, who had also lost her composure, tears in her eyes. Raven was trying to stop December because her stomach was already in stitches.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4Ptp5Bwp9 維尼
Katya let out a titter, shaking her head at the girl's outlandish act.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡttoA2qGDiM 維尼
"Okay. Phew," December exhaled after a moment. "I'm done expressing myself. Let's go to the beach!"8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdpCMd4aAJ 維尼
"And meet hot guys. Catch me a lifeguard or something." Brooke laughed gaily before adding, "They'll be so unprepared by my presence."8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlWyFJHDNW 維尼
Amused, December said, "I'll bet. But whatever you do, please don't drown."8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCU3G43biJ 維尼
"Oh, that's an idea."8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhs7Qrp9zD 維尼
"Brooke!"8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEaX3won4W 維尼
"Will you relax? Of course I won't. What would you guys do there without my glorious presence?" Brooke cast a sunny smile at them, laughing airily which suddenly reminded December of one of the anime shows Brooke showed with a voice over dubbing. December couldn't help the titter from her mouth.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDIOlZBBJy 維尼
"I'm liking your humour." said a smooth, amused voice.8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4H7WkqsHW 維尼
"Thank you, Katya. But I wasn't joking about the last one."8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSjKkS3Rvc 維尼
A/N: Translation:8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfJwn77T4x 維尼
Matryoshka - nesting doll, which symbolizes family, fertility, and the matriarchal figure in a family8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡEz6gAv3GPR 維尼
Feya - fairy8964 copyright protection288ＰＥＮＡＮＡzipDOEPrN4 維尼
ns3.236.107.249da2
