Beauty Pageant

I was on the aeroplane flying to America when I met my friend from high school friend Willow* on the plane. I hadn't spoken to Willow in a very very long time. I had always wondered what had happened to her, as she never replied to any of the messages aka attempts at contacting her.

She was going back home to the US, as that was her permanent home. We took a cab from the airport to her place of residence which was like a soriority house. She had been living there for the past few years. She told me that she was now friends with another high school friend who she had gotten closer while living at the house, a girl named Sand*. Sand never hung out with me in high school, in fact I didn't even know her that well. She was a nice girk though, very studious and hardworking.

Willow was helping Sand get ready for the pageant by helping her choose an outfit. The challenge was to spend under $30 as Sand wanted to show everyone that you can get almost anywhere with your own talents. She was going through the lost and found/second hand property items of the house to see what was appropriate.

There was only a meager amount of classic ballgown dresses, and all of them looked like smthing from vinnies or salvos. I suggested that if she wanted more clothes she could have gone to vinnies/salvos, however that wasn't an option for her as the fees that she had already paid amounted to $25, and she didn't have that much money to spend. I told her maybe she could buy some really cheap pieces of cloths and then do what she can to jazz up the clothes on the racks. She said that she didn't have time to do that. So she ketp trying on the clothes.

My friend Willow meanwhile was jsut being quiet on the side and sitting cross legged outside the changing rooms. I then sat with her and watch Sand fashion parade the clothes. Willow was quiet, but this was surprsing as she was usually quiet. Between us there were many things unsaid, I didn't know where to start with her, what should I say?

Willow started the conversation by talking about her problems. She said that she had been preccupied with life such as different jobs and relationships, and went on to describe it. Sand meanwhile started to try on two pieces outfits, as it was all in rage a the moment.

Willow and I were getting into the nitty gritty deep and meaningful conversations when Sand poked her head out fo the dressing room curtains and ask if she could get some help with one of the dresses. Williow turned and said some parting words, 'I've got a drug problem', before disappearing behind the curtains.

I was left shocked, and realised that as we were having the D&M I felt that her face seemed weird. I finally realised why, her face had the similar features but however when you got up close there were pockmarks that she couldn't hide with makeup. It was from the years of drug use.

*Name has been changed

#beautypageant #dresses #conversation #drugs