The next morning, the sun's rays seeped through my windows like liquid gold. My eyes fluttered open and began to adjust to the bright morning light. I lay in bed for several more moments and glanced around my room. The cream colored walls had ribbons and posters of my equestrian role models scattered all over. The wall behind my desk was plastered in pictures of the memories from my childhood.

I looked over at my alarm clock to find it was 8 o' clock. So, I had a hour to get ready before Jake was going to pick me up. He was going to drop me off at a boutique in Kingston while he went to the men's clothing store next door to pick up a tux.

I threw my covers off of me and went straight to my closet.Looking around I finally pulled out a Cami and a bright yellow cardigan. I slipped on a pair of cut-off shorts and gladiator sandals.

I applied powder and mascara to my face and expertly put my hair in a bun. A horn sounded from outside and I knew Jake was here. I grabbed my purse and jogged out to meet him. As I was walking down the steps he leans over and yells,

"Come on Sis, the store is gonna close before we even get there!"

I roll my eyes and get in the truck. My dad is working on the old tractor as we pull out, I wave as we pass him. He points to Jake and says,

"You better not let touch any alcohol!" Jake laughs as I slid down in my seat.

Will I ever live that down? I mean come on I wasn't that bad.....Dancing on the bar is not bad, right?

There's this fancy little boutique in Kingston that sells wedding & formal dresses. It's an elegant little shop located right in the middle of town.

Jake pulls up to the door and lets me out. I wave at him as he heads over to the tuxedo store. I push the glass door open and step in side. I hug my self because it's freezing in here. A skinny older lady with glasses walks over,

"Can I help you young lady?" she looks out over her glasses and eyes me.

"Ummm...No,Thank You. I'm just going to look around." I reply.

"Ok then. Just let me know if I can be of assistance."

I nodded my head and walked over to the nearest rack. I looked at each of the dresses and couldn't find anything that suited me. I sighed as I started looking through yet another rack. I pulled out a pink dress that was puffy and was soaked in sparkles. Who would buy this dress? Lauren, most definitely would.

The bell over the front door ringed signaling someone was walking in. I looked to the entrance. Speak of the devil and he shall appear. There in the doorway was the she-devil herself.

She looked around and when her eyes settled on me she smirked. The heifer started to slither over my way. Not literally, but you know what I mean.

"Well...Well...Well...Look what the cat drug in. It's a wonder they let you out of the wacky shack."

"They told me they were making room for you and that big head of yours." I retorted.

"Are you entering Miss Plum Grove? Wait, I don't think they let ugly girls in."

"They let you in didn't they?" Her face reddens out of anger and she stomps away. She sounded like a herd of cattle going through a thorn thicket walking around in those heels.

She gets on my last nerve and she knows it. She makes ignorant comments like those 24/7. She's a 5 year old snobby drama queen in a 23 year old's body. They say never to stoop down to the their level, but sometimes you've got to do what you've got to do.

I glance over at the counter to see Jake leaning against it with a look of pride on his face. I didn't even see him come in. He stands up straight and walks to me. His smile widens as he holds out his hand for a high-five.

"That was the greatest thing ever! Personally, I would have punched her. I like your style though, kiddo." he said as I give him a high-five.

I should just enter the pageant.Why not? I have just as good of a chance as anyone. I think it over and as soon as I made the decision, I told Jake.

"Jake, I've made up my mind and this is the year I kick Lauren's arse."

"Well, then what are we waiting for let's get to kicking!" he walks over and begins prowling through dresses.

I found two dresses that I love, but they just don't have the 'WOW' factor that I need. One is a floor length sea foam green with a sweet heart neckline. Sequins are lined around the bust area. The second one is a sparkly red floor length dress.

Jake picked out a dress, but let's just say it wasn't what I was looking for. I'm pretty sure it was one of the big puffy prom dresses from the 80's. The bow on the side took up most of the dress.

The sales lady from earlier walks up behind me and speaks,

"Are you finding everything to your satisfaction?"

Jake walks over to us and asks the sales Lady,

"What would you recommend for a pageant?"

The woman seems to think over his question before motioning for us to follow her. We follow her to a back room. She immediately begins to dig threw a rack of dresses before pulling out the most beautiful dress I had ever seen. I quickly take it to try on.

It was an elegant light peach vintage floor-length dress. The back of the dress came half way down to the small of my back. The straps laid over my shoulders and looked like wings. They were adorned with pearls and jewels to match the color of the dress.

It had a sweet heart neckline and jewels delicately placed all over. The material was lace with chiffon fabric underneath.

The dress was a perfect fit. It hugged my hips and gradually flared out at the bottom. It defiantly had the 'WOW' factor I wanted. Glancing at myself once more in the mirror I step out of the dressing room. I see the sales lady and Jake stand with their eyes wide. They looked at each other and nodded their heads in agreement.

The sales lady is the first to speak.

"I knew it would fit you. It's really looks beautiful on you. Just between us I hope you beat that girl from earlier. She's a real meanie." She rambled on and on as I went to change out of it.

As soon as I come out with the dress in hand she rushes it to the counter. On my way to check out I grab a pair of heels to match my dress. I sat the shoes down on the counter. I hand her my debit card to pay for my items. When we got out to the truck, I carefully laid it in the backseat.

As soon as Jake and I was in the truck he spoke.

"You know your going to win, right?"

"I hope so, because if I don't I won't be able to live within a 100 mile radius of her."

"Let's get some ice cream sis."

"You my friend are speaking my language."

Jake chuckled as he pulled out of the parking lot. The creamery was right down road and moments later we we're placing our order.

We sat at a table licking our ice cream. I ordered my favorite, two scoops of raspberry ice cream on a cone. Jake ordered a banana split with extra caramel. I watched kids playing in the park across the street under the supervision of their parents.

What I wouldn't give to be that young and carefree again. The only worry being, what game to play next. I sat in my own little world the rest of the evening occasionally going over the plans for the dance with Jake. I asked him if he could be my escort ,but it seems he's escorting Jade. Now, all I would have to do is find someone to be my escort.

On the ride home I mentally went over a list of names of guys who could take me. I couldn't think of anyone and with the Founder's Ball a few weeks away, so it wasn't looking good.

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😘 Thank you to everyone who has read my book.