As the opening notes of  "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper filled the room, the girls were already bouncing with excitement. Briar, Evie, Kaya, and Grace had managed to drag Isla along for a full-on prom dress hunt, and from the look of the stores they planned to hit, it was bound to be a day full of glam and giggles.

Briar twirled around, laughing as she grabbed Evie's hand. "Come on, ladies! This is serious business—prom dresses await!"

Isla, already amused, crossed her arms and smirked. "Oh, I can't wait to see the chaos you four cause. Just try not to break anything, alright?"

"Oh, Isla, you know us," Grace grinned mischievously, "we're practically angels."

Kaya raised an eyebrow, laughing. "Yes, angels who nearly toppled an entire mannequin display last time we were out shopping."

The group entered their first boutique, greeted by racks upon racks of shimmering dresses. The girls spread out, each getting lost in their own little world of lace, sequins, and tulle.

Evie picked up a sleek, crimson dress and held it up to her frame, giving herself a once-over in the mirror. "I feel like I could walk the red carpet in this."

Briar wandered over, nodding in approval. "You'd definitely turn heads. But I think you need something even bolder. Prom is the one night we can all dress like queens, right?"

Meanwhile, Kaya was already deep in a pile of dresses, her head popping up from behind a tower of fabric as she waved an emerald-green gown triumphantly. "This one screams 'I own this place!' What do you think?"

Grace held up a powder-blue dress with intricate beading. "And this one says 'fairytale princess.' I think I'm in love."

"Ladies," Isla announced dramatically, "we have options."

The next half-hour was a whirlwind of trying on dresses, striking ridiculous poses, and attempting dance moves in gowns that were definitely not made for the splits (though that didn't stop them from trying).

At one point, Briar picked up a dress with a huge, poofy skirt that looked like it came straight out of a fairytale. She turned to Isla with a mischievous smile. "Think I could pull off a dramatic entrance in this?"

Isla gave her a mock serious nod. "If by 'dramatic,' you mean making a spectacle of yourself while tripping up the stairs, then yes, absolutely."

Briar shot her a playful glare, twirling dramatically and nearly bumping into a display rack. "Ha! I'd make it look flawless."

As "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" played on repeat in their heads, the girls started waltzing and twirling through the aisles, gathering amused looks from other shoppers and a few playful eyerolls from Isla, who pretended to be the 'responsible' one but was fully enjoying the spectacle.

"Alright, final round!" Evie declared, gesturing for everyone to hold up their favorite dress.

After some final try-ons and last-minute deliberations, each girl had found the one. They gathered in front of the mirror in their respective picks, exchanging smiles.

Briar grinned as she took one last look at the girls. "I think prom's about to get seriously epic. Now, let's just hope the boys have something halfway decent to wear."

"Oh, they'll look fine," Isla said, rolling her eyes with a laugh. "But trust me, none of them will be ready for this level of glam."

[ . . . ]

The girls stepped out of the boutique, their arms full of garment bags containing their carefully chosen dresses. The golden hour sun was setting, bathing the street in a soft, warm glow. Briar held onto her dress bag with a gleeful smile, turning to the rest of the girls.

"Okay, I know we all look like we just walked out of a Say Yes to the Dress episode, but it was so worth it," Briar declared, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

Kaya gave a dramatic twirl, even though she was still in her regular clothes, and said, "Oh, totally! We're going to be the most stunning squad there. The guys are not going to know what hit them."

Evie nodded, her laughter echoing through the street. "I'm already picturing their jaws hitting the floor. And honestly? It's about time we outshine them for once."

As the girls joked and chatted, they began making their way to a nearby café, craving a little something to snack on after their whirlwind shopping adventure. Isla, who had been quietly enjoying the banter, looked amused but slightly hesitant.

Grace, who had been walking next to Isla, nudged her gently. "Hey, Isla, you good?"

Isla smiled, shrugging her shoulders. "Yeah, of course. I'm just glad you guys found your dresses. Prom sounds like it's going to be a blast."

Briar slowed her steps and looked over her shoulder at Isla, a sudden thought coming to mind. "Wait a second... Isla, do you have plans for prom night?"

Isla blinked, taken aback. "Me? Uh, no, not really. You know I'm not really into the whole 'school dance' thing. Plus, it's not like I can just waltz into your prom, right?"

Kaya and Evie exchanged a look, a mischievous glint in their eyes. "Well," Kaya started, drawing out the word, "technically, we're allowed to bring a plus one to prom."

Evie's eyes lit up as she caught on. "Yes! Isla, you should totally come as one of our plus ones. We can't let you miss out on all the fun—and you have to see us in action, completely destroying the dance floor."

Isla's eyes widened, and she laughed, but there was a hint of surprise in her voice. "Wait, seriously? You guys want me to come?"

Grace gave her a playful shove. "Of course we do! It wouldn't be the same without you. Plus, you'd be a great wingwoman for us in case any awkward situations arise."

Briar turned to face Isla fully, sincerity in her voice. "We mean it, Isla. We'd love for you to be there. It's not just about the dresses and the dancing—it's about making memories with our favorite people."

Isla hesitated, her smile softening. "Wow, I don't even know what to say. I mean... if you really want me there, I'd love to come."

The girls erupted into cheers, causing a few passersby to turn their heads and smile at the joyful group. Briar threw an arm around Isla's shoulder. "It's settled then! We're getting you to prom, and you're going to have the time of your life. But first... we need to figure out what you're going to wear."

"Oh, boy," Isla groaned, pretending to be overwhelmed. "Do I really have to endure another round of dress shopping with you maniacs?"

Kaya smirked, her eyes twinkling. "Absolutely. We'll make sure you look as fabulous as the rest of us. No excuses."

They reached the café and grabbed a corner table, spreading out their bags and pulling out their phones to browse potential outfit ideas for Isla. The conversation flowed easily, with laughter and jokes spilling out as they planned every detail of their prom night.

"So," Grace said, taking a sip of her iced coffee, "are we thinking glam, chic, or something totally out there for Isla?"

"Something fierce," Evie declared, already scrolling through a selection of bold dresses on her phone. "We need to make a statement."

"Guys, guys," Isla laughed, waving her hands in mock surrender. "One thing at a time. I'm still wrapping my head around the fact that I'm actually going to prom with you."

Briar leaned back in her chair, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Well, you better get used to the idea. This is going to be a night to remember, and we're going all out. Just wait until the boys see us—and until they realize they're up against the ultimate prom squad."

The girls spent the rest of the evening brainstorming, joking, and hyping each other up for what was bound to be the most unforgettable night of their high school lives. With Isla now on board, their plans felt even more complete, and they knew that prom would be a night to cherish forever.

[ . . . ]

The girls, still giggling over their drinks and scrolling through more dress ideas for Isla, exchanged knowing glances before collectively turning their focus onto Isla. Briar's eyes sparkled mischievously, and she leaned forward, elbows resting on the table.

"So, Isla," Briar began, drawing out her words with a teasing lilt, "since you're officially coming to prom with us... any chance you've got your eyes on someone who might be there?"

Isla nearly choked on her iced tea. She coughed a little, her cheeks immediately flushing pink as she scrambled to regain her composure. "What? No way. I'm just coming to support you guys and make sure you don't accidentally trip in your heels or something."

Kaya gasped dramatically, clasping her hands together. "Liar! You can't fool us. There's got to be 'someone' you'd want to slow dance with, even if you won't admit it. You know, the classic fairy tale moment, eyes locking across the dance floor..."

Evie, always the instigator, waggled her eyebrows. "Or better yet, what if some charming mystery guy shows up and sweeps you off your feet? You never know what could happen, Isla."

Grace joined in, grinning. "I mean, it 'is' prom, the night of all things magical and unpredictable. What if you end up meeting your Prince Charming there?"

Isla rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the amused smile spreading across her face. "You guys are ridiculous. Seriously, who would I even be interested in? Half the guys at your school either think they're too cool or spend all their time glued to their phones."

Briar shrugged, her smile not fading. "Hey, you never know. Besides, we've got our guys who might want to introduce you to someone they know. You know how Austin and the rest are always surrounded by a bunch of guys we barely ever talk to."

Isla's face went redder, and she groaned, hiding her face behind her hands. "Oh my gosh, stop. You're making it sound like I'm on some grand quest for a date, which I am not!"

Evie laughed, nudging Isla. "We're just saying, keep an open mind! Prom isn't just about the dresses and the music. It's also about the unexpected, the fun, and maybe, just maybe... a little romance?"

Kaya couldn't help but giggle, throwing an arm around Isla's shoulder. "And if nothing else, we'll make sure you have the best time, with or without a Prince Charming. But, honestly, it would be hilarious to see you caught off guard by a dance offer."

Isla shook her head, finally laughing along with them. "Fine, fine. I'll brace myself for the unexpected, but don't get your hopes up. If anything, I'll be your designated hype woman, making sure you all have the time of your lives."

The girls erupted into a fit of giggles, the idea of teasing Isla proving too much fun to pass up. Grace held up her phone, pretending to type on it. "Okay, so I'm officially manifesting that some gorgeous guy comes up to Isla at prom and asks her to dance. The universe has been notified."

Isla swatted at Grace's phone, laughing. "You guys are the worst. But honestly... I love you for it. Fine, let's make prom unforgettable, with or without a mystery man."

Briar grinned, her excitement growing. "Deal. But I have a feeling prom night has a few surprises in store for all of us. Let's see who ends up making Isla blush the most."

The playful teasing continued as the girls enjoyed their time together, daydreaming about the magic and hilarity prom night would surely bring. With their bond and humor, they knew that whatever happened, they'd be there for each other every step of the way.