The girl in the mirror is not me. It can't possibly be. For that to be the case, the reflection would need to show someone short, of average weight, with stick-straight black hair, and unlively blue eyes. But that's not what I see. The girl staring back at me is breathtaking. Tall, due to the four-inch heels, with her dark hair pulled back, allowing her high cheekbones to be more visible. Blue eyes shining, eyelids painted in silver glitter, with lips of rose red. And the dress is to die for. It's simple, but elegant in a deep plum color flowing down to her ankles. Her waist looking tiny with the help of the tight lace corset.

"So Ells, what do you think?"

I meet my best friend Katy's eyes, smiling, "I've never felt so beautiful before. You're amazing. Why haven't you made fashion and make-up into your career yet?"

"I will, after we graduate," she says, taking hold of my hand and dragging me after her. "Let's go show your mom how beautiful you look."

Mom's eyes widen when I enter the kitchen. "Wow, Elsa," she breathes, wiping her oil-stained hands on her 'best mom in the world' apron. "You look stunning." Then her eyes sadden. "If only dad were here to see you."

I give her a weak smile. "He'll get better mom. The doctors said he's improving."

She nods, regaining her composure. "Yes, he'll be home real soon."

I believe she was saying it more to reassure herself than me. My mother loves my father. It's so clear with the way she smiles when people mention him. I wish someday I'll be able to love someone as much as my parents do.

"Hurry Ells, Oliver is already waiting outside and you know how much he hates having to wait for girls." Katy taps me on the shoulder.

"Be careful girls and behave yourselves," Mom calls after us.

"Always Mrs. Silver." Katy winks at me, before strolling out the door.

"I won't be home too late." I tell Mom, before l follow Katy.

...

"Your mask." Katy smiles, reaching over from her seat in the front and handing me a plum feathered mask.

I tie it onto my face. "How do I look?" I pucker my lips and flutter my eyelashes.

She laughs. "Just lovely."

Oliver rolls his eyes and snorts. "Girls."

"Oh, shut up."

That's when we reach the school building and my hands begin to shake nervously. I have been to all the school dances before, but this one is different. This one is my senior year masquerade costume Halloween dance. I want it to be memorable. I also want to make a name for myself. And hopefully I will in this costume!

"Are you ready to rumble," Oliver roars.

I cover my ears, laughing. "Rumble, who even uses that term?"

"My wonderful boyfriend, duh." Katy grins, planting a kiss on Oliver's cheek.

I shake my head at them. "You two behave yourselves."

Katy smirks. "Always Miss Silver."

Oliver puts the car into park and shuts off the engine. "Everyone out of the Oliver express!"

Smiling, I open the car door and step out onto the pavement.

Music already greets my ears from all the way here. I'm scared I might burst my eardrums if I enter the school building.

"Come on. What are you waiting for?" Katy and Oliver are already heading for the school's large smoked glass doors, hand in hand.

Sighing, I trail after them.

We enter the building and make our way through all the human traffic for the gym, where the party is being held.

At last we reach the steps leading down into the gym. I pause, my hands still trembling.

"Everything alright," Katy questions, concerned.

"Yeah, you guys go in head of me. I'll be there in a second."

She smiles. "If you insist. And don't be nervous, you look amazing, thanks to me."

"Shoo, shoo." I wave my hands at them.

Laughing, Oliver wraps his hand around Katy and leads her down the stairs. I watch them go, a bit sad, because once again I came to the dance as a third wheel, with no date of my own.

I stand her for a few more minutes, watching as smiling couples pass me, like I don't even exist.

Until I'm the only one left in the room.

Inhaling deeply, I lift my dress, and slowly make my way down the stairs.