Nadine's POV

P.s. I added a pic up top of how I envision the dress!😊❤

The next few weeks were a blur as everyone was getting ready for the winter ball. Ina was especially excited she had gotten her dressed designed by the best designer. After begging her parents for days she was finally able to persuade them to go all out for her dress.

I on the other hand could care less. I really wanted no part in this winter ball but Ina had begged me for days. I said yes to appease her but I was surely regretting it. Ina had offered to pay to get a dress for me but I simply declined.

My family wasn't  rich, we were pretty average. After having a long hard discussion with my parents I had decided to use some of my college fund to pay for a dress. My parents had assured me not to worry but knowing them they would have to work extra hard to make the original amount back.

I decided I would get a job to take the load off my parents. There was a small coffee shop in the cafeteria that I was sure was hiring. I made a mental note to stop by later.

I was currently in the art room working on my current project. It was due in two weeks but I was always one to get things done early. I spent two hours messing around with all sorts of paint colors.

I was finally able to sketch out the basics of my drawing. Just then I heard a knock to see Teague walking in with a brown bag in hand. "Hey I wanted to stop by and see what you were up to" he says with a wide grin.

I swipe a hand against my forehead. "I've just been working on my project, I thought you had football practice today" I say as he hands me the brown bag. I peer into the bag to see a blueberry muffin.

"I did but coach ended it early" he simply shrugs trying to peek over my shoulder at my sketch. I wipe my hands against my apron before chucking a piece of the muffin into my mouth.

"That's an...interesting drawing" he says with a frown. I turn to stare at my sketch of a wolf. Lately I had been having strange dreams of a werewolf. I didn't know what it meant but I figured it would make a great art piece.

"It's not finished yet but lately I've been having these weird dreams. It might be a sign or something" I joke chewing on my muffin. I couldn't help but see the worry etched on his face which confused me.

"Hey are you okay" I ask touching his arm. His hazel eyes soften as he offers me a grin. Clearly something was on his mind but I wasn't one to pry.

"I'm fine anyway I wanted to ask you... are you going to the winter ball" ? He asked hesitantly his face turning bright red I wanted to laugh. Since he asked me out we had shockingly grown closer. He had taken me out to a movie and dinner and the whole time he made me comfortable.

He was a sweetheart that was for sure. But I couldn't help but notice that there weren't any sparks. Maybe I had to give it time and eventually they would come.

"Unfortunately I have no choice. Why do you ask"? I turn back to my sketch examing it for any extra stray marks.

"Would you be my date for the winter ball.... you don't have to.." he shifts his weight from one foot to the other. It was adorable to see him fidget about as if expecting me to say no.

"Of course I'll be your date" I say with an encouraging smile. He pulls me into a bear hug. I laugh when he slightly lifts me off the ground. He was much taller than me and I was small compared to his large frame.

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"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU HAVE A DATE TO THE BALL"?! Ina all but shouts in the store. After having no afternoon classes today Ina thought it would be a good time to go into town to find me a dress.

We stopped at a small boutique and so far I didn't find anything I liked. "Teague asked me to go with him so I said yes I couldn't possibly say no" I say skimming through a few short blue dresses.

"You could have said you already had a date! We were supposed to go together now I have to find a date so I don't feel like the third wheel" she pouts plopping down into the wife sofa. So far all she had been doing was complaining about nonsense. I understood where she was coming from but Ina was known for being over dramatic.

"It's not a big deal. We can go as a group that way you won't feel left out" I suggest holding a aquamarine dress against my body. The dress itself was lace and fluffy it was cute but it didn't scream I was going to a school dance.

"Fine, you still owe me. And can we please shop somewhere a little more... modern" she says with pure disgust as she glances at the dress I was holding.

"I'm sorry we can't all come from rich families" I snap instantly regretting it. Even though Ina came from a well off family she certainly did not act like it. That was what I admired about her, the fact that she didn't act like some of the spoiled rich kids at the academy.

"None of the dresses are your type. Come I know the best store in town, they even give out student discounts" she says with a sense of pride. Sighing I agree and allow her to drag me out the store.

We stopped at a cute little  boutique called Marie Anne's Palace. There were all sorts dresses. But one specifically caught my eye as it was hung up on one of the mannequins. It was a bright red dress with sparkles embedded all throughout.

The top of the dress was off the shoulders and it had a sweetheart neckline. A long slit was at the leg area making the dress appear formal and sexy at the same time. "You have to try that on"! Ina yells for one of the workers and let's them know I would like to try the dress on.

It's not long before I'm shoved into a dressing room with the beautiful gown. I strip away my jeans and top before sliding into the dress. It was as if it were made for my body as it fit like a glove. The sparkles danced under the yellowish dingy lights in the store.

I was in awe as I stared at myself in the mirror."Nadine hurry up I want to see how it looks" Ina say impatiently. Rolling my eyes I finally stepped out of the dressing room carefully making sure to not step on the long dress.

"Holy shit! You look hot if I were gay I'd totally do you" Ina says dramatically. I giggle as I stare at myself in the mirror. The dress was definitely beautiful and it did my pale skin justice making it pop out. My dark hair would probably be in tight curls for this type of dress.

I was completely shocked at how food I looked. But then all my dreams came crashing down when I glanced at the price. "This dress is $1000 dollars this is way too expensive" I say my heart sinking deeper into my chest.

So with a heavy heart I went back to the academy empty handed. I had refused Ina's request to help me pay for the dress. I would just suck it up and find something else. It wasn't a big deal even though my mind kept going back to that beautiful expensive dress.

A week later I had received a gift that was waiting for me in front of my dorm. The box was huge and white tied with a red bow. I was shocked to find the red dress wrapped up neatly.

And there was no letter stating who it was from.