I would say that it never takes me very long to get ready; I don't normally do a lot of makeup or styling before I go out anywhere. Before I met Rhodes, I used to brush my hair and maybe apply a layer of mascara when I left the house. But now here I sit, in one of those Hollywood movie studio-like chairs, where I have been for the last hour and a half, with a team of three gathered around me getting me ready for this charity ball. I didn't know my face needed this much work done to it.
We decided to style my hair in long, loose curls hanging down my back, but even with my slight natural curl assisting them, it's taken both Marcus and David nearly an hour to bring it to a point that they are happy with. I'm afraid to touch it, honestly, scared that it will feel spray-painted onto my head. Those two have been talking up a racket behind me about their mutual friend Andrea and what the fuck is she doing with her life; they are both up in arms about it. Apparently, her life choices have been driving them both crazy.
Anna is a lot less involved in their conversation and spends a lot of her time pursing her lips at my face and giving me instructions on what to do with it. Eyes closed, eyes open, look up, look down. I don't think she's happy with the canvas she has been given to paint on; she hasn't smiled once since Rhodes left the room. She's probably wondering what the hell he is doing with someone like me when he could have anyone, and I find myself agreeing with her.
I haven't seen any of the progress that has been made as we've done this whole process without a mirror. Instead, we've set up at the dining room table opposite one of the large windows. This is how I've occupied the time as I've been poked and prodded and sprayed; no amount of time could be enough to get used to this monumental view.
Surely the end must be in sight. I've watched the sun start to set on the horizon, so I know the time to leave is quickly approaching. This is confirmed to me as Anna mumbles about being 'almost finished'. I watch her as she furrows her brows, spending an agonizing two minutes deciding between three different colored nude lipsticks that honestly to me look completely identical. She decides on one and begins to apply it, advising me that we are nearly all finished.
"And one last spray for us back here!" David enthusiastically says as Marcus's hand reaches over the top of my head to shield my face once again as I hear the now very familiar sound of a hairspray can.
"All done, oh you look fabulous!" Both David and Marcus walk back into my view, and Marcus coos softly. I guess Anna must have done a good job on my face; I guess I'll find out in a minute. Anna produces a mirror and holds it up, allowing me to take in my reflection.
I feel like I'm almost unrecognizable; all of my natural features are heightened and more prominent. My cheekbones are more prominent, my eyes are wider and brighter, and my skin is smooth and blemish-free. There is some kind of shimmering shadow across my eyelids, and thin black lines wing out from the corners of my eyes.