Chapter 5 The quiet before it started.

Maya's POV

I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the black gown Sophia had just helped me into.

It was simple, sleek and hugged my waist, falling gracefully just below my knees. The neckline was modest, but it made my collarbones look delicate.

"Maya... wow. I can't just stop talking and looking at you... You look like you know what you're doing."

I twisted my fingers nervously in the folds of the dress. "You really think so? It feels... so different."

"Different is good. Trust me," Sophia said, kneeling to adjust the hem. "It's a showcase, not prom night. People will notice you without you screaming for attention."

I wrinkled my nose. "I hope nobody stares too much."

"Oh, they'll stare," she said with a grin. But in a good way. In a "who's that girl? way, not "she shouldn't be here" way.

I looked down on my heels. They were black, thin, and

about two inches higher than what I usually wore. "I haven't worn heels this high in forever," I admitted.

Sophia crunched again, helping me balance. "You'll be fine. Just imagine you're walking in slow motion. Like... model style. Fake it till you make it."

I laughed nervously. "Model style? I'll probably trip."

"You won't," she said firmly, brushing my hair back from my face. "Your hair's perfect like this; loose waves, one side pinned back. It's simple but elegant. People notice the little things."

I touch my hair, smooth and soft, peeked at my reflection. "It really does look... different." I admitted softly.

"Different in a good way," Sophia corrected, handing me a small black clutch. Phone, wallet, ID, lipgloss. You don't need anything else. Keep it light."

I held it in my hands and nodded. "Okay. Small bag. Got it."

Sophia leaned in closer, a teasing glint in her eyes. "And the makeup, girl... Look at you. Light blush, soft eyeshadow, rose- tinted lips. You can actually smile without looking like a deer in headlights."

"I feel like I'm pretending to be someone else."

"You're not pretending," Sophia said firmly. "You're just...showing people the grown- up version of you. That's all."

I nodded slowly. "I guess. I just... don't know if I can be that person all night."

"Then just be Maya," Sophia said, squeezing my shoulder.

"The confident one who wears a black gown really well."

I took a slow breath and looked at myself one last time. The dress, the heels, the hair, the makeup, the clutch, it felt like I was carrying someone else's confidence.

"Okay," i said softly. "I think... maybe I'm ready."

Sophia smiled. "Good. Now go show them you're more than just a quiet girl behind a notebook."

I stood, straightened my shoulders and gave the mirror one last look. "Okay," I whispered, clutching the small bag. "Let's do this."

I took a deep breath and smoothed the black gown one last time before heading downstairs. My heels made soft, careful sounds on the steps, the kind that made the house feel more quieter than it already was.

The living room lights were dimmed. The TV was on, volume low and Lily was curled up on the couch in one of mom's old oversized T-shirt and a pair of short, her legs tucked under her. A half empty bowl of popcorn sat on the coffee table.

Then Sophia's voice floated up

"Lily, if you finish the popcorn before I leave, I'll personally report you to your mother."

"I won't!" Lily replied. "I'm saving some."

I smiled to myself and continued down. The black gown brushed softly against my legs with every step. When I reached the last step, both of them looked up.

Sophia turned first.

"Okay," she said slowly, eyes moving over me. "Yeah, I did that."

I laughed nervously. "You're staring."

"As I should," she replied. "Because look at you. You look like someone that belongs at an important family event."

I laughed under my breath. "Please don't look at me like that."

"I'll look at you however I want," she replied. "I'm the one that helped you get into that dress."

Lily twisted around the couch to look at me properly. "You look like someone that doesn't belong in this house anymore."

I frowned. "That's rude."

"It's not rude," she said quickly. "It's just... you look important."

I glanced down at myself again. The black gown suddenly felt more heavy. "It's just an outfit."

"That's what everyone says before they step into something they can't undo," Sophia said casually.

I shot her a look. "Why would you say that now?"

She smiled, "Relax. I'm just talking."

The movie continued playing behind them. Two characters were arguing softly now, the kind of argument where both people were hurt but pretending they weren't. Lily muted it slightly when she noticed me watching.

"You nervous?" She asked.

"A bit," I admitted. "Okay, more than a bit."

Sophia walked closer and adjusted the strap of my gown again, even though it didn't need fixing.

"That's normal. You're going somewhere unfamiliar. Anyone would be nervous."

I nodded. "What if I say something wrong?"

"Then you smile and excuse yourself," she said. "You don't owe anyone an explanation."

Lily hugged a pillow to her chest. "Are they going to be a lot of people?"

"I think so," I replied. "It's some kind of family showcase. Not a party, but still... people."

Sophia adjusted her bag on her shoulder. "You don't need to impress anyone. You're just observing."

"Observing," I repeated quietly, like saying it out loud would make it easier.

Lily looked at Sophia. "You're walking her out, right?

"Yes," Sophia said. "I'll walk her out, then I'm heading to my night shift."

Lily sighed dramatically. "So it's just me here."

"For a while," I said gently. "Mom's still at the restaurant, but she'll be back later."

"I already ordered food," Sophia added. "So don't touch the stove."

"I wasn't planning to," Lily muttered.

"Lily, just... don't break the TV or burn anything while I'm gone." I said, looking worried.

She giggled. "You worry too much. I'm a pro."

"Someone has to," i said, smiling.

Lily looked at me properly this time. "You look really nice, Maya."

That sat quietly in my chest.

"Thank you." I said.

I picked up my clutch from the table and slipped my phone inside, checking it one last time. No new messages. My heart was beating faster than I wanted to admit.

"Just be careful." Lily said.

I softened. "I will."

Sophia clapped her hands lightly. "Alright. Enough stalling."

She walked to the door and opened it. Cool evening air slipped into the living room. I hesitated for a second, taking one last look around the house; the couch, the TV, Lily standing there barefoot, the quiet kitchen beyond.

"I won't be long." I said

Lily nodded. "I'll be here."

Sophia stepped outside first, then turned back to me. "You're coming, or should I drag you?"

I exhaled and followed her out, the door closing softly behind us.

As we stepped into the night, the sounds from inside the house fades away. My heels clicked against the pavement, steady and real.

And just like that, I was no longer in my comfort zone.