#cliffsidespools

Heading to Paper Rings to go shopping because a cute girl worked there was kind of a new low for Alex Donahue. As shy as can be, she’s taken it upon herself to hopelessly admire from afar as she sifts through racks of secondhand clothing. Each time their glances lock, her eyes avert faster than anything, pretending she’s found something she likes before putting it back on the hanger where it belongs. Then, she’ll buy something, something she’ll probably never wear. Something different from her usual layered cardigans and comfortable turtlenecks. Maybe a dress with a low neck or a skirt with a floral pattern. In a way, Alex hopes the purchase makes her seem endearing or more human, as most days she feels horribly out of place. Alone.

But, today, she has a plan. One she might not follow through with, sure, but it was a plan nonetheless. She was going to talk to her. “Do you, um,” Alex starts, turning to the young woman who worked at Paper Rings. Her little name tag says Eva. “Eva, hi, um, do you think this would look nice on me?” She asks, holding up a long-sleeve black dress that looks like it belongs to a Victorian ghost. “I have a dinner party to go to. For work. I’m not exactly sure what to wear..”