Page 78 of Lucky Bounce: Instant Replay: Part One

“Was that your handiwork the night of the party?” Jas asks her. “Because she looked amazing.”

“Yes, I put together her look.”

“I loved what you did with the natural makeup,” Jas says. “And her hair was fantastic.”

I clear my throat. “Um, ladies? Hello? I’m still here.”

Jas laughs. “You know, I’m all about fashion, Holland. I’m always here if you want to become my next victim... er, live model.”

I groan. “Okay, fine. I’m not against getting some tips from you guys, but I still want to look like me. I like my jeans and t-shirts.”

They look at each other. “We can do that,” Mandi says.

Jas nods. “Absolutely.”

Mandi runs a finger down over a lock of my hair. “You’ve got the perfect personality to carry off a look that’s a bit offbeat and edgy. Fashion and makeup aren’t just about looking good. They’re about reflecting who you are on the inside.”

“She’s honest, sassy, and a little bit bold,” Jas says.

Mandi nods in agreement. “Totally.”

I look between them. “I am?”

“You are,” they chorus.

Mandi looks at me thoughtfully. “You know, I have an idea for your hair, and I think you’re going to love it.”

* * *

Slinging my knapsack over my shoulder, I begin the short walk to my World History class. It’s my last class of the semester before winter break, and I’m more than ready for vacation.

Even though I fought against their makeover at first, I owe Mandi and Jas big time for dragging me through the worst of my heartbreak.

Mandi told me quite seriously that there isn’t anything that lipstick can’t fix, and while I don’t think that’s necessarily true, I’ve found the morning routine of doing my makeup and picking out an outfit for the day to be oddly comforting.

And you know what? I really do feel good about myself. Mandi and Jas conducted a little experiment on my hair, and I have to admit, the look fits my personality. I feel just like they said—sassy and a little bit bold.

And while I’m still rocking my jeans and band tees, they taught me how to pull together a whole look with the right accessories. I’ve been having a lot of fun picking out belts and jewelry, and I really needed some fun.

I glance down and realize one of my Converse laces is untied, then let out a sigh. Here I am, talking big about fashion, but I still can’t tie my own shoes properly. It figures.

When I’m done lacing it up, I stand and grab my knapsack, then realize that Eli is standing right in front of the doors to my lecture hall.

He glances in my direction and catches sight of me. I can tell by the stunned expression on his face that he notices my fresh, upgraded look.

Holland 2.0, if you will.

He’s frozen in place as he sweeps his gaze over me from head to toe.

Yeah, I know I look good, but more to the point, I know who I am now.

I’m not the same girl he got to know this semester. And I’m definitely not the same girl he slept with and walked away from, or whose heart he broke.

Not anymore.

No, I’m the fierce, bold, and sassy woman who picked herself up and put herself back together again, thanks to a little help from her friends.

Slinging my knapsack over my shoulder, I walk slowly toward him, my eyes locked with his. And when I’m right next to him, I flick a lock of my newly-dyed purple hair over my shoulder and keep right on walking, leaving him staring after me.

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