Page 25 of The Prospect

I reach for my phone as a distraction, scrolling aimlessly until a text message appears at the top of my screen.

I spoke to Amira.

Hazel.

Immediately I start typing back.

And?

I can’t help but wonder.

She’s in.

She responds not a second later.

Did you speak to Hart?

I hesitate for a moment, reluctant on what to say. I keep it short and sweet, it’s the only way I can actually force myself to type out the message.

I did. He’s in too.

It takes Hazel the time for me to reach my car, turn the key into my ignition and shift my gear into drive for her to eventually respond. Only when she does, her message makes reality sink in.

Well then, it looks like step one…is in full effect.

NINE

H A Z E L

“Is all of this really necessary?”Green grumbles beneath his breath as I filter through a rack full of clothes. The metal hangers that scrape along the rack barely mask his moans as I eliminate every potential dress option for being either too tight, too frilly, too boring, or too much.

Why is it so difficult to shop retail nowadays?

“Yes, it is,” I answer him just like I have for the past ten times he’s asked me the same question. “It’s very necessary, Green. I swear I never have anything nice to wear.”

Before uni, I used to have a wide selection of clothes in my closet, but over time, I’d stopped buying nice things because, in the end, I only ever manage to get paint on quite literally everything. Now, I stick to comfortable, loose, preferably dark clothing—it’s hard to see paint when your shirt is black.

To preface, let me be the first to say: never,everchange your sense of style or fashion for anyone. Wear what you want. Do what you want and be confident in whoyouare, but with that being said, in order for me to be the best version of myself, I need to try something new—something different.

I’ve already stepped out of my comfort zone when it comes to the entire premise of this plan, and at this point, why not go big or go home?

Am I right?

“What do you mean? You’ve got lots of nice clothes, Hazel,” Green is quick to compliment me, though I’m unsure if it’s a matter of whether he genuinely thinks I do, or he’s just trying to sweet talk his way into getting us the hell out of this department store.

“So, Adam Sandler-esque is your type then?” I joke.

Green leans up against a display, resting his head on top. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’ve got nice stuff, you do, you just…have to remember to wear it, that’s all. Besides, don’t be changing your whole look for Hart, because if that’s what you’re doing, I’m seriously going to call this whole thing off. You're perfect just the way you are!”

My heart softens, but I have to remember I can’t give him that luxury anymore. I choke down the butterflies.

“Can you relax, Greenie?” I place a hand on his shoulder. “A couple of new outfits isn’t going to completely transform me into a new person. Now…” I make my way over to the next display, filtering through a series of tops. “Why don’t you go off somewhere and we’ll meet up in a bit,okay?”

“Like where?” Green’s like a lost puppy dog as he follows closely behind me. He’s acting like he’s never been left alone in his life. I suppose he hasn’t, I’m always his companion anytime we go anywhere.

“I don’t know?” I shrug. “Don’t you need anything? Or to spruce yourself up before step one with Amira? Now is the time.”

“Spruce myself up? Do I need to?” he counters, scanning his body up and down.

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