Turning her Into a "Perfect Lady"

Favor

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Today is Thursday; I already packed the things that I needed to bring.

“Come faster sweetheart, we might gonna be late.” Mom shouted.

“Coming,” I said. I just fix my white shirt with black jeans. I love fashion. I ran to my mom and dad.

“You’re late” My mom jokingly said.

“Just one minute, mom,” I said and rolled my eyes, then smile.

Dad drives us to the meeting place my mom’s friend told her which happens to be at a train station.

“Why here? I can drive you to the place.” Dad said.

“Lily told me that she’s here, waiting.” Mom said looking around, probably trying to locate her friend. “I found her.” she said and walk, we just followed her.

“Hi!” A woman in a red coat appears. I’m pretty sure we have a hot country.

“Sorry for meeting you here at the train station.” She said. “Oh, is this Avery? Long time no see munchkin” She comes near me and hugs me tight.

"uhhh..." i said feeling awkward

“Oh, you don’t remember me? It’s me, you used to call me Auntie.” She said. I am familiar with that word. I know I call someone Auntie. But I don’t remember what she looks like. So, this is that Auntie?

“But, you look young,” I said confused. How old is she when I was born? Is she 16 by that time?

She laughs, loudly. “I heard that a lot. Thank you for the compliment, dear.”

The heck, how can she be so young?

“Lily” I heard mom said. She walks to Auntie and hugs her. “You never look old.” Mom commented.

“Thank you, you too, you still look pretty.” Auntie compliments back.

“But I look old.” Mom said.

“Hey, don’t say that! You’re still pretty,” Auntie added. They did a little chitchat until Auntie opens up that she has a flight later at night.

“I thought your flight is still tomorrow?” Mom asks. Mom told us that Auntie would have a business trip tomorrow, Friday.

“I thought so too. However, they moved it this night. I can’t do anything about it though; I’ll be meeting the important people in terms of business.” Auntie said

“Is that so? Okay.” Mom replied. Dad was behind us, bringing my baggage.

“Call us when you get there, ok, sweetie? video call us when you have time. I love you,” Mom said then she kisses my forehead.

“I will mom, i love you too. Goodbye.” I said.

“I think we should get going, I’ll take care of Avery. Goodbye.” Auntie said to my parents then hugs my mom. “Don’t worry about Avery.”

I notice that we walk to the train without buying any tickets.

“Aren’t we going to buy any tickets?” I ask.

“Nah,” Auntie said shortly then talk to the man who approaches her. “VVIP please.” She said.

VVIP? Is there such a high-class train here?

“This way, Madam,” The man in a white suit said. He guided us to the entrance of the train. As I got inside, the first thing that I notice is the bar counter. The inside looks like you are in a classy restaurant. On the left side of the door, there is a room. It is similar to the harry potter movie, but the difference is, the chair is convertible into a bed.

“Wow,” was all I can say. I am amazed. This is my first time riding a first-class train. I didn't even know it exists. One of the staff on the train guided us to one of the rooms, and asked us what we would want to eat and drink. Auntie ordered us a meal.

“Amazed?” Auntie said.

“Yes,” I replied.

“Good to know. I want you to feel comfortable.” She said.

“Thank you. But it’s too much.” I said. I mean, we can just ride the ordinary train. It's fine with me. I am used to it.

“Nah, it’s not. It is just little. It’s been a while since I met you A. you’re still a baby by that time.” She said. “How are you now? Do you have a lover?” Auntie asks.

“I don’t have any, Auntie. I am too focused on my studies and volleyball.” I said.

“Yeah, I heard from your mom that you got a full scholarship from the University near us.” She said.

“Yes,” I said and smile.

“Congratulations! You must be really smart.” She said.

“Not much, Auntie. Just working hard,”

“Don’t just work hard. Work smart too.” She said then winks. Our order came in. there is an automatic table that will slide up from the side and it turns into a table. This train is something. Auntie must be rich.

“Say, auntie, why am I calling you auntie when you are not blood-related?” I ask. I am just curious about that. She laughs at me.

“Ask that to your mom.” Then laugh again.

“Ow, okay,” I said. I am shy to ask her more questions.

“Kidding, kiddo. On your birthday, you started to talk, the first word you say is not mama or papa, It is auntie. Your parents are amazed that they heard you talk. However, you keep on repeating auntie. Then they ask you, who are your auntie. You did not point your father’s sibling or your mother’s sibling. You pointed me. From then on, you started calling me Auntie.” She said, Reminiscing good old days.

“You know what’s funny?” She asks. I look at her.

“What?”

“You get jealous whenever I carry the other baby. And you always smack them in their face. Then keep on saying auntie, auntie.” Then she laughs. I laugh at her story too. I never know I could be that jealous.

“When your mom told me that you were looking for a place to stay, I immediately offered the house, because I know how hard it is to find a place to stay there. Besides, you’re my best friend’s daughter.” She added.

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Auntie has been busy answering her emails and calls. So I just listened to music while reading. Then later on, the train stops.

“We arrived,” Auntie said. We only had a three-hour train ride. I thought it'll took about five hours to travel for this first-class train.

We got off the train. It says Luna station. When we got out of the station, we went straight to the parking lot. I just followed auntie while carrying my backpack and towing the luggage. She goes straight to a sports car that looks expensive. The car is finished matte white, stitched leather black and white, here you will notice the "V" shape painted in black and around it is matte white.

“Vivee,” Auntie said, as she approaches the sports car.

“Vivee?” I ask.

“I named her Vivee. One of my favorite car and i treat her a friend. Isn’t she beautiful?” Auntie asks. “This is a Mansory Vivere Bugatti Veyron. This is a limited edition car that I purchased. Anyway, this is our vehicle to the mansion. Come on.” Auntie said and helped me with my luggage. After we put my things with me inside her sports car, We drove off. This is cool. It is my first time riding a Sports car.

“By the way, Avery. Please do me a favor.” Auntie started.

“What is it?” I ask.

“I notice that you take good care of yourself. You dress nice and fashionable clothes, comb and style your hair, and put some light make up on,”

I’m confused. I don’t know where this conversation is going.

“I think a lot about this thing. Please, please help me.” She pleaded.

“What about it, Auntie?” I ask.

“I have a niece.” She started.

“And?”

“I want you to change her into a ‘Perfect Lady’” She said.

“What is your definition of a perfect lady, Auntie?” I ask.

“Make her as feminine as you. A Lady who wears a dress, heels, and can do make-up. Like you do.”

“You want her to be like me?” I ask again.

“No. not you, like the You. I mean I want her to be like the other girls in her age. A girl who is confident to show that she’s beautiful, A woman who can dress well.”

“Why are you saying that auntie? She is perfect the way she is. Nothing needs to be change about her. I’m afraid I will reject you this time.” I firmly said.

Auntie gets something in her wallet.

‘Oh, no. Is she mad? Will, she sent me back home and tell mom and dad that I have no manners?’

“Here. That’s her.” She shows me a picture of a white lady.

“Is this girl dead, auntie?” I ask. I’m afraid. Don’t tell me, auntie is a witch and the mansion is haunted. “I can’t do a makeover to a ghost,” I said.

She looks at me with a straight face. “That’s my niece.” She said.

“So, she’s still alive?” I ask. I want to be sure that this person is alive and not a ghost that will hunt me in the house.

“Of course she’s alive. She’s your housemate.”

“Thank god, she’s alive,” I said.

Auntie looks at me with straight face again and said, “Seriously?” I just smile cutely at her

“But, as I said, I believe every girl or woman in this world is beautiful. There's no need to change the way they are. We just need to accept them fully and don’t judge them.”

“Right. Easy for you to say.” Auntie said. “Fine. I think that’s a Bad Idea. Asking that favor to you.”

I nodded. I want her to know that she needs to accept her niece no matter who she is and what she’s comfortable wearing or what she looks like.

“Then I guess, you leave me with no choice, you can only live in my mansion rent-free if you can make her a presentable lady. Otherwise, you will pay me for your lodging, I'm pretty sure your parents could provide right?.” She said.

“What!?” I am shocked. I mean, I didn’t know Auntie will go this far.

“It's your choice. Do what I ask, or pay for your rent.” She said. “There is no apartment near the West Bridge school. It’s up to yoy, if you want to rent the dorm inside the school or not. I doubt you will choose to rent a dorm there. As far as I know, the dorm inside the school is more expensive. It's about 20,000 to 25,000 per month, i think.”

She’s blackmailing me.

“How much if I pay a rent in your house?” I ask. I won’t mind paying rent to her house. As far as I know, I can get a monthly allowance as a Volleyball player and a scholar in the University.

“Not as expensive as the dorm.” She said, “At least about 30,000 per month with free grocery, and no need to bother about food and internet.” She said

“WHAT?! Are you kidding me? The rent in your house is much expensive than the school’s dormitory.” I commented.

“Well, at least to me, you have an option. To help me change my niece into a perfect lady or not. Just do what I asked you of,  deal or no deal? Easy as that.” She said

I can’t do anything. Mom and dad are broke, they can’t afford to pay rent in the dorm. If I choose to pay rent in Auntie’s house and I’ll keep it as a secret to mom and dad, I doubt that my monthly allowance will be enough to pay the rent. I guess I don’t have a choice then.

“Fine,” I said defeatedly.

“Fine, what?” Auntie asks

“Deal,” I said. Auntie flashed a huge smile.

“Good to know then.” She said, “I will give you three months to change her.” She continued.

“What?!! Three months? That’s not enough. I need more time to convince and train her. It’s not that easy.” I complain.

“You don’t have a choice, Avery. I want her to be a perfect lady in time for her debut. Wearing a fancy gown with a crystal heel and watched her dancing with her prince.” Auntie said dreamily.

“Then she’ll run away before midnight and left her heels in the middle of the party. Then let the prince find her afterwards.” I said with sarcasm “Is she a Cinderella?”

Auntie just looks at me with a straight face. “I just want the best party for my niece.” She said.

“What if she doesn’t want to celebrate her birthday the way you wanted it? I mean, having a party with a lot of guests which most of them is a stranger to her by the way besides wearing a gown and heels that’s uncomfortable, and such.” I ask.

“That’s why you’re there. Make her comfortable at a party. Make her a perfect lady that will match a prince. She’s my princess. Please, help me.” Auntie pleaded.

I can feel that auntie wants her niece to change. I guess it’s for the better...

“I have a question, Do you want her to be a ‘perfect lady’ for her, or you want it for yourself?” I ask frankly. “Sorry if my question offended you.” ' such a badmouth I had. I shouldn’t ask that.' I said to my mind

“I want her to become a perfect lady for herself. Since her parents died, My princess, my niece changes too. She stops making herself look pretty, she stops wearing dresses and heels. She stops dreaming of becoming the princess she used to be, instead she became a cold-hearted witch, she doesn’t wear dresses anymore, she prefers a loose shirt and frizzy hair. She goes out like an old lady. She stops exercising, she looks a little chubby nowadays. I want to bring back the old beauty that’s hiding beneath her.” Auntie dramatically said.

‘So that’s why.’ I said to myself. I look at her picture again. I can’t see her face.

“Do you have any picture of her other than this?” I ask. I want to see the other side of her.

“This.” Auntie handed me another picture of her. “That’s on her 10th birthday.” The girl wears Princess Jasmine’s dress along with her parents that dresses as king and queen like those in the movie with their housemaids and bodyguards. Her outfit matches her skin color. This is a group photo. I can’t see her face clearly, but her smile is captivating even with her braces on.

“So please do me this favor, i get to see my niece as a presentable lady and you get to stay at the mansion rent-free, I could even pay you an extra for your school materials, it's a win-win situation” She said.

Right. She has a point there. I've decided.

“Deal. And it’s final.” I smile.

‘Please help me with this, Lord’ I pray silently.