The Transformed Box Set: Books 1, 2, 3, 3.5

by Stacy Claflin

  We moved back to her bedroom, where she put some funny smelling liquid on a cotton ball and rubbed it all over my face. Once that dried, she applied layer after layer of lotions on my face and neck. It seemed that she used every color in the rainbow.

  Once that was done, we went to the kitchen and had some lunch. I was glad that Steve and Cliff weren't there. I was sure they'd be laughing at me if they could've seen me.

  Back in her room, she gave me a manicure and pedicure. Brooke started by cleaning and massaging my fingers and toes. I closed my eyes, enjoying the sensations.

  "Is this why so many people get manicures and pedicures?" I asked.

  "It's heavenly, isn't it?" she asked.

  Brooke continued with my royal treatment. When she was finished, I stared at my nails. Each was a work of art. They were all similar, but also slightly different.

  I was beginning to feel like a work of art myself…and I was starting to like it.

  After my nails had set, Brooke started on my hair. She removed the bag and tested the level of my hair's dryness, which met her approval, so she slowly removed the mass of curlers. She bustled around pulling this curl, pinning that one, spraying another.

  It took about an hour, and it was a challenge keeping my head still. Brooke kept tilting it back to the correct angle.

  Once she was done, she used nearly an entire bottle of hair spray and I was sure that it would take several washings to get it out.

  After that, she allowed me to stretch and walk around before she started on my makeup.

  "With all of this work, I'm sure that I'll look better than normal," I admitted. "But I still doubt I'm going to be beautiful."

  "Alexis, even without the makeup or the dress you look stunning. I can't wait to see the finished product."

  "I am curious." I couldn't help smiling.

  "We're almost done. Can you believe it?"

  "No. It's been a marathon." I sighed, feeling exhausted. How would I make it through a dance if I was already tired?

  Just as she was finishing up my makeup, there was a knock on her door.

  "Stay out," Brooke shouted.

  "Just seeing if you guys are ready," Steve's voice came from the other side of the door. "Cliff's ready."

  "We're not," Brooke hollered. "Just wait downstairs."

  "Okay," Steve called back.

  "Almost done," she told me. She stepped back, looked over my makeup and smiled. "Perfect. Now it's time to get you into the dress."

  "I haven't even seen it. Bring it out."

  She pulled a dress bag out of her closet and laid it on her bed in slow motion.

  "I can't take it anymore. Take it out of the bag."

  She slowly unzipped the bag. "Close your eyes."

  "What? Are you crazy?"

  "Nope. Close those eyes—and no peeking." She looked giddy.

  I vowed to get her back. I closed my eyes.

  "Grab my hand and step into the dress," she said putting her hand on mine. I stepped into the dress and she pulled it up. "Okay, now hold still as I zip it up."

  Brooke zipped it and then pulled at it here and there. She stepped away, I assumed to give me a full look over.

  She helped me slip on uncomfortable heels. Then she placed a necklace on my neck, a bracelet on my left wrist, and finally some earrings on my ears. She stepped back again.

  "Amazing, simply amazing." Brooke sounded in awe. Then her tone changed to bossy. "Listen closely. I want you to look up to the ceiling and walk over to my full length mirror. Don't look down to see the dress or anything else. Just look at the paint on the ceiling and walk to the mirror. I'm going to remove the paper and then you can see how you look."

  I took a deep breath and opened my eyes, looking up. I walked carefully and stood in front of her full length mirror. I looked in anticipation at the large sheet of paper, which she couldn't have removed any slower.

  When I saw the unbelievably beautiful person staring at me from the mirror, my breathing stopped. I thought I was looking at the cover of a magazine. I couldn't be looking at myself. I didn't even recognize myself.

  "What did I tell you?" Brooke asked. Her eyes were wide, obviously full of excitement.

  I was speechless. The dress was gorgeous and elegant, fitting me perfectly. It was multi-colored with silver sparkles. My hair cascaded perfectly around my face and down my back.

  I didn't even recognize my own face. It wasn't as if she'd applied so much make up that my face was hidden. It looked natural, but yet brought out my features in a way that I never imagined possible.

  The jewelry, hair clips and nails were the perfect finishing touches to complete the picture that was me.

  "You're breathtaking," she whispered. "You really look like royalty."

  "I can't believe it's me," I said, finally able to speak. I couldn't take my eyes off my reflection, unable to believe what I was seeing. I'd never seen anyone more beautiful. I truly couldn't believe that it was me. It just couldn't be plain, boring me.

  "It's you, Alexis. Now you see why I've always been jealous of your beauty."

  "I just can't believe it."

  "Time to meet your date." Brooke winked. "Everyone's waiting."

  My heart plummeted to my feet.

  FIVE

  "We're ready," Brooke called out at the top of the stairs. "Is everyone ready for my latest creation?"

  My heart sped up even faster. I drew a deep breath and then took the first step with care, since I was not used to wearing heels. That was the one thing that Brooke hadn't thought of, teaching me to walking in them.

  Everyone was downstairs: Emma, Amanda, Natalie, and even my parents. All waiting to see me.

  I was assaulted with flashing lights. They all had to have had cameras.

  When I got to the bottom of the stairs, everyone started talking at once.

  "You look beautiful, honey," my dad said.

  "I can't believe it. Stunning." That was my mom.

  Natalie grinned. "Alexis, you're gorgeous."

  "Where have you been hiding yourself?" asked Emma. "Holy cow."

  "Smart and beautiful," said Amanda.

  "You look fantastic," Steve said.

  Once the room stopped spinning, I told Amanda, Emma, and Natalie how great they looked.

  "Alexis," Brooke said, pulling my attention away from my friends and family. "There is someone that I'd like you to meet."

  I'd almost forgotten about my date after the shock of seeing everyone else.

  Brooke grabbed my hand and walked me to the other side of the living room. The most handsome guy I'd ever seen stood, looking as nervous as I felt.

  As our eyes met, everything else disappeared. I became lost in his chocolate eyes. It felt as though I'd entered a new world. Strange, new feelings washed over me. I was not a romantic. This was something that I thought was reserved only for movies.

  Stars danced in front of me and I looked around for the nearest chair. My heart raced and my skin was afire. My mind swam. The room spun out of control.

  How could a stranger bring such a reaction? I had just seen him and neither of us had even spoken.

  He took a step forward. He hadn't stopped looking at me. I had found my home. I felt safe and secure, everything I lacked with my family.

  I shook my head. I needed to get a grip.

  "Alexis, this is Cliff," Brooke said. She sounded miles away.

  I blinked and then breathed. I hadn't realized that I was holding my breath—that he'd taken my breath away.

  He smiled. "It's wonderful to meet you, Alexis."

  His voice was the most amazing sound that I had ever heard. It was familiar, but how? Tears of happiness threatened to escape. I nodded.

  I needed to regain control. There was no logical reason for the feelings. I took another deep breath. It was just a regular day, only with fancy clothes. I needed to keep a level head about this. If anyone could stay rational over a storm of feelings, it was me.

  As I looked
at his perfect features. It felt like I knew that face a lifetime ago. He was the answer that I had been seeking. I knew that I didn't belong with my family but somehow I belonged with this breathtaking stranger.

  So much for a level head.

  I opened my mouth to say something, but nothing came. Instead, to my horror, I threw my arms around him and whispered, "I've missed you so much."

  He wrapped his arms around me, leaning close to my ear. "Not as much as I've missed you." I felt like I was in the arms of someone who loved me and would go to the ends of the earth to protect me. His breath tickled my skin. "Do you actually remember me, my beautiful?"

  Before I could answer, I heard my parents and friends gasping in surprise.

  My face warmed and I let go of Cliff and then turned around. I couldn't explain why I'd leapt into a stranger's arms. I only knew it was the right response.

  Amanda saved me. "Let's get into the limo. We still need to pick up the others and get to the restaurant."

  "A few more pictures first," my dad said. We all posed for the camera. I felt like a princess standing next to my prince.

  Before I knew it, we were all in the limo and everyone was talking excitedly. I sat next to Cliff and tried not to look into his eyes because I knew I would get lost in them again. I needed to stay focused on my friends.

  At the restaurant, I sat across Cliff. I couldn't take my eyes off of him.

  "Alexis," Amanda whispered, jabbing me in the side.

  I looked up. Everyone at the table and the waiter was staring at me. I blushed again, though I doubted anyone could tell through all of the makeup. "Yes?"

  Cliff covered his mouth, obviously to suppress a smile. He must have thought I was a total fool, and for good reason.

  "What would you like to drink?" the waiter asked.

  "I…uh…I'll have what he's having." I looked at Cliff.

  I wanted to bang my head against the table. And to think that Brooke had been so sure that we would hit it off.

  Cliff smiled at me. "Brooke told me how beautiful you are, but you're more stunning than I imagined."

  "Well, I don't usually look like this. In fact, I usually blend in so much that people don't take note." I restrained myself from smacking myself.

  "I would've taken note of you, even dressed plainly," he said. "You're beautiful. It's something mort…most people can't see. They can't see beyond what the fashion designers tell them is attractive."

  "That's true," I said.

  "It's admirable that you haven't gotten sucked into that. It's a trait to be truly treasured."

  "Admirable? I haven't heard that one before. Well, your cousin is into fashion and you trusted her opinion of me."

  "My cousin? Oh, Brooke. She loves making people beautiful, but she isn't shallow. She knows how to bring out people's best. Even when they don't see it for themselves."

  The waiter was back with the drinks and took orders. I hadn't even looked at the menu.

  Cliff leaned toward me. "Don't worry. I know a dish you'll love."

  "Have you been here before?" I asked.

  "I'm familiar with French food," he said. "Will you let me order for you?"

  "Sure." I was probably better off letting him choose than taking my chances with the unfamiliar names on the menu.

  As everyone was ordering their food, I looked at Cliff's majestic features again and my heart sped up again. I'd never met a guy who held any visual interest for me, and yet I couldn't deny the pull that I felt toward Cliff.

  After the food had been ordered, Cliff said, "Maybe we should talk to the others. We don't want them to think that we're snobs."

  I laughed. "Okay."

  He winked at me and then turned to talk to two of the guys sitting next to him. I turned toward the girls, who didn't notice.

  "I had no idea she was so beautiful," Emma whispered.

  "I knew she was pretty beneath the boring clothes," Amanda said, "but I didn't know she's freaking gorgeous."

  "You think she'll stay our friend?" Emma asked.

  "Yeah. She's not going to start hanging out with Natalie's friends," Amanda said. "Just because she's hot now, she isn't going to drop her brains."

  "Or she could."

  "Why are you so insecure?" Amanda asked.

  I cleared my throat.

  "Did you know that everyone at the table has been talking about you two?" Amanda asked.

  Emma nodded. "Everyone's in total shock at how you look. Not to mention how hot Cliff is." She fanned herself.

  "Alexis, do you realize how sexy he is?" Amanda asked.

  "I'm not blind."

  "And you're every bit his equal," Emma added. Jealousy was in her tone.

  I was relieved when the meal arrived. When I took the first bite, I thought I was in heaven. Not only did it taste phenomenal, but for some reason it too was familiar.

  As we left the restaurant, my heart felt like a cluster of butterflies. Cliff took my hand to help me into the limo. I kept my attention on him for the entire ride to the dance.

  We let the other couples get out of the limo before us. They had all run through the gym doors before we were even outside.

  "What a nice night," I said.

  "It's nice, but you are much lovelier," he said. His eyes twinkled in the moonlight. "What was that?" He looked concerned.

  "What?" I asked, but before I could say another word I heard it too. "Oh no."

  "You know what it is?" he asked.

  "Yes. Let's head inside," I replied. I knew that whirring sound anywhere.

  "I see them," he said. "Brooke told me that you were having issues with crows."

  "I hoped they would stay away tonight," I said. "Let's just go in before we have to worry about them."

  "If you don't mind, I'd like to watch them," he said.

  "They're just ugly loud crows." I tugged on his arm.

  He wrapped it around my shoulder. "It'll only take a minute."

  We watched the sky for a moment until the nasty crows were overhead. Other kids around us complained and went inside. They were smart.

  The flock was now circling overhead, and the wind from their flapping caused Cliff's hair to move around. My hair wouldn't have budged in a hurricane.

  One by one, the crows looked down and screeched. I knew they were cawing at me and not Cliff.

  Cliff took his arm from my shoulder and raised both hands high. "Go. Be gone!"

  All of the birds stopped shrieking and in flew away.

  I stepped back and stared at him. "Why did they obey you?"

  "I have a way with animals," he said. "Let's go in and dance the night away." Cliff took my hand and we walked into the gym. I couldn't believe my eyes.

  It was no longer the ultra-bright gym where Natalie played volleyball. It was an undersea wonderland. The walls were decorated to look like water, bubbles and sea life. All kinds of glittery decorations hung from above. It was magical and I felt as if I had indeed entered a new world.

  "Alexis Ferguson," came a voice from my right. "Is that you?"

  I turned to see Sydney, Natalie's loud and annoying best friend. I faked a smile and said, "Sydney, how nice to see you. Meet my date, Cliff."

  "Now I believe that you're Natalie's sister," Sydney shrieked. "You look gorgeous. Why have you dressed so horribly all these years? Nice job with your date—what a hottie." She winked at Cliff.

  I repressed my urge to slap her.

  Something shattered behind us.

  "What was that?" Sydney exclaimed. "Dude, I think a light bulb just burst. I hope we don't have a replay of the volleyball practice. We don't need all the lights breaking in here again."

  "I see my friends over by the food table," I lied. "See you around." I grabbed Cliff's hand and dragged him away. "Sorry about that. She's my sister's annoying and low-IQ friend."

  Cliff laughed. "Don't worry. I didn't think she was associated with you."

  As we made our way to the food table, which was only half way acro
ss the gym, we were stopped by three separate couples who couldn't believe how I looked.

  "Maybe people will leave us alone if we just start dancing," he suggested.

  I gulped. I knew that we were going to a dance, but I hadn't thought about the actual dancing. "I should warn you that I don't know how to dance."

  "I have no doubt that once you warm up, you'll be a fine dancer."

  "Don't hold your breath."

  "You've been surprising yourself all evening," he said.

  We walked to the dance floor, and at first I was as stiff as a board. I started focusing on the music and then I got lost in Cliff's eyes. Everything else melted away, and before I knew it, I was dancing and having fun.

  "What did I tell you?" he asked, smiling. "You're a natural."

  "It's easy to dance with you."

  After a while, I started to get tired. I had no idea that dancing was so much work. I was having a great time, but I was also getting a workout. "Let's get something to drink."

  "That's a great idea," he said. As soon as we stopped dancing, I noticed a lot of people watching us. Again, it took a long time to reach our destination.

  At the drink table, Amanda and Emma ambushed me.

  "Everyone is talking about you," Emma exclaimed. "Everyone."

  "Seriously," Amanda said, "they're talking about you more than the royalty court."

  "I wonder what this will do for our social status," Emma said, laughing. "Best friends of the newest popular girl."

  Amanda rolled her eyes. "Emma, really."

  "I heard people say that they were going to vote for you and Cliff for homecoming court," Emma said.

  "As interesting as all of this is," I said, "we won't make king and queen because I'm not a senior and Cliff doesn't even go here."

  "You could be junior class princess." Emma smirked.

  "You do realize that Hailey Adams would hate us forever," Amanda pointed out. "She's only been princess of everything since the beginning of time."

  "I hadn't thought of that," Emma said. "We'll have to come up with a plan before we end up in a dumpster—or worse."

  "Emma, could you be any more dramatic?" I asked.

  "Didn't you hear what she did to that freshman who took her parking spot?" Emma shivered.