As Laura walked towards the car, she spotted Margaret leaving an antique store across the street. And when Margaret spotted her, she stopped dead in her tracks. Is that Laura? she thought. She couldn't believe her eyes. It was like she was looking at some stranger ... a stranger with the face of her friend. With her hair down, the increased make-up, the new top, the new skirt, and the new 3-inch heels, Laura looked almost like an entirely new person.
She continued on to her car, still staring at Laura the whole way. And Laura noticed.
"What?" Laura asked, getting defensive.
"Laura, I don't know what's gotten into you, but this has to stop."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about this," Margaret said, gesturing towards Laura's new outfit.
"What's wrong with the way I look? Don't I look pretty?" she asked.
"Well, yes. You do. But ... where did this desire for a new look come from? I know you. You don't make sudden and rash decisions. And you don't like change. So, what's going on? I'm your friend. Just tell me."
"Margaret, there's nothing going on. I just wanted to dress a little differently, that's all. I got tired of my old look and wanted something new. Something that would make me look prettier. I'm allowed to look pretty, aren't I?"
"Well ... yes ... but ..."
"But what?"
"This isn't like you," Margaret said. "You're not acting like yourself."
"Well, good, then."
Margaret looked surprised.
"I don't want to be that stuck-up prude anymore. I want to look pretty and I want to laugh and be happy. And if you don't like the new me, then ..."
"Stop," Margaret said, then she sighed. "Look, Laura. I'm just looking out for your best interests here. I don't want to see you go down this path and then realize you made a mistake. I'm just trying to be your friend."
"I'm glad you're my friend, Margaret. I am. But I thought you'd be more supportive of me. It almost feels like you don't want me to be happy."
"If it came out sounding like that, then I'm sorry. Can you forgive me?"
Laura paused for a moment, then nodded her head.
Now that they reconciled, they got into the car and headed back to the church. Laura's car was still in the parking lot and Margaret still had more things to do at the church.
