Delilah Thornrose's Arc

Chapter 1 of 10

Delilah Thornrose adjusted the pink bow in her hair and studied her reflection in the mall bathroom mirror. Her black and pink dress hugged her curves perfectly. She dreamed of opening her own gothic boutique in Blushton, a place where people of all sizes could find alternative fashion that actually fit. Most stores didn't carry her style, and when they did, nothing went past a size twelve. She wanted to change that. She pushed through the bathroom door and walked past the usual chain stores. Their mannequins were all thin and tall. Their racks stopped at medium, maybe large if she was lucky. But Delilah had been sketching designs for months now. She pictured racks of pale pink gothic dresses with black lace trim. Fishnet tights in every size. Platform boots that went up to size thirteen. Her shop would be called Blushing Thorns, and it would welcome everyone who loved the dark and beautiful. Delilah stopped at the food court and pulled out her notebook. She drew a display case filled with her favorite pieces. Corsets with proper boning. Skirts with real volume. Everything in sizes that actual people wore. She would host meetups where others like her could gather and feel accepted. The store would be more than just a business. It would be a home for misfits who deserved to feel beautiful. She closed the notebook and smiled. The dream was clear now. All she had to do was make it real. A woman at the next table leaned over and looked at her sketches. The woman wore all black with silver chains at her waist. She asked about the designs and Delilah explained her plan. She described the pale pink and black display cases that would line the walls. She talked about hosting fashion meetups in the store. Maybe she could even set up a dressing screen for private styling sessions. The woman pulled out her phone and showed Delilah a vacant storefront two blocks away. Pink shutters, big windows, perfect location. Delilah's heart beat faster. This could be the place where Blushing Thorns would finally open its doors.