A Sheik's Spell by Eboni Snoe

there had always been a side of her that wanted to shine. But that had its down side as well.
    She was one of those girls who the other’s never liked. The older she got, the worse it became. ‘ ‘She thinks she’s cute,’ ’ they’d say. All the time, she wished they’d only get to know her. She wanted friends so badly, but they all tended to keep their distance. Until she met Deesha.
    Deesha knew where she wanted to go and what she wanted to be-an actress. Through Deesha’s eagerness to explore life, Felicia began to blossom as well. Plays, recitals, contests and academic endeavors-she tried them all, and succeeded at most. The more she succeeded, the less popular she became. But it taught her something-to hold her head high when adversity struck. If they must talk, give them something to talk about. And that’s exactly what she planned to do tonight.
    There were many outfits to choose from in her closet, but there was only one that would fit her needs tonight.
    Felicia sat in front of the dressing table not far from the bathtub and turned on all the lights she could find. She stared at her image in the mirror, and thought of how she could transform it Actually, Felicia derived pleasure at
    times like this. It was like an actress putting on her makeup for her greatest performance. Everything would have to be just right
    She opened the tiny drawer to her left and found an assortment of makeup-bases that would fit any shade of brown, blushes from light peach to dark plum, eye shadows designed to bring out the best in skin with color.
    Felicia took a small section of hair and tied the rest back in a ponytail that clung to the nape of her neck. She considered her face as an artist would a blank canvas, and with the makeup she created the image she wanted to present.
    The base gave her deep brown skin a matted finish, revealing not even the smallest imperfection of her skin. A rich magenta blush accented her cheeks and brought the contours of her facial structure alive. High cheekbones bespoke of a heritage synonymous with royalty. The gentlest of violet and royal blue made her eyes the focal point of her face, with kohl that traced their almond shape back to a past known only in the Orient. Full lips, colored like wild berries, whispered the old saying, “The blacker the berry, the sweeter toe juice.’ ’ Felicia smiled when she thought of it. Deesha never liked that saying. Her skin was a creamy yellow with gold overtones.
    Felicia piled her midnight black braids high on her head and let the massive ringlets fall as they may, only arranging those that needed it. Her hair echoed her free spirit, but one she knew how to direct.
    Long, melodious earrings donned her ears. Now she was ready to slip on her dress.
    Felicia felt it was a masterpiece in femininity. Never before had she seen material like it. It was a shimmery white with rosy incandescent flecks throughout; so light.
    even the slightest breeze would send it into motion. A high draping collar graced its neckline; followed by an oblong slit that showed the slightest hint of chocolate skin beneath.  The full-length sleeves clung to Felicia’s arms like kidskin gloves. The garment lay against her shapely frame as if it had been made for no one else, molding her breasts, waist and hips into smooth alabaster.
    And now for the finishing touch-tiny, pearl-embossed handmade slippers.
    As Felicia gave herself one last look in the mirror, she liked what she saw. Purposefully, she sauntered off to Fatimah’s room, feeling good about herself.
    Felicia found Fatimah finishing her hair.
    “You look wonderful,’ ’ Fatimah said, with true admiration in her voice.
    “Thanks. I thought maybe you were ready and we could walk down together. I didn’t want to face the opposition alone.”
    “Sure we can. Just give me a few more minutes. Did you know Na’im is back? He had some business to take care of in the library, but he should be in his room dressing by